Sterilizing agent vaporizer, container treatment system and method for operating a sterilizing agent vaporizer

Abstract

The invention relates to a sterilizing agent vaporizer (1) for a container treatment system, comprising a liquid supply (2) for a sterilizing liquid to be vaporized, a gas supply (6) for a carrier gas, and at least one outlet (10), which are connected to a vaporizer chamber (7), wherein the vaporizer chamber (7) is designed for cleaning with a cleaning liquid. According to the invention, the vaporizer chamber (7) is designed to be flooded with the cleaning liquid, and an ultrasonic generator (14) is provided for ultrasonically cleaning the flooded vaporizer chamber (7). The invention also relates to a container treatment system comprising a sterilizing agent vaporizer (1) and a method for operating the sterilizing agent vaporizer (1).

Description

[0001] Sterilizing agent evaporator, container treatment system and method for operating a sterilizing agent evaporator

[0002] Description:

[0003] The invention relates to a sterilizing agent evaporator for a container treatment system, comprising a liquid supply for a sterilizing liquid to be evaporated, a gas supply for a carrier gas, and at least one outlet, all connected to an evaporator chamber, the evaporator chamber being equipped for cleaning with a cleaning fluid. The invention further relates to a container treatment system, in particular a fluid forming machine, with the sterilizing agent evaporator. Finally, the invention also relates to a method for operating the sterilizing agent evaporator.

[0004] In the food and beverage industry, highly perishable products are often packaged or bottled, with the aim of achieving the longest possible shelf life.

[0005] The present invention relates in particular to the beverage industry, wherein containers for holding beverages are handled by a container handling system. The containers can, for example, be made of PET bottles, where PET (polyethylene terephthalate) is characterized by good barrier properties, good functional properties, and good recyclability.

[0006] Especially with particularly sensitive, highly perishable, and / or high-quality products, there is a requirement to maintain impeccable quality for as long as possible. Sensitive beverage products include, for example, milk, milk-based drinks, sports drinks, yogurt drinks, coffee drinks, and fruit and vegetable juices. Corresponding

[0007]

[0008] Products should be provided as fresh and germ-free as possible, but the introduction of germs and other microorganisms should also be avoided as much as possible through the containers themselves, especially in the form of PET bottles, and the surrounding environment during filling.

[0009] In the beverage industry, aseptic processes and systems are used in this context, and separate sterilization with a suitable sterilizing agent may be required, particularly for PET bottles and preforms used to manufacture them. It is known, in particular, to sterilize preforms in a fluid forming machine before they are formed into containers, especially PET bottles. For forming, the preforms are heated, and the described sterilization can take place before and / or after heating. The fluid forming machine can be a blow molding or stretch blow molding machine, operated with a gaseous fluid, especially air, or with a liquid, especially the product being filled. When forming is done by the liquid product itself, this is also referred to as a form-fill process.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, sterilization of already molded PET bottles is of course also possible.

[0011] For efficient sterilization in high-throughput industrial production, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is particularly suitable, although other sterilizing agents, such as peracetic acid, are also generally acceptable. It is important to note that the sterilizing agent must be removed, or at least almost completely removed, before filling the containers to prevent any contamination of the contents. In practice, it has proven effective to...

[0012]

[0013] Background: proven effective in using hydrogen peroxide in vaporized form in a carrier medium, especially air.

[0014] In this context, sterilization agent evaporators for container treatment systems are known, particularly for the beverage industry, for which reference is made to EP 1 425 048 B1 and EP 1 142 592 B1, which describe various designs by way of example.

[0015] A sterilizing fluid containing hydrogen peroxide in an aqueous solution as the active ingredient is added and evaporated. The sterilizing fluid typically also contains a small amount of a stabilizer to prevent the decomposition of the hydrogen peroxide within the fluid itself. Suitable stabilizers include sodium pyrophosphate and orthophosphoric acid, although other additional ingredients may also be present.

[0016] When the sterilizing fluid evaporates, the stabilizer and possibly other components can precipitate in the evaporator chamber. The evaporator chamber is usually heated by a heating element. This element can be located within the evaporator chamber or form a heating surface within the chamber's inner wall. Deposits forming there can lead to reduced heat transfer and contamination. It is particularly important to prevent these deposits from flaking off and subsequently contaminating the containers being sterilized.

