Caps sterilizer with UV after injection

Abstract

There is described a caps sterilizer (11) for sterilizing caps (2), the caps sterilizer (11) being configured for sterilizing the caps (2) while the caps advance according to an advancement direction (A), and by means of a sterilizing agent; wherein the caps sterilizer (11) defines, along said advancement direction (A):- an injection zone (19), the caps sterilizer (11) being configured for injecting the sterilizing agent in the injection zone (19);- an activation zone (26) which is located downstream of the injection zone (19), with respect to the advancement direction of the caps (2), and in which the sterilizing agent resides on the caps (2);- a drying zone (25) which is located downstream of the activation zone (26), with respect to the advancement direction (A) of the caps (2), the caps sterilizer (11) being configured for at least partially drying the caps (2) in the drying zone (25), to at least reduce the residual of sterilizing agent on the caps (2), preferably by introducing heated air in said drying zone (25);- a further zone (27) which is located downstream of the drying zone (25), with respect to the advancement direction (A) of the caps (2);wherein the caps sterilizer (11) is configured so that the sterilizing agent enters into contact with the caps (2) at least partially by means of condensation; wherein the caps sterilizer (11) is configured for irradiating the caps (2) in the drying zone (25) or in said further zone (27) by UV radiation.

Description

CAPS STERILIZER WITH UV AFTER INJECTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a cap sterilization apparatus for sterilizing caps for capping containers.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a caps sterilizer which can be used in the caps sterilization apparatus.

[0003] Advantageously, the present invention further relates to a packaging machine packaging a pourable product by means of containers, and comprising a sterilization apparatus for sterilizing caps.

[0004] Automatic packaging lines for the packaging of pourable products, e.g. for the packaging of pourable food products by means of containers such as bottles, cans or the like, are known.

[0005] Such automatic packaging lines are configured for packaging the pourable products under defined hygienic conditions, for example under aseptic conditions. In aseptic packaging, the caps which are used for capping the containers need to be sterilized before the capping operation, to ensure the aseptic packaging. To this end, caps sterilizing apparatuses are known. A type of sterilizing apparatus comprises a caps sterilizer which is configured for sterilizing the caps by means of a sterilizing agent while the caps are advancing along an advancement direction. The caps sterilizer defines along the advancement direction an injection zone in which the sterilizing agent is injected, an activation zone in which the sterilizing agent resides on the caps, and a drying zone in which the sterilizing agent is at least partially dried. The caps are fed into the caps sterilizer with a feeding system. The sterilizing agent may comprise hydrogen peroxide in a vapour state. The caps sterilizer is configured so that the sterilizing agent contacts the caps by means of condensation.

[0006] The efficiency of operation of current solutions for sterilizing the caps can be improved.

[0007] A caps sterilizer according to any of the appended sterilizer claims or according to present description brings about an improved sterilization effect.

[0008] A caps sterilization apparatus according to any of the appended apparatus claims or according to present description has an improved efficiency of operation.

[0009] A caps sterilization apparatus according to any of the appended apparatus claims or according to present description may comprise a caps sterilizer according to any of the appended sterilizer claims or according to present description.

[0010] A packaging machine according to any of the appended machine claims or according to present description is a machine configured to be used for the packaging of pourable products by means of containers, and comprises a sterilizing apparatus according to any of the appended apparatus claims or according to present description or a caps sterilizer according to any of the appended sterilizer claims or according to present description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] is a schematic view of a packaging line;

[0013] is a schematic view of a first variant of the caps sterilization apparatus;

[0014] Figures 3A and 3B are schematic representations of two alternatives of a component of the caps sterilization apparatus of;

[0015] is a schematic view of a second variant of the caps sterilization apparatus;

[0016] is a schematic view of a third variant of the caps sterilization apparatus;

[0017] Figures 6A to 6C are schematic representations of three alternative of an injection device which can be part of the first variant or of the second variant or of the third variant of the caps sterilization apparatus.

[0018] BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0019] Number 1 inindicates as a whole an automatic packaging line for the packaging of a pourable product, in particular a pourable food product, by means of containers.

