Contents filling system and method for manufacturing contents-filled containers

Abstract

To provide a content filling system and a method for manufacturing a container with a content, which are able to reduce the cost of equipment, chemicals, energy and the like in the content filling system by performing sterilization suitable for a specific type of content.SOLUTION: A content filling system 10 comprises: a container sterilization device 20 that sterilizes a can 1; a lid sterilization device 30 that sterilizes a lid 2 that closes the can 1; a filling device 70 that fills the sterilized can 1 with the content; a lid attachment device 80 that closes the can 1 filled with the content with the sterilized lid 2; and at least one of chambers 90a to 90k that accommodates the container sterilization device 20, the lid sterilization device 30, the filling device 70 and the lid attachment device 80. The content is a beverage containing acidic and carbon dioxide gas. The sterilization degree of the content filling system 10 is adjusted in advance such that the sterilization effect on spore-forming yeast or heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria, which are index bacteria, is 3 LRV or more and 12 LRV or less.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a content filling system and a method for manufacturing a container containing contents.

Background Art

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

[0003] In such an aseptic filling system, in the aseptic filling system, the container is sterilized by spraying a sterilizing agent into the container, and then the container is aseptically filled with the contents. In this way, a container containing contents is manufactured.

[0004] In a conventional content filling system, in order to obtain a high sterilization effect, first, a large amount of sterilizing agent is attached to the inside of the container. Next, the large amount of sterilizing agent attached to the inside of the container is removed by, for example, blowing hot air for a long time. Therefore, the sterilization device of the content filling system becomes large, and it is difficult to reduce the costs of the content filling system such as initial cost, running cost, and maintenance cost. In addition, reducing the amount of sterilizing agent used for sterilizing the container is also preferable from the viewpoints of reducing running costs and environmental protection.

[0005] Further, when the contents filled in the content filling system are limited to a specific type, performing sterilization corresponding to all types of contents will impose an unnecessary load on the system. In this case, the costs of facilities, chemicals, energy, etc. in the content filling system increase.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006] [[ID=3३]]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure provides a content filling system and a method for manufacturing a content-filled container that can reduce the costs required for equipment, chemicals, energy, etc. in a content filling system by performing sterilization suitable for specific types of contents. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to the following [1] to [5].

[0009] [1] A content filling system comprising: a container sterilizer for sterilizing cans; a lid sterilizer for sterilizing lids that seal the cans; a filling device for filling the sterilized cans with content; a lid fitting device for sealing the cans filled with content with the sterilized lids; and at least one chamber housing the container sterilizer, the lid sterilizer, the filling device, and the lid fitting device, wherein the content is an acidic beverage containing carbon dioxide, and the sterilization degree of the content filling system is pre-adjusted so that the bactericidal effect against indicator bacteria such as spore-forming yeast or heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria is between 3LRV and 12LRV.

[0010] [2] The sterilization level of the contents filling system is determined by filling 1,000 to 100,000 of the cans with culture medium instead of the contents, culturing the cans at a predetermined temperature, and then inspecting the cans to ensure that fewer than one can is spoiled by bacteria, as described in [1].

[0011] [3] A content filling system comprising: a container sterilizer for sterilizing cans; a lid sterilizer for sterilizing lids that seal the cans; a filling device for filling the sterilized cans with content; a lid fitting device for sealing the cans filled with content with the sterilized lids; and at least one chamber housing the container sterilizer, the lid sterilizer, the filling device, and the lid fitting device, wherein the content is a seasoning, and the sterilization degree of the content filling system is pre-adjusted so that the bactericidal effect against indicator bacteria such as spore-forming yeast or heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria is between 3LRV and 12LRV.

[0012] [4] A method for manufacturing a container filled with contents using a contents filling system, comprising: a step of sterilizing the can with a container sterilizer; a step of sterilizing the lid with a lid sterilizer; a step of filling the sterilized can with contents using a filling device; and a step of sealing the can filled with contents with a sterilized lid using a lid fitting device, wherein the contents are an acidic beverage containing carbon dioxide, and the sterilization degree of the contents filling system is pre-adjusted so that the sterilization effect against indicator bacteria such as spore-forming yeast or heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria is 3 LRV or more and 12 LRV or less.

[0013] [5] A method for manufacturing a container filled with contents using a contents filling system, comprising: a step of sterilizing the can with a container sterilizer; a step of sterilizing the lid with a lid sterilizer; a step of filling the sterilized can with contents using a filling device; and a step of sealing the can filled with contents with a sterilized lid using a lid fitting device, wherein the contents are a seasoning, and the sterilization degree of the contents filling system is pre-adjusted so that the sterilization effect against indicator bacteria such as spore-forming yeast or heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria is 3 LRV or more and 12 LRV or less. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to this disclosure, by performing sterilization suitable for specific types of contents, the costs required for equipment, chemicals, energy, etc., in the contents filling system can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view showing a content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a container sterilization device for a contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 3A] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram showing a water sterilization line of a contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 3B] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization line in a contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram showing the raw liquid sterilization line of a contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a schematic diagram showing another example of a stock sterilization line for a contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4C] Figure 4C is a schematic diagram showing another example of a stock sterilization line for a contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a lid sterilization device for a contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a method for filling contents using a contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a method for filling contents using a contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic plan view showing a modified example of a content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of a container sterilization device for a contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 10]Figure 10 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of a lid sterilization device for a contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of a lid sterilization device for a contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0016] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 7 show one embodiment. The following figures are schematic diagrams. Therefore, the size and shape of each part are exaggerated as appropriate to facilitate understanding. Furthermore, they can be modified as appropriate without departing from the technical concept. In the following figures, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and some detailed explanations may be omitted. In addition, the numerical values ​​such as dimensions and material names of each component described in this specification are examples of embodiments and are not limited thereto; they can be selected and used as appropriate. In this specification, terms that specify shapes and geometric conditions, such as parallel, orthogonal, and perpendicular, shall be interpreted to include not only their strict meaning but also substantially the same state.

[0017] (Contents filling system) First, Figure 1 illustrates the contents filling system (aseptic filling system) according to the embodiment.

[0018] The content filling system 10 shown in Figure 1 is a system for filling a can (container) 1 with contents such as a beverage. The contents are an acidic carbonated beverage containing carbon dioxide.

[0019] As shown in Figure 1, the contents filling system 10 includes a container sterilization device 20, a lid sterilization device 30, a water sterilization line 40, a stock solution sterilization line 60, a filling device (filler) 70, a lid fitting device (seamer) 80, and at least one chamber 90a to 90k. As will be described later, the sterilization degree of the contents filling system 10 is pre-adjusted so that the sterilization effect against heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria, which are indicator bacteria, is between 3LRV and 12LRV.

[0020] The container sterilization device 20 is a device for sterilizing the can 1. The lid sterilization device 30 is a device for sterilizing the lid 2 that seals the can 1. The water sterilization line 40 is a line for sterilizing the water used to dilute the product concentrate without heating. The concentrate sterilization line 60 is a line for sterilizing the product concentrate. The filling device 70 is a device connected to the water sterilization line 40 and the concentrate sterilization line 60, respectively, and is a device for filling the sterilized can 1 with water and the product concentrate. The lid fitting device 80 is a device for sealing the can 1, which is filled with water and the product concentrate, with the sterilized lid 2.

[0021] Furthermore, the contents filling system 10 includes a product can discharge section 11 that discharges cans 1 with lids 2 attached by a lid-attaching device (seamer) 80. The container sterilization device 20, filling device 70, lid-attaching device 80, and product can discharge section 11 described above are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the direction of transport of the cans 1. Multiple transport wheels (not shown) are provided between the container sterilization device 20, filling device 70, lid-attaching device 80, etc., to transport the cans 1 between these devices.

[0022] In this embodiment, the container sterilization device 20 sterilizes the can 1 by spraying a disinfectant onto it. As a result, the can 1 is sterilized by the disinfectant before the contents are filled into it.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the container sterilization device 20 includes a first disinfectant spraying unit 22 that sprays disinfectant onto the can 1, and a first air rinsing unit 23 that air rinses the can 1 after the disinfectant has been sprayed by the first disinfectant spraying unit 22. The container sterilization device 20 may also further include a first heating unit 21 provided upstream of the first disinfectant spraying unit 22 for heating the can 1. Furthermore, the container sterilization device 20 may further include a first sterile water rinsing unit 24 provided downstream of the first air rinsing unit 23. The first heating unit 21, the first disinfectant spraying unit 22, the first air rinsing unit 23, and the first sterile water rinsing unit 24 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the conveying direction of the can 1. In Figure 2, the can 1 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow.

[0024] The first heating section 21 is the part that heats (preheats) the can 1 before the disinfectant is sprayed onto it. The first heating section 21 is configured to heat the can 1 while it is being transported. In this case, as shown in Figure 2, the can 1 may be transported with the flange 1a to which the lid 2 is attached facing downwards. The first heating section 21 includes first hot air nozzles 21a and 21b that blow heated air onto the can 1. Of these, the first hot air nozzle 21a is a nozzle for blowing heated air onto the inner surface of the can 1. The first hot air nozzle 21b is a nozzle for blowing heated air onto the outer surface of the can 1. The heated air blown from these first hot air nozzles 21a and 21b may heat the can 1 so that, for example, its surface temperature is between 40°C and 100°C, or so that its surface temperature is between 50°C and 80°C. By having a surface temperature of 40°C or higher, the disinfecting effect of the can 1 can be improved. Furthermore, by keeping the surface temperature of can 1 below 100°C, the consumption of thermal energy can be reduced, and carbon dioxide emissions can be lowered.

[0025] The first disinfectant spraying unit 22 is the part that disinfects the can 1 by spraying a disinfectant onto the can 1, which has been heated by the first heating unit 21. The first disinfectant spraying unit 22 is configured to spray the disinfectant while the can 1 is being transported. In this case, the can 1 may be transported with the flange 1a to which the lid 2 is attached facing downwards. The first disinfectant spraying unit 22 also includes first spray nozzles 22a and 22b that spray the disinfectant onto the transported can 1. Of these, the first spray nozzle 22a is a nozzle for spraying the disinfectant onto the inner surface of the can 1. The first spray nozzle 22b is a nozzle for spraying the disinfectant onto the outer surface of the can 1. As the disinfectant sprayed by the first disinfectant spraying unit 22, for example, an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is used. In the first disinfectant spraying unit 22, a gas is generated by vaporizing the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution at a temperature above its boiling point, or a mist is generated by liquefying a portion of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution. Then, gas or mist is sprayed from the first spray nozzles 22a and 22b onto the inner and outer surfaces of can 1. In this way, can 1 is sterilized with hydrogen peroxide solution gas or mist, so that the inner and outer surfaces of can 1 are sterilized evenly.

[0026] In the first disinfectant spraying unit 22, the amount of disinfectant adhering to the can 1 is 0.01 μL / cm² if the inner surface of the can 1 is coated with at least epoxy resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, or polyvinyl chloride. 2 More than 0.4μL / cm 2 It is also acceptable to have a lower rate, such as 0.03 μL / cm². 2 More than 0.1μL / cm 2 The following is also acceptable: 0.01 μL / cm³ of disinfectant per can. 2 As a result of the above, the sterilization effect of can 1 can be improved. In addition, the amount of disinfectant adhering to can 1 is 0.03 μL / cm². 2 As a result of the above, the sterilization effect of can 1 can be further improved. Also, the amount of disinfectant adhering to can 1 is 0.4 μL / cm². 2 The following conditions can suppress the residue of disinfectant in the can 1 after it has passed through the container sterilization device 20. In this case, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the disinfectant may be 35% by weight.

[0027] The first air rinsing section 23 is the part that supplies sterile heated air or room temperature air to the can 1 to which the disinfectant has been sprayed in the first disinfectant spraying section 22. This activates the hydrogen peroxide and removes foreign matter, hydrogen peroxide, etc. from inside the can 1. The first air rinsing section 23 is configured to supply sterile air while transporting the can 1. In this case, the can 1 may be transported with the flange 1a to which the lid 2 is attached facing downwards. This effectively removes foreign matter from inside the can 1. If necessary, hydrogen peroxide may be gasified by mixing a low-concentration hydrogen peroxide condensation mist with sterilized air at room temperature and supplied to the can 1. The sterile air may be air, carbon dioxide, or an inert gas.

[0028] The first air rinsing unit 23 includes first air rinsing nozzles 23a and 23b that blow sterile air onto the can 1 being transported. Of these, the first air rinsing nozzle 23a is a nozzle for blowing sterile air onto the inner surface of the can 1. The first air rinsing nozzle 23b is a nozzle for blowing sterile air onto the outer surface of the can 1. This ensures that the gas or mist of the hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution sprayed onto the inner and outer surfaces of the can 1 is activated evenly. Note that the sterile air may be blown only onto the inner surface of the can 1.

[0029] In the first air rinsing section 23, sterile air at a temperature of 70°C to 200°C may be blown onto the can 1. A sterile air temperature of 70°C or higher effectively activates the disinfectant adhering to the can 1. Furthermore, a sterile air temperature of 200°C or lower reduces carbon dioxide emissions. The sterile air temperature is the temperature immediately after it is blown from the first air rinsing nozzles 23a and 23b, i.e., the temperature at the tips of the first air rinsing nozzles 23a and 23b.

[0030] Furthermore, after sterile air is blown onto can 1, the amount of disinfectant adhering to can 1 is 0.00001 μL / cm² if the inner surface of can 1 is coated with at least epoxy resin, PET resin, or polyvinyl chloride. 20.01 μL / cm or more 2 It may also be less. When the amount of the bactericide adhering to Can 1 is 0.00001 μL / cm 2 or more, the sterilization effect of Can 1 can be improved. Also, when the amount of the bactericide adhering to Can 1 is 0.01 μL / cm 2 or less, the residue of the bactericide in Can 1 that has passed through the container sterilization device 20 can be suppressed.

[0031] The first sterile water rinsing section 24 is a section for rinsing Can 1 sterilized with a bactericide (hydrogen peroxide) with sterile water. Thereby, a trace amount of hydrogen peroxide adhering to Can 1 is washed away and foreign matters are removed. The first sterile water rinsing section 24 is configured to supply sterile water while conveying Can 1. In this case, Can 1 may be conveyed with the flange 1a to which the lid 2 is attached facing downward. Thereby, the bactericide and foreign matters can be effectively removed from inside Can 1. Also, the first sterile water rinsing section 24 includes first sterile water rinsing nozzles 24a and 24b for spraying sterile water onto the conveyed Can 1. Among these, the first sterile water rinsing nozzle 24a is a nozzle for spraying sterile water onto the inner surface of Can 1. The first sterile water rinsing nozzle 24b is a nozzle for spraying sterile water onto the outer surface of Can 1. In the first sterile water rinsing section 24, the temperature of the sterile water may be 5°C or more and 100°C or less. Note that by inserting each of the nozzles 21a, 22a, 23a, and 24a into Can 1, the efficiency of heating, sterilization, air rinsing, and water rinsing for Can 1 may be increased.

