JP7567976B2 - Method for cleaning and sterilizing the carbon dioxide gas line of an aseptic filling machine and aseptic filling machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a cleaning and sterilization method for an aseptic filling machine that fills beverages into containers such as PET bottles, and to the aseptic filling machine.

When filling beverages into containers such as bottles using an aseptic filling machine, the beverage itself must be sterilized and kept in a sterile state. In addition, the beverage supply system piping, which is the path through which the beverage is delivered to the filling nozzle and consists of a surge tank, liquid delivery pipe, filling valve, etc., must be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP) to keep the beverage supply system piping in a sterile state. The beverage supply system piping of an aseptic filling machine is subjected to CIP periodically or when switching between types of beverages, and then to SIP (see Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3).

CIP is carried out by first flowing a cleaning solution made of water with an alkaline agent such as caustic soda added, and then flowing a cleaning solution made of water with an acidic agent added, through the flow path from the inside of the beverage supply system piping to the filling nozzle of the aseptic filling machine. This removes any residue from the previous beverage that has adhered to the beverage supply system piping (see Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3).

SIP is a process for sterilizing the inside of the beverage supply system piping before the beverage filling operation begins, and is carried out, for example, by passing heated steam or heated liquid through the beverage supply system piping that has been cleaned with CIP. This sterilizes the inside of the beverage supply system piping, making it sterile (see Patent Document 3).

The CIP and SIP in the beverage supply system piping of an aseptic filling machine must be performed on the entire beverage supply system piping. However, in order to CIP and SIP from the beverage input tank to the filling nozzle that fills the container with the beverage, the flow path is long, and because the flow path is long, even if the temperature of the cleaning solution used for CIP and the sterilizing agent used for SIP is raised upstream of the flow path, the temperature drops by the time it reaches the filling nozzle, so it takes a long time to complete the entire CIP and SIP. To solve this problem, CIP and SIP are performed separately on the upstream beverage supply system piping centered on the beverage heat sterilization device, and on the downstream beverage supply system piping from the aseptic surge tank that stores the sterilized beverage to the filling nozzle (see Patent Document 4).

Normally, after CIP using a cleaning fluid, the cleaning fluid is rinsed and SIP is performed using a disinfectant or heated fluid, but it has been proposed to heat the cleaning fluid used in CIP to the temperature required for SIP and perform CIP and SIP simultaneously or consecutively (Patent Document 5). In this case, too, it has been proposed to separate the upstream beverage supply system piping centered on the beverage heat sterilization device and the downstream beverage supply system piping from the aseptic surge tank that stores the sterilized beverage to the filling nozzle, and to perform CIP and SIP simultaneously or consecutively.

When filling beverages into containers such as bottles using an aseptic filling machine, there are many filling nozzles, and in order to simultaneously CIP and SIP all of the filling nozzles, a large amount of cleaning and rinsing liquid is required, making it impossible to simultaneously CIP all of the filling nozzles. Therefore, it has been proposed to divide the many filling nozzles and perform CIP (see Patent Documents 6 and 7).

In the aseptic filling machine that fills beverages as described above, CIP and SIP are performed on the beverage supply system piping. A filling device that fills beverages containing carbon dioxide gas has gas passages such as a counter passage that supplies carbon dioxide gas into the bottle through the filling nozzle and a sniff passage that exhausts the pressurized gas in the head space of the bottle after filling, and it is necessary to perform CIP and SIP on the gas passages.

A cleaning device that circulates and cleans the snifter passage has been proposed (see Patent Document 8). Also, an aseptic filling machine that can easily perform CIP on the counter passage and snifter passage has been proposed (see Patent Document 9).

Patent document 7 proposes dividing the filling nozzle, performing CIP on the beverage filling passage for one group of divided filling nozzles, and performing CIP on the counter passage and sniff passage for the other group of divided filling nozzles.

JP 2007-331801 A JP 2000-153245 A JP 2007-22600 A JP 2018-058641 A JP 2019-064722 A Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-12093 JP 2010-6429 A Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 63-183095 JP 2010-42833 A

In an aseptic filling machine that fills beverages containing carbon dioxide, it goes without saying that CIP and SIP are performed from the beverage heat sterilization device to the filling nozzle that fills the beverage into the container, but CIP and SIP must also be performed on the counter passage that supplies carbon dioxide to the filling nozzle when filling the container with the beverage, and the sniff passage that discharges the carbon dioxide present in the head space of the container after the container is filled with carbon dioxide.

Conventionally, CIP of the carbon dioxide counter passage and snift passage was performed by flowing a cleaning liquid through the passage, and SIP was performed by supplying hot water or heated steam to the passage. However, CIP of the beverage supply system piping is performed by circulating the cleaning liquid used for CIP through the beverage supply system piping, and CIP and SIP of the beverage supply system piping are performed simultaneously or continuously by raising the temperature of the cleaning liquid to the temperature required for SIP from the beginning or middle of CIP and circulating the heated cleaning liquid through the beverage supply system piping. There is a demand for CIP and SIP of the carbon dioxide counter passage and snift passage in conjunction with performing CIP and SIP of the beverage supply system piping simultaneously or continuously.

The present invention has been made to solve these problems, and aims to provide a method for cleaning and sterilizing the carbon dioxide gas line of an aseptic filling machine and an aseptic filling machine that can perform CIP and SIP of the carbon dioxide gas counter passage and snift passage, which are carbon dioxide gas lines, consecutively or simultaneously when performing CIP and SIP of the beverage supply system piping of an aseptic filling machine simultaneously or consecutively, perform CIP and SIP of the carbon dioxide gas counter passage and snift passage in a short time, increase the operating rate of the aseptic filling machine, and efficiently manufacture products.

A method for cleaning and sterilizing a carbon dioxide gas line of an aseptic filling machine according to another embodiment of the present invention is a method for cleaning and sterilizing a carbon dioxide gas line of an aseptic filling machine that fills beverages containing carbon dioxide gas, and is characterized in that a circulation path for circulating a cleaning liquid is formed in at least one of a counter passage that supplies the carbon dioxide gas to a filling nozzle that fills the beverage into a bottle, or a snift passage that discharges the carbon dioxide gas from the filling nozzle, CIP (Cleaning in Place) is performed in which the cleaning liquid is circulated in the circulation path, and the temperature of the cleaning liquid is adjusted to a temperature required for SIP (Sterilizing in place) from the beginning or middle of the CIP, and the cleaning liquid at the temperature required for SIP is circulated in the circulation path, thereby performing the CIP and SIP of at least one of the counter passage or snift passage simultaneously or consecutively.

In addition, in a method for cleaning and sterilizing a carbon dioxide line of an aseptic filling machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, when the CIP and SIP of at least one of the counter passage or the sniff passage are performed simultaneously or consecutively, it is preferable that the circulation path is formed as a route passing through at least one of a product liquid manifold that supplies the beverage to the filling nozzle from a filling machine tank provided upstream of the filling nozzle, a carbon dioxide gas supply manifold that supplies the carbon dioxide gas, the filling nozzle, a carbon dioxide gas discharge manifold that collects the discharged carbon dioxide gas, and a cleaning liquid recovery manifold that collects the cleaning liquid.

In addition, in a method for cleaning and sterilizing a carbon dioxide gas line of an aseptic filling machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable to circulate the cleaning liquid through the circulation path and then circulate the cleaning liquid through the circulation path in the reverse direction.

In another embodiment of the present invention, in a method for cleaning and sterilizing a carbon dioxide gas line of an aseptic filling machine, it is preferable to divide the filling nozzle into a plurality of nozzles and circulate the cleaning liquid through at least one of the counter passage or the sniff passage of each of the divided groups of filling nozzles.

The aseptic filling machine according to the present disclosure is an aseptic filling machine for filling beverages containing carbon dioxide gas, and is provided with a counter passage for supplying the carbon dioxide gas to a filling nozzle for filling the beverage into a bottle, a snift passage for discharging the carbon dioxide gas from the filling nozzle, a circulation path for circulating a cleaning liquid to the counter passage and the snift passage, and a temperature sensor disposed in the circulation path. Also, an aseptic filling machine according to another embodiment of the present invention is an aseptic filling machine for filling beverages containing carbon dioxide gas, and is provided with a counter passage for supplying the carbon dioxide gas to a filling nozzle for filling the beverage into a bottle, a snift passage for discharging the carbon dioxide gas from the filling nozzle, a circulation path for circulating a cleaning liquid to at least one of the counter passage or the snift passage, a cleaning liquid supply device for supplying the cleaning liquid to the circulation path, a cleaning liquid storage tank for storing the cleaning liquid in the circulation path, a cleaning liquid circulation pump for circulating the cleaning liquid in the circulation path, and a cleaning liquid heating device for heating the cleaning liquid in the circulation path.

