JP7106832B2 - Sterilization method in aseptic filling machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention heats a preform, molds the heated preform into a container, fills the molded container with a sterilized content such as a beverage, and sterilizes the filled container with a sterilized lid. The present invention relates to a sterilization method for sterilizing a preform, a container molded from a preform, or a preform and a container in an aseptic filling machine that seals with a material.

Conventionally, in an apparatus for aseptically filling various beverages such as drinking water, juice, tea beverages, coffee and tea with milk into containers, it has been proposed to sterilize the containers with a peracetic acid-based sterilizing agent (Patent Document 1). It is necessary to lower the concentration of peracetic acid in order to suppress residual peracetic acid, but the temperature of the sterilant must be raised in order to reduce the concentration of peracetic acid and obtain a sterilizing effect. In this case, hydrogen peroxide is also blended, and the weight ratio is said to be preferably 1 to 4 per 1 peracetic acid.

When sterilizing a container using a peracetic acid-based disinfectant, it has been proposed to perform sterilization economically by spraying the peracetic acid-based disinfectant on the container and then collecting and circulating the disinfectant for reuse. (Patent Document 2).

It has also been proposed to sterilize PET bottles with a peracetic acid-based sterilizing agent in the production of mineral water (Patent Document 3). In this case, if the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is high, the temperature of the sterilant may be slightly low, but if the concentration of hydrogen peroxide is high, washing with high-temperature sterile water is also required after sterilization with the sterilant. This is to prevent hydrogen peroxide from remaining in the PET bottle. Here, the hydrogen peroxide/peracetic acid ratio is preferably as small as possible, for example, a small number such as 1.5 is preferred.

There is also a proposal that an excellent bactericidal effect is exhibited by setting the hydrogen peroxide concentration/peracetic acid concentration ratio to 0.7 or less and the peracetic acid concentration to 500 ppm to 3000 ppm (Patent Document 4). By using such a composition, compared to conventional peracetic acid-based disinfectants, the amount of hydrogen peroxide used is reduced, which is excellent in terms of economic efficiency, and has the advantage of being able to be cleaned in a short time with a small amount of sterile water after disinfection. It is said that there is

On the other hand, a method of sterilizing a container with a hydrogen peroxide gas or mist generated by gasifying hydrogen peroxide water or a mixture thereof without using a peracetic acid-based sterilizing agent in an aseptic filling machine has also been proposed (Patent Document 5).

Further, instead of sterilizing the container, a method of sterilizing the preform prior to molding into the container, blow molding the sterilized preform, and filling the molded container with the sterilized contents in an aseptic atmosphere. proposed (Patent Document 6)

JP-A-8-58744 JP-A-11-342919 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-217309 WO2007/148410 JP 2006-111295 A JP 2009-274740 A

Feed preforms, heat the fed preforms to a blow molding temperature, blow mold the heated preforms into bottles, sterilize the formed bottles, and sterilize the sterilized bottles in an aseptic atmosphere. In an aseptic filling machine that fills the content and seals the bottle filled with the content with a sterilized cap, the bottle has been sterilized using a peracetic acid-based sterilizing agent as a sterilizing agent. However, in order to sterilize bottles with a peracetic acid-based sterilizing agent, the sterilizing agent must be brought into contact with the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle for a certain period of time, as in Patent Document 1. Therefore, there is a drawback that the production speed of aseptically filled products is lowered and the sterilization section becomes excessively large in order to increase the speed.

In order to increase the sterilization speed, the concentration of peracetic acid must be increased or the temperature of the sterilant must be increased. When such a method is used, it is necessary to sufficiently wash with aseptic water as described in Patent Document 3 in order to remove hydrogen peroxide and suppress residual hydrogen peroxide.

On the other hand, as in Patent Document 5, the method of sterilizing the bottle by spraying gas or mist of hydrogen peroxide solution or a mixture thereof on the bottle is capable of sterilizing at high speed and is economical. Hydrogen may remain. When the content to be filled in the bottle is mineral water, residual hydrogen peroxide may not disappear, and a sterilization method that does not leave hydrogen peroxide is desired.

In aseptic filling machines, there is a demand for a sterilization method that can sterilize bottles in a short time with a peracetic acid-based sterilant, leave little peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide, and can complete washing with a small amount of sterile water. ing.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems. That is, a preform is supplied, the supplied preform is heated to a blow molding temperature, the heated preform is blow molded into a container, and the molded container is filled with sterilized contents in an aseptic atmosphere. , a sterilization method for sterilizing a preform or a container or a preform and a container using a peracetic acid-based sterilizing agent in an aseptic filling machine that seals a container filled with contents with a sterilized cap. , The sterilization method can be sterilized by bringing the sterilizer into contact with the preform or container for a short time compared to sterilization with a conventional peracetic acid-based sterilizer, so productivity is improved, and the sterilizer is washed with a small amount of sterile water. It is characterized by being able to In addition, it is an effective sterilization method for an aseptic filling machine for mineral water because it leaves little residual hydrogen peroxide.

A sterilization method in an aseptic filling machine according to the present invention includes a conveying path for continuously running a preform and a container, a preform heating unit for heating the preform to a molding temperature, and blow molding the heated preform into the container. In an aseptic filling machine comprising a molding section, a filling section that fills the molded container with sterilized contents in an aseptic atmosphere, and a sealing section that seals the container filled with the contents with a sterilized lid material , the preform and the container were inverted with a liquid sterilant containing at least 1000 ppm to 2000 ppm of peracetic acid and 10000 ppm to 50000 ppm of hydrogen peroxide, the ratio of peracetic acid to hydrogen peroxide being 1/7 to 1/20. By spraying the inner surface of the preform from the opening of the preform with an upward sterilant spraying nozzle on the preform, and spraying the outer surface of the preform with a downward sterilant spraying nozzle on the outer surface of the preform Alternatively, the sterilant can be sprayed onto the inner surface of the container from the opening of the container with an upward sterilant spraying nozzle on the inverted container, and the sterilant can be sprayed onto the outer surface of the container with the downward sterilant spraying nozzle on the outer surface of the container. By, the entire inner surface and the entire outer surface of the preform and the container are sterilized by contacting the liquid sterilant, and the liquid sterilant is sprayed on the preform for 0.2 seconds to 5 seconds, and the liquid sterilant is sprayed on the surface area of the preform at 0.05 ml/cm ² to 20 ml/cm ² , the liquid sterilant is sprayed on the container for 0.2 seconds to 5 seconds, and the liquid sterilant is sprayed on the surface area of the container 0.15 ml/cm ² to 1.25 ml/cm ² against the

Further, in the sterilization method in the aseptic filling machine according to the present invention, it is preferable to heat the liquid sterilant to 30° C. to 50° C. and bring it into contact with the preform and the container .

