Blow-Molding Chamber Sterilization for Hygienic Beverage Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage container manufacturing processes face a need for a balance between achieving an acceptable degree of purity without requiring complete sterility, while also being economical in terms of manufacturing and operation, especially when using non-aseptic blow molding machines.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize a sterilization medium, such as low-concentration hydrogen peroxide, to create a sterilizing atmosphere within the forming process, recycling the sterilization medium from a sterilization unit to the forming unit, and controlling its concentration through conditioning and temperature control to maintain hygiene without significant design modifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a sterile blow molding machine with complete aseptic transport path is used, then the purity of manufactured containers is maximized, but the manufacturing cost and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial sterilization by introducing sterilization medium into the transport chamber of the forming device, rather than implementing complete sterility throughout the entire production line. This partial action achieves sufficient purity for the forming area while avoiding the excessive complexity and cost of full aseptic processing
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces sterilization medium locally into the transport chamber where preforms are transported and formed, creating a localized sterile environment only where needed for container formation, rather than sterilizing the entire production line
2Ease of manufacture
If a non-sterile blow molding machine is used after preform sterilization, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the purity level of manufactured containers decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary sterilization to the preforms before they enter the forming device, and also sterilizes the transport chamber environment in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when non-sterile machinery is used subsequently, the containers remain sufficiently pure because contamination sources were eliminated beforehand
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization medium acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between non-sterile machinery and the need for pure containers. By introducing this medium into the transport chamber, it creates a protective atmosphere that allows conventional machinery to produce high-purity containers
3Reliability
If sterilization medium is supplied continuously to the transport chamber, then the hygiene level is maximized, but the operational complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system recycles sterilization medium from the sterilization unit to the forming unit, creating a self-sustaining circulation that maintains hygiene without requiring additional external supply systems. The medium serves itself by being reused across different stages of the process
Solution Approach 2:
The sterilization medium serves multiple functions: it sterilizes preforms in the sterilization unit, maintains hygiene in the transport chamber during forming, and is then recycled back to the sterilization unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate supply systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the hygiene level of non-aseptic blow molding machines, ensuring high purity without additional costs or material consumption, by using recycled sterilization medium and precise concentration control.
Implementation Method 1
A device and method that utilize a sterilization medium, such as low-concentration hydrogen peroxide, to create a sterilizing atmosphere within the forming process
Implementation Method 2
controlling its concentration through conditioning and temperature control
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Apparatus for producing containers, and in particular beverage containers, having a heating device (2), which is suitable for, and intended to, heat plastic parisons, having at least one first transport device (12), which transports said plastic parisons (10) along a predetermined transport path, having a sterilization device (4), which is suitable for, and intended to, sterilize the plastic parisons (10), and having a forming device (6), which is arranged downstream of the sterilization device (4), as seen in a transporting direction of the plastic parisons (10), and is suitable for, and intended to, form the plastic parisons into plastic containers by the application of a free-flowing medium, wherein said forming device (6) has a transport chamber (62), within which the plastic parisons (10) are transported. According to the invention, the apparatus (1) has an application device (64), which applies a free-flowing sterilization medium, at least temporarily, to said transport chamber (62).