[0020] Packaging line 1 is configured to package the pourable product, in particular the pourable food product, into containers, such as bottles, jars, vessels, or the like, in particular being made of base components, like glass, paper or cardboard, plastics, aluminum, steel, and composites.

[0021] The pourable products may be pourable food products such as carbonated liquids (e.g. sparkling water, soft drinks and beer), non-carbonated liquids (including still water, juices, teas, sport drinks, wine, milk, etc.), emulsions, sauces and beverages containing pulps.

[0022] Packaging line 1 is configured for filling the containers with the pourable product and for capping the filled containers by means of caps 2. Caps 2 may be crown corks, screw caps, sports caps, stoppers or similar.

[0023] Caps 2 may be formed from materials such as plastics and metal.

[0024] Packaging line 1 comprises at least:

[0025] - a conveying system 3 configured to advance (a succession of) the containers along an advancement path P;

[0026] - a filling machine 4 configured to fill the containers with the pourable product during their advancement along at least a filling portion P1 of advancement path P; and

[0027] - a capping machine 5 configured for capping the filled containers by means of caps during their advancement along a capping portion P2 of advancement path P.

[0028] In particular, filling machine 4 is arranged upstream from capping machine 5 along advancement path P. In other words, capping portion P2 is arranged downstream of filling portion P1 along advancement path P.

[0029] Additionally but not necessarily, packaging line 1 may comprise a molding apparatus (not shown) configured to mold the containers from plastic preforms (not shown).

[0030] Advantageously, packaging line 1 comprises an isolation chamber 6 separating an inner (sterile and / or aseptic and / or clean and / or ultraclean) environment 8 from an outer environment 9.

[0031] In particular, packaging line 1 also comprises a conditioning unit configured to condition inner environment 7. More in particular, the conditioning unit may control physical parameters such as temperature, pressure and the like within inner environment 7, and / or flow of a sterile gas and / or a humidity within inner environment 7.

[0032] With particular reference to, filling machine 4 and capping machine 5 are at least partially arranged within inner environment 7 and are configured to, respectively, fill the containers with the pourable product and capping the filled containers by means of respective caps 2 within inner environment 7.

[0033] Additionally, conveying system 3 is configured to advance the containers along advancement path P within inner environment 7.

[0034] In further detail, each one of filling machine 4 and capping machine 5 comprise a respective carousel configured to advance the containers along, respectively, filling portion P1 and capping portion P2.

[0035] Additionally, filling machine 4 comprises a plurality of filling heads mounted to the respective carousel and configured to deliver the pourable product into the containers during their advancement along filling portion P1.

[0036] Additionally, capping machine 5 comprises a plurality of capping heads mounted to the respective carousel and configured to cap the containers by means of respective caps 2 during their advancement along capping portion P2.

[0037] Advantageously, the carousels are also part of conveying system 3.

[0038] Additionally, conveying system 3 comprises a plurality of star wheels.

[0039] Packaging machine 1 also comprises at least one caps sterilization apparatus 10 configured to sterilize caps 2 prior to being fed to capping machine 5. In other words, caps sterilization apparatus 10 guarantees that caps 2, which are applied onto the containers, are sterilized.

[0040] The caps sterilization apparatus 10 comprises a cap sterilizer 11 for sterilizing the caps 2. The caps sterilizer 11 is configured for sterilizing the caps 2 while the caps advance according to an advancement direction A, and by means of a sterilizing agent. The caps sterilizer 11 is shown in Figures 2, 4, 5.

[0041] The caps sterilization apparatus 10 comprises a caps feeding module 13 for feeding the caps 2 into the caps sterilizer 11. The caps feeding module 13 is configured for feeding the caps 2 along a feeding direction F. The feeding module 13 is shown in Figures 2, 4 and 5. The feeding direction F can be transversal or orthogonal with respect to the advancement direction A. The caps sterilizer 11 may comprise a plurality of carriages each of which can transport a group of caps organized in at least one row which is transversal or orthogonal with respect to the advancement direction A.

[0042] The caps sterilizer 11 defines, along the advancement direction A, an injection zone 19. The caps sterilizer 11 is configured for injecting the sterilizing agent in the injection zone 19.