Further, in the sterilization method in the aseptic filling machine according to the present invention, it is preferable to mix gas with the liquid sterilant and bring the liquid sterilizer into contact with the preform and the container .

Further, in the sterilization method in the aseptic filling machine according to the present invention, it is preferable to wash the liquid sterilant with sterile water after bringing the liquid sterilant into contact with the preform and the container .

Further, in the sterilization method in the aseptic filling machine according to the present invention, it is preferable to recover the liquid sterilizing agent brought into contact with the preform and the container and use it repeatedly.

According to the sterilization method in the aseptic filling machine of the present invention, hydrogen peroxide remains less than the conventional sterilization by contacting the preform or container with hydrogen peroxide gas or mist or a mixture thereof. In addition, compared to the sterilization of preforms or containers by conventional peracetic acid-based sterilization agents, the sterilization effect is high, so it is possible to sterilize preforms or containers in a short time, and the sterilization of the sterilization agent after sterilization is less. can be done with

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS It is a top view which shows the outline of an example of the aseptic filling machine which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. 4 shows a preform supply process according to an embodiment of the present invention; 4 shows a step of spraying a liquid disinfectant onto a preform according to an embodiment of the present invention; 4 shows a process of supplying aseptic air to the preform according to the embodiment of the present invention; 4 shows a preform heating process according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 shows a preform blow molding process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 shows a process of supplying sterile air to the container according to the embodiment of the present invention; 4 shows a process of spraying a liquid sterilant onto a container according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 shows a process of filling contents into a container according to an embodiment of the present invention; 4 shows a sealing process for a container according to an embodiment of the present invention; 1 shows a liquid disinfectant recovery and circulation process according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing an outline of an example of an aseptic filling machine according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an outline of an example of an aseptic filling machine according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

A mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below.

(Embodiment 1)
Embodiment 1 is a method of sterilizing a preform 1 and a container 2 in an aseptic filling machine. The outline of the aseptic filling machine consisting of the supply of the preform 1, the preform sterilization section 6, the heating section 12, the molding section 17, the inspection device 24, the container sterilization section 30, the filling section 37, the sealing section 43 and the discharge section 46 is shown in FIG. The preform sterilization process in the preform sterilization unit 6 is shown in FIG. 3, the heating and blow molding process of the preform 1 is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the sterilization process of the container 2 is shown in FIG. The steps will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. According to the sterilization method in the aseptic filling machine according to this embodiment, the amount of hydrogen peroxide remaining in the container is reduced compared to sterilization using hydrogen peroxide gas or the like, and the amount of hydrogen peroxide remaining in the container is reduced, and compared to sterilization using peracetic acid-based sterilization agents, It can be sterilized and further washing of the sterilant can be done with less sterile water. As a result, it is possible to obtain highly reliable aseptically filled products, and since hydrogen peroxide is particularly low, it is effective as a sterilization method in aseptic filling machines for obtaining aseptic products containing mineral water.

(Overview of Embodiment 1)
As shown in FIG. 1, the aseptic filling machine according to the first embodiment includes a preform supply device 3 that supplies preforms 1, a preform sterilization unit 6 that sterilizes the preforms, and a preform 1 that is molded into a container 2. A heating unit 12 that heats the heated preform 1 to a temperature at which the It has a rinsing part 32, a filling part 37 for filling sterilized contents into the container 2 rinsed with sterile water, and a sealing part 43 for sealing the filled container 2 with a sterilized cap 41. Furthermore, it comprises a discharge section 46 where the sealed containers 2 are placed on a discharge conveyor 47 and discharged into a non-sterile zone.

In the preform sterilization section 6 and the container sterilization section 30, the preform 1 or the container 2 or the preform 1 and the container contain at least 1000 ppm to 2000 ppm of peracetic acid and 10000 ppm to 50000 ppm of hydrogen peroxide, and the ratio of peracetic acid to hydrogen peroxide is is 1/7 to 1/20.

The preform sterilization section 6 includes a preform sterilization chamber 8, the heating section 12 and the molding section 17 includes a molding section chamber 18, the container sterilization section 30 includes a container sterilization section chamber 31, the sterile water rinse section 32 includes a sterile water rinse section chamber 33, Fill section 37 , seal section 43 and discharge section 46 are each shielded by fill section chamber 38 . In the container sterilizing section 30 , gas or mist of peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide is generated from the liquid sterilizing agent in the container sterilizing section chamber 31 . An atmosphere shielding chamber 27 may be provided between the molding section 17 and the container sterilization section 30 to prevent these from flowing into the molding section 17 . Gases or mists of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide generated in the container sterilization section 30 do not flow into the forming section 17 by exhausting the atmosphere shielding chamber 27 . Since gas or mist of peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide is also generated in the preform sterilization section 6, it may be exhausted through a detoxifying device. Such a processing apparatus is also used for evacuating the atmosphere-isolated chamber 27 .

Before starting the operation of the aseptic filling machine, the chambers of the container sterilization section chamber 31, the sterile water rinse section chamber 33 and the filling section chamber 38 are sterilized. In each chamber, a one-fluid spray or a two-fluid spray that mixes and sprays a sterilant with compressed air is provided as a sterilant spray nozzle. The sterilant spray nozzle sprays the sterilant so that it adheres to the entire area inside each chamber that needs to be sterilized. The inside of each chamber is sterilized by the sprayed sterilant. The sterilant spray nozzles are arranged so that the sterilant is applied to all areas in each chamber. After the sterilant is sprayed, room temperature or heated aseptic air is blown into each chamber to activate and eliminate the sterilant remaining in each chamber. The sterilant may be eliminated by blowing sterile water into each chamber prior to blowing sterile air. In addition, sterilant spray nozzles are also provided in the molding section chamber 18 that shields the heating section 12, the molding section 17 and the inspection device 24, and the preform sterilization chamber 8. You can sterilize the inside.