[0032] Next, the water sterilization line 40 and the stock solution sterilization line 60 of the content filling system 10 will be described. First, the water sterilization line 40 will be described.

[0033] The water sterilization line 40 shown in Figure 1 is a sterilization line that sterilizes water without heating. This water sterilization line 40 may sterilize water by at least one of ultraviolet light and filtration. When the water sterilization line 40 sterilizes water by ultraviolet light, the water in the water sterilization line 40 may be sterilized by ultraviolet light from at least one of a low-pressure mercury lamp and a medium-pressure mercury lamp. When the water sterilization line 40 sterilizes water by filtration, the water sterilization line 40 may sterilize water by filtering it with a sterile filter (such as the first sterile filter 53 described later). In this specification, "non-heating sterilization" means sterilizing water without using thermal energy from an electric heater or steam, etc.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3A, the water sterilization line 40 includes at least a water sterilizer 50 for sterilizing water. In the example shown in Figure 3A, the water sterilization line 40 includes a first water tank 41, a water sterilizer 50, and a second water tank 42. The first water tank 41, the water sterilizer 50, and the second water tank 42 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the water transport direction. In addition, a flow meter F and a sterile valve V may be provided downstream of the second water tank 42 in the water sterilization line 40. Although not shown in the figure, thermometers, pressure gauges, level gauges, concentration meters, etc. are installed at various points in the water sterilization line 40.

[0035] The first water tank 41 is a so-called balance tank, and its role is to smooth the flow of water by storing water. The volume of the first water tank 41 is 30 m³. 3 Over 100m 3 The following are also acceptable; for example, 50m 3 This is also acceptable. Furthermore, a pump P for transporting water and a flow meter (not shown) for measuring the water flow rate may be provided downstream of the first water tank 41.

[0036] The water sterilizer 50 is a sterilizer that sterilizes the water stored in the first water tank 41. Details of the water sterilizer 50 will be described later.

[0037] The second water tank 42 is a tank (a so-called aseptic tank) that stores water sterilized by the water sterilizer 50. By storing sterilized water, the second water tank 42 plays a role in facilitating the flow of water. The volume of the second water tank 42 is 5 m³. 3 Over 50m 3 The following are also acceptable; for example, 10m 3 That's fine too.

[0038] Furthermore, a bypass line 43 may be provided downstream of the second water tank 42. As shown in Figure 1, the bypass line 43 may connect the water sterilization line 40 and the first sterile water rinsing unit 24 to each other. The bypass line 43 may also connect the water sterilization line 40 and the filling device 70 to each other. The bypass line 43 may also connect the water sterilization line 40 and the lid attachment device 80 to each other. In addition, the bypass line 43 may also connect the water sterilization line 40 and the second sterile water rinsing unit 34 of the lid sterilization device 30, which will be described later. This allows the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 50 to be used to wash the can 1, the filling device 70 and the lid 2. Therefore, compared to the case where the can 1 etc. are washed with sterile water produced using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be further reduced.

[0039] The bypass line 43 may also connect the water sterilization line 40 to each of the chambers 90a to 90k, which will be described later. When cleaning the inside of each of the chambers 90a to 90k, water sterilized in the water sterilization line 40 may be supplied to each of the chambers 90a to 90k via the bypass line 43. Also, when cleaning machinery and other equipment placed inside each of the chambers 90a to 90k, water sterilized in the water sterilization line 40 may be supplied to each of the chambers 90a to 90k via the bypass line 43. Furthermore, the bypass line 43 may be connected to all supply devices that supply water used during the manufacture of product cans 1A and water used when product cans 1A are not being manufactured in the contents filling system 10.

[0040] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3A, a circulation line 44 may be connected to the upstream side of the second water tank 42 of the water sterilization line 40. One end of this circulation line 44 may be connected to the upstream side of the second water tank 42, and the other end of the circulation line 44 may be connected to the first water tank 41. In this way, a circulation system 44A for circulating water may be configured by the first water tank 41, the water sterilizer 50, and the circulation line 44. Note that another tank may be provided between the first water tank 41 and the water sterilizer 50, and the other end of the circulation line 44 may be connected to this other tank. Also, a thermometer (not shown) may be provided in the circulation line 44. Also, a concentration meter (not shown) for measuring the concentration of disinfectant or cleaning agent when sterilizing the water sterilizer 50 may be provided in the circulation line 44. Furthermore, a heating device (heat exchanger or heater, etc. (not shown)) for heating disinfectant, etc. when cleaning and / or sterilizing the circulation line 44 may be installed in the circulation line 44.

[0041] Next, the water sterilizer 50 of the water sterilization line 40 will be described. This water sterilizer 50 is a sterilizer that sterilizes the water used in the contents filling system 10. In this embodiment, the water sterilizer 50 sterilizes the water without heating. As described above, the water sterilizer 50 sterilizes the water (pure water) stored in the first water tank 41. For this reason, the water sterilizer 50 sterilizes water with an electrical conductivity of 0.1 μS / cm or more and 20 μS / cm or less. It is desirable that the water be pure water, but this is not limited to pure water depending on the type of contents. The water sterilized by the water sterilizer 50 may be ultrapure water, distilled water, purified water, RO water, ion-exchanged water, tap water, or well water. If the electrical conductivity of the water is 20 μS / cm or more, sterilizing the water with ultraviolet light may generate nitrite nitrogen (or nitrite) depending on the wavelength of the ultraviolet light and the cumulative irradiation amount. On the other hand, while the standard for nitrite nitrogen in Japan is 0.04 mg / L or less, this standard differs in other countries (for example, the WHO, USEPA, and EU have standards of 3 mg / L or less, 1 mg / L or less, and 0.5 mg / L or less, respectively). Therefore, when sterilizing water with ultraviolet light, it is necessary to adjust and confirm the electrical conductivity of the water, or the wavelength of ultraviolet light, or the cumulative irradiation dose, so that the amount of nitrite nitrogen does not exceed the standard value of the country where the contents filling system 10 is installed. Even if the electrical conductivity of water is 200 μS / cm, if the nitrite nitrogen concentration of the water after ultraviolet irradiation is within the standard value, it is not necessarily required to set the electrical conductivity of the water to 20 μS / cm or less.

[0042] As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the water sterilizer 50 is equipped with at least one sterile filter (first sterile filter 53 and second sterile filter 55) or at least one sterilizer (pre-sterilizer 56, first sterilizer 52 and second sterilizer 54). By being equipped with at least one sterile filter or at least one sterilizer, the water sterilizer 50 can produce highly sterile water (water of the sterile quality required for filling the final product, product can 1A) while suppressing carbon dioxide emissions.

[0043] In the example shown in Figure 3A, the water sterilizer comprises a first sterilizer 52, a first sterile filter 53, and a second sterilizer 54. The first sterilizer 52, the first sterile filter 53, and the second sterilizer 54 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the water transport direction. By arranging the sterilizer (in this case, the second sterilizer 54) downstream of the sterile filter (in this case, the first sterile filter 53), even if bacteria pass through the sterile filter, the sterilizer can kill those bacteria. Furthermore, because the water sterilizer 50 is equipped with multiple sterilizers (first sterilizer 52 and second sterilizer 54), even if one sterilizer stops, the other sterilizers can ensure the sterility of the water.

[0044] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3B, the water sterilizer 50 may also include a foreign matter removal filter 51, a first sterilizer 52, a first sterile filter 53, a second sterilizer 54, and a second sterile filter 55. The water sterilizer 50 may also further include a pre-sterilizer 56 located upstream of the foreign matter removal filter 51. The pre-sterilizer 56, foreign matter removal filter 51, first sterilizer 52, first sterile filter 53, second sterilizer 54, and second sterile filter 55 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the water transport direction. In this way, by having multiple sterile filters (first sterile filter 53 and second sterile filter 55) in the water sterilizer 50, even if a malfunction occurs in one sterile filter, the sterileness of the water can be guaranteed by the other sterile filter. The arrangement order of the first sterilizer 52, the first sterile filter 53, the second sterilizer 54, and the second sterile filter 55 is not limited to this. Furthermore, the number of sterile filters and sterilizers provided in the water sterilizer 50 is also not limited to this. For example, although not shown in the diagram, the water sterilizer 50 may be equipped with only the first sterilizer 52 or the second sterilizer 54 and the first sterile filter 53. Also, two water sterilizers 50 may be installed in parallel.

[0045] Furthermore, the water sterilizer 50 does not necessarily need to be equipped with a sterile filter. In other words, depending on the level of sterility of the contents prepared by diluting the product stock with water, the bacterial count level of the water supplied to the first water tank 41 is low, and / or the growth characteristics of bacteria in the contents, the water sterilizer 50 may not need to be equipped with a sterile filter. Also, when the sterilized water is used for cleaning (COP) and / or sterilization (SOP) in each chamber, the water does not come into direct contact with the contents. In such cases as well, the water sterilizer 50 may not need to be equipped with a sterile filter. In this case, for example, although not shown in the diagram, the water sterilizer 50 may be equipped with only the first sterilizer 52, or it may be equipped with both the first sterilizer 52 and the second sterilizer 54. In this way, if the water sterilizer 50 does not have a sterile filter, the manufacturing cost of the water sterilizer 50 can be reduced.

[0046] Furthermore, the water sterilizer 50 does not necessarily have a sterilizer. That is, depending on the level of sterility of the contents produced by diluting the product concentrate with water, the bacterial count level of the water supplied to the first water tank 41 is low, and / or the growth characteristics of bacteria in the contents, the water sterilizer 50 may not need to have a sterilizer. In this case, for example, although not shown in the diagram, the water sterilizer 50 may have only the first sterile filter 53, or it may have the first sterile filter 53 and the second sterile filter 55. In this way, even when the water sterilizer 50 does not have a sterilizer, the manufacturing cost of the water sterilizer 50 can be reduced.

[0047] Next, we will describe the pre-sterilizer 56, the foreign matter removal filter 51, the first sterilizer 52, the first sterile filter 53, the second sterilizer 54, and the second sterile filter 55. Here, we will first describe the pre-sterilizer 56.

[0048] The upstream sterilizer 56 is a sterilizer that pre-sterilizes the water supplied to the foreign matter removal filter 51. By installing the upstream sterilizer 56 upstream of the foreign matter removal filter 51, it becomes possible to produce high-quality sterile water for a long period of time. The configuration of the upstream sterilizer 56 may be substantially the same as that of the first sterilizer 52.

[0049] The foreign matter removal filter 51 is a filter that removes foreign matter from the water. In the illustrated example, the water sterilizer 50 is equipped with a single foreign matter removal filter 51. However, it is not limited to this, and the water sterilizer 50 may be equipped with multiple foreign matter removal filters 51. The mesh size (filtration accuracy) of the foreign matter removal filter 51 may be, for example, 0.20 μm or more and 10 μm or less, or 0.45 μm or more and 5 μm or less. Furthermore, it is preferable that the mesh size of the foreign matter removal filter 51 is large enough to remove fungi (molds, yeasts, etc.). As will be described later, in the first sterilizer 52 etc. provided downstream of the foreign matter removal filter 51, ultraviolet light is irradiated onto the water. For this reason, it is preferable that the mesh size of the foreign matter removal filter 51 is large enough to remove molds that are resistant to ultraviolet light, and is preferably 0.45 μm or more and 1.2 μm or less. Furthermore, in order to enhance the sterility of the water that has passed through the foreign matter removal filter 51, the mesh size of the foreign matter removal filter 51 may be 0.2 μm or more and 0.45 μm or less. This allows for the capture of almost all bacteria remaining in the water. In addition, in order to enhance the sterility of the water that has passed through the foreign matter removal filter 51, 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 51. Furthermore, the filtration membrane of the foreign matter removal filter 51 may be, for example, a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane or an ultra-filtration (UF) membrane.

[0050] The first sterilizer 52 is located downstream of the foreign matter removal filter 51. The first sterilizer 52 is also located upstream of the first sterile filter 53. The first sterilizer 52 is a sterilizer that sterilizes water using ultraviolet light. This allows for the sterilization of bacteria (other than mold and yeast) that have passed through the foreign matter removal filter 51. Furthermore, by sterilizing water with ultraviolet light, the carbon dioxide emissions from the content filling system can be reduced compared to sterilizing water by heating. In particular, when preparing the contents, the product concentrate can be diluted with water to a ratio of 1.1 to 1000 times, preferably 2 to 10 times. When the product concentrate is diluted with water to a ratio of 2 to 10 times, 50% to 90% of the contents are water. Therefore, by sterilizing the water without heating it, the carbon dioxide emissions during the preparation of the contents can be significantly reduced.

[0051] As described above, in this embodiment, the first sterilizer 52 sterilizes water using ultraviolet light. In this case, the first sterilizer 52 may include an ultraviolet lamp. The ultraviolet lamp may be a low-pressure mercury lamp, a medium-pressure mercury lamp, a high-pressure mercury lamp, or a UV-LED. Furthermore, the first sterilizer 52 may include a plurality of ultraviolet lamps having different wavelengths and / or outputs of ultraviolet light. For example, the first sterilizer 52 may include a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) and a medium-pressure mercury lamp.

[0052] A low-pressure mercury lamp is a mercury lamp in which the mercury vapor pressure during operation is less than 10 Pa. This low-pressure mercury lamp can efficiently irradiate ultraviolet light at a wavelength (253.7 nm) that has a high germicidal effect. Therefore, if the first germicidal machine 52 includes a low-pressure mercury lamp, the germicidal effect in the first germicidal machine 52 (and the second germicidal machine 54) can be improved. The low-pressure mercury lamp may also be an amalgam lamp (low-pressure high-power amalgam lamp) in which amalgam, an alloy of mercury and other metals, is sealed inside the discharge tube.