[0017] Against this background, a sterilizing agent vaporizer according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from EP 3 583 957 A1. To the

[0018]

[0019] To clean the evaporator chamber, a cleaning fluid is introduced under pressure through a nozzle as a cleaning jet in a cleaning facility. This mechanically loosens and flushes away contaminants in the evaporator chamber. However, the mechanical cleaning effect is limited. In addition to water, cleaning agents, acids, and alkalis can also be used as cleaning fluids. It is important to ensure that the surface being cleaned is not damaged by an overly aggressive cleaning fluid.

[0020] The present invention aims to provide a sterilizing agent evaporator that enables reliable and simple operation over the long term and is particularly easy and efficient to clean. Furthermore, a container treatment system incorporating the sterilizing agent evaporator and a method for operating the sterilizing agent evaporator are to be provided.

[0021] The subject matter of the invention and the solution to the problem are a sterilizing agent evaporator according to claim 1, a container treatment system according to claim 7, and a method for operating the sterilizing agent evaporator according to claim 8.

[0022] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a sterilizing agent evaporator for a container treatment system, comprising a liquid supply for a sterilizing liquid to be evaporated, a gas supply for a carrier gas, and at least one outlet, all connected to an evaporator chamber, wherein the evaporator chamber is configured for cleaning with a cleaning liquid. The invention provides that the evaporator chamber is configured for flooding with the cleaning liquid, and that an ultrasonic generator is used for ultrasonic cleaning.

[0023] Cleaning of the flooded evaporator chamber is planned.

[0024] According to the invention, at least the evaporator chamber is cleaned using ultrasound. It is understood – as further explained below – that, depending on the specific design, adjacent sections flooded with the cleaning fluid, such as inlet and outlet pipes, or the like, can also be cleaned.

[0025] The present invention teaches that typical deposits from the evaporation of the sterilizing liquid, which in particular contains hydrogen peroxide, can be removed particularly easily and efficiently by ultrasound, for which purpose the ultrasound generator is provided as a component of the sterilizing agent evaporator.

[0026] Preferably, the ultrasound generator is permanently installed and can then be operated immediately at any time during maintenance and when the evaporator chamber is flooded with the cleaning fluid.

[0027] Ultrasonic cleaning removes contaminants through vibrations. These vibrations are transmitted via the cleaning fluid after the evaporator chamber is flooded and act on the surfaces where deposits have formed. Frequencies in the range of 20 kHz to 400 kHz are typically used, and the vibrations and resulting mechanical movements enable a particularly gentle yet effective cleaning process.

[0028] While conventional rinsing methods require the pumping of comparatively large quantities of cleaning fluid for intensive cleaning, the exposure time of ultrasound during a

[0029]

[0030] The cleaning operation can be freely chosen and adapted according to requirements.

[0031] Suitable ultrasound generators are known to those skilled in the art, whereby piezoceramic transducer systems can be used in particular for generating the vibrations.

[0032] Based on the described basic concept, various further design options arise.

[0033] The invention requires that the evaporator chamber can be flooded with the cleaning fluid. It is particularly advantageous if the outlet is closable, so that the cleaning fluid can then accumulate in the evaporator chamber.

[0034] For a closable outlet design, a connection between the outlet and the evaporator chamber can be provided by a tap, valve, or similar device. Naturally, such a shut-off device can also be electronically controlled via a central control unit to enable different operating modes, and in particular at least a sterilization mode and a cleaning mode.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible to directly close the outlet, for which a cap or similar device can be fitted manually or automatically. It is also conceivable that the cap has a free space directly in the area of ​​the outlet, which can be filled with the cleaning fluid. It should be noted that the transmission of the vibration generated by the ultrasonic generator through

[0036] The cleaning fluid can clean not only the evaporator chamber, but also subsequent paths, especially up to the outlet, by ultrasound, if cleaning fluid is also present there and is in fluidic contact with the ultrasound generator.

[0037] The specific design of the sterilizing agent evaporator, and in particular the evaporator chamber, is not limited within the scope of the invention. Various approaches are known from the prior art that are also fundamentally suitable within the scope of the present invention.

[0038] For example, it is conceivable that the carrier gas is preheated to such an extent that the sterilizing liquid, which is then added as a spray mist, evaporates in the evaporator chamber solely due to the heat of the carrier gas. In this process, stabilizers or other impurities and additives contained in the sterilizing liquid can then precipitate onto surfaces of the evaporator chamber.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the evaporator chamber can be heated separately, for which purpose a heating device is provided. A heating surface of the heating device can be arranged in the evaporator chamber and / or form an inner wall section of the evaporator chamber. With such an embodiment, the described residues can then form, particularly on the heating surface.

