Container Filling And Closing With Hygiene-Chamber Pressure Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container treatment devices face issues with pressure fluctuations in the gas chamber of the filling material vessel, leading to inconsistent filling rates, foam formation, and accuracy problems in filling level and volume measurements, which are not adequately addressed by level-controlled systems or prior art solutions that require separate cleaning and piping systems.
Innovation Solution
A container treatment device with a pressure equalization system connecting the gas space of the filling material vessel to a hygiene chamber, allowing for continuous pressure equalization and integration of cleaning and sterilization functions, eliminating the need for separate cleaning systems and optimizing operating conditions through a switchable line system and control device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a level-controlled system is used to supply liquid during filling operations, then the filling process can be regulated, but sudden changes in liquid level still occur causing pressure fluctuations and filling speed variations
Solution Approach 1:
A gas chamber is introduced as an intermediary element between the liquid supply system and the filling elements. This gas chamber absorbs pressure fluctuations and level changes, acting as a buffer that decouples the filling process from sudden liquid level variations, thereby maintaining stable filling speed while allowing level-controlled operation.
2Reliability
If the gas space of the filling material vessel is connected to the atmosphere via a large cross-section, then pressure fluctuations are reduced, but separate cleaning and piping systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The gas chamber serving pressure equalization functions is merged with the hygiene chamber that houses the filling elements. This integration allows the same chamber to serve dual purposes: maintaining pressure stability during filling operations and facilitating cleaning/sterilization processes, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving both pressure stability and hygiene requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The hygiene chamber is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the gas chamber for pressure equalization during filling operations, serves as the cleaning chamber for hygiene maintenance, and provides the sterile environment for filling elements. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated systems for each function.
3Device complexity
If the sterile chamber is limited to the filling machine, then the structure is simplified, but pressure equalization effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sterile chamber concept is extended from a vertical limitation to a horizontal expansion, incorporating the hygiene chamber into the same pressure zone. This dimensional expansion allows the sterile environment to encompass both the filling elements and the gas chamber, improving pressure equalization effectiveness while maintaining structural integration through the shared chamber space.
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
The solution provides stable filling rates, reduces foam formation, enhances filling accuracy, and ensures effective hygiene and safety by integrating pressure equalization with cleaning and sterilization, minimizing space requirements and operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pressure equalization system (10) is provided connecting the gas space (9.2) of the filling material vessel (9) to the hygiene space (5), by means of which pressure equalization can be established between the hygiene space (5) and the gas space (9.2) of the filling material vessel (9) during a filling operation of the filling device (100)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a container treatment device (1) for treating containers (2), at least comprising a filling device (100) and a closing device (200), further comprising a first hygiene chamber region (5.1) for receiving at least the discharge openings of the filling elements and the containers (2) to be filled, and a second hygiene chamber region (5.2) for receiving at least the closing heads of the closing elements and the containers (2) to be closed, wherein the first and second hygiene chamber regions (5.1, 5.2) form a hygiene chamber (5) which is continuous in terms of flow and/or pressure, wherein at least one pressure equalization system (10) is provided which connects the gas chamber (9.2) of the filling material vessel (9) to the hygiene chamber (5), by means of which pressure equalization system (10) is achieved between the hygiene chamber (5) and the gas chamber (9.2) of the filling material vessel (9), and wherein the pressure compensation system (10) is connected to a cleaning agent and/or sterilizing agent supply (11, 12) and is designed for cleaning and/or sterilizing the interior of the filling material vessel (9) and at least part of the hygiene space (5).