[0043] The caps sterilizer 11 is configured so that the sterilizing agent enters into contact with the caps 2 at least partially by means of condensation. The sterilizing agent comprises hydrogen peroxide. The injection device 19 is configured for injecting the sterilizing agent in a vapour state.

[0044] The caps sterilizer 11 defines, along the advancement direction A, an activation zone 26 which is located downstream of the injection zone 19, with respect to the advancement direction A of the caps 2, and in which the sterilizing agent resides on the caps 2.

[0045] The caps sterilizer 11 defines, along the advancement direction A, a drying zone 25 which is located downstream of the activation zone 26, with respect to the advancement direction A of the caps 2. The caps sterilizer 11 is configured for at least partially drying the sterilizing agent on the caps 2 in the drying zone 25, to at least reduce the residual of sterilizing agent, by introducing heated air in said drying zone 25.

[0046] The caps sterilizer 11 may define, along the advancement direction A, a further zone 27 which is located downstream of the drying zone 25, with respect to the advancement direction A of the caps 2.

[0047] The injection device 17 may be configured for injecting said sterilizing agent in said injection zone 19 in a vapour state or in a spray form.

[0048] The caps sterilizer 11 comprises a tunnel 14 defining an advancement space 12 in which the injection zone 19, the activation zone 26, and the drying zone 25 are contained. The caps feeding module 13 comprises a housing 15 defining a feeding space 16 in which the caps 2 are advanced along the feeding direction F.

[0049] In the first variant of the sterilization apparatus 10, the caps feeding module 13 is configured for irradiating the caps being fed by UV radiation. The UV radiation irradiated by the feeding module 13 breaks down the initial microbial load, which means that there are fewer microorganisms to break down afterwards. The UV radiation also modifies the permeability of the microorganisms' wall or membrane, increasing the permeation of the subsequent sterilizing agent, in particular increasing the permeation of hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, there is an increase in the achievable sterilization effect. There can also be a reduction of sterilization temperature. There can also be a reduction of sterilization time. There can also be a reduction in concentration of chemical in the sterilizing agent, if the sterilizing agent comprises at least one chemical.

[0050] Therefore, an improvement in the efficiency of the cap sterilizer 11 and therefore of the sterilization apparatus 10 is brought about.

[0051] In the first variant, the feeding module 13 is configured for irradiating the caps 2 being fed by UV radiation having a wavelength falling within the range between 222 nm to 275 nm.

[0052] In the first variant, the feeding module 13 is configured for irradiating the caps being fed by pulsed or continuous UV radiation.

[0053] In the first variant of the sterilization apparatus 10, the feeding module 13 comprises an emitter 27 for irradiating the caps by UV radiation. The emitter 27 comprises at least two UV lamps 28 which are arranged on opposite sides of the feeding direction F. In this way, the two UV lamps 28 are arranged for directing the respective UV radiations onto different portions of each cap 2. In this way, the synergy between the UV radiation before the injection and the sterilizing agent is furtherly improved, because the improved sterilization effect can be obtained on a big part of the external surface of the single cap and possibly on the whole external surface of the single cap.

[0054] shows a first alternative of the emitter having a single lamp 28.shows a second alternative of the emitter having two lamps 28. Init can be clearly seen that the two lamps 28 are operatively on opposite sides of the flow of caps.

[0055] In the second variant and in the third variant of the sterilization apparatus 10, the feeding module 13 is configured for thermally preconditioning the caps being fed. In this way, the temperature of the caps 2 is more under control, to obtain more control over the sterilization effect. In fact, the contact between each cap and the sterilizing agent, in the injection zone 19 and also possibly in the activation zone 26, can occur by means of condensation. The feeding module 13 enhances the temperature consistency on the entire outer surface of each individual cap 2. It also ensures that the temperature is uniform among different caps 2 and throughout the entire batch of caps 2 that need to be sterilized in the production run. This approach results in a more predictable, controllable, and uniform condensation of the sterilizing agent on the caps. As a result, it allows for better control over the sterilization effect achieved on the caps 2 by the sterilization apparatus 10.