In addition, in the aseptic filling machine according to the present disclosure, it is preferable that the temperature sensor is disposed in a carbon dioxide gas supply manifold that supplies the carbon dioxide gas from the filling machine tank to the counter passage. In addition, in the aseptic filling machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable that the circulation path is configured as a route passing through at least any one of a product liquid manifold that supplies the beverage to the filling nozzle from a filling machine tank provided upstream of the filling nozzle, a carbon dioxide gas supply manifold that supplies the carbon dioxide gas, the filling nozzle, a carbon dioxide gas exhaust manifold that collects the exhausted carbon dioxide gas, and a cleaning liquid recovery manifold that collects the cleaning liquid.

In the aseptic filling machine according to the present disclosure, it is preferable to dispose the temperature sensor in the counter passage. In the aseptic filling machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable to circulate the cleaning liquid in the circulation path in the reverse direction after circulating the cleaning liquid in the circulation path.

In addition, in the aseptic filling machine according to the present disclosure, it is preferable to dispose the temperature sensor in a carbon dioxide gas exhaust manifold that collects the carbon dioxide gas exhausted from the snift passage. In addition, in the aseptic filling machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable to divide the filling nozzle into a plurality of nozzles, and to circulate the cleaning liquid in at least one of the counter passage or the snift passage of each of the divided groups of filling nozzles.

The cleaning and sterilization method for the carbon dioxide gas line of an aseptic filling machine and the aseptic filling machine of the present invention can reduce the time required for CIP and SIP of the counter passage that supplies carbon dioxide gas to the filling nozzle of an aseptic filling machine that fills beverages containing carbon dioxide gas, and the sniff passage that discharges carbon dioxide gas from the filling nozzle.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an aseptic filling machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. This is a detailed block diagram showing the state in which CIP and SIP are being performed in a sterile filling machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which cleaning liquid is circulated through the downstream piping section from the filling machine tank to the filling nozzle. This is a detailed block diagram showing the state in which CIP and SIP are being performed in an aseptic filling machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which cleaning liquid is circulated by backflowing in the downstream piping section from the filling machine tank to the filling nozzle. 1 is a diagram showing the flow paths of a counter passage and a sniff passage in an aseptic filling machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a divided filling nozzle in an aseptic filling machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Below, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, we will explain the structure of the aseptic filling machine, then explain how to clean and sterilize this equipment, and how to clean and sterilize the carbon dioxide gas line.

As shown in FIG. 1, the aseptic filling machine includes a beverage preparation device 1 and a filling machine 2 that fills the beverage into bottles 4. The preparation device 1 and a filling nozzle 2a in the filling machine 2 are connected by a beverage supply system piping 7. The filling section including the filling machine 2 is shielded by a filling section chamber 3.

The beverage prepared by the preparation device 1 is stored in the balance tank 5, and the prepared beverage stored in the balance tank 5 is sterilized by the heat sterilization device 18. The sterilized beverage passes through the manifold valve 8 and is stored in the aseptic surge tank 19. The section from the heat sterilization device 18 to the manifold valve 8 is the upstream piping section 7a.

The blending device 1 blends beverages to which carbon dioxide gas is added in the desired blending ratio, and as it is a well-known device, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. The beverage containing carbon dioxide gas that is aseptically filled is a beverage containing fruit juice. A beverage to which carbon dioxide gas has been added is called a carbonated beverage.

The heat sterilization device 18 is equipped with a first-stage heating section 12, a second-stage heating section 13, a holding tube 14, a first-stage cooling section 15, a second-stage cooling section 16, etc., and gradually heats the beverage or water supplied from the balance tank 5 while sending it from the first-stage heating section 12 to the second-stage heating section 13, makes it reach the target temperature at the outlet of the second-stage heating section 13, holds the sterilization temperature for a certain period of time in the holding tube 14, and then sends it to the first-stage cooling section 15 and the second-stage cooling section 16 to gradually cool it. The number of heating sections and cooling sections can be increased or decreased as necessary. The heat sterilization device 18 may be configured to include an automatically washable homogenizer. It is preferable to install the device between the first-stage heating section, where the temperature of the product contents is about 50°C to 70°C, and the second-stage heating section, where the temperature is about 60°C to 150°C, or between the first-stage cooling section and the second-stage cooling section. In the former case, a general homogenizer will suffice, but in the latter case, a homogenizer with sterile specifications must be installed. The heat sterilization device 18 can be in any form, such as a shell-and-tube heat exchanger or a plate heat exchanger.

The beverage stored in the aseptic surge tank 19 passes through the manifold valve 23 for carbonated beverages, the carbonator 21, and the carbonated beverage surge tank 22, and then reaches the manifold valve 23 for carbonated beverages. The beverage is cooled by a cooling device, carbon dioxide gas is added by the carbonator 21, and the carbonated beverage to which carbon dioxide gas has been added is stored in the carbonated beverage surge tank 22, and the stored carbonated beverage passes through the manifold valve 23 and is stored in the filling machine tank 11. The section from the manifold valve 8 to the aseptic surge tank 19 and the manifold valve 23 for carbonated beverages is called the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b. The section from the manifold valve 23 for carbonated beverages to the carbonator 21, the carbonated beverage surge tank 22, and the manifold valve 23 for carbonated beverages is called the carbonation piping section 7c.

The carbonated beverage stored in the filling machine tank 11 is sent to the product liquid manifold 2b of the filling machine 2, supplied from the product liquid manifold 2b to a number of filling nozzles 2a, and filled into sterilized bottles 4 from the filling nozzles 2a in a sterile environment. The downstream piping section 7d is located from the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23 to the filling machine tank 11 and the filling nozzles 2a.

As shown in FIG. 5, the filling machine 2 is configured with multiple filling nozzles 2a arranged around a filling wheel 34 that rotates at high speed in a horizontal plane, and is a device for filling a fixed amount of beverage from the filling nozzles 2a into each bottle 4 that travels under the filling nozzles 2a in sync with the peripheral speed of the filling wheel 34 while rotating the filling nozzles 2a with the rotation of the filling wheel 34. The filling nozzles 2a of the filling machine 2 are arranged around the filling wheel 34, and beverage is filled into the bottles 4 that rotate together with the filling wheel 34.

The carbonated beverage is supplied from the filling machine tank 11 to the product liquid manifold 2b provided in the filling machine 2 via the filling section chamber 3 and a rotary joint (not shown) provided at the penetration part, and the beverage is supplied from the product liquid manifold 2b to the filling nozzle 2a of the filling machine 2. The rotary joint may be located at the top or bottom of the filling section chamber 3, or at both.

As shown in FIG. 4, a product liquid manifold 2b is provided which distributes and supplies carbonated beverage from the filling machine tank 11 to a number of filling nozzles 2a, and a beverage supply pipe 38 is provided which supplies carbonated beverage from the product liquid manifold 2b to the filling machine 2. The filling nozzle 2a is provided with a rod 40, and when the rod 40 rises, the carbonated beverage is filled into the bottle 4, and when the rod 40 descends, the filling of the carbonated beverage stops. The rod 40 rises and falls due to an opening and closing piston 39.

A carbon dioxide gas supply device 42 is provided that is connected to the filling machine tank 11 to supply carbon dioxide gas to the bottles 4 before the carbonated beverage is filled into the bottles 4. Carbon dioxide gas is supplied from the carbon dioxide gas supply device 42 to the head space of the filling machine tank 11, and the head space of the filling machine tank 11 is at positive pressure due to the carbon dioxide gas. The supplied carbon dioxide gas passes through a sterilizing filter and is supplied in a sterile state. A carbon dioxide gas supply manifold 43 is provided to supply carbon dioxide gas from the head space of the filling machine tank 11 to the filling nozzles 2a. Carbon dioxide gas is supplied from the carbon dioxide gas supply manifold 43 to multiple filling nozzles 2a.

A counter passage 44 is provided to supply carbon dioxide gas from the carbon dioxide gas supply manifold 43 to a number of filling nozzles 2a, and the carbon dioxide gas is supplied to the tip of the filling nozzle 2a through the counter passage 44. A snift passage 45 is provided at the tip of the filling nozzle 2a to discharge carbon dioxide gas. When the rod 40 descends and the filling nozzle 2a is closed, the opening of the sterilized bottle 4 is abutted against the tip of the filling nozzle 2a, the valve of the counter passage 44 is opened, and carbon dioxide gas is supplied to the inside of the bottle 4. After that, the valve of the counter passage 44 is closed, the rod 40 rises, and the carbonated beverage is filled. At this time, the valve of the snift passage 45 is opened, and carbon dioxide gas is discharged from the inside of the bottle 4 through the snift passage 45. The discharged carbon dioxide gas is collected in the carbon dioxide gas discharge manifold 46 and discharged into the filling section chamber 3. Carbon dioxide gas remaining in the head space of the bottle 4 filled with the carbonated beverage is also discharged through the snift passage 45.