[0053] A medium-pressure mercury lamp is a mercury lamp whose mercury vapor pressure is 40 kPa or higher while lit. The wavelength of ultraviolet light emitted by a medium-pressure mercury lamp is 365 nm as the dominant wavelength, with peaks at 254 nm, 302 nm, 313 nm, 405 nm, 436 nm, etc. Generally, a medium-pressure mercury lamp is a high-output mercury lamp compared to a low-pressure mercury lamp. Therefore, if the first sterilizer 52 includes a medium-pressure mercury lamp, a large amount of water can be sterilized by the first sterilizer 52 (and the second sterilizer 54). Also, because a medium-pressure mercury lamp is a high-output mercury lamp, if the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are both medium-pressure mercury lamps, the first sterilizer 52 (and the second sterilizer 54) can be miniaturized.

[0054] Furthermore, medium-pressure mercury lamps have higher heat resistance than low-pressure mercury lamps, allowing them to be lit at high temperatures. Therefore, in the circulation system 44A including the first sterilizer 52 and the second sterilizer 54, when sterilizing the first sterilizer 52 and the second sterilizer 54 by circulating hot water or disinfectant, the first sterilizer 52 and the second sterilizer can be sterilized while the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., is lit.

[0055] In this embodiment, the cumulative ultraviolet radiation dose to water is 10 mJ / cm². 2 More than 10000mJ / cm 2 Preferably, it is 100 mJ / cm². 2 More than 1000mJ / cm 2 It is more preferable that the following conditions are met: that is, the cumulative amount of ultraviolet radiation irradiated onto the water when it passes through the first sterilizer 52 is 10 mJ / cm². 2 More than 10000mJ / cm 2 Preferably, it is 100 mJ / cm². 2 More than 1000mJ / cm 2 The following is more preferable: In this case, the cumulative ultraviolet radiation dose to water is 10 mJ / cm² at a wavelength of 254 nm. 2 More than 10000mJ / cm 2 Preferably, it is 100 mJ / cm². 2 More than 1000mJ / cm 2The following is more preferable: The cumulative ultraviolet radiation dose is 10 mJ / cm². 2 As a result, aquatic bacteria (Gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas or Methylobacterium species that can proliferate in nutrient-poor water environments) that may pass through the second sterile filter 55 can be effectively sterilized. In addition, the cumulative ultraviolet irradiation dose is 100 mJ / cm². 2 As a result of the above, bacterial spores can also be killed. Furthermore, the cumulative ultraviolet irradiation dose is 10,000 mJ / cm². 2 The following conditions reduce electricity consumption and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10. Here, the wavelength of ultraviolet light may be between 250 nm and 260 nm, and for example, it may be 253.7 nm (254 nm). By setting the wavelength of ultraviolet light to between 250 nm and 260 nm, and especially to 253.7 nm, the bactericidal effect of ultraviolet light on bacteria can be enhanced. Here, in this specification, "aquatic bacteria" means bacteria that can pass through a sterile filter with a mesh opening of 0.2 μm.

[0056] It is preferable that such a first sterilizer 52 is capable of sterilization in place (SIP). This allows the first sterilizer 52 to be sterilized periodically. When sterilizing the first sterilizer 52, it may be sterilized with steam or hot water. Alternatively, if the first sterilizer 52 is sensitive to heat, it may be sterilized by circulating a disinfectant containing, for example, peracetic acid, in a circulation system 44A that includes a water sterilizer 50. In this case, the disinfectant may be circulated in the circulation system 44A for at least 10 seconds to 60 minutes. Alternatively, the first sterilizer 52 may be sterilized and cleaned simultaneously by circulating a cleaning agent containing acid or alkali in the circulation system 44A that includes the water sterilizer 50. In this case, the cleaning agent may be circulated in the circulation system 44A for at least 10 seconds to 60 minutes.

[0057] In the circulation system 44A, when circulating the cleaning agent, the temperature of the cleaning agent may be 40°C to 150°C, preferably 50°C to less than 100°C. When using an acid as the cleaning agent, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, peracetic acid, acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, pernitrate, etc. may be used. Alternatively, an alkaline detergent may be used, which is a cleaning solution to which an alkaline agent mixed with caustic soda, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate, sodium phosphate, sodium hypochlorite, surfactants, and chelating agents is added. In the circulation system 44A, when circulating the cleaning agent, the cleaning agent may be circulated while the ultraviolet lamp is lit. After cleaning, pure water should be supplied to the circulation line 44 and rinsed until the cleaning agent is gone from the circulation line 44. In this case, the concentration of the cleaning agent in the circulation line 44 may be monitored using a concentration meter (not shown). After rinsing the circulation line 44, an integrity test of the first sterile filter 53, etc., may be performed. Furthermore, production may be initiated only if no sterile air leaks are detected in the filter during the integrity test. Additionally, the water may be continuously circulated with the ultraviolet lamp lit during the entire process of washing, sterilization, rinsing, integrity testing, and production (from the start to the end of production) of the water sterilizer 50 described above. The ultraviolet lamp should be lit at least from the sterilization process until the end of production. This prevents bacteria that have passed through the filter from flowing into the second water tank 42 and beyond.

[0058] The first sterile filter 53 is installed downstream of the first sterilizer 52. This first sterile filter 53 is a micro-filtration filter (MF) that sterilizes water by capturing bacteria remaining in the water. The mesh size of the first sterile filter 53 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. By having a mesh size of 0.1 μm or more for the first sterile filter 53, a decrease in the sterilization efficiency of the water can be suppressed. Also, by having a mesh size of 0.45 μm or less for the first sterile filter 53, bacteria remaining in the water can be effectively captured by the first sterile filter 53. 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 first sterile filter 53. As described later, when filtering and sterilizing the product stock solution, the mesh size of the first sterile filter 53 may be matched to the mesh size of the filtration and sterilization filter 61a (see Figure 4C) of the stock solution sterilization line 60, as described later. In this case, the difference between the mesh size of the first sterile filter 53 and the mesh size of the filtration and sterilization filter 61a may be, for example, 0 μm or more and 0.8 μm or less. The material of the filtration membrane of the first sterile filter 53 may be polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethersulfone (PES), mixed cellulose (SCWP), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), or polyamide, etc. Depending on the suitability of the contents, the filtration membrane of the first sterile filter 53 may be, for example, a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane or an ultra-filtration (UF) membrane.

[0059] It is preferable that the first sterile filter 53 is sterilizable (SIP). This allows the first sterile filter 53 to be sterilized periodically. As described above, the first sterile filter 53 passes through the first sterilizer 52 and captures bacteria remaining in the water. Therefore, if water sterilization continues for a long period of time in the water sterilizer 50, the captured bacteria may proliferate within the first sterile filter 53. In addition, if dead bacteria, which are organic matter, adhere to the first sterile filter 53, these dead bacteria can become a substrate. In this case, bacteria may proliferate further within the first sterile filter 53. If bacteria proliferate within the first sterile filter 53 in this way, they may enter the water passing through the first sterile filter 53. However, by making the first sterile filter 53 sterilizable, it is possible to suppress bacteria attached to the first sterile filter 53 from entering the water passing through the first sterile filter 53. As a result, a decrease in the filtration performance of the first sterile filter 53 can be suppressed.

[0060] Furthermore, it is preferable that the first sterile filter 53 can be subjected to an integrity test regarding the mesh opening of the first sterile filter 53. Here, the integrity test may be performed, for example, by a bubble point test. The bubble point test can be performed as follows. For example, first, water is supplied to the housing (not shown) inside the first sterile filter 53 to cover the filter (not shown) of the first sterile filter 53 with water. Next, the water supply is stopped and the water inside the first sterile filter 53 is drained. In this case, a blow line (not shown) is used to drain the water while maintaining the sterile state inside the first sterile filter 53. Then, sterile air is supplied from the primary side inside the first sterile filter 53, where the filter is covered with water. Next, the supply pressure of the sterile air is increased until the sterile air supplied from the primary side of the first sterile filter 53 escapes to the secondary side. Then, the size of the mesh opening of the first sterile filter 53 is determined based on the pressure of the sterile air when the sterile air escapes from the first sterile filter 53 (bubble point). In this way, the first sterile filter 53 can undergo an integrity test regarding the opening of its mesh, making it easy to determine the degree of deterioration of the first sterile filter 53. In addition to the bubble point test described above, the integrity test may also be performed by a diffusion flow test or a pressure hold test, etc.

[0061] The second sterilizer 54 is located downstream of the first sterile filter 53. The configuration of this second sterilizer 54 may be substantially the same as that of the first sterilizer 52. In other words, the second sterilizer 54 may be a sterilizer that sterilizes water using ultraviolet light.

[0062] The second sterile filter 55 is located downstream of the second sterilizer 54. This second sterile filter 55 is a filter that disinfects water by capturing bacteria remaining in the water after it has passed through the second sterilizer 54. The mesh size of the second sterile filter 55 may be the same as that of the first sterile filter 53. In this case, two sterilization sets, each consisting of a sterilizer and a sterile filter, can be arranged along the water transport direction. That is, a first sterilization set consisting of the first sterilizer 52 and the first sterile filter 53, and a second sterilization set consisting of the second sterilizer 54 and the second sterile filter 55 can be arranged in series along the water transport direction. Therefore, even if some abnormality occurs in one of the sterilization sets, the sterility of the water can be guaranteed. Furthermore, the mesh size of the second sterile filter 55 may be smaller than or equal to that of the first sterile filter 53. As a result, even if bacteria in the water pass through the first sterile filter 53, the second sterile filter 55 can capture those bacteria. Therefore, the sterility of the water can be sufficiently ensured. Multiple sterilization sets may be provided, depending on the sterility assurance level (SAL) of the water or the final product (contents). Although not shown in the diagram, the number of sterilization sets may be one or three or more.

[0063] The mesh size of the second sterile filter 55 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. By having a mesh size of 0.1 μm or more for the second sterile filter 55, a decrease in the sterilization efficiency of the water can be suppressed. Furthermore, by having a mesh size of 0.45 μm or less for the second sterile filter 55, bacteria remaining in the water can be captured more effectively by the second sterile filter 55. When the product stock solution is filtered and sterilized as described later, the mesh size of the second sterile filter 55 may be matched to the mesh size of the filtration and sterilization filter 61a (see Figure 4C) of the stock solution sterilization line 60, which will be described later. In this case, the difference between the mesh size of the second sterile filter 55 and the mesh size of the filtration and sterilization filter 61a may be, for example, 0 μm or more and 0.8 μm or less. The filtration membrane of the second sterile filter 55 may be, for example, a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane or an ultra-filtration (UF) membrane.

[0064] The other components of the second sterile filter 55 may be substantially the same as those of the first sterile filter 53. That is, the second sterile filter 55 may be capable of sterilization (SIP). Furthermore, the second sterile filter 55 may be capable of undergoing integrity testing regarding the mesh opening.

[0065] The processing capacity of such a water sterilizer 50 is preferably 105% or more of the maximum processing capacity required when producing product can 1A, and more preferably 110% or more of the maximum processing capacity required when producing product can 1A. For example, the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 50 is 5m 3 / h or more 50m 3 It may be less than / h, for example, 24m 3It may also be / h. Furthermore, if the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 50 is 105% or more of the maximum processing capacity required when producing product cans 1A, a predetermined amount of water can be stored in the second water tank 42 when producing product cans 1A. In this case, by appropriately designing the volume of the second water tank 42, it is possible to produce product cans 1A and sterilize the first sterile filter 53, etc., without running out of water, even when performing sterilization (SIP) or integrity testing of the first sterile filter 53, etc. The time required for sterilization (SIP) of the first sterile filter 53, etc., and the time required for integrity testing are approximately 30 minutes or more and approximately 1 hour or less, respectively. For this reason, the volume of the second water tank 42 may be greater than or equal to the amount of water used in the contents filling system 10 when producing product cans 1A for one hour.

[0066] Next, I will explain the stock solution sterilization line 60. The stock solution sterilization line 60 is a sterilization line that sterilizes the product stock solution.

[0067] As shown in Figure 4A, the stock solution sterilization line 60 includes a stock solution tank 61 and a product stock solution sterilizer 62. The stock solution tank 61 and the product stock solution sterilizer 62 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the direction of transport of the product stock solution. In addition, a flow meter F and a sterile valve V may be provided downstream of the product stock solution sterilizer 62 in the stock solution sterilization line 60. Although not shown in the figure, thermometers, pressure gauges, level gauges, and concentration meters are installed at various points in the stock solution sterilization line 60.

[0068] The concentrate tank 61 is a tank that stores the product concentrate supplied from a supply source (not shown). By storing the product concentrate, this concentrate tank 61 plays a role in facilitating the flow of the product concentrate. The volume of the concentrate tank 61 is 0.3 m³. 3 More than 3m 3 The following are also acceptable; for example, 1m 3 That's fine too.

[0069] A pump P for transporting the product concentrate may be provided downstream of this concentrate tank 61. Furthermore, the product concentrate sterilizer 62 described above is provided downstream of the pump P.

[0070] The product concentrate sterilizer 62 is a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes the product concentrate stored in the concentrate tank 61. In this embodiment, the product concentrate sterilizer 62 may be an Ultra High-temperature (UHT) sterilizer that sterilizes the product concentrate by an ultra-high temperature heat treatment method. This UHT 62 has a first-stage heating unit 63, a second-stage heating unit 64, a holding tube 65, a first-stage cooling unit 66, a second-stage cooling unit 67, and a third-stage cooling unit 68. The product concentrate supplied to the UHT 62 is gradually heated by the first-stage heating unit 63 and the second-stage heating unit 64, and heated to a target temperature in the holding tube 65. In this case, for example, the product concentrate may be heated to 60°C to 80°C by the first-stage heating unit 63 and to 80°C to 150°C by the second-stage heating unit 64. Also, the temperature of the product concentrate is maintained in the holding tube 65 for a certain period of time. The product concentrate that has passed through the holding tube 65 is gradually cooled by the first-stage cooling section 66, the second-stage cooling section 67, and the third-stage cooling section 68. The number of stages in the heating and cooling sections can be increased or decreased as needed. Also, the pressure loss of the product concentrate may be high between the first-stage heating section 63 and the second-stage heating section 64. For this reason, an additional pump (not shown) may be provided between the first-stage heating section 63 and the second-stage heating section 64. Furthermore, a homogenizer may be provided between the first-stage heating section 63 and the second-stage heating section 64, or between the first-stage cooling section 66 and the second-stage cooling section 67, etc., to homogenize the product concentrate.

[0071] The processing power of such UHT62 is 3m 3 / h or more 30m 3 It may be less than / h, for example, 6m 3 / h is also acceptable.

