EP0204097B1 - Process for shipping fermentable products - Google Patents

Process for shipping fermentable products Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0204097B1
EP0204097B1 EP86104478A EP86104478A EP0204097B1 EP 0204097 B1 EP0204097 B1 EP 0204097B1 EP 86104478 A EP86104478 A EP 86104478A EP 86104478 A EP86104478 A EP 86104478A EP 0204097 B1 EP0204097 B1 EP 0204097B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tank container
valve
steam
vacuum valve
sterile
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP86104478A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0204097A3 (en
EP0204097A2 (en
Inventor
Günther Heintz
Josef Küttel
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Stag AG
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Stag AG
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Filing date
Publication date
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Publication of EP0204097A2 publication Critical patent/EP0204097A2/en
Publication of EP0204097A3 publication Critical patent/EP0204097A3/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
    • B65B55/02—Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages
    • B65B55/04—Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging
    • B65B55/10—Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging by liquids or gases

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for steam sterilization of a tank container and to a tank container which is designed for transporting and storing fermentation-sensitive products, in particular natural juices which are subject to microbiological changes, the products being formed under sterile conditions at the producer site with at least one valve Connection element and at least one closing element designed as a valve are filled and the tank container is cleaned before the product is filled in and sterilized with steam when the closing element is in a throttled position via the opened connecting element and is stored at the unloading location for transport after sterile removal.
  • FR-A 945 088 a method for filling an essentially stationary container is known, which is provided on the outside with an insulation layer and on the inside with a double wall which is supplied with steam or another medium in order to achieve circulation.
  • a heat exchanger is also arranged in the interior of the container, with which the product filled and stored in the container, for example a fermentation-sensitive product Natural juice or the like, can be cooled or heated.
  • the container is further provided with a correspondingly arranged sampling device, which is designed such that no outside air can enter the container during the removal.
  • the invention is essentially concerned with the problem of economical transportation and the storage of fermentation-sensitive and microbiological products which are filled at the place of production under sterile conditions in a tank container cleaned before being filled and sterilized with steam.
  • the invention is based on the object of specifying a method for carrying out an absolutely germ-free steam sterilization of a tank container and, on the other hand, of improving the tank container so that it can be used under extreme, climatic conditions without any cooling an economical and flawless transport and storage of fermentation-sensitive products is guaranteed.
  • the tank container according to the invention for carrying out the method comprises at least one connecting element designed as a valve and at least one closing element designed as a valve and is characterized in that a vacuum valve provided with a sterile air filter and a pressure limiting valve are arranged in the upper region of the tank container.
  • the invention is based on the consideration that when transporting a sensitive product, for example a product sensitive to fermentation or subject to microbiological spoilage, the cooling required during transport, which is correspondingly complex, can be dispensed with if the tank container itself is sterile and that Product is filled in sterile.
  • a sensitive product for example a product sensitive to fermentation or subject to microbiological spoilage
  • the invention shows a solution as to how this goal can be achieved, with the additional advantage that: the product can go into production at the consumer or processor location without further treatment.
  • a tank container 1 is shown schematically, which has a dome 2 with a dome cover 3 on the top.
  • a vacuum valve 4, see FIG. 3, and a pressure relief valve 5, see FIG. 2 are also arranged on the top of the tank container 1.
  • a supply line 9 for the supply of steam and sterile air can be connected to the connecting piece 7.
  • a product line 15 can be connected to the connecting piece 11, through which the product to be transported in the tank container 1 is filled. Drain valves 16 are arranged on the product line 15, preferably at their ends, through which liquid collecting in the product line can be drained.
  • the product line 15 has a branch 17 with a termination member 18, e.g. a shut-off valve, the connecting piece 19 of which enables the connection of the feed line 9 (shown in dashed lines).
  • the product line 15 can be connected at the end opposite the tank container 1 to a continuous-flow heater 20, which enables brief heating with subsequent cooling of the product to be filled into the tank container 1.
  • the instantaneous water heater 20 is on the inlet and outlet sides with one terminating element, for example one End valve 21 provided.
  • the feed line 9 can be connected to a filter unit 25.
  • the filter unit 25 is equipped with a steam filter 26 and with a sterile air filter 27, which two filters on the inlet side by means of a closing element 28, 29, e.g. are provided by a terminating valve, to the connecting piece 30, 31 of which a steam source (not shown) or an air source (not shown) is connected.
  • the filters 26, 27 are connected on the outlet side to a line 32 or 33 and these lines come together in front of a connection 34 to which the feed line 9 can be connected. Between the filters 26, 27 there is a connection in the form of a connecting line 35 with a terminating element 36, e.g. a flap valve provided.
  • each of the filters 26, 27 has a pressure indicator 38.
  • a pressure display device 40 can also be connected to the product line 15.
  • the pressure relief valve 5 shown in FIG. 2 has a valve body 42 provided with a union nut 41, onto which a valve cover 43 is screwed.
  • a closing body is fastened to a valve rod 45, which together with a valve piston 46 form a guide for the closing body 44 in the valve cover 43.
  • the valve rod 45 and the valve piston 46 are sealed by means of soft seals, for example O-ring seals, with respect to the valve cover 43, a closing spring 49 being arranged in the interior of the valve cover 43 and pressing the closing body 44 onto the valve seat 39 arranged in the valve body 42.