After the carbon dioxide gas is supplied to the bottle 4, the valve of the counter passage 44 is opened and the valve of the snift passage 45 is closed, and the carbonated beverage is filled into the bottle 4, and the carbon dioxide gas inside the bottle 4 is returned from the counter passage 44 through the carbon dioxide gas supply manifold 43 to the head space of the filling machine tank 11. After the carbonated beverage is filled into the bottle 4, the valve of the counter passage 44 is closed and the valve of the snift passage 45 is opened, and the carbon dioxide gas remaining in the head space of the bottle 4 is discharged through the snift passage 45.

The piping for the carbonated beverage supplied from the filling machine tank 11 and the carbon dioxide gas supplied from the filling machine tank 11 is introduced into the filling section chamber 3, which is maintained in a sterile atmosphere, by a rotary joint.

The bottles 4 filled with carbonated beverage are sealed with sterilized lids and transported outside the aseptic filling machine.

A sterile air supply device is provided to supply sterile air to the aseptic surge tank 19, the carbonated beverage surge tank 22, the filling machine tank 11, and the cleaning liquid storage tank 25. The manifold valve 8 and the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23 connect the upstream piping section 7a, the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b, the carbonation piping section 7c, and the downstream piping section 7d, respectively, and it is preferable to provide a steam barrier or a sterile water barrier to separate the sterile state from the non-sterile state.

A filtering means for filtering the beverage may be provided in the beverage supply system piping 7. The filtering means may be provided between the aseptic surge tank 19 and the filling machine tank 11, or may be provided, for example, between the second stage cooling section 16 of the heat sterilization device 18 and the manifold valve 8. A plurality of filtering means may be installed in parallel. Furthermore, the filtering means may be provided in a location other than the above-mentioned locations, for example, upstream of the balance tank 5 or at the tip of the filling nozzle 2a.

When the filtering means are provided in parallel, the first filtering means and the second filtering means are configured so that the filtering means to be used can be switched by a switching means. By providing a switching means in this manner, it becomes possible to clean and inspect the filtering means during product manufacturing by performing a cleaning process to remove foreign matter adhering to the second filtering means while the first filtering means is being used to fill the product.

The inside of the filling section chamber 3, which shields the filling section equipped with the filling machine 2 of the aseptic filling machine, must be maintained in a sterile state during production when carbonated beverages are filled into bottles 4. Before the production operation of the aseptic filling machine, COP (Cleaning Out of Place) is performed in the filling section chamber 3, and then SOP (Sterilizing Out of Place) is performed. Thereafter, sterile air is supplied to maintain a sterile atmosphere in the filling section chamber 3. For this reason, a cleaning liquid for performing COP and SIP in the filling section chamber 3, a sterilizing liquid spraying device, and a sterile air supplying device are provided.

When filling bottles 4 with carbonated beverages using an aseptic filling machine, the carbonated beverage itself must be sterilized to keep it in a sterile state. In addition, the beverage supply system piping 7, which is the path through which the carbonated beverage is delivered to the filling nozzle 2a, must be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP) to keep the beverage supply system piping 7 in a sterile state. Because the beverage supply system piping 7 has a long path from the balance tank 5 to the filling nozzle 2a, and because there are CIP and SIP methods suitable for each part, it is reasonable to perform this process for each part separately.

An upstream return path 6a is provided to the upstream piping section 7a of the beverage supply system piping 7, which passes through the balance tank 5 and the heat sterilization device 18 and leads to the manifold valve 8, thereby forming an upstream circulation path for performing CIP and SIP on the upstream piping section 7a.

By providing an aseptic surge tank return path 6b to the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b leading to the manifold valve 8, the aseptic surge tank 19, and the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23, an aseptic surge tank circulation path is formed, which is a circulation path for performing CIP and SIP of the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b.

The carbonation piping section 7c from the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23 to the carbonation device 21, the carbonated beverage surge tank 22, and the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23 forms a circulation path.

A downstream return path 6d is provided to the downstream piping section 7d leading to the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23, the filling machine tank 11, and the filling nozzle 2a of the filling machine 2, forming a downstream circulation path for performing CIP and SIP.

As shown in Figure 1, temperature sensors 10 are arranged at various locations in the beverage supply system piping 7, including locations where the temperature is unlikely to rise during SIP. The locations where this temperature sensor 10 is to be placed include, in the pipeline heading from the second stage heating section 13 in the heat sterilization apparatus 18 to the manifold valve 8, between various sections within the heat sterilization apparatus 18, the point where it leaves the second stage cooling section 16, the point just before the manifold valve 8, inside the aseptic surge tank 19, near the outlet of the aseptic surge tank 19 and near the drain that discharges heated steam when SIP using heated steam is performed, inside the carbonator 21, near the outlet of the carbonator 21, in the pipeline heading from the carbonated beverage surge tank 22 to the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23, near the outlet of the carbonated beverage surge tank 22 and a bent portion along the way, in the pipeline heading from the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23 to the filling nozzle 2a, a bent portion along the way, near the inlet and near the outlet of the filling machine tank 11, between the product liquid manifold 2b and the filling nozzle 2a in the filling machine 2, and inside the filling nozzle 2a. Temperature sensors 10 are placed in each of these pipelines. The temperature information measured by each of these temperature sensors 10 is sent to the controller 17.

To perform CIP for each circulation path, a cleaning liquid supply device is provided to supply cleaning liquid to be circulated in each circulation path. CIP is performed by circulating cleaning liquid in each circulation path. When the operation button on the panel (not shown) of the controller 17 is operated, CIP is performed in a predetermined procedure for the upstream circulation path, the aseptic surge tank circulation path, the carbonation pipe section 7c, and the downstream circulation path of the aseptic filling machine. At this time, the upstream pipe section 7a, the aseptic surge tank pipe section 7b, the carbonation pipe section 7c, and the downstream pipe section 7d are blocked by the manifold valve 8 and the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23. CIP is performed by supplying cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid supply device to each circulation path and circulating the supplied cleaning liquid in each circulation path. By circulating the cleaning liquid, beverage residues that were poured into the beverage supply system pipe 7 when the aseptic filling machine was operated last time are removed. The operation of performing CIP is managed by the controller 17.

The cleaning solution is either an alkaline cleaning solution made by adding alkaline chemicals such as caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate, sodium phosphate, sodium hypochlorite, surfactants, and chelating agents (sequestering agents) such as sodium gluconate and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to water, or an acidic cleaning solution made by adding acidic chemicals such as nitric acid or phosphoric acid. The water can be any type of water that does not contain foreign matter, such as ion-exchanged water, distilled water, or tap water.

The alkaline cleaning solution includes, but is not limited to, lithium carbonate, ammonium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, propylene carbonate, and mixtures thereof. It may also include bicarbonates such as sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, lithium bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, magnesium bicarbonate, and calcium bicarbonate, and sesquicarbonates such as sodium sesquicarbonate, potassium sesquicarbonate, lithium sesquicarbonate, and mixtures thereof.

In addition to the above-mentioned nitric acid and phosphoric acid, acidic cleaning solutions include hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, formic acid, glycolic acid, methanesulfonic acid, sulfamic acid, and mixtures thereof, but are not limited to these.

The cleaning solution may contain hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, peroctanoic acid, persulfate, perborate, hydrosulfite, thiourea dioxide, and other bleaching agents, as well as percarbonates. Furthermore, the cleaning solution may contain water softeners such as aluminosilicates and polycarboxylates, and may contain anti-redeposition agents such as sodium phosphate, sodium polyacrylate, and sodium carboxylate. Furthermore, enzymes, solvents, fatty acids, foam regulators, active oxygen sources, and the like may be added to the cleaning solution.

The order in which the cleaning solutions are poured during CIP is not limited to the above-mentioned order. For example, an acidic cleaning solution may be poured first, followed by an alkaline cleaning solution, or an acidic cleaning solution and an alkaline cleaning solution may be poured alternately multiple times. Also, CIP may be performed by pouring only either an acidic cleaning solution or an alkaline cleaning solution.