[0072] Furthermore, the temperature of the hottest part of the UHT62 (for example, the second-stage heating section 64) can be monitored to check for scale (deposits such as calcium) adhering to the UHT62. The scale removal status can also be monitored when cleaning the UHT62 (CIP (Cleaning in Place)). This allows for optimization of the cleaning process for cleaning the UHT62. As a result, the cleaning time can be shortened, and the amount of water, steam, and cleaning agent used for cleaning can be reduced. Consequently, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0073] Furthermore, UHT62 may be manufactured using either an injection or infusion method. In addition, the heat exchanger used for heat exchange in the contents filling system 10, such as the heat exchanger for UHT62, may be a plate type, a shell and tube type, a scraped heat exchanger, or a Joule heating (ohmic heating) type. In addition, these heat exchangers may be used in combination in the contents filling system 10.

[0074] In the example described above, the product sterilization line 60 describes an example in which the product sterilization line 60 heats and sterilizes the product sterilization solution, but it is not limited to this. The product sterilization line 60 may sterilize the product sterilization solution by heating, storage, and filtration. For example, the product sterilization line 60 may sterilize the product sterilization solution by storing it in a product tank 61. In this case, the product sterilization solution may contain alcohol. This allows the product sterilization treatment to be performed by the sterilizing effect of alcohol. Also, when sterilizing the product sterilization solution, the product sterilization solution may be stored in the product tank 61 for a certain period of time. The storage time of the product sterilization solution largely depends on the alcohol concentration. If the alcohol concentration is high, the storage time may be 10 minutes or more. A storage time of 10 minutes or more can improve the sterilization effect of the product sterilization solution. If the alcohol concentration is low, the storage time may be 24 hours or less. A storage time of 24 hours or less can shorten the sterilization time of the product sterilization solution.

[0075] As shown in Figure 4B, when the stock solution sterilization line 60 sterilizes the product stock solution by storage, the stock solution sterilization line 60 does not need to have a product stock solution sterilizer 62. Furthermore, the product stock solution may be sterilized using a different tank (not shown) from the stock solution tank 61. Additionally, when sterilizing the product stock solution, the sterilization process may be carried out by batch processing using multiple tanks. Alternatively, when sterilizing the product stock solution, the sterilization process may be carried out by continuously supplying the product stock solution to the stock solution tank 61, etc., while storing the product stock solution in the stock solution tank 61, etc., for a certain period of time.

[0076] Furthermore, if there are no quality issues after filtration and sterilization of the product concentrate, filtration and sterilization may be adopted as the sterilization method for the product concentrate. In this case, as shown in Figure 4C, the concentrate sterilization line 60 may have a concentrate tank 61 and a filtration and sterilization filter 61a. The concentrate tank 61 and the filtration and sterilization filter 61a are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the direction of transport of the product concentrate. The filtration and sterilization filter 61a may be a filter having the same configuration as the first sterile filter 53 or second sterile filter 55 described above. Also, a flow meter F and a sterile valve V may be provided downstream of the filtration and sterilization filter 61a in the concentrate sterilization line 60. Although not shown, the concentrate sterilization line 60 may further have a product concentrate sterilizer 62.

[0077] As mentioned above, the product stock sterilization line 60 may sterilize the product stock by at least one of heating, storage, and filtration. For example, the product stock sterilization line 60 may sterilize the product stock by heating and storage, or by heating, storage, and filtration. Furthermore, the product stock sterilization line 60 may sterilize the product stock by ultra-high pressure sterilization or other sterilization methods.

[0078] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 4A to 4C, a circulation line 69 may be connected to the stock solution sterilization line 60. One end of this circulation line 69 may be connected to the downstream side of the sterile valve V, and the other end of the circulation line 69 may be connected to the stock solution tank 61. This may constitute a circulation system 69A for circulating the product stock solution. In the example shown in Figure 4A, the circulation system 69A consists of the stock solution tank 61, the product stock solution sterilizer 62, and the circulation line 69. In the example shown in Figure 4B, the circulation system 69A consists of the stock solution tank 61 and the circulation line 69. In the example shown in Figure 4C, the circulation system 69A consists of the stock solution tank 61, the filtration and sterilization filter 61a, and the circulation line 69. A thermometer (not shown) may be provided in the circulation line 69. In addition, a concentration meter (not shown) may be provided in the circulation line 69 for measuring the concentration of the disinfectant or cleaning agent when sterilizing the product stock solution sterilizer 62. Furthermore, the circulation line 69 may be equipped with a heating device (heat exchanger or heater, etc. (not shown)) for warming disinfectants, etc., when cleaning and / or sterilizing the circulation line 69.

[0079] Here, the piping of the water sterilization line 40 is connected to the piping of the concentrate sterilization line 60. The product concentrate may be mixed into the flowing water at a certain ratio. This allows the contents to be prepared by diluting (mixing) the product concentrate with water before filling. In this case, aseptic valves V may be provided at the ends of the water sterilization line 40 and the concentrate sterilization line 60, respectively, in order to adjust the flow rate of water from the water sterilization line 40 and the flow rate of product concentrate from the concentrate sterilization line 60. The opening and closing of the aseptic valves V may be adjusted so that the dilution ratio of the product concentrate with water becomes a predetermined ratio. The piping of the concentrate sterilization line 60 may be connected vertically to the piping of the water sterilization line 40. In addition, the piping of the water sterilization line 40, and the piping from the intersection of the piping of the water sterilization line 40 and the piping of the concentrate sterilization line 60 to the storage tank 16a described later, may be arranged in a straight line. Furthermore, the piping from the intersection of the water sterilization line 40 and the stock solution sterilization line 60 to the storage tank 16a (described later) is maintained at positive pressure by the water supplied from the water sterilization line 40 and the product stock solution supplied from the stock solution sterilization line 60. Even if the water and / or product stock solution is drained, the piping from the aforementioned intersection to the storage tank 16a (described later) is connected to the storage tank 16a or the second water tank 42, so the piping is maintained at positive pressure. An agitator is installed in the storage tank 16a (not shown).

[0080] Furthermore, a static mixer 19 may be provided downstream of the intersection of the piping of the water sterilization line 40 and the piping of the stock solution sterilization line 60. The static mixer 19 may further homogenize the two liquids (water and product stock solution).

[0081] A storage tank (so-called aseptic tank) 16a for storing the mixed contents may be provided downstream of the static mixer 19. A concentration meter for measuring the concentration of the mixed contents may be installed in the storage tank 16a. The volume of the storage tank 16a is 0.1 m³. 3 More than 30m 3It may also be less than the following; for example, 0.3m 3 This is also acceptable. Although not shown in the diagram, the piping of the concentrate sterilization line 60 may be configured so that water and product concentrate are supplied independently from the water sterilization line 40 and the concentrate sterilization line 60 into the storage tank 16a without the piping of the water sterilization line 40 being connected (tank mixing).

[0082] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, a cooling device 17 for cooling the contents may be provided downstream of the storage tank 16a. In addition, a carbonation device 18 for adding carbon dioxide to the cooled contents may be connected downstream of the cooling device 17. The carbonation device 18 may be a so-called sterile carbonator.

[0083] Furthermore, a carbon dioxide tank 16b for storing the carbon dioxide-added contents may be provided downstream of the carbon dioxide addition device 18. Also, a so-called filling tank 16c may be provided downstream of the carbon dioxide tank 16b. This filling tank 16c is installed vertically above the filling device 70 in order to improve the filling accuracy of the filling device 70. Furthermore, the filling tank 16c may also function as a so-called cushion tank to ensure a smooth flow of contents even when the amount of contents used downstream of the filling tank 16c changes.

[0084] Such a filling tank 16c may be equipped with a concentration meter to measure the concentration of the mixed contents. The volume of the filling tank 16c is 0.1 m³. 3 1 meter or more 3 It may also be less than the following; for example, 0.3m 3 That's fine too.

[0085] Next, the filling device 70 will be described. The filling device 70 is a device (filler) that fills cans 1 with pre-sterilized contents. In this filling device 70, empty cans 1 are filled with contents. The filling device 70 may also be a so-called rotary filler. In this case, in the filling device 70, multiple cans 1 are rotated (revolved) while the contents are filled into the cans 1. These contents may be filled into the cans 1 at room temperature. As mentioned above, the contents are pre-sterilized and cooled to room temperature between 3°C and 40°C before being filled into the cans 1.

[0086] In this embodiment, the contents filled by the filling device 70 are, as described above, an acidic carbonated beverage containing carbon dioxide. The beverage may be acidic and also contain alcohol and carbon dioxide. In this specification, "acidic" means a pH of less than 4.6, preferably less than 4.0. In this specification, "carbonated beverage" means a beverage in which the carbon dioxide pressure at 20°C is 98 kPa or higher. Such a beverage may be an RTD (Ready To Drink) beverage. Examples of RTD beverages include chuhai-type beverages, cocktail-type beverages, wine-flavored beverages, alcoholic beverages (low-alcohol beverages) such as liqueurs, or beers and beer-flavored beverages.

[0087] Here, RTD beverages are beverages in ready-to-drink (RTD) form that can be consumed immediately after opening the lid. Furthermore, "Chuhai-type beverages" refer to beverages that are chuhai, or beverages that have a taste and aroma similar to chuhai, and that give the drinker the sensation of drinking chuhai when consumed. Chuhai-type beverages may contain, for example, fruit juice, oolong tea, etc. "Cocktail-type beverages" refer to beverages that have a taste, aroma, and color similar to a cocktail, and that give the drinker the sensation of drinking a cocktail when consumed. "Wine-flavored beverages" refer to beverages that have a taste, aroma, and color similar to wine, and that give the drinker the sensation of drinking wine when consumed. "Beer" refers to what is defined in Japan's Liquor Tax Law, namely, "a beverage fermented using malt, hops, and water as raw materials, and a beverage fermented using malt, hops, water, rice, and other items specified by government ordinance (however, limited to those in which the total weight of the items specified by government ordinance does not exceed five-tenths of the weight of the malt)." "Beer-flavored beverage" means a beverage that has a beer-like flavor. Examples of beer-flavored beverages include, for example, sparkling alcoholic beverages, other brewed alcoholic beverages, and liqueurs as defined in Japan's Liquor Tax Law. The alcohol content (volume concentration) of a beverage may be 1% or more, or 5% or more. The alcohol content (volume concentration) of a beverage may be 20% or less, or 10% or less.

[0088] Alternatively, the beverage may be an acidic, carbon dioxide-containing non-alcoholic beverage. A non-alcoholic beverage is a beverage that contains less than 1% alcohol (by volume) but exhibits an alcoholic flavor (alcohol-tasting beverage).

[0089] The can 1, filled with its contents, is sealed by the lid-attaching device 80.

[0090] The lid-attaching device 80 is a device (seamer) that seals the can 1 by attaching the lid 2 to the can 1. In the lid-attaching device 80, the can 1, which is filled with water and product concentrate (contents), is closed with the lid 2, sealing the can 1 to prevent outside air and microorganisms from entering. In the lid-attaching device 80, the lid 2 is attached (sealed) to its flange 1a. In this way, by attaching the lid 2 to the can 1, a product can 1A (container with contents) is obtained. Note that the lid-attaching device 80 is not limited to a seamer. For example, if a resealable bottle can is used as the can 1, a screw cap is used as the lid 2. In this case, a servo capper with torque control may be used as the lid-attaching device 80. Alternatively, depending on the type of lid 2, a capping capper or the like may be used as the lid-attaching device 80.

[0091] The lid 2 is sterilized in advance by a lid sterilization device 30. In this embodiment, the lid sterilization device 30 sterilizes the lid 2 by spraying a disinfectant onto it. This sterilizes the lid 2 with the disinfectant before it is attached to the can 1. The lid sterilization device 30 is located, for example, near the lid mounting device 80. In the lid sterilization device 30, a large number of lids 2 brought in from outside the contents filling system 10 are collected in advance and transported in a line toward the lid mounting device 80. On their way toward the lid mounting device 80, hydrogen peroxide gas or mist is sprayed onto the inner and outer surfaces of the lids 2, and then they are dried with hot air and sterilized.

[0092] As shown in Figures 1 and 5, the lid sterilization device 30 includes a second disinfectant spraying unit 32 that sprays disinfectant onto the lid 2, and a second air rinsing unit 33 that air rinses the lid 2 after disinfectant has been sprayed on it by the second disinfectant spraying unit 32. The lid sterilization device 30 may also further include a second heating unit 31 provided upstream of the second disinfectant spraying unit 32 for heating the lid 2. Furthermore, the lid sterilization device 30 may further include a second sterile water rinsing unit 34 provided downstream of the second air rinsing unit 33. The second heating unit 31, the second disinfectant spraying unit 32, the second air rinsing unit 33, and the second sterile water rinsing unit 34 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the transport direction of the lid 2. In Figure 5, the lid 2 is transported in the direction of the arrow.

[0093] The second heating section 31 is a part that heats (preheats) the lid 2 before the disinfectant is sprayed onto it. The second heating section 31 is configured to heat the lid 2 while transporting it. In this case, as shown in Figure 5, the lids 2 may be transported by a guide 35 such as a screw-type chute so that gaps are formed between the lids 2. The second heating section 31 is provided with a second hot air nozzle 31a that heats the lid 2 by blowing heated air onto it. The heated air blown from this second hot air nozzle 31a may heat the lid 2 so that, for example, its surface temperature is between 40°C and 100°C, or so that its surface temperature is between 50°C and 80°C. A surface temperature of 40°C or higher improves the disinfecting effect of the lid 2. Also, a surface temperature of 100°C or lower reduces the consumption of thermal energy and the emission of carbon dioxide.

[0094] The second disinfectant spraying unit 32 is the part that disinfects the lid 2 by spraying a disinfectant onto the lid 2 heated by the second heating unit 31. The second disinfectant spraying unit 32 is configured to spray the disinfectant while transporting the lid 2. In this case as well, the lids 2 may be transported by a guide 35 such as a screw-type chute so that gaps are formed between the lids 2. Alternatively, gaps may be created between the lids 2 by vibrating the guide 35. Then, with gaps created between the lids 2, the disinfectant may be applied to the lids 2. The second disinfectant spraying unit 32 also includes a second spray nozzle 32a that sprays the disinfectant onto the transported lids 2. The discharge pressure of the disinfectant in the second spray nozzle 32a may be 0.4 MPa or higher. Alternatively, multiple second spray nozzles 32a may be used to apply the disinfectant to the lids 2. As the disinfectant sprayed by the second disinfectant spraying unit 32, for example, an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution may be used. In the second disinfectant spraying unit 32, a gas or mist of hydrogen peroxide solution is generated, and the gas or mist is sprayed from the second spray nozzle 32a onto the inner and outer surfaces of the lid 2. In this way, the lid 2 is disinfected with the gas or mist of hydrogen peroxide solution, ensuring that the inner and outer surfaces of the lid 2 are disinfected evenly.