[0056] The thermal preconditioning of the caps helps to equalize their temperature, which improves how uniformly the sterilizing agent condenses on the caps 2. This temperature equalization also enhances the uniformity of the drying effect. As a result, the caps sterilization apparatus 10 produces more predictable outcomes. Moreover, it is to be considered that the caps sterilizer 11 operates with a certain distribution of temperature along the advancement direction A.

[0057] Typically, there are two regions in the caps sterilization process. For example the first region includes the injection zone 19 and half of the activation zone 26, where the temperature is maintained at 60 degrees. For example the second region consists of the other half of the activation zone 26 and the drying zone 25, with temperatures of 60 degrees for flat caps and 90-100 degrees for sport caps. When the caps 2 enter the caps sterilizer 11 at the start of production, they significantly lower the temperatures, necessitating a transition period to restore the proper temperatures.

[0058] By having a more controllable and / or higher input temperature, the initial cooling effect can be reduced, making the transition to the correct operating temperatures less energy-intensive and more predictable. This improvement leads to a reduction in the overall operational costs of the caps sterilizer 11 and the caps sterilization apparatus 10. The feeding module 13 can be used to raise the temperature of the caps 2 sufficiently to minimize the cooling effect they have on the sterilizer, thereby reducing the energy needed to achieve the correct operating temperatures.

[0059] The caps feeding module 13 may be configured for automatically controlling in feedback the temperature of the caps being fed to the caps sterilizer 11. In this way the uniformity and controllability of the sterilization effect on the caps is furtherly improved.

[0060] In the second variant and in the third variant, the feeding module 13 is preferably configured for thermally preconditioning the caps 2 being fed by means of forced convection with a gas being heated by electrical heating means. In this way the heating effect to be concentrated within the internal space of the feeding module 13, enabling effective thermal conditioning even in a smaller area. As a result, the compactness of the feeding module 13 is enhanced, leading to better control over the sterilization effect while reducing structural complexity. This results in a more compact caps sterilization apparatus that improves controllability and uniformity in production. The electrical heating means are indicated with 30 in Figures 4 and 5. The flow of gas being heated by the electrical heating means 30 is indicated with arrows H.

[0061] The gas which is heated by electrical heating can be air.

[0062] In the second variant and in the third variant, feeding module 13 may be configured so that said flow of gas is opposite to the feeding direction F, to increase the heating effect. In this way, a save of energy is obtained.

[0063] In the second variant and in the third variant, the feeding module 13 may be configured for thermally preconditioning the caps 2 also by recovering heated air from the caps sterilizer 11 and by making the caps 2 being fed contact said recovered air. In this way, the energy efficiency of the caps sterilization apparatus 10 is furtherly increased.

[0064] In this case, the recovered air is made to pass through a filter or a dehumidifier or a catalyzer before being inputted in the feeding module 13.

[0065] In the second variant and in the third variant of the sterilization apparatus 10, the feeding module 13 may be configured for thermally preconditioning the caps 2 being fed, alternatively or in addition, by means of electromagnetic heating, and / or induction heating, and / or infrared heating.

[0066] In each of the first variant, the second variant, and the third variant of the sterilization apparatus 10, the caps sterilizer 11 may be configured for irradiating the caps 2 in said activation zone 26 by UV radiation. The caps sterilizer 11 comprises a UV device 33 for irradiating the caps 2 in said activation zone 26 by UV radiation. The UV increases the permeation of the sterilizing agent which has previously been condensed on the caps 2, in particular if the sterilizing agent comprises hydrogen peroxide.

[0067] Also the UV device 33 can comprise an emitter 27 comprising two UV lamps on opposite sides of the flow of caps.

[0068] In the third variant, the caps sterilizer 11 is configured for irradiating the caps 2 in said further zone 27 by UV radiation. Alternatively or in addition, the caps sterilizer 11 is configured for irradiating the caps 2 in the drying zone 25 by UV radiation. Utilizing UV radiation in the drying zone 25 and / or in the further zone 27 enhances the effectiveness of the UV on the permeation of the sterilizing agent that has previously condensed on the caps. This increased effectiveness is attributed to the reduced presence of the condensed sterilizing agent in the drying zone 25 or the additional zone 27, as the drying process diminishes the amount of sterilizing agent remaining on the caps.