The CIP of the upstream circulation path is performed by circulating the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device through the upstream circulation path via the balance tank 5, heat sterilization device 18, and manifold valve 8 provided in the upstream piping section 7a of the beverage supply system piping 7. A constant amount of cleaning liquid is constantly or intermittently supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device, and the residue of the previous beverage attached to the upstream piping section 7a is removed while circulating. In order to activate the cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid may be heated to a predetermined temperature by the heat sterilization device 18 provided in the upstream piping section 7a. The temperature to be raised is 60°C to 140°C, and by raising the temperature, the cleaning effect is enhanced and a sterilization effect can also be exerted. In addition, the circulated cleaning liquid may be appropriately discharged outside the device. After circulating the cleaning liquid in the upstream circulation path at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, the CIP is terminated. The start and end of the CIP are managed by the controller 17.

The cleaning liquid used in CIP is circulated in the upstream circulation path without stopping the liquid supply pump that was operating when CIP was performed, and the cleaning liquid is heated to the temperature required for SIP by the heat sterilization device 18, and the heated and heated cleaning liquid is circulated in the upstream circulation path to perform SIP. At this time, since the liquid supply pump is not stopped, the set temperature of the heat sterilization device 18, which was heated when CIP was performed, is not lowered and the temperature is raised to the temperature required for SIP, so the temperature in the upstream piping section 7a including the heat sterilization device 18 does not drop when transitioning from CIP to SIP.

After CIP is completed, the cleaning liquid used in CIP can be left circulating and heated to the temperature required for SIP by the heat sterilization device 18, but it is also possible to heat the cleaning liquid to the temperature required for SIP from the beginning of CIP and perform CIP and SIP simultaneously.

SIP of the upstream piping section 7a can be performed by introducing water from the balance tank 5 in the upstream circulation path, rinsing the cleaning solution used in the CIP from the upstream circulation path, and then heating the water to the temperature required for SIP using the heat sterilization device 18 and circulating the heated water in the upstream circulation path.

When heated cleaning liquid or water flows through the upstream circulation path, temperature information is sent to the controller 17 at regular intervals from the temperature sensors 10 arranged in various locations in the upstream piping section 7a.

When the pH of the beverage product to be filled into the bottle 4 is 4.6 or higher, the sterilization temperature conditions may be determined with a reference temperature Tr of 121.1°C and a Z value of 10°C. The cleaning liquid to be used last in the CIP or the water used after rinsing away the cleaning liquid is heated to the temperature required for SIP in the heat sterilization device 18, and when the temperature of each point in the upstream piping section 7a reaches 121.1°C, the F value of each point is calculated by the controller 17 from that point on. The calculation formula is as follows:

When the smallest F value among the F values calculated based on the above formula reaches the target value, sterilization of the upstream piping section 7a is completed. Note that the sterilization method is not limited to the method of calculating the F value and completing sterilization, and sterilization may be completed, for example, by a method using temperature and time as is conventionally known.

When the minimum value of the calculated F value reaches the target value, the upstream piping section 7a ends SIP as sterilization is complete, but it is also possible to select the minimum value of the temperature measured by the temperature sensors 10 arranged in various places in the upstream piping section 7a and complete sterilization when the F value calculated from the minimum value reaches the target value.

In the formula for calculating the F value, the reference temperature Tr and Z value can be changed according to the type of beverage, which is the product liquid. For example, when the pH of the product liquid is between 4 and less than 4.6, the reference temperature Tr can be 85°C and the Z value can be 7.8°C, and when the pH of the product liquid is less than 4, the reference temperature Tr can be 65°C and the Z value can be 5°C. In other words, it is also possible to change the values substituted into the above formula as appropriate according to the microbial growth characteristics of the product liquid, distribution temperature, etc. Therefore, the temperature required for SIP changes depending on the type of beverage to be filled next. Therefore, when transitioning from CIP processing to SIP processing, CIP may be performed at a higher temperature than SIP.

The CIP of the aseptic surge tank circulation path is performed by circulating the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device through the aseptic surge tank circulation path via the manifold valve 8, the aseptic surge tank 19, and the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23 provided in the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b. A constant amount of cleaning liquid is constantly or intermittently supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device, and the residue of the previous drink attached to the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b is removed while circulating. In order to activate the cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid may be heated to a predetermined temperature by a heat exchanger provided in the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b. The circulated cleaning liquid may also be appropriately discharged outside the device. After circulating the cleaning liquid in the aseptic surge tank circulation path at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, water or sterile water is supplied to the aseptic surge tank circulation path to wash out the cleaning liquid. The CIP is completed by washing out the cleaning liquid. The start and end of the CIP are managed by the controller 17.

As the aseptic surge tank 19 has a large capacity, it is difficult to fill it with cleaning liquid, so the cleaning liquid is sprayed onto the inner surface of the aseptic surge tank 19. The cleaning liquid is sprayed using a rotating spray ball or the like located at the top of the tank.

The following describes the case where SIP is performed on the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b. Since the aseptic surge tank 19 has a large capacity, it is common to use a second-class pressure vessel. Therefore, it is difficult to heat the cleaning liquid used in CIP to the temperature required for SIP to perform SIP. This is because a large amount of cleaning liquid would be required, which would increase costs. Also, if the cleaning liquid is sprayed with a rotating spray ball, the liquid particles become small and the temperature of the cleaning liquid drops, making it unsuitable for SIP. For this reason, heated steam is used for SIP of the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b.

By flowing heated steam into the aseptic surge tank piping 7b and performing SIP, any cleaning liquid remaining in the aseptic surge tank piping 7b is washed away. At the beginning of SIP, heated steam may be flowed from the aseptic surge tank piping 7b into the aseptic surge tank return path 6b to wash away any cleaning liquid remaining in the aseptic surge tank return path 6b.

Heated steam is supplied from the heated steam supply device to the manifold valve 8, the heated steam supplied to the manifold valve 8 is supplied to the aseptic surge tank 19, and the heated steam supplied to the aseptic surge tank 19 is discharged from the steam drain via the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23. The heated steam supplied is water that does not contain foreign matter, such as ion-exchanged water, distilled water, or tap water, which has been heated and vaporized, and is usually at 121.1°C or higher, but may be 100°C or higher. Water is directly heated and vaporized, but it is also possible to indirectly heat and vaporize water using steam generated in a boiler as a heat source.

When heated steam flows through the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b, temperature information is sent to the controller 17 at regular intervals from the temperature sensors 10 arranged in various locations in the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b.

When the pH of the beverage product to be filled into the bottle 4 is 4.6 or higher, the sterilization temperature conditions may be determined with the reference temperature Tr set to 121.1°C and the Z value set to 10°C. When the temperature at each point in the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b reaches 121.1°C, the F value at each point is calculated by the controller 17 according to the aforementioned equation 1.

When the smallest F value among the F values calculated based on the calculation formula reaches the target value, sterilization of the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b is completed and SIP ends. Note that the sterilization method is not limited to the method of calculating the F value as described above and completing sterilization, and sterilization may be completed by a method using temperature and time as is conventionally known.

Sterilization of the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b is completed when the minimum value of the calculated F value reaches the target value, but it is also possible to select the minimum value of the temperature measured by the temperature sensors 10 arranged in various places in the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b and complete sterilization when the F value calculated from the minimum value reaches the target value.

In the above formula for calculating the F value, the reference temperature Tr and Z value can be changed depending on the type of beverage that is the product liquid. For example, when the pH of the product liquid is between 4 and less than 4.6, the reference temperature Tr can be 85°C and the Z value can be 7.8°C, and when the pH of the product liquid is less than 4, the reference temperature Tr can be 65°C and the Z value can be 5°C. In other words, it is also possible to change the values substituted into the formula as appropriate according to the microbial growth characteristics of the product liquid, distribution temperature, etc. Therefore, the temperature required for SIP changes depending on the type of beverage to be filled next.

The CIP of the carbonation pipe section 7c is performed by circulating the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device through the carbonation pipe section 7c via the carbonation device 21 and carbonated beverage surge tank 22 provided in the carbonation pipe section 7c of the beverage supply system pipe 7. A constant amount of cleaning liquid is constantly or intermittently supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device, and the residue of the previous beverage adhering to the carbonation pipe section 7c is removed while circulating. In order to activate the cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid may be heated to a predetermined temperature by a heating device. The temperature is 60°C to 140°C, and by raising the temperature, the cleaning effect is enhanced and a sterilization effect can also be exerted. In addition, the circulated cleaning liquid may be appropriately discharged outside the device. After circulating the cleaning liquid to the carbonation pipe section 7c at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, the CIP is terminated. The start and end of the CIP are managed by the controller 17.