After sterilization, sterile air sterilized by a sterilization filter is supplied to the container sterilization section chamber 31, the sterile water rinse section chamber 33, and the filling section chamber 38, and the inside of each chamber is maintained at a positive pressure. be. Aseptic air maintains the inside of each chamber at a positive pressure, thereby maintaining sterility in the aseptic filling machine downstream from the container sterilization section chamber 31 . The pressure for maintaining the inside of each chamber at a positive pressure is set to be the highest in the filling section chamber 38, and set lower in the sterile water rinsing section chamber 33 and the container sterilization section chamber 31 as they go upstream. By evacuating the atmosphere shielded chamber 27, the inside thereof is maintained at a pressure substantially equal to the atmospheric pressure.

Aseptic air is also supplied to the molding section chamber 18 and the preform sterilization section chamber 8, and it is preferable that the inside of each chamber is maintained at a positive pressure.

(Details of Embodiment 1)
The preforms 1 shown in FIG. 2 are continuously transported from the preform supply device 3 shown in FIG.

A preform 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is a test tube-like cylindrical body with a bottom, and is shown in FIG. The preform 1 is provided with a mouth portion 1a similar to the container 2 shown in FIG. 7 at the beginning of molding. A male thread is formed in the mouth portion 1a at the same time when the preform 1 is molded. Further, the preform 1 is formed with a support ring 1b for transportation under the opening 1a. The preform 1 or container 2 is gripped by the gripper 5 via this support ring 1b and travels through the aseptic filling machine. The preform 1 is molded by injection molding, compression molding, or the like. The material of the preform 1 is thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polypropylene, polyethylene, etc. It may be a single resin or a mixture thereof, or may contain recycled thermoplastic resin. In addition, in order to impart barrier properties, a thermoplastic resin such as a polyamide containing an aromatic amine such as an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer or m-xylylenediamine as a monomer may be included as a layer or as a mixture.

The preforms 1 transported to the preform sterilization unit 6 are transported to a preform sterilization wheel 7a having a large number of grippers 5 provided at a constant pitch, and sterilized there. Sterilization of the preform 1 is performed by contact with a liquid sterilant. The preform 1 may be preheated with hot air before being sterilized. In order to preheat the preforms 1, a preheating wheel may be provided in front of the preform sterilization wheel 7a. Preheating the preform 1 improves the sterilization effect.

The liquid disinfectant is brought into contact with the preform 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention by spraying the liquid disinfectant onto the inverted preform 1, as shown in FIG. The liquid sterilant is sprayed onto the inverted preform 1 by gripping the support ring 1b of the inverted preform 1 with the gripper 5 so that the entire inner surface of the preform 1 is in contact with the liquid sterilant. A liquid sterilant is sprayed onto the inner surface of the preform 1 from the mouth portion 1a by the agent spray nozzle 49a. Further, the liquid sterilant is sprayed onto the outer surface of the preform 1 from the downward sterilant spray nozzle 49b so that the entire outer surface of the preform 1 is in contact with the liquid sterilant. The sterilant spray nozzle 49a may be provided facing the mouth 1a of the preform 1, or a nozzle 49a following the transport speed of the preform 1 may be provided and inserted into the preform 1. FIG. Also, a plurality of sterilant spray nozzles 49b may be provided. Furthermore, if the liquid sterilant can be brought into contact with the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1, the preform 1 may be immersed in the liquid sterilant instead of spraying the liquid sterilant with a nozzle.

The liquid disinfectant contains at least 1000 ppm to 2000 ppm of peracetic acid and 10000 ppm to 50000 ppm of hydrogen peroxide, with a peracetic acid to hydrogen peroxide ratio of 1/7 to 1/20. If the peracetic acid content is less than 1000 ppm, the bactericidal power is insufficient, and if it exceeds 2000 ppm, the acetic acid odor becomes strong. Also, if the hydrogen peroxide is less than 10000 ppm, the sterilizing power is insufficient, and if it exceeds 50000 ppm, the amount of hydrogen peroxide remaining in the container 2 increases. Furthermore, if the ratio of peracetic acid to hydrogen peroxide exceeds 1/7, the sterilizing power is insufficient, and if it is less than 1/20, hydrogen peroxide remains in the container 2 in a large amount. Since the concentrations of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide are in the above range and the ratio is 1/7 to 1/20, the conventional ratio of peracetic acid to hydrogen peroxide is 1/0.7 to 1/ It was found that sterilization can be performed in a short time compared to sterilization by peracetic acid-based sterilization, which is 5, and that hydrogen peroxide remains less due to sterilization in a short time.

The liquid disinfectant may contain disinfecting components such as sodium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, and ozone in addition to peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. In addition, the liquid disinfectant contains water, and one of alcohols such as methyl alcohol, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, normal propyl alcohol and butyl alcohol, ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone and acetylacetone, and glycol ethers. Alternatively, two or more types may be included. Furthermore, additives such as inorganic acids such as nitric acid, basic compounds such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, cationic surfactants, nonionic surfactants and phosphoric compounds may be included.

The liquid sterilant is preferably warmed to 30°C to 50°C. Heating enhances the bactericidal effect of the liquid bactericide. The flow rate per one of the sterilant spray nozzles 49a and 49b is 1 L/min. ~15L/min. is preferred, and 3 L/min. ~10L/min. is more preferred. Also, the appropriate spraying time is 0.2 to 5 seconds. Conventional peracetic acid disinfectants required 5 to 10 seconds. The spray amount of the liquid sterilant to the preform ¹ is determined by the flow rate of the sterilant spray nozzles 49a and 49b and the spraying ^time . is preferably Less than 0.05 ml/cm ² results in insufficient sterilization, and more than 20 ml/cm ² is excessive and wastes energy and liquid sterilant.

Further, when the liquid sterilant is sprayed onto the preform 1, it is preferable to mix the liquid sterilant with a gas such as air or carbon dioxide gas. Pressure may be applied to the gas to be mixed. By mixing gas into the liquid sterilant, the amount of liquid sterilant used can be reduced. The liquid sterilant and the gas can be mixed by using a two-fluid nozzle or by sucking the gas by the flow negative pressure of the liquid sterilant and mixing it in the nozzle.