[0069] In the third variant, the caps sterilizer 11 comprises a UV system 33 for irradiating the caps 2 in said drying zone 25 or in said further zone 27 by UV radiation. The UV system is indicated with same reference 33 of the UV device 33, because device and system are used with the same meaning.

[0070] Also the UV system 33 can comprise an emitter 27 comprising two UV lamps on opposite sides of the flow of caps.

[0071] Also the UV system 33 can work by pulsed or continuous radiation.

[0072] In each of the first variant, the second variant, and the third variant, the sterilizing agent may comprise ozone.

[0073] UV helps the catalyzation of the degradation of ozone into radicals, which can inactivate microorganism’ DNA, killing the microorganism.

[0074] The ozone is very effective in decontamination because it has a high tendency to decompose in radicals. This interaction between ozone and UV helps to reduce the sterilization temperature, or to increase the sterilization effect, or to reduce the concentration of chemical, in case the sterilizing agent comprises at least one chemical, like for example hydrogen peroxide.

[0075] The injection device 17 is configured for injecting ozone in the injection zone 19 in gaseous form. The ozone is significantly adapted to be injected in gaseous form, to reduce problem of residuals also after the drying.

[0076] The sterilizing agent comprises ozonized water. In this way the water can act as a carrier for the ozone. Therefore, it is provided the possibility of using the ozone in the sterilizing agent, with the advantages explained above in terms of sterilization effect.

[0077] The injection device 17 comprises an ozone generator 31 and a vaporizer 32 for vaporizing the ozone or for vaporizing a water-ozone mixture, to generate the ozonized water.

[0078] The injection device 17 is configured for injecting the ozonized water in vapour state or spray form. The spray form enhances the contact between the ozonized water and the caps 2.

[0079] The sterilizing agent comprises a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and ozone or a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and ozonized water. The injection device 17 comprises a supply unit 36 for supplying hydrogen peroxide in a vapour state.

[0080] Radicals of ozone helps the degradation of hydrogen peroxide, to furtherly enhance the sterilization effect.

[0081] The sterilizing agent comprises plasma, which is preferably air plasma. The injection device 17 comprises a plasma generator 35 for generating said plasma.

[0082] The first alternative of injection device 17, which is shown in, comprises the ozone generator 31 and the vaporizer 32. The second alternative of injection device 17, which is shown in, comprises also the plasma generator 35. The third alternative of injection device 17, which is shown in, comprises also the supply unit 36.

Claims

Caps sterilizer (11) for sterilizing caps (2), the caps sterilizer (11) being configured for sterilizing the caps (2) while the caps advance according to an advancement direction (A), and by means of a sterilizing agent;wherein the caps sterilizer (11) defines, along said advancement direction (A):- an injection zone (19), the caps sterilizer (11) being configured for injecting the sterilizing agent in the injection zone (19);- an activation zone (26) which is located downstream of the injection zone (19), with respect to the advancement direction of the caps (2), and in which the sterilizing agent resides on the caps (2);- a drying zone (25) which is located downstream of the activation zone (26) , with respect to the advancement direction (A) of the caps (2), the caps sterilizer (11) being configured for at least partially drying the caps (2) in the drying zone (25), to at least reduce the residual of sterilizing agent on the caps (2), preferably by introducing heated air in said drying zone (25);- a further zone (27) which is located downstream of the drying zone (25), with respect to the advancement direction (A) of the caps (2);wherein the caps sterilizer (11) is configured so that the sterilizing agent enters into contact with the caps (2) at least partially by means of condensation;wherein the caps sterilizer (11) is configured for irradiating the caps (2) in the drying zone (25) or in said further zone (27) by UV radiation.Caps sterilizer (11) according to Claim 1, comprising a UV system (33) for irradiating the caps (2) in said drying zone (25) or in said further zone (27) by UV radiation.Caps sterilizer (11) according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the injection device (19) is configured for injecting the sterilizing agent in a vapour state.Caps sterilizer (11) according to Claim 3, wherein the sterilizing agent comprises hydrogen peroxide.Packaging machine (1) configured for being use in the packaging of a pourable product by means of containers, comprising a caps sterilizer (11) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the caps (2) are configured for capping the containers having been filled with the pourable product.

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