The cleaning liquid used in CIP is circulated through the carbonation piping section 7c without stopping the liquid delivery pump that was in operation during CIP. The cleaning liquid is heated to the temperature required for SIP by the heating device, and the heated cleaning liquid is circulated through the carbonation piping section 7c to perform SIP. At this time, the temperature is raised without stopping the liquid delivery pump, so the temperature inside the carbonation piping section 7c does not decrease.

After CIP is completed, the cleaning liquid used in CIP can be left circulating and heated to the temperature required for SIP using a heating device, but it is also possible to heat the cleaning liquid to the temperature required for SIP from the beginning of CIP and perform CIP and SIP simultaneously.

When the heated cleaning liquid flows through the carbonation pipe section 7c, temperature information is sent to the controller 17 at regular intervals from the temperature sensors 10 arranged in various locations in the carbonation pipe section 7c.

When the pH of the beverage product to be filled into the bottle 4 is 4.6 or higher, the sterilization temperature conditions may be determined with the reference temperature Tr set to 121.1°C and the Z value set to 10°C. When the temperature at each point in the carbonation piping section 7c reaches 121.1°C, the F value at each point is calculated by the controller 17 according to the aforementioned equation 1.

When the smallest F value among the F values calculated based on the calculation formula reaches the target value, the carbonation pipe section 7c completes sterilization and ends SIP. Note that the sterilization method is not limited to the method of calculating the F value and completing sterilization as described above, and sterilization may be completed by a method using temperature and time as has been conventionally known.

Sterilization of the carbonation pipe section 7c is completed when the minimum value of the calculated F value reaches the target value, but it is also possible to select the minimum value of the temperature measured by the temperature sensors 10 arranged in various places in the carbonation pipe section 7c and complete sterilization when the F value calculated from the minimum value reaches the target value.

In the above formula for calculating the F value, the reference temperature Tr and Z value can be changed depending on the type of beverage that is the product liquid. For example, when the pH of the product liquid is between 4 and less than 4.6, the reference temperature Tr can be 85°C and the Z value can be 7.8°C, and when the pH of the product liquid is less than 4, the reference temperature Tr can be 65°C and the Z value can be 5°C. In other words, it is also possible to change the values substituted into the formula as appropriate according to the microbial growth characteristics of the product liquid, distribution temperature, etc. Therefore, the temperature required for SIP changes depending on the type of beverage to be filled next.

The SIP of the carbonation piping section 7c may be performed by supplying heated steam from a heated steam supply device to a flow path that runs from the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23 through the carbonator 21 and carbonated beverage surge tank 22 to the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23. The heated steam is sent from the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23, passes through the carbonator 21 and carbonated beverage surge tank 22, and reaches the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23. After heating each section, it is discharged from the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23.

For CIP or SIP on the downstream piping section 7d, cups 9 that can be attached and detached are arranged on the opening of the filling nozzle 2a of the filling machine 2. When performing CIP or SIP, each cup 9 is joined to the opening at the tip of the filling nozzle 2a of the filling machine 2 by an actuator (not shown), and the cup 9 that is the starting point of the downstream return path 6d is connected to the opening of the filling nozzle 2a.

The CIP of the downstream circulation path is performed by circulating the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 47 through the downstream circulation path via the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23 of the downstream piping section 7d, the filling machine tank 11, and the filling machine 2, as shown by the thick line in Figure 2. A constant amount of cleaning liquid is constantly or intermittently supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 47, and the residue of the previous drink attached to the downstream piping section 7d is removed while circulating. In order to activate the cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid may be heated to a predetermined temperature by the heat exchanger 24 provided in the downstream circulation path. The temperature is 60°C to 140°C, and by raising the temperature, the cleaning effect is enhanced and a sterilization effect can also be achieved. After circulating the cleaning liquid in the downstream circulation path at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, the CIP is terminated. The start and end of the CIP are managed by the controller 17.

Before CIP of the downstream circulation path is performed, a cup 9 is attached to the opening of the filling nozzle 2a, and a drain pipe 20 connected to the downstream return path 6d is connected to the filling nozzle 2a, allowing the cleaning liquid to circulate through the downstream return path 6d. The drain pipes 20 of each filling nozzle 2a are connected to a cleaning liquid recovery manifold 37, so that the cleaning liquid is collected. At this time, the rod 40 of the filling nozzle 2a is raised, and the filling nozzle 2a is open.

As shown by the bold line in Figure 2, cleaning liquid is circulated in the downstream circulation path by the cleaning liquid circulation pump 26. The cleaning liquid circulates from the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23 through the filling machine tank 11, through the product liquid manifold 2b, the filling nozzle 2a and the cup 9, through the drain pipe 20, through the cleaning liquid recovery manifold 37 and the cleaning liquid storage tank 25, and to the cleaning liquid circulation pump 26. Figure 2 shows the details of the circulation route of the downstream circulation path. The cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 47 and stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 25. The cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 25 is circulated to the downstream circulation path by the cleaning liquid circulation pump 26. A pipe is provided with cleaning liquid circulation valves 29a, 29b, 29c, and 29d. By opening the cleaning liquid circulation valves 29a and 29d and closing 29b and 29c, the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 25 passes through the cleaning liquid circulation pump 26, the heat exchanger 24, the valve 29a, the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23, the filling machine tank 11, the product liquid manifold 2b, the filling nozzle 2a, the cup 9, the drain pipe 20, the cleaning liquid recovery manifold 37, the valve 29d, and the cleaning liquid storage tank 25, and is circulated to the cleaning liquid circulation pump 26.

Figure 3 shows a state where, unlike the case of Figure 2, CIP is being performed on the downstream piping section 7d from the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23 and the filling machine tank 11 to the filling nozzle 2a, in which the cleaning liquid is reversed. The cleaning liquid is stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 25 and circulated to the downstream circulation path by the cleaning liquid circulation pump 26. By opening the cleaning liquid circulation valves 29b and 29c and closing 29a and 29d, the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 25 passes from the cleaning liquid circulation pump 26 through the heat exchanger 24, the valve 29c, the cleaning liquid recovery manifold 37, the drain pipe 20, the cup 9, the filling nozzle 2a, the product liquid manifold 2b, the filling machine tank 11, the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23, the valve 29b, and the cleaning liquid storage tank 25 to the cleaning liquid circulation pump 26. At this time, the rod 40 of the filling nozzle 2a is raised, and the filling nozzle 2a is open.

The flow in Figure 2 is the actual flow direction in which the carbonated beverage is filled. If this is taken as the forward flow direction, then the cleaning liquid is flowed in this direction to perform CIP. However, in places where the carbonated beverage accumulates in the downstream piping section 7d, particularly the filling nozzle 2a, the beverage residues may not be completely removed by CIP in the forward flow direction. In this case, by flowing the cleaning liquid in the reverse direction as shown in Figure 3, the carbonated beverage residues may be completely removed by CIP in the forward flow direction. In addition to CIP in the forward flow direction, CIP is performed by flowing the cleaning liquid in the reverse direction in the downstream circulation path. The cleaning liquid is flowed in the forward flow direction and then in the reverse flow direction, and this can be repeated. It takes a long time to remove the residues from the filling nozzle 2a using only the forward flow direction, but by flowing the cleaning liquid in the reverse flow direction, they can be removed in a short time.

Next, the SIP for the downstream piping section 7d will be described. Without stopping the cleaning liquid circulation pump 26 that was operating when performing CIP on the downstream piping section 7d including the filling nozzle 2a, the cleaning liquid used in the CIP of the filling nozzle 2a is circulated in the downstream circulation path, and the cleaning liquid is heated to the temperature required for SIP by the heat exchanger 24 provided in the downstream return path 6d, and circulated in the downstream circulation path to perform SIP on the downstream piping section 7d including the filling nozzle 2a. At this time, the cleaning liquid circulation pump 26 is not stopped, and the temperature in the downstream piping section 7d that was heated when the CIP of the downstream piping section 7d including the filling nozzle 2a was performed is not lowered, and the cleaning liquid is heated to the temperature required for SIP of the downstream piping section 7d. Therefore, when transitioning from CIP to SIP, there is no drop in the temperature in the downstream piping section 7d including the filling machine 2.

As described above, the CIP of the downstream circulation path formed including the filling nozzle 2a may be performed by flowing the cleaning liquid in the forward flow direction and then in the reverse flow direction, but the cleaning liquid may also be heated to the temperature required for the SIP of the downstream piping section 7d, and the cleaning liquid may be reversed when performing the SIP of the downstream piping section 7d including the divided filling nozzle 2a.