The preform 1 contacted with the liquid disinfectant is rinsed with sterile water in the preform rinse wheel 7b to remove adhered disinfectant. Sterilized water is produced by heating water to 121° C. or higher for 4 minutes or longer and passing it through a sterilizing filter. The rinsing of the preform 1 with sterile water is performed by the same steps and devices as those for spraying the disinfectant shown in FIG. The support ring 1b of the inverted preform 1 is gripped by the gripper 5 so that the entire inner surface of the preform 1 is rinsed with sterile water, and sterile water is sprayed onto the inner surface of the preform 1 from the mouth 1a by an upward nozzle. . In addition, the outer surface of the preform 1 is sprayed with sterile water from a downward nozzle so that the entire outer surface of the preform 1 is rinsed with the sterile water. The upward nozzle may be provided so as to face the opening 1a of the preform 1, or a nozzle following the transport speed of the preform 1 may be provided and inserted into the preform 1. FIG. Also, a plurality of downward nozzles may be provided.

The temperature of sterile water is adjusted to 10°C to 80°C, preferably 30°C to 70°C. The flow rate per nozzle for spraying sterile water was 1 L/min. ~15L/min. and preferably 3 L/min. ~10L/min. is appropriate. Also, the appropriate spraying time is 0.1 to 15 seconds. ^The amount of sterilized water sprayed onto the preform ¹ is determined by the flow rate of the nozzle and the spraying time. Less than 0.05 ml/cm ² results in insufficient rinsing, and more than 20 ml/cm ² is excessive and wastes energy.

The preform 1 to which the liquid sterilant has been sprayed may be rinsed with aseptic water instead of being rinsed with sterile air to the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1 to remove the liquid sterilant adhering to the surface of the preform 1. do not have.

Since the container 2 obtained by blow molding the sterilized preform 1 is also sterilized, water suitable for drinking ( Pure water, etc.) may be used. Instead of rinsing with water, the preform 1 may be sprayed with air that has passed through a filter that removes foreign matter and dust to remove the liquid sterilant adhering to the preform 1 . However, when using anything other than sterile water and sterile air, the preform 1 may be contaminated with germs, etc., and the contaminated germs, etc. must be sterilized when the container 2 is sterilized.

Aseptic water adhering to the preform 1 rinsed with aseptic water is preferably removed by blowing sterile air on the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1 . Although the preform 1 is heated to the molding temperature in the heating unit 12, uneven heating may occur in the portion to which the sterile water adheres, and molding defects such as whitening and uneven thickness may occur in the molded container 2. is.

The preform 1 sterilized in the preform sterilization section 6 is gripped by the support ring 1b and conveyed to the heating section conveying wheel 10 via the wheel 9 . A preform tunnel 50 may be provided in the preform 1 on the wheel 9 and the heating section conveying wheel 10 so as to surround the conveying path of the preform 1 as shown in FIG. The preform tunnel 50 covers the mouth portion 1a of the preform 1 from above, and the ceiling portion is formed in the shape of a roof having an inclined surface. In addition, preform aseptic air supply nozzles 51 for blowing out aseptic air toward the mouth 1a of the preform 1 are provided in the form of pipe lines or slits on the ceiling. As a result, sterile air is efficiently supplied to the preform 1, and the preform 1 can be moved while maintaining sterility in the molding section chamber 18. - 特許庁Aseptic air passes air from a blower through a sterilization filter. Compressed air with a high propulsive force that has been sterilized by a sterilizing filter may also be used.

The preform 1 conveyed to the heating section conveying wheel 10 is released from the gripper 5 as shown in FIG. The preform 1 introduced into the heating section 12 is heated to a temperature suitable for subsequent blow molding by an infrared heater 15 or other heating means, as shown in FIG. Preferably, the temperature is between 90°C and 130°C. The temperature of the mouth portion 1a of the preform 1 is kept below 70° C. in order to prevent deformation and the like.

As shown in FIG. 5, the preform 1 is conveyed through the heating section 12 while a spindle 14 is inserted into the opening 1a and rotated. The spindles 14 are provided on the endless chain 13 at regular intervals. The endless chain 13 is rotated by the pulley 11 . By inserting a mandrel into the preform 1 instead of the spindle 14, it is possible to transport the preform 1 while rotating it in an inverted state.

The heated preform 1 is released from the spindle 14 , gripped by the gripper 5 and transported via the wheel 16 to the forming wheel 19 of the forming station 17 . As with the wheel 9 and the heating unit conveying wheel 10, the wheel 16 may also be provided with a preform tunnel 50 so as to surround the conveying path of the preform 1 as shown in FIG. .

The heated preform 1 is transferred from wheel 16 to forming wheel 19 . The preform 1 transferred to the molding wheel 19 is blow-molded into a container 2 by a mold 20 provided on the molding wheel 19, as shown in FIG. A plurality of molds 20 and blow nozzles 21 are arranged around the forming wheel 19, and rotate around the forming wheel 19 at a constant speed as the forming wheel 19 rotates. When the heated preform 1 arrives, the mold 20 sandwiches the preform 1 . Subsequently, the blow nozzle 21 is joined to the preform 1 , the stretching rod 22 is guided to the hole provided in the blow nozzle 21 and inserted into the preform 1 , and a high pressure such as air is introduced into the preform 1 from the blow nozzle 21 . The container 2 is molded in the mold 20 by blowing in the gas. The molded container 2 is taken out from the mold 20 , the support ring 1 b is gripped by the gripper 5 provided on the inspection wheel 23 , and transferred to the inspection wheel 23 .

The molded container 2 is inspected by the inspection device 24 provided on the inspection wheel 23. A container tunnel 52 may be provided to surround the transport path of the container 2 to the inspection device 24 as shown in FIG. do not have. The container tunnel 52 covers the mouth portion 1a of the container 2 from above, and the ceiling portion is formed in the shape of a roof having an inclined surface. In addition, container sterile air supply nozzles 53 for blowing sterile air toward the mouth portion 1a of the container 2 are provided in the form of a line of pipes or in the form of slits on the ceiling portion. As a result, sterile air is efficiently supplied to the preform 1, and the preform 1 can travel around the inspection wheel 23 while maintaining sterility. Aseptic air passes air from a blower through an antibacterial filter. Compressed air with a high propulsive force that has been sterilized with a sterilizing filter may be used. The inspected preforms 1 are conveyed to the container sterilization section 30 via wheels 25 and 26 in an atmosphere shielded chamber 27 . At this time, in the wheels 25 and 26 as well, the container 2 may be surrounded by the container tunnel 52 and conveyed while sterile air is supplied into the container tunnel 52 from the container sterile air supply nozzle 53 . By conveying the preform 1 through the container tunnel 52, contamination by bacteria or the like can be suppressed.

An inspection device 24 provided around an inspection wheel 23 inspects the body of the molded container 2, the support ring 1b, the top surface of the mouth of the container, the bottom of the container, and the like. It is discharged to the outside of the aseptic filling machine by a discharge device (not shown).