[0040] As is generally known from the prior art, the sterilization liquid to be evaporated and the carrier gas can be combined in the evaporator chamber or introduced as an aerosol, as is also known from the prior art.

[0041]

[0042] Reference is made to the details.

[0043] Within the framework of the solution according to the invention, the person skilled in the art is generally able to flood the evaporator chamber for cleaning operation in a suitable manner, whereby a suitable switching is provided by means of valves, overflows or the like, which ultimately also depends on the specific geometry of the evaporator chamber chosen.

[0044] For example, it may be provided that a vent and / or overflow outlet for flooding the evaporator chamber is connected to it.

[0045] If, for example, an outlet located in the lower section is closed, the cleaning fluid can be introduced into the evaporator chamber via a suitable supply line, while simultaneously removing the displaced air from the chamber. For this purpose, the vent outlet, typically located in or adjacent to the upper section of the evaporator chamber, can be provided, allowing the air to escape. It is also possible that any water that accumulates during the filling process will eventually overflow, creating an overflow outlet. This overflowing water can then be collected and drained away. Depending on the type of system, however, it is also possible for the water to drain to the bottom of the unit if it is designed for wet cleaning.

[0046] In principle, it can be useful to monitor for overflow or when the cleaning fluid reaches a desired fill level in the evaporator chamber using suitable means, especially sensors, because then the flow of cleaning fluid can be stopped and the

[0047]

[0048] Ultrasonic cleaning can be started using the ultrasonic generator.

[0049] During ultrasonic cleaning, dirt and grime are lifted by the cleaning fluid. Depending on the type of dirt and the type of cleaning fluid, some contaminants may be dissolved, while others may remain in the form of small particles. These contaminants can often be identified in the cleaning fluid through analysis of its conductivity, turbidity, color, or other properties.

[0050] It may be provided that the sterilizing agent evaporator has at least one sensor device for analyzing the cleaning fluid.

[0051] Based on this, various embodiments of the invention are possible. For example, it is possible to continue the ultrasonic treatment until a certain degree of contamination is detected in the cleaning fluid. Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible to provide a certain flow rate of the cleaning fluid and / or several filling cycles with the cleaning fluid during the cleaning process, whereby cleaning can then continue until the sensor device no longer detects any significant contamination of the cleaning fluid. It is also conceivable, for example, to adjust the flow rate of the cleaning fluid depending on the signal from the sensor device, thereby setting a specific flow velocity.

[0052] It is understood that the described components, such as valves, at least one sensor device, the heating device and the ultrasonic generator, are expediently connected to a common control unit.

[0053] They may be connected.

[0054] The invention also relates to a container treatment system comprising at least one sterilizing agent evaporator designed as described above. The treatment system is in particular a fluid forming machine, but the use of the described sterilizing agent evaporator can also be advantageous in filling machines designed for pre-formed bottles in the beverage industry.

[0055] The fluid forming machine can be operated as a blow molding or stretch blow molding machine with a gaseous fluid, especially air, or with a liquid, especially the material being filled. When forming is done by the liquid material itself, this is also referred to as a form-fill process.

[0056] For example, a container handling system could be a filling system where containers are filled with a product. This could be a liquid foodstuff, particularly a beverage, which is filled into the containers in the container handling system. In this case, the containers are primarily plastic beverage bottles, although beverage bottles made of other materials or beverage cans are also possible.

[0057] Preferably, the container processing plant is designed as a forming plant, in particular a fluid forming plant, in which the containers are first formed into beverage bottles. This is often done in a blow molding plant or stretch blow molding plant, whereby the containers initially exist as so-called preforms.

[0058]

[0059] Preforms are containers which are only finished in the area of ​​the container opening, in particular with an external thread for receiving a cap, whereby the underlying container body is then formed into a beverage bottle using blow forming or stretch blow forming.

[0060] For this process, a treatment fluid, in particular a gaseous treatment fluid (e.g., compressed air), is introduced into the containers, pressurizing them and drawing the container body towards a blow molding cavity. The blow molding cavity has the shape of the beverage bottle to be manufactured. In the stretch blow molding system, a so-called stretching bar is also provided, which causes axial elongation of the container body along the container axis.