[0095] In the second disinfectant spraying section 32, the amount of disinfectant adhering to the lid 2 is 0.01 μL / cm² if the inner surface of the lid 2 is coated with at least epoxy resin, PET resin, or polyvinyl chloride. 2 More than 0.4μL / cm 2 It is also acceptable to have a lower rate, such as 0.03 μL / cm². 2 More than 0.1μL / cm 2 The following is also acceptable: The amount of disinfectant adhering to lid 2 is 0.01 μL / cm². 2 As a result of the above, the sterilization effect of lid 2 can be improved. In addition, the amount of disinfectant adhering to lid 2 is 0.03 μL / cm². 2 As a result of the above, the sterilization effect of lid 2 can be further improved. Also, the amount of disinfectant adhering to lid 2 is 0.4 μL / cm². 2The following conditions can suppress the residue of disinfectant on the lid 2 after it has passed through the lid sterilization device 30. In this case, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the disinfectant may be 35% by weight.

[0096] The second air rinsing section 33 is a section that supplies sterile heated air or room temperature air to the lid 2 to which the disinfectant has been sprayed in the second disinfectant spraying section 32. This activates the hydrogen peroxide and removes foreign matter, hydrogen peroxide, etc. from inside the lid 2. The second air rinsing section 33 is configured to supply sterile air while transporting the lid 2. In this case as well, the lids 2 may be transported by a guide 35 such as a screw-type chute so that a gap is formed between the lids 2. This effectively removes foreign matter from inside the lid 2. If necessary, hydrogen peroxide may be gasified by mixing a low-concentration hydrogen peroxide condensation mist with sterilized air at room temperature and supplied to the lid 2. The sterile air may be air, carbon dioxide, or an inert gas.

[0097] The second air rinsing unit 33 includes a second air rinsing nozzle 33a that blows sterile air onto the lid 2 being transported. The second air rinsing nozzle 33a may also blow sterile air onto the inner and outer surfaces of the lid 2. This ensures that the hydrogen peroxide solution gas or mist sprayed onto the inner and outer surfaces of the lid 2 is evenly activated.

[0098] In the second air rinsing section 33, sterile air at a temperature of 70°C to 200°C may be blown onto the lid 2. A sterile air temperature of 70°C or higher effectively activates the disinfectant adhering to the lid 2. Furthermore, a sterile air temperature of 200°C or lower reduces carbon dioxide emissions. The sterile air temperature is the temperature immediately after it is blown from the second air rinsing nozzle 33a, i.e., the temperature at the tip of the second air rinsing nozzle 33a.

[0099] Furthermore, after sterile air is blown onto the lid 2, the amount of disinfectant adhering to the lid 2 is 0.00001 μL / cm² if the inner surface of the lid 2 is coated with at least epoxy resin, PET resin, or polyvinyl chloride. 2 More than 0.01μL / cm 2 The following is also acceptable: The amount of disinfectant adhering to lid 2 is 0.00001 μL / cm². 2 As a result of the above, the sterilization effect of lid 2 can be improved. In addition, the amount of disinfectant adhering to lid 2 is 0.01 μL / cm². 2 The following conditions make it possible to suppress the residue of disinfectant on the lid 2 after it has passed through the lid sterilization device 30.

[0100] The second sterile water rinsing section 34 is the part that washes the lid 2, which has been sterilized with a disinfectant (hydrogen peroxide), with sterile water. This washes away any trace amounts of hydrogen peroxide adhering to the lid 2 and removes any foreign matter. The second sterile water rinsing section 34 is configured to supply sterile water while transporting the lid 2. In this case as well, the lids 2 may be transported by a guide 35 such as a screw-type chute so that gaps are formed between the lids 2. This effectively removes disinfectant and foreign matter from inside the lids 2. In the second sterile water rinsing section 34, the temperature of the sterile water may be between 5°C and 100°C.

[0101] The sterilized lid 2 is then attached to the flange 1a of the can 1 by the lid mounting device 80, as described above. The resulting product cans 1A are then continuously discharged from the product can discharge section 11 (see Figure 1) toward the outside of the contents filling system 10.

[0102] As shown in Figure 1, the product can dispensing section 11 may include a can warmer 12 for heating the product cans 1A. This can warmer 12 may heat the product cans 1A from approximately 5°C to approximately 30°C. This prevents condensation from forming on the surface of the product cans 1A when they are being packaged. As a result, packaging materials such as cardboard boxes are prevented from becoming wet due to condensation.

[0103] The contents filling system 10 includes a first heating chamber 90a, a first disinfectant spray chamber 90b, a first air rinse chamber 90c, a first sterile water rinse chamber 90d, a filling chamber 90e, a lid fitting chamber 90f, and an outlet chamber 90g. The first heating chamber 90a, the first disinfectant spray chamber 90b, the first air rinse chamber 90c, the first sterile water rinse chamber 90d, the filling chamber 90e, the lid fitting chamber 90f, and the outlet chamber 90g are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the conveying direction of the can 1.

[0104] Furthermore, the contents filling system 10 includes a second heating chamber 90h, a second disinfectant spray chamber 90i, a second air rinse chamber 90j, and a second sterile water rinse chamber 90k. The second heating chamber 90h, the second disinfectant spray chamber 90i, the second air rinse chamber 90j, the second sterile water rinse chamber 90k, the lid fitting chamber 90f, and the outlet chamber 90g are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the transport direction of the lid 2.

[0105] Each chamber 90a to 90k is separated by a partition wall. The partition wall prevents the disinfectant or other substances from flowing in unintended directions between chambers 90a to 90k and stabilizes the pressure within each chamber 90a to 90k. A gap is formed in each partition wall that is large enough for a can 1 or lid 2 to pass through. This gap is formed to be as small as possible, for example, the size of one can 1 or lid 2, so as not to change the pressure within each chamber 90a to 90k. A shutter may also be provided in the partition wall to close the aforementioned gap. This shutter may be configured to open and close automatically by a signal from a control unit (not shown), for example. Furthermore, each chamber 90a to 90k may be provided with a pressure gauge Pg (see, for example, Figures 2 and 5).

[0106] As shown in Figure 2, among the chambers 90a to 90k, the first heating chamber 90a houses the first heating unit 21 (first hot air nozzles 21a, 21b). The first disinfectant spray chamber 90b houses the first disinfectant spray unit 22 (first spray nozzles 22a, 22b). The first air rinse chamber 90c houses the first air rinse unit 23 (first air rinse nozzles 23a, 23b). Furthermore, the first sterile water rinse chamber 90d houses the first sterile water rinse unit 24 (first sterile water rinse nozzles 24a, 24b). Also as shown in Figure 2, the first heating chamber 90a and the first air rinse chamber 90c are connected to a first sterile air supply line 91 for supplying sterile air. Furthermore, the first heating chamber 90a, the first air rinse chamber 90c, and the first sterile water rinse chamber 90d are connected to a first exhaust line 92 that discharges the air inside each chamber 90a, 90c, and 90d. A scrubber (not shown) for processing the discharged air is connected to the first exhaust line 92. On the other hand, in the illustrated example, the first disinfectant spray chamber 90b is not connected to the first exhaust line 92. This suppresses the decrease in the gas concentration of the disinfectant inside the first disinfectant spray chamber 90b. However, the first exhaust line 92 may be connected to the first disinfectant spray chamber 90b as long as the pressure relationship described later inside each chamber 90a to 90e can be maintained.

[0107] Referring again to Figure 1, the filling chamber 90e houses the filling device 70. The lid fitting chamber 90f houses the lid fitting device 80. Furthermore, the outlet chamber 90g houses a conveyor (not shown) for the product can discharge section 11.

[0108] As shown in Figure 5, the second heating chamber 90h houses the second heating unit 31 (second hot air nozzle 31a). The second disinfectant spray chamber 90i houses the second disinfectant spray unit 32 (second spray nozzle 32a). The second air rinse chamber 90j houses the second air rinse unit 33 (second air rinse nozzle 33a). Furthermore, the second sterile water rinse chamber 90k houses the second sterile water rinse unit 34 (second sterile water rinse nozzle 34a). As also shown in Figure 5, the second heating chamber 90h and the second air rinse chamber 90j are connected to a second sterile air supply line 93 for supplying sterile air. Furthermore, the second heating chamber 90h, the second air rinse chamber 90j, and the second sterile water rinse chamber 90k are connected to a second exhaust line 94 that discharges the air inside each chamber 90h, 90j, and 90k. A scrubber (not shown) for processing the discharged air is connected to the second exhaust line 94. On the other hand, in the illustrated example, the second disinfectant spray chamber 90i is not connected to the second exhaust line 94. This suppresses the decrease in the gas concentration of the disinfectant inside the second disinfectant spray chamber 90i. However, the second exhaust line 94 may be connected to the second disinfectant spray chamber 90i if it is possible to maintain the pressure relationship described later inside each chamber 90e, 90f, and 90h to 90k.

[0109] Next, the relationship between the pressures PA to PE in each chamber 90a to 90e will be explained. The pressure PA in the first heating chamber 90a, the pressure PB in the first disinfectant spray chamber 90b, the pressure PC in the first air rinse chamber 90c, the pressure PD in the first sterile water rinse chamber 90d, and the pressure PE in the filling chamber 90e may satisfy the following relationship. 0(Pa)≦PA≦PB <PC≦PD<PE or PB ≤ PA <PC≦PD<PE In this case, the pressure PE inside the filling chamber 90e becomes higher than the pressure PD inside the first sterile water rinsing chamber 90d. This prevents air from the first sterile water rinsing chamber 90d from entering the filling chamber 90e. As a result, the sterile condition inside the filling chamber 90e can be maintained well.

[0110] Next, the relationship between the pressures PE, PF, PH, and PK in each chamber 90e, 90f, and 90h to 90k will be explained. The pressure PE in the filling chamber 90e, the pressure PF in the lid fitting chamber 90f, the pressure PH in the second heating chamber 90h, the pressure PI in the second disinfectant spray chamber 90i, the pressure PJ in the second air rinse chamber 90j, and the pressure PK in the second sterile water rinse chamber 90k may satisfy the following relationship. 0(Pa)≦PH≦PI <PJ≦PK≦PF<PE or PI≦PH <PJ≦PK≦PF<PE In this case, the pressure PE in the filling chamber 90e becomes higher than the pressure PF in the lid-fitting chamber 90f. This prevents air from the lid-fitting chamber 90f from entering the filling chamber 90e. Therefore, the sterile condition inside the filling chamber 90e can be maintained well. Also, in this case, the pressure PF in the lid-fitting chamber 90f becomes higher than or equal to the pressure PK in the second sterile water rinsing chamber 90k. This prevents air from the second sterile water rinsing chamber 90k from entering the lid-fitting chamber 90f. Therefore, the sterile condition inside the lid-fitting chamber 90f can be maintained well.

[0111] As shown in Figure 1, each chamber 90c to 90g, 90j, and 90k may be provided with a sterile air supply device 95. The sterile air supply device 95 may include a blower and a sterilization filter. Air that has passed through the blower of the sterile air supply device 95 is sterilized by the sterilization filter. The sterilized air is then blown into the chambers 90c to 90g, 90j, and 90k as sterile air. A HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) may be used as the sterilization filter.

[0112] (Method for adjusting the sterilization level of the content filling system) In this embodiment, the contents filling system 10 is pre-adjusted so that its sterilization degree is suitable for acidic beverages containing carbon dioxide. The sterilization degree of the contents filling system 10 may be adjusted by setting various conditions, for example, the water sterilization line 40, the stock sterilization line 60, the container sterilization device 20, the lid sterilization device 30, and / or the chambers 90a to 90k. The sterilization degree of the contents filling system 10 refers to the degree to which the contents filling system 10 can sterilize the product can 1A.

[0113] The contents filling system 10 according to this embodiment is designed to ensure the sterility of the product can 1A while adjusting the sterilization level so as not to be excessive. This adjustment of the sterilization level may be performed, for example, in the initial stages immediately after the contents filling system 10 is completed, that is, before actually using the contents filling system 10 to fill the can 1 and start manufacturing the product can 1A. Alternatively, the adjustment of the sterilization level may be performed when there is a risk of affecting sterility. Specifically, this may be done when there is any change in the process or equipment in the contents filling system 10, or when the contents filling system 10 has not been used for a certain period of time. Alternatively, the adjustment of the sterilization level may be performed periodically at predetermined filling cycles, regardless of whether there is a risk of affecting sterility.

[0114] When the contents filled by the contents filling system 10 are an acidic beverage containing carbon dioxide, bacteria are less likely to proliferate in the beverage. Therefore, the types of bacteria that can easily grow in an acidic beverage containing carbon dioxide are limited. Consequently, bacterial growth in the product can 1A can be suppressed without excessively increasing the sterilization level of the contents filling system 10. In this case, spore-forming yeast is used as an indicator bacterium to determine whether or not bacterial growth has occurred in the product can 1A. Spore-forming yeasts can easily proliferate in acidic beverages containing carbon dioxide, but can be sterilized even with a relatively weak sterilization level. Examples of spore-forming yeasts include Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Zygosaccharomyces bailii, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, Kluyveromyces marxianus, and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. It is particularly preferable to use Saccharomyces cerevisiae as the spore-forming yeast. Furthermore, if the beverage contains acidic and carbon dioxide-containing ingredients that are less likely to spoil, heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus fructivorans) may be used as an indicator microorganism instead of spore-forming yeast.

[0115] The content filling system 10 is designed to have a sterilization level adjusted so that its bactericidal effect against spore-forming yeast is between 3 LRV (Log Reduction Value) and 12 LRV. A bactericidal effect against spore-forming yeast of 3 LRV or higher is considered sufficient for filling acidic beverages containing carbon dioxide. If the bactericidal effect against spore-forming yeast is 12 LRV or lower, the sterilization level of the content filling system 10 cannot be excessively high. This reduces the costs required for equipment, chemicals, energy, etc., in the content filling system 10. The Food Safety Objective (FSO, ISO 13409-1996) may be used as a standard for sterilization effect. The bactericidal effect against spore-forming yeast of the content filling system 10 may be 5 LRV or higher, 6 LRV or higher, or 7 LRV or higher. The bactericidal effect against spore-forming yeast of the content filling system 10 may be 11 LRV or lower, or 10 LRV or lower.