The body of the container, the support ring 1b, the top surface of the mouth of the container, and the bottom of the container are photographed by a camera, and the state of each part is inspected. The captured image is processed by an image processing device to determine the presence or absence of abnormalities such as scratches, foreign matter, deformation, and discoloration. A container 2 exceeding the allowable range is determined to be abnormal. The container 2 determined to be abnormal is discharged to the outside of the aseptic filling machine by a discharge device (not shown).

The container 2 that was not determined to be abnormal by the inspection by the inspection device 24 contains at least 1000 ppm to 2000 ppm of peracetic acid and 10000 ppm to 50000 ppm of hydrogen peroxide in the container sterilization unit 30, and the ratio of peracetic acid to hydrogen peroxide is 1/7 to 1/7. It is sterilized by being brought into contact with a liquid sterilant that is 1/20.

The preforms 1 and containers 2 exit the preform sterilizer chamber 8 of the preform sterilizer 6 and are transported into the container sterilizer chamber of the container sterilizer 30 through the heating station 12 , forming station 17 , inspection wheels. 23. There is a possibility of contamination with bacteria or the like while being transported in the atmosphere shut-off chamber 27 . In order to prevent this, before the operation of the aseptic filling machine, the inside of the molding section chamber 18 is gasified and sprayed with a sterilizing agent containing a low concentration of a component having a sterilizing effect such as hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorous acid, and ozone. Alternatively, the preform 1 may be sterilized by filling the preform 1 with a sterilizing agent and molding the preform 1 into the container 2 in the molding section 17 .

The contact of the liquid disinfectant with the container 2 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is to spray the liquid disinfectant onto the inverted container 2 as shown in FIG. It is preferable that the container 2 with which the liquid sterilizing agent is brought into contact has a temperature of 40° C. or higher because residual heat remains during the molding of the preform 1 . This is because residual heat remaining in the container 2 improves the sterilizing effect of the liquid sterilizing agent.

Spraying the liquid sterilant onto the inverted container 2 is performed as shown in FIG. The support ring 1b of the inverted container 2 is gripped by the gripper 5 so that the entire inner surface of the container 2 is in contact with the liquid sterilizing agent. spray the agent. Further, the liquid sterilant is sprayed onto the outer surface of the container 2 by the downward sterilant spray nozzle 49b so that the entire outer surface of the container 2 is in contact with the liquid sterilant. The sterilant spray nozzle 49a may be provided facing the opening 1a of the container 2, or a nozzle following the transport speed of the container 2 may be provided and inserted into the container 2. FIG. Also, a plurality of sterilant spray nozzles 49b may be provided. Alternatively, the liquid sterilant may be brought into contact with the container 2 by filling the upright container 2 with the liquid sterilant and inverting the container 2 .

The same liquid disinfectant as in the case of preform 1 can be used. Also, the liquid sterilant is preferably heated to 30°C to 50°C. Heating enhances the bactericidal effect of the liquid bactericide. The flow rate per one of the sterilant spray nozzles 49a and 49b is 4 L/min. ~15L/min. is preferred, and 7 L/min. ~10L/min. is more preferred. Also, the appropriate spraying time is 0.2 to 5 seconds. Conventional peracetic acid disinfectants required 5 to 10 seconds. The spray amount of the liquid sterilant to the container ² is determined by the flow rate of the sterilant spray nozzles 49a and 49b and the spraying time. ² is preferred. Less than 0.15 ml/cm ² results in insufficient sterilization, and more than 1.25 ml/cm ² is excessive and wastes energy and liquid sterilant.

Further, when the liquid sterilant is sprayed onto the container 2, the liquid sterilant may be mixed with a gas such as air or carbon dioxide gas. Pressure may be applied to the gas to be mixed. By mixing gas with the liquid sterilant, the amount of liquid sterilant used can be reduced. The liquid sterilant and the gas can be mixed by using a two-fluid nozzle or by sucking the gas by the flow negative pressure of the liquid sterilant and mixing it in the nozzle.

The liquid sterilant sprayed on the preform 1 and the container 2 is collected in grooves provided at the bottom of the preform sterilizer chamber 8 and the container sterilizer chamber 31, as in the liquid sterilant recovery and circulation step of FIG. Solids are removed by a filter (not shown) and stored in a liquid sterilant storage tank 54 by a pump. A peracetic acid concentration sensor and a hydrogen peroxide concentration sensor are provided in the liquid sterilant storage tank 54 to measure the concentrations of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide. , an appropriate amount of the liquid sterilant in the liquid sterilant storage tank 54 is discharged, an appropriate amount is injected from the peracetic acid liquid tank 55 or the hydrogen peroxide water tank 56 into the liquid sterilant storage tank 54, and the peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide concentrations are is properly maintained. The liquid sterilant in the liquid sterilant storage tank 54 is supplied to the sterilant spray nozzles 49a and 49b in the preform sterilizer chamber 8 and the container sterilizer chamber 31, and sprays the preform 1 and the container 2 thereon. Thus, the liquid sterilizing agent brought into contact with the preform 1 and the container 2 is recovered and used repeatedly.

The container 2 contacted with the liquid sterilant passes through the wheel 29 to remove the liquid sterilant and is transferred to the sterile water rinse wheel 34 and rinsed with sterile water. The rinsing of the container 2 with aseptic water is performed by providing a nozzle in the aseptic water rinse wheel 34 of the aseptic water rinse section 32 in FIG. As in the case of preform 1, sterile water is produced by heating water at 121.1° C. or higher for 4 minutes or longer and passing it through a sterilizing filter. The rinsing of the container 2 with sterile water is performed by the same process as the spraying of the liquid sterilant onto the container 2 shown in FIG. The support ring 1b of the inverted container 2 is gripped by the gripper 5 so that the entire inner surface of the container 2 is rinsed with sterile water, and the sterile water is sprayed on the inner surface of the container 2 from the mouth portion 1a by an upward nozzle. In addition, the outer surface of the container 2 is sprayed with sterile water from a downward nozzle so that the entire outer surface of the container 2 is rinsed with the sterile water. The upward nozzle may be provided so as to face the opening 1a of the container 2, or a nozzle that follows the conveying speed of the container 2 may be provided and inserted into the container 2. FIG. Also, a plurality of downward nozzles may be provided.

