Packaging Machine Sterility Preservation via Sterile Fluid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing packaging machines face challenges in maintaining the sterility of opening devices applied onto packaging material during the sterilization process, particularly when using electron beam technology, as high powers are required to achieve desired sterility.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a preserving device that uses sterile fluid flows and disinfection units, such as UV-light emitters, to maintain the cleanliness and sterility of molded portions between the molding and sterilization stations, facilitating easier and more efficient sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high power electron beam sterilization is applied to packaging material with opening devices, then sterility is achieved, but energy consumption increases and equipment lifetime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary protective actions to the opening devices during the molding process. The molding process itself creates a clean environment, and protective measures are taken during web advancement to prevent contamination before sterilization, thereby reducing the sterilization burden and energy requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary anti-contamination measures by maintaining a controlled environment during web advancement from the molding station to the sterilization station. This preliminary protection against contamination reduces the required sterilization intensity and energy consumption
2Reliability
If high power electron beam sterilization is applied to packaging material with opening devices, then sterility is achieved, but equipment lifetime decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Protective measures are taken during the molding and web advancement processes to prevent contamination of opening devices before sterilization. This preliminary protection reduces the intensity and duration of electron beam exposure required, thereby extending equipment lifetime
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements preliminary anti-contamination measures during web advancement, creating a controlled environment that minimizes the sterilization burden. This reduces electron beam exposure requirements and extends equipment operational life
3Reliability
If sterilization is applied after molding, then sterility is achieved, but contamination risk increases during web advancement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary controlled environment between the molding station and sterilization station. This intermediate environment acts as a protective barrier during web advancement, preventing contamination while maintaining sterility requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an inert or controlled atmosphere during web advancement from molding to sterilization. This controlled environment minimizes contamination risk by excluding or controlling potential contaminants during the vulnerable transport phase
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 allows for reduced energy consumption and extended equipment lifetime by maintaining sterility and reducing contamination, making the sterilization process more efficient and effective, especially when using electron beam irradiation.
Implementation Method 1
the Applicant has successfully established the use of the electron beam technology so as to sterilize the web of packaging material
Implementation Method 2
disinfection units, such as UV-light emitters, to maintain the cleanliness and sterility of molded portions
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
There is described a packaging machine (1) comprising a conveying device (6), a molding apparatus (7) for molding molded portions (4) onto a web of packaging material (5), a sterilization apparatus (9) for sterilizing the web of packaging material (5), an isolation chamber (15) having an inner environment (16), a tube forming and sealing device (17) configured to form a tube (18) from the web of packaging material (5) within the inner environment (16), a filling device (20) for filling the tube (18) with the pourable product, a package forming apparatus (21) configured to form, to transversally seal and to transversally cut the tube (18) and a preserving device (22) configured to preserve the cleanliness and/or sterility of at least the molded portions (4). The preserving device (22) comprises at least one blowing unit (39) configured to generate a flow of sterile fluid against at least a portion of the web of packaging material (5) while the web of packaging material (5) advances, in use, between the molding apparatus (7) and the sterilization apparatus (9).