[0116] The sterilization level of the contents filling system 10 can be appropriately adjusted by adjusting at least one sterilization condition of, for example, the water sterilization line 40, the stock solution sterilization line 60, the container sterilization device 20, the lid sterilization device 30, and the chambers 90a to 90k. For example, sterilization conditions in the water sterilization line 40 include the mesh size of the foreign matter removal filter 51 and the sterilization intensity of the first sterilizer 52. Sterilization conditions in the stock solution sterilization line 60 include the sterilization temperature and sterilization time of the product stock solution sterilizer 62. Sterilization conditions in the container sterilization device 20 include the number of nozzles and the amount of disinfectant sprayed. Sterilization conditions in the lid sterilization device 30 include the number of nozzles and the amount of disinfectant sprayed. Sterilization conditions in the chambers 90a to 90k include the mesh size of the sterilization filter of the sterile air supply device 95 and various conditions when performing COP treatment and SOP treatment.

[0117] (Method for verifying the sterility of a content filling system) After adjusting the contents filling system 10 in this manner, a sterility verification method may be performed to verify the sterility of the contents filling system 10. The sterility verification method involves individually testing each element of the contents filling system 10 to determine whether or not sterility is ensured for each element. For example, tests may be performed to determine whether or not the can 1 and lid 2 are properly sterilized (container sterilization test, lid sterilization test).

[0118] (Container sterilization test) The container sterilization test is a test to confirm whether or not can 1 is properly sterilized.

[0119] The container sterilization test involves first attaching indicator bacteria to can 1, then sterilizing can 1 using a container sterilization device 20, and confirming the sterilization effect based on the number of bacteria remaining inside can 1. Specifically, for example, 10 3 , 10 4 , 10 5 or 10 6Indicator bacteria with a [cfu / g] concentration are attached to multiple containers (e.g., 15-20 containers) 1. Then, the multiple containers 1 are sterilized using a container sterilizer 20. Next, culture medium is aseptically dispensed into each sterilized container 1, and the containers are sealed with sterilized lids 2. Subsequently, the presence or absence of bactericidal effect is evaluated based on the bacterial culture status in each container 1. After that, the bactericidal effect is evaluated by calculating the logarithm of the number of attached bacteria and the number of surviving bacteria before sterilization using the following formula. Bactericidal effect = Log(number of attached bacteria / number of surviving bacteria) In this case, the number of surviving bacteria in each can may be estimated using a statistical method employing the MPN (Most Probable Number) method.

[0120] In typical container sterilization tests, Bacillus atrophaeus spores are used as indicator bacteria attached to can 1. In this case, a test is considered successful if the bactericidal effect (Log(number of attached bacteria / number of surviving bacteria)) against the indicator bacteria Bacillus atrophaeus spores is 6 LRV (Log Reduction Value) or higher. In contrast, in this embodiment, the indicator bacteria used in the container sterilization test are set according to the properties of the contents. In this embodiment, the contents are an acidic beverage containing carbon dioxide. In this case, spore-forming yeast is used as the indicator bacteria attached to can 1 in the container sterilization test, and a test is considered successful if the bactericidal effect is between 3 LRV and 12 LRV. This makes it possible to suppress bacterial growth inside product can 1A without excessively increasing the sterilization level of the contents filling system 10.

[0121] (Lid sterilization test) The lid sterilization test is a test to confirm whether lid 2 is properly sterilized or not.

[0122] The lid sterilization test involves first attaching indicator bacteria to the lid 2, then sterilizing the lid 2 using the lid sterilization device 30, and confirming the sterilization effect based on the number of bacteria remaining inside the lid 2. Specifically, for example, 10 3 , 10 4 , 10 5 or 10 6Multiple indicator bacteria (e.g., 15-20) of [cfu / g] are attached to each of the lids 2. Then, the multiple lids 2 are sterilized using the lid sterilizer 30. Next, the culture medium is aseptically dispensed into the sterilized can 1 (or a sterile container), and the can is sealed with each sterilized lid 2 (or the entire lid 2 is placed in the sterile container). Subsequently, the sealed can 1 is tilted (or inverted) manually or automatically to ensure that the culture medium comes into contact with the inner surface of the lids 2. Then, the presence or absence of bactericidal effect is evaluated based on the culture status of the indicator bacteria on each lid 2. After that, the bactericidal effect is evaluated by calculating the logarithm of the number of attached bacteria and the number of surviving bacteria before sterilization using the following formula. Bactericidal effect = Log(number of attached bacteria / number of surviving bacteria) In this case, the number of surviving bacteria in each can may be estimated using a statistical method employing the MPN (Most Probable Number) method.

[0123] Generally, in lid sterilization tests, Bacillus atrophaeus spores are used as indicator bacteria to be attached to lid 2. In this case, the bactericidal effect against the indicator bacteria, Bacillus atrophaeus spores, is measured. A product is considered acceptable if its Log(Log(Number of attached bacteria / Number of surviving bacteria)) is 6LRV (Log Reduction Value) or higher. In contrast, in this embodiment, indicator bacteria used in the lid sterilization test are set according to the properties of the contents. In this embodiment, the contents are an acidic beverage containing carbon dioxide. In this case, spore-forming yeast is used as the indicator bacteria attached to the lid 2 in the lid sterilization test, and a product is considered acceptable if the sterilization effect is between 3LRV and 12LRV. This makes it possible to suppress bacterial growth inside the product can 1A without excessively increasing the sterilization level of the contents filling system 10.

[0124] In addition to the above, tests may be performed to verify whether the supply line for the contents is properly heated (SIP heating confirmation test), and to verify whether chambers 90a to 90k are properly sterilized (chamber sterilization test).

[0125] (SIP temperature rise confirmation test) The SIP temperature rise confirmation test is a test to confirm whether the supply line for the contents is correctly heated during SIP (Sterilizing in Place) processing.

[0126] SIP treatment is a process that sterilizes the flow path through which the beverage passes before the beverage filling process begins. SIP treatment is carried out, for example, by flowing heated steam or hot water through a flow path that has been cleaned in advance by CIP (Cleaning in Place) treatment. SIP treatment is carried out by flowing heated steam or hot water, for example, through the flow path from the pipeline in the raw material supply route to the filling nozzle of the filling device 70. As a result, the flow path through which the beverage passes is sterilized and made sterile.

[0127] The SIP temperature rise confirmation test is a test to confirm that the temperature in the flow path through which the beverage passes can be maintained at a predetermined level or higher for a predetermined time or longer. Generally, the SIP temperature rise confirmation test is considered successful if the temperature in the flow path through which the contents pass is at least 121°C, preferably 130°C or higher, for 30 minutes or longer. In contrast, in this embodiment, the standard values ​​for the time and temperature used in the SIP temperature rise confirmation test are set according to the properties of the contents. Specifically, if the contents are an acidic beverage containing carbon dioxide, the SIP temperature rise confirmation test is considered successful if the temperature in the flow path through which the contents pass is at 80°C or higher for 10 minutes or longer. Alternatively, the temperature can be set to 80°C or higher using a Z value of 5°C to 10°C, and the sterilization time can be shortened to less than 10 minutes.

[0128] (Chamber sterilization test) The chamber sterilization test is a test to confirm whether chambers 90a to 90k are properly sterilized.

[0129] The chamber sterilization test is performed as follows: First, biological indicators (BIs) are attached to multiple locations (for example, 50 to 200 locations) within chambers 90a to 90k. Next, chambers 90a to 90k are subjected to COP (Cleaning out of Place) treatment with a cleaning agent and SOP (Sterilizing out of Place) treatment with a disinfectant. During COP and SOP treatment, a predetermined working fluid such as caustic soda, hydrogen peroxide, or sterile water is sprayed sequentially or shower-like within chambers 90a to 90k. Next, the presence or absence of sterilization is evaluated based on the bacterial culture status within chambers 90a to 90k after COP and SOP treatment. Specifically, the biological indicators are collected in a liquid culture medium and cultured under predetermined conditions. After that, the presence or absence of surviving bacteria in the liquid culture medium is visually confirmed, and the test is considered successful if all biological indicators are negative.

[0130] (Other sterility verification tests) In addition, the following sterility verification tests may be performed: (i) a sterilization filter leak test, (ii) an air suction test inside the chamber, a sterile water spray test inside the chamber, and (iii) a residual disinfectant concentration measurement test.

[0131] (i) The sterilization filter leak test is a test to confirm that fine particles do not pass through the sterilization filter of the sterile air supply device 95. The size of the fine particles may be, for example, 0.3 μm or larger.

[0132] (ii) The chamber air suction test is a test to confirm that no microorganisms are detected in the air suctioned from chambers 90a to 90k. The chamber sterile water spray test is a test to confirm that no microorganisms are detected in sterile water sprayed from chambers 90a to 90k and collected aseptically.

[0133] (iii) The residual disinfectant concentration measurement test is a test to confirm that the residual concentration of disinfectants such as hydrogen peroxide remaining in chambers 90a to 90k is below the standard value. The standard value for the residual concentration may be less than 0.5 ppm.

[0134] (Culture medium filling test) After conducting these tests, the sterility of can 1 is comprehensively evaluated. Specifically, a large number of cans 1 are passed through the contents filling system 10 and sterilized by the container sterilizer 20. Next, each can 1 is filled with a predetermined culture medium instead of the actual contents, and then sealed with a lid 2. After a certain period of time, it is confirmed that the culture medium filled in each can 1 does not spoil.

[0135] During this time, a test can 1 is first received from an external source. The number of cans 1 is predetermined and can be, for example, 1,000 to 100,000, preferably 10,000 to 60,000.

[0136] Next, can 1 is sent to the container sterilization device 20. In the container sterilization device 20, can 1 is sterilized. Then, in the filling device 70, a predetermined amount of culture medium is filled into can 1 from the opening of can 1.

[0137] Before being filled into can 1 by the filling device 70, the culture medium is prepared in advance and subjected to heat sterilization. The characteristics of this culture medium are matched to the characteristics of the contents to be filled in the contents filling system 10, and are suited to the characteristics that affect bacterial growth. For example, if the contents to be filled are an acidic beverage containing carbon dioxide, an acidic and carbon dioxide-containing culture medium is used. For example, if the pH of the beverage is less than pH 4.5, it is preferable that the pH of the culture medium be adjusted to its upper limit of pH 4.5. Regarding the amount of culture medium to be filled, when filling the culture medium into polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles or HDPE bottles, aerobic bacteria are targeted, so it is common to fill the culture medium to half the volume of the bottle. In contrast, in the case of can 1, which is filled with an acidic carbonated beverage containing carbon dioxide, both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria are targeted, so it is better to match the amount of culture medium to the amount actually filled into the product can 1A.

[0138] Next, the can 1 filled with culture medium is sent to the lid-fitting device 80. Here, the lid 2 is sterilized beforehand by the lid sterilization device 30. The lid 2 is brought into the lid sterilization device 30 from outside the contents filling system 10, and its inner and outer surfaces are sterilized by spraying it with hydrogen peroxide mist or gas. Next, the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the lid 2 is removed while being activated with hot air. After that, the lid 2 is washed with sterile water and sent to the lid-fitting device 80.

[0139] Next, the lid-attaching device 80 attaches the sterilized lid 2, which has been sterilized by the lid sterilization device 30, to the can 1. In this way, the culture medium is filled inside the can 1, and the opening is sealed tightly with the lid 2, thereby obtaining a test can.

[0140] Next, the verification cans filled with culture medium are unloaded from the product can unloading section 11 and packed into boxes in the packaging process. The boxed cases are tilted (or inverted) manually or automatically on a conveyor belt to ensure that the culture medium comes into contact with the inner surface of the can 1. After that, multiple verification cans are transported to a constant temperature chamber maintained at a predetermined temperature of 20°C to 40°C, preferably 30°C, and are left to stand and culture in the chamber.

[0141] After a predetermined period (preferably 7 days or more, more preferably 21 days or more), all test cans are removed from the constant temperature chamber and inspected to see if bacteria have survived or proliferated in the culture medium inside the test cans. In the inspection, it is preferable to perform a destructive test by opening the test cans, specifically checking whether turbidity, sedimentation, mold, etc., are observed in the culture medium, or whether there is a change in the pH of the culture medium. If the result of this inspection shows that the number of test cans in which bacteria have survived or proliferated is less than a predetermined number (for example, less than 1 (zero)), it is determined that the sterility of the contents filling system 10 is ensured. In this way, the sterilization degree of the contents filling system 10 is pre-adjusted so that less than 1 can is spoiled by bacteria after the culture medium is filled into 1,000 to 100,000 cans 1 instead of contents, the cans 1 are cultured at a predetermined temperature, and then the cans 1 are inspected. On the other hand, if the test results show that bacteria survived or proliferated in more than a predetermined number of test cans (for example, one or more), it will be determined that the sterility of the contents filling system 10 is insufficient, and countermeasures will be taken. For example, the transport and delivery routes for can 1 may be sterilized, or the sterilization conditions in the contents filling system 10 may be adjusted (strengthened).

[0142] (Content filling method) Next, a method for filling contents using the contents filling system 10 (Figure 1) described above will be explained with reference to Figures 6 and 7. In the following, a method for manufacturing product can 1A by filling can 1 with an acidic beverage containing carbon dioxide will be described.

[0143] First, the sterilization level of the contents filling system 10 is adjusted so that the bactericidal effect on the indicator fungus, spore-forming yeast, is between 3 LRV and 12 LRV. The method for adjusting the sterilization level of the contents filling system 10 is as described above.

[0144] Next, the contents filling system 10, with its adjusted sterilization level, actually manufactures the product cans 1A. During this time, first, the empty cans 1 are sterilized using an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, which is a disinfectant, by the container sterilization device 20 (can sterilization process, indicated by the symbol S1 in Figure 6). At this time, the cans 1 are first heated (preheating process, indicated by the symbol S11 in Figure 7). In the preheating process, the cans 1 are first sent to the first heating unit 21. Next, the cans 1 are heated by heated air from the first hot air nozzles 21a and 21b to a temperature of, for example, between 40°C and 100°C. After that, the heated cans 1 are transported to the first disinfectant spraying unit 22.

[0145] Next, the first disinfectant spraying unit 22 sprays the disinfectant onto the can 1 (disinfectant spraying step, indicated as S12 in Figure 7). At this time, the disinfectant may be a gas or mist obtained by vaporizing an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution above its boiling point. The gas or mist of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution adheres to the inner and outer surfaces of the can 1, disinfecting both the inner and outer surfaces of the can 1.