After the CIP of the downstream piping section 7d including the filling nozzle 2a is completed, the cleaning liquid used in the CIP may be circulated and heated by the heat exchanger 24 to the temperature required for the SIP of the downstream piping section 7d including the filling nozzle 2a. Alternatively, the cleaning liquid may be heated to the temperature required for the SIP of the downstream piping section 7d including the filling nozzle 2a from the beginning of the CIP of the downstream piping section 7d including the filling nozzle 2a, and the CIP of the downstream piping section 7d including the filling nozzle 2a and the SIP of the downstream piping section 7d including the filling nozzle 2a may be performed simultaneously. The cleaning liquid heated to the temperature required for the SIP of the downstream piping section 7d including the filling nozzle 2a may be flowed in the reverse flow direction. The effect of the CIP is improved by flowing the cleaning liquid heated to the temperature required for the SIP of the downstream piping section 7d including the filling nozzle 2a in the forward flow direction and then in the reverse flow direction. The effect of the SIP is improved by completely removing the residue and by increasing the cleaning effect compared to the case of only flowing in the forward flow direction.

By raising the temperature of the cleaning liquid flowing in the downstream circulation path for CIP to the temperature required for SIP and performing CIP and SIP consecutively or simultaneously, it is possible to reduce the time required for CIP and SIP. Furthermore, by backflowing the cleaning liquid for SIP from the filling nozzle 2a back into the filling machine tank 11, the cleaning effect is improved and the complete removal of residues is possible, thereby improving the sterilization effect.

The sterile water supply device 27 shown in FIG. 2 supplies sterile water to the cleaning liquid storage tank 25 in the downstream circulation path, and the supplied sterile water flushes out the cleaning liquid in the downstream circulation path, and the flushed cleaning liquid is discharged from the drain valve 31 via the cleaning liquid recovery manifold 37 connected to the drain pipe 20.

When the cleaning liquid flows through the downstream circulation path, temperature information is sent to the controller 17 at regular intervals from temperature sensors 10 arranged at various locations in the downstream piping section 7d, including the filling nozzle 2a.

When the pH of the beverage product to be filled into the bottle 4 is 4.6 or higher, the sterilization temperature conditions may be determined with the reference temperature Tr set to 121.1°C and the Z value set to 10°C. The cleaning liquid to be used last in the CIP is heated to the temperature required for the SIP in the heat exchanger 24, and when the temperature of each point in the downstream piping section 7d reaches 121.1°C, the F value of each point is calculated by the controller 17 from that point on using the aforementioned formula 1.

When the smallest F value among the F values calculated based on the calculation formula reaches the target value, sterilization of the downstream piping section 7d is completed and SIP ends. Note that the sterilization method is not limited to the method of calculating the F value and completing sterilization as described above, and sterilization may be completed by a conventional method using temperature and time.

In the formula for calculating the F value, the reference temperature Tr and Z value can be changed according to the type of beverage, which is the product liquid. For example, when the pH of the product liquid is between 4 and less than 4.6, the reference temperature Tr can be 85°C and the Z value can be 7.8°C, and when the pH of the product liquid is less than 4, the reference temperature Tr can be 65°C and the Z value can be 5°C. In other words, it is also possible to change the values substituted into the above formula as appropriate according to the microbial growth characteristics of the product liquid, distribution temperature, etc. Therefore, the temperature required for SIP changes depending on the type of beverage to be filled next. Therefore, when transitioning from CIP processing to SIP processing, CIP may be performed at a higher temperature than SIP.

CIP and SIP are performed on the downstream piping section 7d, but CIP and SIP must also be performed on the counter passage 44 that supplies carbon dioxide gas to the filling nozzle 2a that fills the carbonated beverage, and the snift passage 45 that discharges carbon dioxide gas from the filling nozzle 2a. A circulation path for circulating cleaning liquid is formed in at least one of the counter passage 44 or the snift passage 45, and CIP is performed by circulating the cleaning liquid in the formed circulation path, and the temperature of the cleaning liquid is adjusted to the temperature required for SIP from the beginning or middle of CIP, and the cleaning liquid at the temperature required for SIP is circulated in the circulation path, thereby simultaneously or continuously performing CIP and SIP on at least one of the counter passage 44 or the snift passage 45.

As shown in FIG. 4, the counter passage 44 is a path that runs from the head space of the filling machine tank 11 through the carbon dioxide gas supply manifold 43 to the filling nozzle 2a. The snift passage 45 is a path that runs from the filling nozzle 2a to the carbon dioxide gas exhaust manifold 46. The counter passage 44 and the snift passage 45 are considered to be carbon dioxide gas lines.

The valve supplying carbonated beverage from the filling machine tank 11 to the product liquid manifold 2b is closed, and cleaning liquid supplied from the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23 is supplied to the filling machine tank 11 until it is full. The cleaning liquid that filled the filling machine tank 11 flows into the carbon dioxide gas supply manifold 43, and reaches the tip of the filling nozzle 2a via the counter passage 44 that supplies carbon dioxide gas from the carbon dioxide gas supply manifold 43 to the filling nozzle 2a. At this time, when the valve of the sniff passage 45 is closed, the cleaning liquid reaches the cleaning liquid recovery manifold 37 from the cup 9 joined to the tip of the filling nozzle 2a, forming the circulation path shown in Figure 2. By circulating the cleaning liquid through this circulation path, CIP and SIP of the counter passage 44 can be performed.

When the valve leading to the carbon dioxide gas supply manifold 43 is closed, cleaning liquid flows from the filling machine tank 11 to the product liquid manifold 2b, and the rod of the filling nozzle 2a is opened, the cleaning liquid flows from the product liquid manifold 2b to the tip of the filling nozzle 2a, and when the valve from the cup 9 joined to the tip of the filling nozzle 2a is closed and the valve of the snift passage 45 is opened, the cleaning liquid flows into the snift passage 45 and reaches the carbon dioxide gas exhaust manifold 46. When the carbon dioxide gas exhaust manifold 46 and the cleaning liquid recovery manifold 37 are connected and the valve is opened, the cleaning liquid collected in the carbon dioxide gas exhaust manifold 46 reaches the cleaning liquid recovery manifold 37, and the circulation path shown in Figure 2 is formed. By circulating the cleaning liquid through this circulation path, CIP and SIP of the snift passage 45 can be performed.

The valve that supplies carbonated beverage from the filling machine tank 11 to the product liquid manifold 2b is closed, and the cleaning liquid supplied from the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23 is supplied to the filling machine tank 11 until it is full. The cleaning liquid that filled the filling machine tank 11 flows into the carbon dioxide gas supply manifold 43, and reaches the tip of the filling nozzle 2a through the counter passage 44 that supplies carbon dioxide gas from the carbon dioxide gas supply manifold 43 to the filling nozzle 2a. At this time, when the valve of the sniff passage 45 is opened and the valve from the cup 9 joined to the tip of the filling nozzle 2a is closed, the cleaning liquid flows into the sniff passage 45 and reaches the carbon dioxide gas exhaust manifold 46. When the carbon dioxide gas exhaust manifold 46 and the cleaning liquid recovery manifold 37 are connected and the valve is opened, the cleaning liquid collected in the carbon dioxide gas exhaust manifold 46 reaches the cleaning liquid recovery manifold 37, and the circulation path shown in FIG. 2 is formed. By circulating the cleaning liquid through this circulation path, CIP and SIP can be performed on the counter passage 44 and sniff passage 45.

The CIP of the circulation path including at least one of the counter passage 44 or the snift passage 45 is performed by circulating the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 47 through the circulation path including the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23 of the downstream piping section 7d, the filling machine tank 11, and at least one of the counter passage 44 or the snift passage 45, as shown by the thick line in Figure 2. A certain amount of cleaning liquid is constantly or intermittently supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 47, and the residue of the previous drink attached to at least one of the counter passage 44 or the snift passage 45 is removed while circulating. The cleaning liquid may be heated to a predetermined temperature by the heat exchanger 24 provided in the downstream circulation path to activate the cleaning liquid. The temperature to be heated is 60°C to 140°C, and by raising the temperature, the cleaning effect is enhanced and a sterilizing effect can also be exerted. After circulating the cleaning liquid at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time through at least one of the counter passage 44 or the snift passage 45, the CIP is completed. The start and end of CIP is managed by the controller 17.