The temperature of sterile water is adjusted to 50°C to 80°C, preferably 60°C to 70°C. The flow rate per nozzle for spraying sterile water is preferably 4 L/min. ~15L/min. and more preferably 7 L/min. ~10L/min. is. Also, the appropriate spraying time is 0.2 to 5 seconds. ^The amount of sterile water sprayed onto the container ² is determined by the flow rate of the nozzle and the spraying time. Less than 0.15 ml/cm ² results in insufficient rinsing, and more than 1.25 ml/cm ² is excessive and wastes energy. It is preferable to remove the sterile water by blowing sterile air onto the container 2 to which the sterile water has been sprayed. This is because sterile water attached to the inner surface of the container 2 may contaminate the contents.

The container sterilization section chamber 31, sterile water rinse section chamber 33, and filling section chamber 38 are sterilized before operating the aseptic filling machine, and sterile air is supplied to each chamber during operation of the aseptic filling machine to maintain positive pressure. Therefore, there is no contamination by bacteria or the like in each of these chambers.

The container 2 rinsed with sterile water in the sterile water rinsing section 32 is conveyed to the filling section 37 via the wheel 36 as shown in FIG. In the filling section 37, the container 2 is filled with the sterilized contents by the filling nozzle 39 in the filling wheel 40 shown in FIG. 1, as in the filling step shown in FIG. The filling nozzle 39 moves synchronously with the container 2 to fill the container 2 with a certain amount of content such as beverage.

The container 2 filled with contents is conveyed to the sealing section 43 via the wheel 42 shown in FIG. In the sealing wheel 44 provided in the sealing portion 43, the cap 41 previously sterilized by the cap sterilizer 35 is supplied to the sealing wheel 44 as in the sealing step shown in FIG. The capper is wound around the opening 1a of the container 2, and the container 2 is sealed.

The sealed container 2 is passed from the gripper 5 of the sealing wheel 44 to the gripper 5 of the ejection wheel 45 of the ejection section 46 . The container 2 transferred to the discharge wheel 45 is placed on the discharge conveyor 47 . The containers 2 placed on the discharge conveyor 47 are discharged from the filling section chamber 38 to the outside of the aseptic filling machine.

(Embodiment 2)
Embodiment 2 is a sterilization method for an aseptic filling machine that sterilizes containers 2 . FIG. 12 shows an outline of an aseptic filling machine comprising a supply of preforms 1, a heating section 12, a molding section 17, an inspection device 24, a container sterilization section 30, a filling section 37, a sealing section 43 and a discharge section . It is in the form of an aseptic filling machine that sterilizes only the container 2 without sterilizing the preform 1, and the devices and processes downstream of the sterilization process of the container 2 are the same as those of the first embodiment. Also in the second embodiment in which only the container 2 is sterilized, the amount of hydrogen peroxide remaining in the container is reduced compared to sterilization using hydrogen peroxide gas or the like, and sterilization can be performed in a short time compared to sterilization using a peracetic acid-based disinfectant. Furthermore, cleaning of the disinfectant can be done with less sterile water. As a result, a highly reliable aseptically filled product can be obtained, and since hydrogen peroxide is particularly low, it can be effective as a sterilization method in an aseptic filling machine for obtaining aseptic products containing mineral water.

(Outline of Embodiment 2)
As shown in FIG. 12, the aseptic filling machine according to the second embodiment includes a preform supply device 3 that supplies preforms 1, a heating unit 12 that heats the preforms 1 to a temperature for molding them into containers 2, and a heated A forming section 17 for forming the preform 1 into a container 2, a container sterilization section 30 for sterilizing the formed container 2, a sterile water rinsing section 32 for rinsing the sterilized container 2 with sterile water, and a sterile water rinsed container 2. A filling part 37 for filling sterilized contents and a sealing part 43 for sealing the container 2 filled with the contents with a sterilized cap 41 are provided. Furthermore, it comprises a discharge section 46 where the sealed containers 2 are placed on a discharge conveyor 47 and discharged into a non-sterile zone.

The container 2 is sterilized by being brought into contact with a liquid sterilant containing at least 1000 ppm to 2000 ppm of peracetic acid and 10000 ppm to 50000 ppm of hydrogen peroxide and having a ratio of peracetic acid to hydrogen peroxide of 1/7 to 1/20. .

The heating unit 12 and the molding unit 17 are the molding unit chamber 18, the container sterilization unit 30 is the container sterilization unit chamber 31, the sterile water rinse unit 32 is the sterile water rinse unit chamber 33, the filling unit 37, the sealing unit 43 and the discharge unit 46 are filled. Each is shielded by a partial chamber 38 . In the container sterilizing section 30 , gas or mist of peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide is generated from the liquid sterilizing agent in the container sterilizing section chamber 31 . An atmosphere shielding chamber 27 may be provided between the molding section 17 and the container sterilization section 30 to prevent these from flowing into the molding section 17 . Gases or mists of peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide generated in the container sterilization section 30 do not flow into the molding section 17 by exhausting the atmosphere shielding chamber 27 .

Before starting the operation of the aseptic filling machine, the chambers of the container sterilization section chamber 31, the sterile water rinse section chamber 33 and the filling section chamber 38 are sterilized in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

After sterilization, sterile air sterilized by a sterilization filter is supplied to the container sterilization section chamber 31, the sterile water rinse section chamber 33, and the filling section chamber 38, and the inside of each chamber is maintained at a positive pressure. be. Aseptic air maintains the inside of each chamber at a positive pressure, thereby maintaining sterility in the aseptic filling machine downstream from the container sterilization section chamber 31 . The pressure for maintaining the inside of each chamber at a positive pressure is set to be the highest in the filling section chamber 38, and set lower in the sterile water rinsing section chamber 33 and the container sterilization section chamber 31 toward the upstream. By evacuating the atmosphere shielded chamber 27, the inside thereof is maintained at a pressure substantially equal to the atmospheric pressure.

(Details of Embodiment 2)
From the preform supply device 3 shown in FIG. 12, the preforms 1 are continuously conveyed to the wheel 9 of the heating section 12 at a desired speed by the preform supply conveyor 4 . The supplied preform 1 is the same as in the first embodiment. The supplied preform 1 is gripped by the support ring 1b and conveyed to the heating section conveying wheel 10 via the wheel 9. As shown in FIG. The conveyed preform 1 is heated to the molding temperature in the heating section 12 and conveyed to the molding section 17 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Since the preform 1 is not sterilized, it is not necessary to blow sterile air onto the preform 1 at the wheels 10 and 16 as in the first embodiment.