  • the valve body 42 So that the valve 5 can be fastened tightly on the tank container 1, the valve body 42 has a cone seat 50 which is inserted into a corresponding counter cone on the tank container 1 and is screwed onto the union nut 41.
  • the vacuum valve 4 shown in FIG. 3 has a valve body 51, which is composed of several parts and forms a tubular body, at the lower end of which a closing body 52 is mounted by means of a valve rod 53 in a guide 55 provided with bores 54 and under the action a closing spring 56 stands.
  • a closing body 52 In order to bring the vacuum valve 4 into the open position shown in FIG. 2, it is necessary to push a blocking rod 57 mounted on the valve body 51 in the direction of the arrow 58, whereby the closing body 52 is opened against the action of the closing spring 56.
  • the closing body 52 has a soft seal 59 for sealing on the valve seat, e.g. an O-ring.
  • a sterile air filter 60 is placed, which cleans any air that may enter the tank container 1 when there is negative pressure.
  • 61 shows a sterile air filter in the form of a filter candle, which can be placed on the closure member 6 for emptying the tank container 1 so that it can be opened to accelerate the emptying of the tank container 1 under sterile conditions.
  • the tank container 1 In order to be able to transport the product in the tank container 1 under sterile conditions, a source of steam and an air must be provided at the place of manufacture of the product.
  • the tank container 1 is first cleaned and checked for damage, whereupon the dome 2 is firmly closed with the dome lid 3.
  • the function of the vacuum valve 4 is now checked and this is brought into the open position shown in FIG. 3; the sterile air filter 60 is firmly screwed onto the valve body 51.
  • closure member 6 is opened and its connecting piece 7 is connected to the feed line 9.
  • the other end of the feed line 9 is connected to the connection 34 of the filter unit 25 and at the same time the closure member 36 of the connection line 35 is opened.
  • throttled steam of about 1 bar gauge pressure is introduced through the steam filter 26 and through the feed line 9 into the tank container 1.
  • the bottom end member 10 on the tank container 1 is throttled until the pressure relief valve 5 responds. Since the vacuum valve 4 is open, the steam can flow out there and thereby sterilize the filter 60.
  • the tank container 1 is subjected to steam for 60-80 minutes, the temperature of the condensate collecting at the closing element 10 being supposed to have a temperature of over 92 °. This can be achieved without difficulty because the tank container 1 is surrounded by effective insulation (not shown).
  • the closure member 36 in the connecting line 35 of the filter unit 25 is closed.
  • the closing element 28 of the steam filter 26 is slowly closed and the closing element 29 of the sterile air filter 27 is slowly opened, as a result of which sterile air of about 1 bar excess pressure reaches the tank container 1 via the feed line 9.
  • the tank container 1 is cooled by the air supply, the air supply having to be so abundant that the pressure relief valve 5 during the entire air blowing process appeals.
  • the vacuum valve 4 is closed here. Only shortly before the end of the blowing process is it opened for about 5 minutes by pushing the blocking rod 57 forward so that the outflowing hot air dries the sterile air filter.
  • the parts through which the product is conducted into the container 1 must also be made sterial.
  • the feed line 9 can be used, which is connected to the connecting piece 19 of the product line 15.
  • the product line 15 can also be supplied with steam via the branch 17, the flow heater 20 also being supplied at the same time. This steam application takes about 15-25 minutes, while the steam application to the continuous-flow heater 20 takes considerably longer, about 80-100 minutes.
  • the resulting condensate is discharged via the drain valves 16 in the product line 15.
  • the product which is already stored in sterile condition, is subjected to a short-time heating with subsequent cooling before it enters the tank container 1 in the continuous-flow heater 20, so that the product has a temperature of only when it enters the tank container 1 at the closure member 10 a few degrees above 20 ° C.
  • the tank container is then filled against the compressed air cushion of 0.5 - 1.0 bar the opening pressure of the pressure relief valve 5. Since the tank containers usually used have a content of 23,000 - 24,000 liters, the filling process takes about 3 hours at a filling capacity of approx. 7,000 kg per hour. Although the tank container is still at a higher temperature than the product, the overall temperature of the product only increases slightly due to the large volume, about 1 ° C.
  • the bottom end member 10 is closed and its connecting piece 11 is firmly closed by a cap 12.
  • the tank container 1 can be brought to the consumer location by rail or road transport. Thanks to the sterilization of the tank container and the product before filling, it can be sent directly to production. However, the product can also be stored sterile at the consumer site and at the producer site and then processed as required.
  • the treatment of the tank container 1 described enables the product to be brought unchanged from the place of production to the place of consumption without special measures, such as e.g. cooling, would have to be provided. This ensures that the product remains sterile from the place of production to the place of consumption, which makes it possible to easily transport fermentation-sensitive products or other sensitive products over long distances.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein verfahren zur Dampfsterilisation eines Tankcontainers sowie auf einen Tankcontainer, welcher zum Transportieren und Lagern von gärempfindlichen Produkten, insbesondere von mikrobiologischen Veränderungen unterworfenen Natursäften ausgebildet ist, wobei die Produkte unter sterilen Bedingungen am Erzeugerort in den mit mindestens einem als Ventil ausgebildeten Anschlussorgan und mindestens einem als Ventil ausgebildeten Abschlussorgan versehenen Tankcontainer gefüllt werden und der Tankcontainer vor dem Einfüllen des Produktes gereinigt und bei gedrosselter Stellung des Abschlussorgans über das geöffnete Anschlussorgan mit Dampf sterilisiert und nach dem Transport zur sterilen Entnahme am Entladeort gelagert wird.The invention relates to a method for steam sterilization of a tank container and to a tank container which is designed for transporting and storing fermentation-sensitive products, in particular natural juices which are subject to microbiological changes, the products being formed under sterile conditions at the producer site with at least one valve Connection element and at least one closing element designed as a valve are filled and the tank container is cleaned before the product is filled in and sterilized with steam when the closing element is in a throttled position via the opened connecting element and is stored at the unloading location for transport after sterile removal.