The cleaning liquid is circulated by the cleaning liquid circulation pump 26 in a circulation path including at least one of the counter passage 44 or the snift passage 45. The cleaning liquid circulates from the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23 through the filling machine tank 11, at least one of the counter passage 44 or the snift passage 45, the cleaning liquid recovery manifold 37, and the cleaning liquid storage tank 25 to the cleaning liquid circulation pump 26. The cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 47 and stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 25. The cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 25 is circulated by the cleaning liquid circulation pump 26 to at least one of the counter passage 44 or the snift passage 45. A pipe is provided with cleaning liquid circulation valves 29a, 29b, 29c, and 29d. By opening the cleaning liquid circulation valves 29a and 29d and closing 29b and 29c, the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 25 passes through the cleaning liquid circulation pump 26, the heat exchanger 24, the valve 29a, the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23, the filling machine tank 11, at least one of the counter passage 44 or the sniff passage 45, the cleaning liquid recovery manifold 37, the valve 29d, and the cleaning liquid storage tank 25, and is circulated to the cleaning liquid circulation pump 26.

It is also possible to perform CIP, which reverses the cleaning liquid. The cleaning liquid is stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 25 and circulated to at least one of the counter passage 44 or the sniff passage 45 by the cleaning liquid circulation pump 26. By opening the cleaning liquid circulation valves 29b and 29c and closing 29a and 29d, the cleaning liquid stored in the cleaning liquid storage tank 25 passes from the cleaning liquid circulation pump 26 through the heat exchanger 24, the valve 29c, the cleaning liquid recovery manifold 37, the drain pipe 20, the cup 9, the filling nozzle 2a, the product liquid manifold 2b, the filling machine tank 11, the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23, the valve 29b, and the cleaning liquid storage tank 25 to the cleaning liquid circulation pump 26.

Next, we will explain SIP for at least one of the counter passage 44 or the snift passage 45. Without stopping the cleaning liquid circulation pump 26 that was operating when performing CIP for the circulation path including at least one of the counter passage 44 or the snift passage 45, the cleaning liquid used in CIP is circulated in at least one of the counter passage 44 or the snift passage 45, and the cleaning liquid is heated to a temperature required for SIP by the heat exchanger 24 provided in the downstream return path 6d, and circulated in the downstream circulation path to perform SIP for at least one of the counter passage 44 or the snift passage 45. At this time, the cleaning liquid circulation pump 26 is not stopped, and the temperature of the cleaning liquid is raised to the temperature required for SIP of at least one of the counter passage 44 or the snift passage 45 without lowering the temperature that was raised when performing CIP of the circulation path including at least one of the counter passage 44 or the snift passage 45, so there is no drop in the temperature of at least one of the counter passage 44 or the snift passage 45 when transitioning from CIP to SIP.

As described above, the CIP of the circulation path formed including at least one of the counter passage 44 and the snift passage 45 may be performed by flowing the cleaning liquid in the forward flow direction and then in the reverse flow direction, but the cleaning liquid may also be heated to a temperature required for the SIP of at least one of the counter passage 44 and the snift passage 45, and the cleaning liquid may be reversed when performing the SIP of the circulation path including at least one of the counter passage 44 and the snift passage 45.

After the CIP of the circulation path including at least one of the counter passage 44 and the snift passage 45 is completed, the cleaning liquid used in the CIP may be circulated and heated to the temperature required for the SIP of at least one of the counter passage 44 and the snift passage 45 by the heat exchanger 24. Alternatively, the cleaning liquid may be heated to the temperature required for the SIP of at least one of the counter passage 44 and the snift passage 45 from the beginning of the CIP of at least one of the counter passage 44 and the snift passage 45, and the CIP of at least one of the counter passage 44 and the snift passage 45 and the SIP of at least one of the counter passage 44 and the snift passage 45 may be performed simultaneously. The cleaning liquid heated to the temperature required for the SIP of at least one of the counter passage 44 and the snift passage 45 may be flowed in the reverse direction. The effect of CIP is improved by flowing cleaning liquid heated to the temperature required for SIP in at least one of the counter passage 44 or sniff passage 45 in the forward flow direction and then in the reverse flow direction. The effect of SIP is improved by completely removing residues and by improving the cleaning effect compared to when it is only flowed in the forward flow direction.

By raising the temperature of the cleaning liquid flowing for CIP in at least one of the counter passage 44 or the sniff passage 45 to the temperature required for SIP and performing CIP and SIP consecutively or simultaneously, it is possible to reduce the time required for CIP and SIP. Furthermore, by reverse flowing the cleaning liquid used for SIP, the cleaning effect is improved and complete removal of residues is possible, thereby improving the sterilization effect.

The sterile water supply device 27 shown in FIG. 2 supplies sterile water to the cleaning liquid storage tank 25 in the downstream circulation path, and the supplied sterile water flushes out at least one of the cleaning liquid in the counter passage 44 or the sniff passage 45, and the flushed cleaning liquid is discharged from the discharge valve 31 via the cleaning liquid recovery manifold 37.

When the cleaning liquid flows through a circulation path including at least one of the counter passage 44 and the snift passage 45, temperature information is sent to the controller 17 at regular time intervals from the temperature sensors 10 arranged at various locations in at least one of the counter passage 44 and the snift passage 45. The locations where the temperature sensors are arranged include, for example, the carbon dioxide gas supply manifold 43, the counter passage 44, and the carbon dioxide gas exhaust manifold 46.

When the pH of the beverage product liquid filled into the bottle 4 is 4.6 or higher, the sterilization temperature conditions may be determined with the reference temperature Tr set to 121.1°C and the Z value set to 10°C. The cleaning liquid used last in the CIP is heated in the heat exchanger 24 to the temperature required for the SIP, and when the temperature of each point of at least one of the counter passage 44 or the sniff passage 45 reaches 121.1°C, the F value of each point is calculated by the controller 17 from that point on using the aforementioned formula 1.

When the smallest F value among the F values calculated based on the calculation formula reaches the target value, sterilization of at least one of the counter passage 44 or the sniff passage 45 is completed and SIP ends. Note that the sterilization method is not limited to the method of calculating the F value as described above and completing sterilization, and sterilization may be completed by a conventionally known method using temperature and time.

In the formula for calculating the F value, the reference temperature Tr and Z value can be changed depending on the type of carbonated beverage that is the product liquid. For example, when the pH of the product liquid is between 4 and less than 4.6, the reference temperature Tr can be 85°C and the Z value can be 7.8°C, and when the pH of the product liquid is less than 4, the reference temperature Tr can be 65°C and the Z value can be 5°C. In other words, it is also possible to change the values substituted into the above formula as appropriate according to the microbial growth characteristics of the product liquid, distribution temperature, etc. Therefore, the temperature required for SIP changes depending on the type of carbonated beverage to be filled next. Therefore, when transitioning from CIP processing to SIP processing, CIP may be performed at a higher temperature than SIP.

After completing the SIP, the cleaning liquid used in the SIP is cooled in a circulation path including at least one of the counter passage 44 and the snift passage 45. Cooling is performed by flowing a refrigerant through the heat exchanger 24. The heat exchanger 24 heats the cleaning liquid by flowing a heat medium and cools the cleaning liquid by flowing a refrigerant. When cooling cleaning liquid that has been heated to 100°C or higher, for example 140°C, if the temperature inside the circulation path including at least one of the sealed counter passage 44 and the snift passage 45 falls below 100°C, the pressure inside the circulation path will be lower than the atmospheric pressure of the outside air, and the outside air pressure will put a load on the piping, which may damage the piping.

It is also possible to supply sterile air to the filling machine tank 11 to prevent the pressure in the circulation path from becoming lower than atmospheric pressure. However, sterile air must be supplied when the pressure in the circulation path exceeds atmospheric pressure. If a valve (not shown) is opened to supply sterile air from the sterile air supply device 28 into the filling machine tank 11 at this time, splashes of cleaning liquid and vaporized cleaning liquid components may flow into the valve of the sterile air supply pipe. The cleaning liquid and cleaning liquid components adhering to the sterile air supply pipe and valve may be mixed into the beverage, so they must be washed away. It is possible to supply heated steam and use the condensed water of the heated steam to rinse the cleaning liquid and cleaning liquid components adhering to the sterile air supply pipe and valve. Alternatively, a method of directly supplying heated steam and increasing the pressure may be considered. However, these methods are not easy and would complicate the device.

As shown in FIG. 2, a back pressure valve 30 is provided in the path from the cleaning liquid recovery manifold 37 to the cleaning liquid storage tank 25. The position of the back pressure valve 30 may be anywhere in the circulation path, but since the pressure upstream of the back pressure valve 30 is equal to or higher than atmospheric pressure, it is preferable to provide the valve near the filling machine 2. When CIP or SIP is being performed, the back pressure valve 30 is fully open. After SIP is completed, when the temperature is lowered while the cleaning liquid is circulated, the volume of the cleaning liquid circulating in the piping contracts, and the pressure drops rapidly. When the temperature is lowered to a temperature exceeding 100°C near 100°C, for example to 105°C, the back pressure valve 30 is adjusted to increase the pressure in the circulation path. When the temperature drops from a temperature exceeding 100°C to less than 100°C, the back pressure is further increased so that the pressure in the circulation path does not fall below atmospheric pressure. When the temperature is lowered as it is and becomes less than 90°C, sterile air is supplied to the filling machine tank 11 or to any point in the circulation path to make the pressure in the circulation path equal to or higher than atmospheric pressure. If the temperature drops below 90°C, the cleaning solution or its components will not flow into the supply pipe for the pressurized sterile air.