[0061] To enable such blow molding, the containers are typically made of a thermoplastic material, which is first heated in a heating device and thereby softened. The material is primarily polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0062] During fluid forming, a liquid treatment fluid can also be introduced into the containers. This is primarily a filler material that is already intended for filling the containers. Accordingly, the containers are not only formed by introducing the treatment fluid, but also filled simultaneously. Such a process is also known as form-fill. Further explanations will refer generally to blow molding or plug blow molding, whereby these explanations also apply to forming with the

[0063] liquid treatment fluid and therefore also specifically refer to Formfill procedures.

[0064] To enable the described forming process, the fluid forming machine comprises several processing modules, each with a container holder designed as a blow mold. This blow mold typically consists of at least two mold halves, which are pivotable relative to each other and together form a blow cavity, the blow cavity corresponding to the shape of the beverage bottle to be produced. Blow molds with three parts, namely the two mold halves and a base mold, are common and also suitable within the scope of the invention.

[0065] In the open state of the blow mold cavity, a container in the form of a preform can be inserted, and the blow mold is then closed by pivoting the mold halves. A fluid supply is associated with the container holder, through which the treatment fluid is introduced under pressure into the container in the closed state to cause plastic deformation. The fluid supply is typically integrated with a valve assembly located above the container holder, allowing the supply of the treatment fluid to be controlled via the valve assembly.

[0066] The treatment modules are usually arranged on a rotatably driven carrier, so that the containers are treated as the carrier rotates.

[0067] This design is also preferred for filling systems. In particular, a large number of treatment modules, for example 10 to 20, are arranged on the carrier so that a large number of containers can be filled simultaneously.

[0068] can be treated.

[0069] However, the invention is not limited to a design with the rotatably driven carrier and can also be intended for linearly guided or other systems not designed as rotary drives.

[0070] In this configuration, the treatment modules, including the fluid feeds and the container mount, are fixed to the support, so that the treatment fluid is supplied to the containers via a rotating system. For this purpose, the fluid feeds connect either directly or indirectly to a rotary union, which enables the transfer of the treatment fluid between a fixed piping system and the rotating fluid feeds. In this configuration, the supply line is part of the fixed piping system and connects to the rotary union at its end.

[0071] As mentioned previously, the preforms are heated before the blow molding process. Sterilization of the preforms with the sterilizing agent evaporator according to the invention can, in principle, take place before, during, or after heating. If necessary, heating the preforms can also be provided as part of the sterilization process, for example, to activate and / or remove a previously introduced sterilizing current.

[0072] To achieve a high level of overall purity, the container treatment plant can also include an enclosure that forms a cleanroom. In this context, a cleanroom is understood to be an enclosure that contains a reduced number of contaminants compared to the surrounding environment.

[0073] exhibits airborne particles. For this purpose, a fundamental distinction is made according to different cleanliness classes as defined in ISO 14644-1. Within the scope of the invention, cleanliness classes between ISO 3 and ISO 9 are specifically provided.

[0074] The invention also relates to a method for operating a sterilizing agent evaporator, which is designed in particular as described above.

[0075] In a sterilization plant, a sterilization fluid to be evaporated is supplied, which contains, in particular, hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide can be supplied specifically as an aqueous solution.

[0076] To generate a sterilization stream, particularly a gaseous one, the sterilization liquid is at least partially, preferably completely, evaporated into a carrier gas in an evaporator chamber, with the sterilization stream being discharged via at least one outlet.

[0077] In a cleaning process, the evaporator chamber is flooded with a cleaning fluid, which is primarily water-based. The evaporator chamber is then cleaned by applying ultrasound to the cleaning fluid within it. It is understood that the supply of the sterilizing fluid and carrier gas is preferably interrupted during the cleaning process.

[0078] During the production and processing of containers, the sterilizing agent evaporator is used in the sterilization unit. If production is interrupted, the unit then undergoes a cleaning cycle, during which the evaporator-

[0079] The room is cleaned as described. The switch between sterilization and cleaning modes can be made as needed and / or according to predefined maintenance intervals.

[0080] In principle, the cleaning agent can be placed in the evaporator chamber during ultrasonic treatment. It is also possible to fill and empty the evaporator chamber several times in succession, in which case the degree of soiling can be determined, for example, using a sensor.

[0081] In principle, it is also possible for the cleaning agent to flow through the evaporator chamber when exposed to ultrasound, whereby a comparatively slow exchange of the cleaning agent can be provided. In this case, a preferably continuous or regular determination of the degree of soiling can also be carried out. It is then possible, for example, to continue the cleaning process until the detected soiling in the flowing cleaning agent falls below a predetermined value.