The heated preform 1 is transferred from wheel 16 to forming wheel 19 . The preform 1 transferred to the molding wheel 19 is blow-molded into a container in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The molded container 2 is taken out from the mold 20 , the support ring 1 b is gripped by the gripper 5 provided on the inspection wheel 23 , and transferred to the inspection wheel 23 .

The molded container 2 is inspected by the inspection device 24 provided on the inspection wheel 23, but it is not necessary to provide the container tunnel 52 and blow aseptic air to the container 2 until the inspection device 24 as in the first embodiment. . The inspected preforms 1 are conveyed to the container sterilization section 30 via wheels 25 and 26 in an atmosphere shielded chamber 27 . An inspection device 24 provided around an inspection wheel 23 inspects the body of the molded container 2, the support ring 1b, the top surface of the mouth of the container, the bottom of the container, and the like. It is discharged to the outside of the aseptic filling machine by a discharge device (not shown). Inspection is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

The container 2 that was not determined to be abnormal by the inspection by the inspection device 24 contains at least 1000 ppm to 2000 ppm of peracetic acid and 10000 ppm to 50000 ppm of hydrogen peroxide in the sterilization section 30, and the ratio of peracetic acid to hydrogen peroxide is 1/7 to 1/7. It is sterilized by being brought into contact with a liquid sterilant that is 1/20.

The liquid disinfectant according to the second embodiment of the present invention and the contact of the liquid disinfectant with the container 2 are the same as in the first embodiment.

The container 2 contacted with the liquid sterilant passes through the wheel 29 to remove the liquid sterilant and is transferred to the sterile water rinse wheel 34 and rinsed with sterile water. The rinsing of the container 2 with sterile water is the same as in the first embodiment.

The container sterilization section chamber 31, sterile water rinse section chamber 33, and filling section chamber 38 are sterilized before operating the aseptic filling machine, and sterile air is supplied to each chamber during operation of the aseptic filling machine to maintain positive pressure. Therefore, there is no contamination by bacteria or the like in each of these chambers.

The container 2 rinsed with sterile water in the sterile water rinsing section 32 is conveyed to the filling section 37 via the wheel 36 as shown in FIG. In the filling section 37, the filling process in the filling wheel 40 and the sealing process in the sealing section 43 shown in FIG. 12 are also the same as in the first embodiment. The sealed container 2 is discharged outside the aseptic filling machine as in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 11, the liquid sterilant sprayed onto the container 2 is collected in a groove provided at the bottom of the container sterilizer chamber 31, solids are removed by a filter, and the liquid sterilant is pumped into the liquid sterilant storage tank 54. stored. The liquid sterilant collected in the liquid sterilant storage tank 54 retains peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide at appropriate concentrations in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and is used repeatedly.

(Embodiment 3)
Embodiment 3 is a sterilization method for sterilizing the preform 1 in an aseptic filling machine. FIG. 13 shows an outline of an aseptic filling machine comprising a supply of preforms 1, a preform sterilization section 6, a heating section 12, a molding section 17, an inspection device 24, a filling section 37, a sealing section 43 and a discharge section . In this mode, only the preform 1 is sterilized and the container 2 is not sterilized. The steps from the sterilization of the preform 1 to the molding of the container 2 and the steps after filling the container 2 are the same as those of the first embodiment. This is an embodiment in which only the preform 1 is sterilized, and according to the sterilization method in the aseptic filling machine according to the third embodiment, hydrogen peroxide remaining in the container is reduced compared to sterilization using hydrogen peroxide gas or the like, Compared to sterilization with a peracetic acid-based sterilization agent, sterilization can be performed in a short time, and the sterilization agent can be washed with a small amount of sterilized water. As a result, a highly reliable aseptically filled product can be obtained, and since hydrogen peroxide is particularly low, it can be effective as a sterilization method in an aseptic filling machine for obtaining aseptic products containing mineral water.

(Overview of Embodiment 3)
As shown in FIG. 13, the aseptic filling machine according to the third embodiment includes a preform supply device 3 that supplies preforms 1, a preform sterilization unit 6 that sterilizes the preforms 1, and a container that stores the sterilized preforms 1 in containers. 2, a molding unit 17 that molds the heated preform 1 into a container 2, a filling unit 37 that fills the molded container 2 with sterilized contents, and the contents are filled. A seal 43 is provided for sealing the sterilized container 2 with a sterilized cap 41 . Furthermore, it comprises a discharge section 46 where the sealed containers 2 are placed on a discharge conveyor 47 and discharged into a non-sterile zone.

In the preform sterilization section 6, the preform 1 is brought into contact with a liquid sterilant containing at least 1000 ppm to 2000 ppm of peracetic acid and 10000 ppm to 50000 ppm of hydrogen peroxide, and having a peracetic acid to hydrogen peroxide ratio of 1/7 to 1/20. It is sterilized by being

The preform sterilizing section 6 is shielded by the preform sterilizing section chamber 8 , the heating section 12 and molding section 17 are shielded by the molding section chamber 18 , the filling section 37 , the sealing section 43 and the discharge section 46 are shielded by the filling section chamber 38 .

Before starting operation of the aseptic filling machine, the insides of the preform sterilizing chamber 8, the forming chamber 18 and the filling chamber 38 are sterilized. In each chamber, a one-fluid spray or a two-fluid spray that mixes and sprays a sterilant with compressed air is provided as a sterilant spray nozzle. The sterilant spray nozzle sprays the sterilant so that it adheres to the entire area inside each chamber that needs to be sterilized. The inside of each chamber is sterilized by the sprayed sterilant. The sterilant spray nozzles are arranged so that the sterilant is applied to all areas in each chamber. After the sterilant is sprayed, room temperature or heated aseptic air is blown into each chamber to activate and eliminate the sterilant remaining in each chamber. The sterilant may be eliminated by blowing sterile water into each chamber prior to blowing sterile air. Since the inside of the molding section chamber 18 uses packings that are deteriorated by the sterilant, it may be sterilized by blowing the gas of the sterilant and the sterile air instead of spraying the sterilant.

After the inside of each chamber is sterilized, sterile air sterilized by a sterilizing filter is supplied, and the inside of each chamber is maintained at a positive pressure. The sterility in the aseptic filling machine is maintained by maintaining positive pressure in each chamber with sterile air. The pressure for maintaining the inside of each chamber at a positive pressure is set to be the highest in the filling section chamber 38, and set to be lower in the molding section chamber 18, the preform sterilization section chamber 8, and so on.