If the back pressure valve 30 cannot raise the pressure in the piping above atmospheric pressure, the pressure in the circulation path may be increased by supplying heated steam into the piping. The heated steam pressure is 0.05 to 0.5 MPa, and preferably 0.1 to 0.3 MPa. In this case, as mentioned above, cleaning of the heated steam supply valve after supplying heated steam becomes complicated, so it is preferable to install the heated steam supply valve in the downstream return path 6d where the product liquid does not flow (not shown).

After the temperature of the cleaning liquid in the circulation path is lowered to less than 100°C, preferably less than 90°C, the cleaning liquid is washed away. Sterile water is supplied from the sterile water supply device 27 to the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23, and the supplied sterile water is passed through the circulation path, passed through the back pressure valve 30, and discharged from the discharge valve 31 to wash away the cleaning liquid. Sterile water produced by the heat sterilization device 18 may be used. When washing away the cleaning liquid with sterile water, the back pressure valve 30 is used to adjust the pressure so that the internal pressure of the tank does not fall below atmospheric pressure when the temperature of the filling machine tank 11 is lowered from 100°C. The circulation path is rinsed first, and the system is on standby while circulating sterile water in the circulation path. After the SIP of the circulation path is completed, the upstream piping section 7a and the downstream piping section 7d are connected via the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b, and the sterile water produced by the heat sterilization device 18 is passed through the circulation path to rinse the circulation path.

The temperature of the cleaning liquid may be lowered while the cleaning liquid is flowing in the reverse direction. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3, a back pressure valve 33 for backflow is provided between the manifold valve 23 for carbonated beverages and the cleaning liquid storage tank 25. When CIP or SIP is being performed in which the cleaning liquid is flowed in the reverse direction, the back pressure valve 33 for backflow is fully open. When the temperature is lowered while circulating the cleaning liquid after SIP is completed, the volume of the liquid circulating in the piping contracts and the pressure drops rapidly. When the temperature is lowered to a temperature exceeding 100°C near 100°C, for example to 105°C, the back pressure valve 33 for backflow is adjusted to increase the pressure in the circulation path. When the temperature drops from a temperature exceeding 100°C to less than 100°C, the back pressure is further increased so that the pressure in the circulation path does not fall below atmospheric pressure. When the temperature is lowered as it is and becomes less than 90°C, sterile air is supplied to either the filling machine tank 11 or the circulation path to make the pressure in the circulation path equal to or higher than atmospheric pressure.

After the temperature inside the circulation path is less than 100°C and the pressure is equal to or greater than atmospheric pressure, rinse water is poured into the circulation path to rinse out the cleaning solution.

It is preferable to perform SIP, which also serves as CIP, with a cleaning liquid, and then cool the inside of the circulation path to less than 100°C, and then supply sterile water from the sterile water supply device 27 through the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23. The reason is that the cleaning liquid remaining in the downstream piping section 7d can be rinsed while maintaining the sterile state of the downstream piping section 7d without passing through the downstream return path 6d, which may become non-sterile due to the inflow of outside air after SIP. The sterile water supplied from the sterile water supply device 27 passes from the carbonated beverage manifold valve 23 through the filling machine tank 11, at least one of the counter passage 44 or the sniff passage 45, and the cleaning liquid recovery manifold 37, and is blown out from the discharge valve 31. At this time, the back pressure valve 30 or a valve near the back pressure valve 30 is closed. A concentration meter for the cleaning agent is provided upstream of the drain valve 31 (not shown), and when the concentration of the cleaning agent is no longer detected, it is assumed that the cleaning agent has been removed from the piping, the rinsing process is completed, and the drain valve 31 is closed. A conductivity meter may be provided instead of the concentration meter, and the rinsing process may be completed when the conductivity of the rinsing water falls to 10 μS/cm or less, which is the value for pure water. In preparation for a breakdown of the conductivity meter, two conductivity meters may be provided, and the rinsing process may be automatically completed when both conductivity meters reach the conductivity of pure water.

When the cleaning liquid in the circulation path is removed and all of the cleaning liquid in all of the filling nozzles 2a of the filling machine 2 and in at least one of the counter passage 44 and the snift passage 45 is replaced with sterile water, the supply of sterile water is stopped. Furthermore, at the same time or thereafter, the sterile air supplied from the sterile air supply device 28 is blown from the filling machine tank 11 to the filling nozzle 2a, removing the sterile water remaining in the downstream piping section 7d and at least one of the counter passage 44 and the snift passage 45, while supplying sterile air to the beverage supply system piping 7 and at least one of the counter passage 44 and the snift passage 45, thereby maintaining positive pressure in the beverage supply system piping 7 and at least one of the counter passage 44 and the snift passage 45 to maintain sterility.

The downstream piping section 7d upstream of the filling machine tank 11 is blown by opening the residual water blowing valve 32 provided on the downstream piping section 7d shown in FIG. 2 and supplying sterile air from the sterile air supply device 28 to blow out the residual water in the downstream piping section 7d.

Figure 5 shows a state in which a number of filling nozzles 2a are arranged around the filling wheel 34 and divided into a number of filling nozzles 2a. Bottles 4 are delivered to the filling wheel 34 from the delivery wheel 35. The bottles 4 are transported by grippers arranged around each wheel gripping the support ring provided under the mouth of the bottle 4. On the filling wheel 34, the grippers are positioned at the position where the filling nozzles 2a are located. The bottles 4 filled with beverage are delivered from the filling wheel 34 to the discharge wheel 36 and transported.

The CIP or SIP of the path through which the carbonated beverage is filled may be performed sequentially for the divided group of filling nozzles 2a. Also, the CIP and SIP of at least one of the counter passage 44 or the snift passage 45 may be performed sequentially for the divided group of filling nozzles 2a. If it is not possible to prepare the cleaning liquid required to perform CIP and/or SIP for at least one of the counter passage 44 or the snift passage 45 of all filling nozzles 2a, the filling nozzle 2a may be divided and the CIP and/or SIP of at least one of the counter passage 44 or the snift passage 45 may be performed sequentially for the divided filling nozzles 2a.

The present invention is configured as described above, but is not limited to the above embodiment and can be modified in various ways within the scope of the gist of the invention.

2: Filling machine 2a: Filling nozzle 2b: Product liquid manifold 6a: Upstream return path 6b: Aseptic surge tank return path 6d: Downstream return path 7: Beverage supply system piping 7a: Upstream piping section 7b: Aseptic surge tank piping section 7c: Carbonation piping section 7d: Downstream piping section
10...Temperature sensor 17...Controller 18...Heat sterilization device 19...Aseptic surge tank 21...Carbonation device 22...Carbonated beverage surge tank 23...Carbonated beverage manifold valve 24...Heat exchange device 25...Cleaning liquid storage tank 26...Cleaning liquid circulation pump 27...Sterile water supply device 28...Sterile air supply device 30...Back pressure valve 33...Back pressure valve for backflow 34...Filling wheel 37...Cleaning liquid recovery manifold 42...Carbon dioxide gas supply device 43...Carbon dioxide gas supply manifold 44...Counter passage 45...Sniff passage 46...Carbon dioxide gas exhaust manifold 47...Cleaning liquid supply device

Claims (4)

An aseptic filling machine for filling beverages containing carbon dioxide,
a counter passage for supplying the carbon dioxide gas to a filling nozzle for filling the beverage into a bottle;
a sniff passage for discharging the carbon dioxide gas from the filling nozzle;
a circulation path for circulating a cleaning solution through the counter passage and the sniff passage; and a temperature sensor disposed in the circulation path. 2. The aseptic filling machine according to claim 1,
An aseptic filling machine in which the temperature sensor is disposed in a carbon dioxide gas supply manifold that supplies the carbon dioxide gas from a filling machine tank to the counter passage. 2. The aseptic filling machine according to claim 1,
The aseptic filling machine has the temperature sensor located in the counter aisle. 2. The aseptic filling machine according to claim 1,
The aseptic filling machine has the temperature sensor disposed in a carbon dioxide gas exhaust manifold that collects the carbon dioxide gas exhausted from the sniff passage.

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