[0082] At the end of the cleaning operation, it should be ensured that all loosened contaminants have been removed from the evaporator room and adjacent pathways.

[0083] In particular, after ultrasonic treatment, the cleaning agent containing the contaminants can be removed, followed by rinsing with a liquid rinsing medium, such as sterile water. Such rinsing can be implemented as a separate filling cycle. If the cleaning agent flows through the evaporator chamber during ultrasonic treatment, then after the

[0084]

[0085] Apply ultrasound and run sterile water as a rinsing medium in a continuous fluid flow.

[0086] During rinsing, it may also be necessary to require the rinsing medium to flow at a velocity that reliably enables the removal of settled and / or individually adhering contaminants.

[0087] The invention is explained below using exemplary figures. These show:

[0088] Fig. 1 shows a sterilizing agent evaporator according to the invention for a container treatment plant,

[0089] Fig. 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the sterilizing agent evaporator according to the invention.

[0090] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a sterilizing agent evaporator 1 according to the invention for a container treatment plant.

[0091] For a typical sterilization operation, a liquid supply 2 is provided for a sterilization liquid to be evaporated, wherein the sterilization liquid is supplied from a reservoir 3 as an example.

[0092] The liquid supply 2 further comprises a valve 4a, which is connected to a control device 5. Furthermore, a gas supply 6 for a carrier gas is provided, the gas supply 6 also having a valve 4b connected to the control device 5.

[0093]

[0094] The sterilizing liquid to be evaporated and the carrier gas are supplied to an evaporator chamber 7. The exemplary embodiment shows that an aerosol is formed from the carrier gas and the sterilizing liquid using a spray device 8. However, the sterilizing liquid and the carrier gas can also be combined in other ways to effect at least partial and preferably complete evaporation of the sterilizing liquid in the evaporator chamber 7.

[0095] The sterilization fluid contains hydrogen peroxide in an aqueous solution, and also includes other components such as, in particular, a stabilizer for hydrogen peroxide.

[0096] In evaporator chamber 7, the previously formed aerosol evaporates, creating a sterilization stream from the sterilizing liquid and the carrier gas. However, certain components and impurities of the sterilizing agent can precipitate in evaporator chamber 7.

[0097] The evaporator chamber 7, shown only schematically, includes a heating device 9 for heating, and impurities can accumulate particularly on the inside of the heating device 9.

[0098] In the usual sterilization process, the gaseous sterilization stream is discharged at an outlet 10 and directed into a preform 11, which is sterilized by the sterilization stream or the hydrogen peroxide contained therein.

[0099] During continuous operation of the sterilizing agent evaporator 1, deposits in the evaporator chamber 7 can lead to a significant impairment.

[0100] Deposits on the heating element 9 can, for example, alter the heat flow. Furthermore, there is also a significant risk that contaminants could detach as particles and then contaminate the preform 11, which should be prevented.

[0101] To enable particularly simple and efficient cleaning of the evaporator chamber 7, the evaporator chamber 7 is designed to be flooded with a cleaning fluid. For this purpose, an inlet 12 is provided for the cleaning fluid, whereby the inlet 12 can also be equipped with a valve 4c connected to the control direction 5.

[0102] Furthermore, a connection between the outlet 10 and the evaporator chamber 7 is also provided with a valve 4d, which is connected to the control device 5.

[0103] To flood the evaporator chamber 7 with the cleaning fluid, the valve 4d in front of the outlet 10 is closed. Alternatively, the outlet 10 can also be closed at the end, for example by fitting a cap (not shown).

[0104] It is advisable to close valves 4a and 4b of the liquid supply 2 and the gas supply 6 beforehand in order to then enable the operation of the sterilizing agent evaporator 1 in a cleaning operation.

[0105] When the valve 4c of the inlet 12 opens, the evaporator chamber 7 fills with the cleaning fluid, while displaced air can escape through a vent and overflow outlet 13. The fill level of the cleaning fluid in the chamber can also be monitored by suitable sensors or devices.

[0106]

[0107] Evaporator chamber 7 and / or an overflow of the cleaning fluid at the vent and overflow outlet 13 can be monitored, so that the supply of the cleaning fluid via the inlet 12 can then be interrupted again.

[0108] Then, the evaporator chamber 7 is ultrasonically cleaned by an ultrasonic generator 14, resulting in a particularly efficient, thorough and gentle removal of contaminants.

[0109] The cleaning fluid can then be removed through outlet 10, whereby no preform 11 is present at that point during the cleaning process. Depending on the specific design of the entire system, the cleaning fluid can be collected or flow freely to the floor, particularly if the entire system is designed for wet cleaning.