(Details of Embodiment 3)
From the preform supply device 3 shown in FIG. 13, the preforms 1 are continuously supplied to the preform sterilization section 6 at a desired speed by the preform supply conveyor 4 . The supplied preform 1 is the same as in the first embodiment.

The preforms 1 conveyed to the preform sterilization section 6 are sprayed with a liquid sterilizing agent and sterilized in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The liquid disinfectant is the same as in the first embodiment. As in the first embodiment, the sterilized preform 1 is sprayed with sterile water and rinsed. The preform 1 to which the liquid sterilant has been sprayed may be rinsed with aseptic water instead of being rinsed with sterile air to the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1 to remove the liquid sterilant adhering to the surface of the preform 1. do not have.

As shown in FIG. 11, the liquid sterilant sprayed onto the preform 1 is collected in a groove provided at the bottom of the preform sterilizer chamber 8, filtered to remove solids, and pumped to the liquid sterilant storage tank. 54. The liquid sterilant collected in the liquid sterilant storage tank 54 retains peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide at appropriate concentrations in the same manner as in the first embodiment, and is used repeatedly.

Aseptic water adhering to the preform 1 rinsed with aseptic water is preferably removed by blowing sterile air on the inner and outer surfaces of the preform 1 . Although the preform 1 is heated to the molding temperature in the heating unit 12, uneven heating may occur in the portion to which the sterile water adheres, and molding defects such as whitening and uneven thickness may occur in the molded container 2. is.

The preform 1 sterilized in the preform sterilization section 6 is gripped by the support ring 1 b by the gripper 5 and conveyed to the heating section conveying wheel 10 via the wheel 9 . As shown in FIG. 4, aseptic air may be blown onto the preforms 1 on the wheel 9 and the heating section conveying wheel 10 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The preform 1 conveyed to the heating section conveying wheel 10 is heated to the molding temperature in the heating section 12 and conveyed to the molding section 17 in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

The heated preform 1 is transferred from wheel 16 to forming wheel 19 . Aseptic air may be blown to the wheel 16 as well as the wheel 9 and the heating section conveying wheel 10 . The preform 1 transferred to the molding wheel 19 is blow-molded into a container in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The molded container 2 is taken out from the mold 20 , the support ring 1 b is gripped by the gripper 5 provided on the inspection wheel 23 , and transferred to the inspection wheel 23 .

The molded container 2 is inspected by the inspection device 24 provided on the inspection wheel 23. The container tunnel 52 is provided up to the inspection device 24 as shown in FIG. is preferred. The inspected preforms 1 are conveyed to the filling section 37 via the wheel 36 in the filling section chamber 38 . An inspection device 24 provided around an inspection wheel 23 inspects the body of the molded container 2, the support ring 1b, the top surface of the mouth of the container, the bottom of the container, and the like. It is discharged to the outside of the aseptic filling machine by a discharge device (not shown). Inspection is performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

The preform sterilization section chamber 8, molding section chamber 18, and filling section chamber 38 are sterilized before operating the aseptic filling machine, and sterile air is supplied to each chamber during operation of the aseptic filling machine to maintain positive pressure. Therefore, there is no contamination by bacteria or the like in each of these chambers.

The molded container 2 is conveyed to the filling section 37 via the wheel 36, as shown in FIG. In the filling section 37, the filling process in the filling wheel 40 and the sealing process in the sealing section 43 shown in FIG. 1 are performed in the same manner as in the first embodiment. The sealed container 2 is discharged outside the aseptic filling machine as in the first embodiment.

It should be noted that the present invention can be implemented in various forms without being limited to the above-described embodiments.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Preform 2... Container 6... Preform sterilization part 8... Preform sterilization part chamber 12... Heating part 17... Molding part 18... Molding part chamber 30... Container sterilization part 31... Container sterilization part chamber 32... Air rinse part 37... Filling part 43 Sealing part 46 Discharging part 49 Liquid sterilant spray nozzle 54 Liquid sterilant storage tank

Claims (5)

A conveying path for continuously running the preform and the container, a preform heating section for heating the preform to a molding temperature, a molding section for blow molding the heated preform into the container, and the molded container in an aseptic atmosphere. In an aseptic filling machine comprising a filling unit for filling sterilized contents, and a sealing unit for sealing the container filled with the contents with a sterilized lid material,
The preform and the container are inverted with a liquid sterilant containing at least 1000 ppm to 2000 ppm of peracetic acid and 10000 ppm to 50000 ppm of hydrogen peroxide, wherein the ratio of peracetic acid to hydrogen peroxide is 1/7 to 1/20. By spraying the inner surface of the preform from the mouth of the preform with an upward sterilant spraying nozzle on the preform, and spraying the outer surface of the preform with a downward sterilant spraying nozzle on the outer surface of the preform, In addition, by spraying the inner surface of the container from the mouth of the container with an upward sterilant spray nozzle on the inverted container, and spraying the outer surface of the container with a downward sterilant spray nozzle on the outer surface of the container. , sterilizing by bringing the liquid sterilizing agent into contact with the entire inner surface and the entire outer surface of the preform and the container ,
The liquid sterilant is sprayed on the preform for 0.2 seconds to 5 seconds, and the liquid sterilant is sprayed on the surface area of the preform at 0.05 ml/cm ² to 20 ml/cm ² ,
The liquid sterilant is sprayed on the container for 0.2 seconds to 5 seconds, and the liquid sterilant is sprayed on the surface area of the container at 0.15 ml/cm ² to 1.25 ml/cm ² . A sterilization method in an aseptic filling machine. In the sterilization method in the aseptic filling machine according to claim 1,
A sterilization method in an aseptic filling machine, characterized in that the liquid sterilant is heated to 30° C. to 50° C. and brought into contact with the preform and the container. In the sterilization method in the aseptic filling machine according to claim 1 and claim 2,
A sterilization method in an aseptic filling machine, comprising mixing gas with the liquid sterilant and bringing the liquid sterilant into contact with the preform and the container. In the sterilization method in the aseptic filling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A sterilization method in an aseptic filling machine, characterized in that after the liquid sterilant is brought into contact with the preform and the container, the liquid sterilant is washed with sterile water. In the sterilization method in the aseptic filling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A sterilization method in an aseptic filling machine, characterized in that the liquid sterilizing agent brought into contact with the preform and the container is collected and used repeatedly.

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