[0146] Next, can 1 is sent to the first air rinsing section 23. In the first air rinsing section 23, sterile heated air or room temperature air is supplied to can 1 to activate the hydrogen peroxide and remove foreign matter and hydrogen peroxide from can 1 (air rinsing step, indicated by the symbol S13 in Figure 7). In the air rinsing step, if necessary, a low-concentration hydrogen peroxide condensation mist 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 rinsing step, the gasified hydrogen peroxide may be supplied to can 1.

[0147] Next, can 1 is sent to the first sterile water rinsing section 24. In the first sterile water rinsing section 24, can 1 is washed with sterile water (sterile water rinsing step, indicated as S14 in Figure 7). This washes away any hydrogen peroxide adhering to can 1 and removes any foreign matter.

[0148] After that, can 1 is transported to the filling device 70.

[0149] Furthermore, the lid sterilization device 30 sterilizes the lid 2 using an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, which is a disinfectant (lid sterilization step, indicated by the symbol S2 in Figure 6). At this time, as with the can 1, the lid 2 is first heated (preheating step, indicated by the symbol S11 in Figure 7). In the preheating step, the lid 2 is first sent to the second heating unit 31. Next, the lid 2 is heated by heated air from the second hot air nozzle 31a to a temperature of, for example, between 40°C and 100°C. After that, the heated lid 2 is transported to the second disinfectant spraying unit 32.

[0150] Next, as with can 1, a disinfectant is sprayed onto lid 2 (disinfectant spraying step, indicated as S12 in Figure 7). At this time, the disinfectant may be a gas or mist of hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution, which adheres to the inner and outer surfaces of lid 2, disinfecting both the inner and outer surfaces of lid 2. Next, lid 2 is sent to the second air rinsing section 33.

[0151] Next, as with can 1, sterile heated air or room temperature air is supplied to lid 2 to activate the hydrogen peroxide and remove foreign matter and hydrogen peroxide from lid 2 (air rinsing step, indicated as S13 in Figure 7). In addition, gaseous hydrogen peroxide may be supplied to lid 2 during the air rinsing step.

[0152] Next, the lid 2 is sent to the second sterile water rinsing section 34. Then, as with the can 1, the lid 2 is washed with sterile water (sterile water rinsing step, indicated as S14 in Figure 7). This washes away any hydrogen peroxide adhering to the lid 2 and removes any foreign matter.

[0153] Subsequently, the lid 2 is transported to the lid mounting device 80.

[0154] Furthermore, the water is sterilized without heating by the water sterilization line 40 (water sterilization process, indicated as S3 in Figure 6). The water may also be sterilized by ultraviolet light in the water sterilization line 40.

[0155] Furthermore, the product stock is heat-sterilized by the stock sterilization line 60 (product stock sterilization process, indicated as S4 in Figure 6).

[0156] Subsequently, the sterilized water and the sterilized product concentrate are mixed at the intersection of the piping of the water sterilization line 40 and the piping of the concentrate sterilization line 60.

[0157] Next, the filling device 70 fills the sterilized can 1 with water and product concentrate (filling process, indicated as S5 in Figure 6). In this filling device 70, the contents made from water and product concentrate are filled into the can 1.

[0158] Next, the can 1, which is filled with its contents, is transported to the lid-attaching device 80.

[0159] Next, the lid-attaching device 80 seals the can 1, which is filled with water and product concentrate (contents), with a sterilized lid 2 (lid-attaching process, indicated by the symbol S6 in Figure 6). This ensures that the sterilized lid 2 is attached to the flange 1a of the can 1 that has been transported from the filling device 70. In this way, the can 1 is sealed and a product can 1A is obtained.

[0160] Subsequently, the product can 1A is transported from the lid-attaching device 80 to the product can discharge section 11 and discharged to the outside of the contents filling system 10 (can discharge process, indicated by S7 in Figure 6). Then, the product can 1A is heated by the can warmer 12 and transported to a packaging line (not shown) where it is packaged.

[0161] The above-mentioned can sterilization process, filling process, lid fitting process, and can discharge process are carried out in a sterile atmosphere, i.e., in a sterile environment, surrounded by the first heating chamber 90a, the first disinfectant spray chamber 90b, the first air rinse chamber 90c, the first sterile water rinse chamber 90d, the filling chamber 90e, the lid fitting chamber 90f, and the outlet chamber 90g. The lid sterilization process is carried out in a sterile atmosphere, i.e., in a sterile environment, surrounded by the second heating chamber 90h, the second disinfectant spray chamber 90i, the second air rinse chamber 90j, and the second sterile water rinse chamber 90k. In this case, each chamber 90a to 90k is sterilized in advance by spraying hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid (40°C to 80°C), spraying caustic soda (50°C to 100°C), or spraying hot water (60°C to 100°C). After each chamber has been sterilized, it is dried with sterile heated air, supplied with sterile air at room temperature, and maintained under positive pressure.

[0162] Furthermore, the water sterilization line 40 and the stock solution sterilization line 60 are pre-cleaned (CIP) using a cleaning agent (0.1% to 5%) to which an alkaline agent such as caustic soda or an acidic agent such as nitric acid is added at a temperature of approximately 60°C to 100°C. After cleaning, the flow paths are rinsed with sterile water, and then water is circulated through the circulation systems 44A and 69A, and the system enters standby operation while maintaining sterility. In addition, sterile air is supplied to the secondary flow path of the second water tank 42 of the downstream water sterilization line 40, and to the flow path from the storage tank 16a to the filling device 70 (tip of the filling valve), thereby maintaining a sterile state.

[0163] Here, a carbonated beverage containing acid and carbon dioxide is filled into can 1. The beverage may be an RTD (Ready To Drink) beverage. RTD beverages are mainly alcoholic beverages (ethyl alcohol) that are diluted with carbonated water, such as brewed or distilled spirits. Specifically, examples include chuhai-type beverages, cocktail-type beverages, wine-flavored beverages, liqueurs and other alcoholic beverages (low-alcohol beverages or alcohol-free beverages), or beer (hereinafter simply referred to as beer, etc.). The pH of such RTD beverages is generally less than 4.6. Also, such RTD beverages contain alcohol and carbon dioxide. Therefore, bacterial spores that cause harm in low-acid beverages are not targeted for sterilization in RTD beverages. On the other hand, in RTD beverages, mainly heat-resistant yeast and lactic acid bacteria are the bacteria that cause harm. Here, yeast and lactic acid bacteria, which can be harmful in RTD beverages, can be simultaneously sterilized (SIP) by the cleaning (CIP) process described above (CSIP (Cleaning and Sterilization in Place)). Therefore, when filling these contents in the next filling process, it is not necessary to perform the sterilization after the cleaning (CIP) process described above separately.

[0164] Furthermore, the production (conveying) speed of can 1 in the contents filling system 10 is preferably 100 cpm or more and 2500 cpm or less. Here, cpm (can per minute) refers to the conveying speed of can 1 per minute.

[0165] As described above, according to this embodiment, the contents filled in the contents filling system 10 are an acidic beverage containing carbon dioxide. Furthermore, the sterilization degree of the contents filling system 10 is pre-adjusted so that the sterilization effect against spore-forming yeast, which is an indicator bacterium, is between 3 LRV and 12 LRV. Spore-forming yeast proliferates easily in acidic beverages containing carbon dioxide, but it can be sterilized with a relatively weaker sterilization degree compared to Bacillus atrophaeus spores. Therefore, it is not necessary to make the sterilization degree of the contents filling system 10 excessively high. For example, the sterilization conditions of the water sterilization line 40, the stock solution sterilization line 60, the container sterilization device 20, the lid sterilization device 30, and / or the chambers 90a to 90k can be reduced compared to general sterilization conditions. This reduces the costs required for equipment, chemicals, energy, etc. of the contents filling system 10. For example, the amount of disinfectant used in the water sterilization line 40, the stock solution sterilization line 60, the container sterilization device 20, the lid sterilization device 30, and / or the chambers 90a to 90k can be reduced. Furthermore, the amount of hot air used in the container sterilization device 20 and / or lid sterilization device 30, as well as the time for blowing hot air, can be reduced. As a result, the running costs of the contents filling system 10 and carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced, contributing to a reduction in environmental impact.

[0166] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the contents filling system 10 includes a container sterilization device 20 for sterilizing the can 1, a lid sterilization device 30 for sterilizing the lid 2 that seals the can 1, a water sterilization line 40 for non-heating sterilization of water, a stock solution sterilization line 60 for sterilizing the stock solution, a filling device 70 connected to the water sterilization line 40 and the stock solution sterilization line 60, respectively, for filling the sterilized can 1 with water and stock solution, and a lid attachment device 80 for sealing the can 1 filled with water and stock solution with a sterilized lid 2. As a result, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted when preparing the contents can be reduced compared to the case where the stock solution is diluted with sterile water produced using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0167] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, product cans 1A can be manufactured using pre-sterilized cans 1, lids 2, water, and product concentrate. Therefore, the sterilization process (so-called post-sterilization) of product cans 1A after filling cans 1 with contents can be omitted. On the other hand, when manufacturing carbonated products (for example, carbonated alcoholic beverages), after filling at a low temperature (about 5°C), a pasteurizer is used to sterilize the can for about 10 minutes until the core temperature reaches about 65°C. This results in high energy consumption and increased carbon dioxide emissions from the filling system. Also, sterilizing to a core temperature of about 65°C increases the internal pressure of the can, which may make it difficult to manufacture so-called high-gas products. In addition, conventional filling systems may become larger because they require the installation of a pasteurizer. Furthermore, conventional filling systems use a pasteurizer for sterilization, which may cause the fruit juice inside the contents to deteriorate due to heat. Moreover, conventional filling systems use a pasteurizer for sterilization, which increases the pressure inside the can. This can make it difficult to reduce the weight of the can. In particular, for so-called high-gas products, which have a high proportion of carbon dioxide in their contents, it is highly likely that reducing the weight of the can will be difficult.

[0168] In contrast, in this embodiment, product cans 1A can be manufactured using pre-sterilized cans 1, lids 2, water, and product concentrate, thus eliminating the need for a sterilization step to sterilize product cans 1A after filling them with contents. This reduces energy consumption and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10. In this case, the temperature of product cans 1A is raised to approximately 30°C, the heating temperature of the can warmer 12, rather than to approximately 65°C, the sterilization temperature of conventional pasteurizers. This suppresses the rise in internal pressure of can 1, making it possible to manufacture so-called high-gas products. Furthermore, in the contents filling system 10 according to this embodiment, a pasteurizer is not required even when manufacturing carbonated products, allowing for miniaturization of the contents filling system 10. Moreover, in the contents filling system 10 according to this embodiment, the sterilization step to sterilize product cans 1A can be omitted, thus suppressing the deterioration of the fruit juice inside the contents and allowing for weight reduction of cans 1 and lids 2.

[0169] In the embodiment described above, an example was described in which the container sterilization device 20 sterilizes the can 1 with a disinfectant and the lid sterilization device 30 sterilizes the lid 2 with a disinfectant, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, the container sterilization device 20 may sterilize the can 1 with hot water, and the lid sterilization device 30 may sterilize the lid 2 with hot water.

[0170] In this case, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, the container sterilization device 20 may have a first hot water supply unit 26 that supplies hot water to the can 1. The container sterilization device 20 may also have a first air rinsing unit 23 that air rinses the can 1 supplied with hot water by the first hot water supply unit 26. In other words, in this modified example, the first air rinsing unit 23 described above may be provided downstream of the first hot water supply unit 26, and the container sterilization device 20 may not have a first heating unit 21, a first disinfectant spray unit 22, and a first sterile water rinsing unit 24. In Figure 9, the first air rinsing unit 23 is provided after the first hot water supply unit 26, also serving to remove residual water in the can 1, but the first air rinsing unit 23 may be installed before the first hot water supply unit 26, or both before and after the first hot water supply unit 26. In Figure 9, the can 1 is transported in the direction of the arrow.

[0171] The first hot water supply unit 26 is the part that sterilizes the can 1 by spraying hot water onto it. The first hot water supply unit 26 is configured to spray hot water while the can 1 is being transported. In this case, the can 1 may be transported with the flange 1a to which the lid 2 is attached facing downwards. As shown in Figure 9, the first hot water supply unit 26 includes first hot water nozzles 26a and 26b that spray hot water onto the transported can 1. Of these, the first hot water nozzle 26a is a nozzle for spraying hot water onto the inner surface of the can 1. The first hot water nozzle 26a may or may not be inserted into the can 1. The first hot water nozzle 26b is a nozzle for spraying hot water onto the outer surface of the can 1.

[0172] The temperature of the hot water supplied by the first hot water supply unit 26 may be between 70°C and 90°C. A hot water temperature of 70°C or higher improves the sterilization effect of the can 1. Furthermore, a hot water temperature of 90°C or lower reduces the consumption of thermal energy and the emission of carbon dioxide.

[0173] Furthermore, in the first hot water supply unit 26, the amount of hot water adhering to the can 1 is 0.1 mL / cm³. 2 More than 0.3mL / cm 2The following is also acceptable: The amount of hot water adhering to one can is 0.1 mL / cm². 2 As a result of the above, the sterilization effect of can 1 can be improved. Also, the amount of hot water adhering to can 1 is 0.3 mL / cm³. 2 As a result of the following, the amount of hot water used can be reduced, thereby suppressing the consumption of thermal energy for sterilizing hot water and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

[0174] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 8 and 10, the lid sterilization device 30 may also have a second hot water supply unit 36 ​​that supplies hot water to the lid 2. The lid sterilization device 30 may also further have a second air rinsing unit 33 that air rinses the lid 2, which has been supplied with hot water by the second hot water supply unit 36, with sterile air. In other words, in this modified example, the above-mentioned second air rinsing unit 33 may be provided downstream of the second hot water supply unit 36, and the lid sterilization device 30 may not have a second heating unit 31, a second disinfectant spraying unit 32, and a second sterile water rinsing unit 34. In Figure 10, the second air rinsing unit 33 is provided after the second hot water supply unit 36, also serving to remove residual water from the lid 2, but the second air rinsing unit 33 may be installed before the second hot water supply unit 36, or installed both before and after the second hot water supply unit 36. Note that in Figure 10, the lid 2 is transported in the direction of the arrow.