[0110] After the cleaning fluid has been removed, it is advisable to rinse with a rinsing medium, for example sterile water, to remove any remaining dissolved deposits that have previously settled and / or are still loosely adhering to surfaces.

[0111] In the illustrated embodiment, the sterilizing agent evaporator 1 is provided for sterilizing the preform 11. The sterilizing agent evaporator is part of a container treatment system, in particular a stretch blow molding machine, wherein the sterilized preform 11 is subsequently formed into a bottle.

[0112] It is understood that in the embodiment according to Fig. 1, the evaporator chamber 7 is also filled several times with the cleaning fluid during the cleaning operation and subjected to ultrasonic stimulation.

[0113] can be cleaned. In particular, it is also possible to determine the degree of contamination when draining the cleaning fluid, for which a sensor device 15, described in more detail below in connection with Fig. 2, can also be provided.

[0114] Figure 2 shows a variant of the sterilizing agent evaporator 1, in which a branch line 16 with a further valve 4e and the optionally provided sensor 15 is connected in the area of ​​the outlet 10 upstream of the valve 4d provided there. The branch line 16 can be used to discharge the cleaning fluid separately after cleaning, and the degree of contamination can also be analyzed using the sensor 15.

[0115] Alternatively, cleaning fluid can be drained via branch line 16 and replenished via inlet 12 even during ultrasonic treatment. With this configuration, contaminants can be removed directly, and changes in the degree of contamination can be monitored more precisely using sensor 15. It is also conceivable to use signals from sensor 15 to adjust the flow of cleaning fluid, for example, to regulate the flow rate.

[0116]

[0117] Reference list Sterilizing agent vaporizer Liquid supply Reservoir a Valve b Valve c Valve d Valve e Valve Control unit Gas supply Vaporizer chamber Spray unit Heating unit 0 Outlet 1 Preform 2 Inlet 3 Vent and overflow outlet 4 Ultrasonic generator 5 Sensor unit 6 Branch line

Claims

Patent claims:

1. Sterilizing agent evaporator (1) for a container treatment system with a liquid supply (2) for a sterilizing liquid to be evaporated, a gas supply (6) for a carrier gas and at least one outlet (10) which are connected to an evaporator chamber (7), wherein the evaporator chamber (7) is equipped for cleaning with a cleaning liquid, characterized in that the evaporator chamber (7) is equipped for flooding with the cleaning liquid and that an ultrasonic generator (14) is provided for ultrasonic cleaning of the flooded evaporator chamber (7).

2. Sterilizing agent evaporator (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the outlet (10) is closable.

3. Sterilizing agent evaporator (1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a venting and / or overflow outlet (13) for flooding the evaporator chamber (7) is connected to the evaporator chamber (7).

4. Sterilizing agent evaporator (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one sensor device (15) is provided for analyzing the cleaning fluid.

5. Sterilizing agent evaporator (1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a heating surface of a heating device (9) is arranged in the evaporator chamber (7) and / or forms an inner wall section of the evaporator chamber (7).

6. Sterilizing agent evaporator (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control device (5) is provided to which at least the ultrasonic generator (14) and valves (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e) are connected.

7. Container treatment plant, in particular fluid forming machine, with a sterilizing agent evaporator (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

8. Method for operating a sterilizing agent evaporator (1), in particular a sterilizing agent evaporator according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in a sterilization operation a sterilizing liquid to be evaporated, in particular containing hydrogen peroxide, is supplied and is at least partially evaporated into a carrier gas in an evaporator chamber (7) to generate a sterilization stream, wherein the sterilization stream is discharged via at least one outlet (10) and wherein in a cleaning operation the evaporator chamber (7) is flooded with a cleaning liquid, in particular based on water, and is cleaned by applying ultrasound to the cleaning liquid contained in the evaporator chamber (7).

9. Method according to claim 8, wherein in the sterilization operation an aerosol is formed with the sterilization liquid, which is evaporated in the evaporator chamber (7).

10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the cleaning agent is in the evaporator chamber (7) or flows through the evaporator chamber (7) when subjected to ultrasound.

11. Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the sterilization stream in the sterilization operation is directed through the at least one outlet (10) into a preform (11 ).

12. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein contamination of the cleaning fluid is determined in the cleaning process.

13. A method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein in the The cleaning process concludes with rinsing using a liquid rinsing medium, especially water.

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