[0175] The second hot water supply unit 36 ​​is the part that sterilizes the lid 2 by spraying hot water onto it. The second hot water supply unit 36 ​​is configured to spray hot water while transporting the lid 2. As shown in Figure 10, the lids 2 may be transported by a guide 35 such as a screw-type chute so that gaps are formed between the lids 2. Alternatively, gaps may be created between the lids 2 by vibrating the guide 35. Then, with gaps created between the lids 2, hot water may be applied to the lids 2. The second hot water supply unit 36 ​​also includes a second hot water nozzle 36a that sprays hot water onto the transported lids 2. The discharge pressure of the hot water in the second hot water nozzle 36a may be 0.1 MPa or higher. Alternatively, multiple second hot water nozzles 36a may be used to apply hot water to the lids 2.

[0176] The temperature of the hot water supplied by the second hot water supply unit 36 ​​may be between 70°C and 90°C. A hot water temperature of 70°C or higher improves the sterilization effect of the lid 2. Furthermore, a hot water temperature of 90°C or lower reduces the consumption of thermal energy and the emission of carbon dioxide.

[0177] Furthermore, in the second hot water supply unit 36, the amount of hot water adhering to the lid 2 is 0.1 mL / cm³. 2 More than 0.3mL / cm 2 The following is also acceptable: The amount of hot water adhering to lid 2 is 0.1 mL / cm². 2 As a result of the above, the sterilization effect of lid 2 can be improved. In addition, the amount of hot water adhering to lid 2 is 0.3 mL / cm³. 2 As a result of the following, the amount of hot water used can be reduced, thereby suppressing the consumption of thermal energy for sterilizing hot water and reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

[0178] In this modified version, the contents filling system 10 includes a first hot water supply chamber 90m, a first air rinse chamber 90c, a filling chamber 90e, a lid fitting chamber 90f, and an outlet chamber 90g. The first hot water supply chamber 90m, the first air rinse chamber 90c, the filling chamber 90e, the lid fitting chamber 90f, and the outlet chamber 90g are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the conveying direction of the can 1.

[0179] The contents filling system 10 also includes a second hot water supply chamber 90n and a second air rinse chamber 90j. The second hot water supply chamber 90n, the second air rinse chamber 90j, the lid fitting chamber 90f, and the outlet chamber 90g are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the conveying direction of the lid 2. Sterile air supply devices 95 may be provided in each of the chambers 90e, 90f, and 90g to which sterile air is not supplied. Alternatively, nitrogen gas or carbon dioxide gas may be supplied instead of air to the primary side of the sterilization filter in chamber 90f. This makes it possible to further reduce the oxygen concentration in the headspace of the can 1.

[0180] Of these, the first hot water supply chamber 90m houses the first hot water supply unit 26 (first hot water nozzles 26a and 26b). The second hot water supply chamber 90n houses the second hot water supply unit 36 ​​(second hot water nozzle 36a).

[0181] In this modified example, the pressure PM in the first hot water supply chamber 90m, the pressure PC in the first air rinse chamber 90c, and the pressure PE in the filling chamber 90e may satisfy the following relationship. 0(Pa)≦PM≦PC <PE Even in this case, the pressure PE inside the filling chamber 90e is higher than the pressure PC inside the first air rinsing chamber 90c. This prevents air from the first air rinsing chamber 90c from entering the filling chamber 90e. Therefore, a good sterile condition inside the filling chamber 90e can be maintained during production.

[0182] Furthermore, the pressure PE in the filling chamber 90e, the pressure PF in the lid fitting chamber 90f, the pressure PN in the second hot water supply chamber 90n, and the pressure PJ in the second air rinse chamber 90j may satisfy the following relationship. 0(Pa)≦PN≦PJ≦PF <PE In this case as well, the pressure PE in the filling chamber 90e becomes higher than the pressure PF in the lid fitting chamber 90f. This prevents air from the lid fitting chamber 90f from entering the filling chamber 90e. Therefore, the sterile condition inside the filling chamber 90e can be maintained well. Also in this case, the pressure PF in the lid fitting chamber 90f becomes higher than or equal to the pressure PJ in the second air rinsing chamber 90j. This prevents air from the second air rinsing chamber 90j from entering the lid fitting chamber 90f. Therefore, the sterile condition inside the lid fitting chamber 90f can be maintained well.

[0183] According to this modified example, the container sterilization device 20 has a first hot water supply unit 26 that supplies hot water to the can 1. Furthermore, the temperature of the hot water supplied by the first hot water supply unit 26 is between 70°C and 90°C. Additionally, the amount of hot water adhering to the can 1 by the first hot water supply unit 26 is 0.1 mL / cm³. 2 More than 0.3mL / cm 2 The following applies. Furthermore, according to this modified version, the lid sterilization device 30 has a second hot water supply unit 36 ​​that supplies hot water to the lid 2. The temperature of the hot water supplied by the second hot water supply unit 36 ​​is between 70°C and 90°C. In addition, the amount of hot water adhering to the lid 2 by the second hot water supply unit 36 ​​is 0.1 mL / cm³. 2 More than 0.3mL / cm 2 The following is the explanation: This allows for sterilization of can 1 and lid 2 using hot water without the need for disinfectants. Therefore, the cost of sterilizing can 1 and lid 2 can be reduced. As mentioned above, when the contents are beer or similar beverages, bacterial spores that can cause harm in low-acid beverages are not targeted for sterilization. Therefore, even when using hot water without disinfectants, a sufficient sterilization effect can be obtained.

[0184] Furthermore, in this modified example, as shown in Figure 11, heat recovery from the hot water may be performed. This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emissions caused by the hot water.

[0185] When recovering heat from hot water, specifically, as shown by the solid line in Figure 11, sterile water sterilized without heating by the water sterilization line 40 is first heated to 70°C to 90°C in the heat exchanger H. At this time, the sterile water is supplied to the heat exchanger H at, for example, 15°C to 25°C (for example, 20°C). Then, as will be described later, the sterile water is heated to 70°C to 80°C (for example, 75°C) by heat exchange with the hot water recovered in the tank T. The hot water that has exchanged heat with the sterile water is then cooled from 70°C to 80°C (for example, 75°C) to 25°C to 35°C (for example, 30°C). Next, the sterile water is heated to 75°C to 85°C (for example, 80°C) by heat exchange with the steam supplied to the heat exchanger H. Furthermore, the steam that has undergone heat exchange with sterile water is cooled to a temperature between 70°C and 80°C (for example, 75°C).

[0186] Subsequently, the heated hot water is supplied to the first hot water supply unit 26 and the second hot water supply unit 36 ​​and used for sterilizing the can 1 and / or lid 2.

[0187] Next, the hot water used to sterilize can 1 and / or lid 2 is collected in tank T. Then, the hot water collected in tank T is returned to the medium side of heat exchanger H. In this way, heat is recovered from the hot water. This significantly reduces thermal energy (carbon dioxide). Alternatively, the hot water after heat exchange can be reused by returning it to the first water tank 41. In this case, however, foreign matter may be mixed into the hot water from can 1, each chamber, piping, etc. Even if foreign matter is mixed into the hot water to be reused, the foreign matter in the hot water is removed by the foreign matter removal filter 51 of the water sterilization line 40.

[0188] (Other variations) In the above embodiment, the case in which the contents filled by the contents filling system 10 are an acidic beverage containing carbon dioxide was described as an example. However, the contents filled by the contents filling system 10 may be a seasoning, etc.

[0189] Examples of seasonings include soy sauce, mirin, ponzu sauce, dashi stock, dipping sauces, noodle soup bases and other sauces, cooking sake, dressings, sauces such as pasta sauce and Worcestershire sauce, spicy condiments such as chili oil, and liquid condiments such as ketchup, mayonnaise, and liquid miso.

[0190] In this modified example, the contents filling system 10 is pre-adjusted so that its sterilization level is suitable for the seasoning. The sterilization level of the contents filling system 10 may be adjusted by setting various conditions, for example, the water sterilization line 40, the stock sterilization line 60, the container sterilization device 20, the lid sterilization device 30, and / or the chambers 90a to 90k.

[0191] The contents filling system 10 according to this modified version is designed to ensure the sterility of the product can 1A while adjusting the degree of sterilization so as not to be excessive. When the contents filled by the contents filling system 10 are seasonings, the types of bacteria that easily proliferate in the seasonings are limited due to the influence of salt concentration and alcohol concentration. Therefore, bacterial growth in the product can 1A can be suppressed without excessively increasing the degree of sterilization of the contents filling system 10. In this case, heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria are used as indicator bacteria to determine whether or not bacterial growth has occurred in the product can 1A. Heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria proliferate easily in seasonings, but can be killed even with a relatively weak degree of sterilization. The contents filling system 10 is designed to adjust the degree of sterilization so that the bactericidal effect against heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria is between 3LRV (Log Reduction Value) and 12LRV. A bactericidal effect against heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria of 3LRV or higher can be considered sufficient for the sterilization level when filling seasonings. If the bactericidal effect against heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria is 12 LRV or less, the sterilization level of the contents filling system 10 is not excessively high. Therefore, the costs required for equipment, chemicals, energy, etc. in the contents filling system 10 can be reduced. As a standard for bactericidal effect, FSO (Food Safety Objective, ISO 13409-1996) may be used. Lactobacillus fructivorans is an example of heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria. The bactericidal effect of the contents filling system 10 against heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria may be 5 LRV or more, 6 LRV or more, or 7 LRV or more. The bactericidal effect of the contents filling system 10 against heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria may be 11 LRV or less, or 10 LRV or less. Furthermore, if the salt concentration of the seasoning is low (low osmotic pressure) and the contents are prone to spoilage, the indicator bacteria can be changed from heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria to spore-forming yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).

[0192] The sterilization level of the contents filling system 10 can be appropriately adjusted by adjusting, for example, at least one sterilization condition of the water sterilization line 40, the stock solution sterilization line 60, the container sterilization device 20, the lid sterilization device 30, and the chambers 90a to 90k. Specifically, sterilization conditions in the water sterilization line 40 include the mesh size of the foreign matter removal filter 51 and the sterilization intensity of the first sterilizer 52. Sterilization conditions in the stock solution sterilization line 60 include the sterilization temperature and sterilization time of the product stock solution sterilizer 62. Sterilization conditions in the container sterilization device 20 include the number of nozzles and the amount of disinfectant sprayed. Sterilization conditions in the lid sterilization device 30 include the number of nozzles and the amount of disinfectant sprayed. Sterilization conditions in the chambers 90a to 90k include the mesh size of the sterilization filter of the sterile air supply device 95 and various conditions when performing COP treatment and SOP treatment.

[0193] When the contents are seasonings, heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria are used as indicator bacteria in the sterility verification method for verifying the sterility of the contents filling system 10. For example, in the bottle sterilization test, heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria are used as indicator bacteria attached to can 1. If the sterilization effect in this case is between 3LRV and 12LRV, it can be considered a success. Similarly, in the cap sterilization test, heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria are used as indicator bacteria attached to lid 2. If the sterilization effect in this case (Log(number of attached bacteria / number of surviving bacteria)) is between 3LRV (Log Reduction Value) and 12LRV, it can be considered a success.

[0194] In the above, can 1 and lid 2 were used as examples of containers for filling with contents. However, the containers are not limited to these; instead of can 1, resin containers (polyethylene terephthalate bottles, polyethylene bottles), glass bottles, paper containers, barrels, etc., may be used. Similarly, a resin cap may be used instead of lid 2. Furthermore, the sterilization of can 1 and lid 2 was explained using a disinfectant consisting of hydrogen peroxide as an example. However, the containers are not limited to this; disinfectants such as peracetic acid or electron beams may also be used for sterilization.

[0195] The multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments and variations can be combined as needed. Alternatively, some components may be removed from all the components shown in the above embodiments and variations. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0196] 1 can 2 lid 10 Contents filling system 20 Container sterilizer 21 1st heating section 22 First disinfectant spraying unit 23. First Air Rinse Section 24. First sterile water rinsing section 26 1st hot water supply section 30 Lid sterilizer 31 2nd heating section 32 Second disinfectant spraying unit 33. Second Air Rinse Section 34. Second sterile water rinsing section 36 Second hot water supply section 40 water sterilization lines 60. Sterilization line for undiluted solution 70 Filling equipment 80 Lid attachment device

Claims

1. In a content filling system, The water sterilization line is a line that sterilizes the water used to dilute the product concentrate without heating, A container sterilization device that sterilizes cans with hot water that has been sterilized without heating in the aforementioned water sterilization line, A filling device for filling a sterilized can with the contents, which include the water and the product concentrate; A lid-attaching device for manufacturing product cans by sealing the can filled with the contents with a sterilized lid, At least one chamber housing the container sterilization device, the filling device, and the lid attachment device, The system includes a bypass line connected to the water sterilization line and to all supply devices that supply sterile water used during the manufacture of the product cans and sterile water used when the product cans are not being manufactured, The contents are a beverage containing carbon dioxide gas that is acidic (pH less than 4.0) and has a carbon dioxide pressure of 98 kPa or more at 20°C. The aforementioned beverage contains alcohol, After adjusting the contents filling system, a container sterilization test is performed, and the sterilization degree of the contents filling system is such that the bactericidal effect against the indicator bacterium Saccharomyces cerevisiae is 3 LRV or more and 12 LRV or less.

2. The sterilization level of the contents filling system is predetermined by filling 1,000 to 100,000 of the cans with culture medium instead of the contents, culturing the cans at a predetermined temperature, and then inspecting the cans so that fewer than one can is spoiled by bacteria, as described in claim 1.

3. A method for manufacturing a container filled with contents using a contents filling system, A process of sterilizing cans using a container sterilization device, A filling device fills the sterilized cans with contents, The process includes a step of manufacturing a product can by using a lid-attaching device to seal the can, which is filled with the contents, with a sterilized lid, The contents filling system comprises a water sterilization line, which is a line for non-heating sterilization of water used to dilute the product concentrate, and a bypass line connected to the water sterilization line and connected to all supply devices that supply sterile water used during the manufacture of the product cans and sterile water used when the product cans are not being manufactured. In the process of sterilizing the can, the can is sterilized with hot water that has been sterilized without heating in the water sterilization line, The contents are a beverage containing carbon dioxide gas that is acidic (pH less than 4.0) and has a carbon dioxide pressure of 98 kPa or more at 20°C. The aforementioned beverage contains alcohol, A method for manufacturing a container filled with contents, wherein, after adjusting the contents filling system, a container sterilization test is performed, and the sterilization degree of the contents filling system is such that the bactericidal effect against the indicator bacterium Saccharomyces cerevisiae is 3 LRV or more and 12 LRV or less.

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