Aus der FR-A 945 088 ist ein Verfahren zum Füllen eines im wesentlichen stationären Behälters bekannt, welcher aussenseitig mit einer Isolationsschicht und innenseitig mit einer Doppelwandung versehen ist, welche zur Erreichung einer Zirkulation mit Dampf oder einem anderen Medium beaufschlagt wird. Im Inneren des Behälters ist weiterhin ein Wärmeaustauscher angeordnet, mit welchem das in den Behälter gefüllte und gelagerte Produkt, beispielsweise ein gärempfindlicher Natursaft oder dergleichen, gekühlt oder erwärmt werden kann. Der Behälter ist weiterhin mit einer entsprechend angeordneten Probeentnahme-Vorrichtung versehen, welche derart ausgebildet ist, dass bei der Entnahme keine Aussenluft in den Behälter eintreten kann.From FR-A 945 088 a method for filling an essentially stationary container is known, which is provided on the outside with an insulation layer and on the inside with a double wall which is supplied with steam or another medium in order to achieve circulation. A heat exchanger is also arranged in the interior of the container, with which the product filled and stored in the container, for example a fermentation-sensitive product Natural juice or the like, can be cooled or heated. The container is further provided with a correspondingly arranged sampling device, which is designed such that no outside air can enter the container during the removal.

Die Erfindung befasst sich im wesentlichen mit dem Problem des wirtschaftlichen Transports sowie der Lagerung von gärempfindlichen und mikrobiologischen Veränderungen unterworfenen Produkten, welche am Erzeugerort unter sterilen Bedingungen in einen vor dem Einfüllen gereinigten und mit Dampf sterilisierten Tankcontainer gefüllt werden.The invention is essentially concerned with the problem of economical transportation and the storage of fermentation-sensitive and microbiological products which are filled at the place of production under sterile conditions in a tank container cleaned before being filled and sterilized with steam.

Aus der druckschriftlichen Veröffentlichung (Grundlagen der Verfahrenstechnik in der Lebensmittelindustrie; H.Mohler von 1969) ist ein Verfahren zum Sterilisieren von Tanks bekannt, bei welchem mittels einer Düse ein unter Druck stehender Dampfstrahl auf die zu behandelnde Fläche geleitet wird. Eine absolute Sterilisation des Tankinneren kann jedoch mit diesem Verfahren nicht erreicht werden.
In Verbindung mit der Dampfsterilisation ist es weiterhin bekannt (Lehrbuch der Pharmazeutischen Technologie; R.Vogt von 1984), in Abhängigkeit von der Abtötungszeit des betreffenden Mediums einen Tank mit einem unter Druck stehenden Dampf eine entsprechend vorbestimmte Zeit zu sterilisieren.
Weiterhin ist es aus der Veröffentlichung (Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology; Kirk-Othmer, Vol.21, von 1983) bekannt, unter aseptischen Bedingungen einen Tank zu sterilisieren.From the printed publication (basics of process engineering in the food industry; H.Mohler from 1969) a method for sterilizing tanks is known, in which a jet of steam under pressure is directed onto the surface to be treated by means of a nozzle. However, an absolute sterilization of the inside of the tank cannot be achieved with this method.
In connection with steam sterilization, it is also known (textbook of pharmaceutical technology; R. Vogt from 1984) to sterilize a tank with a pressurized steam for a correspondingly predetermined time depending on the killing time of the medium in question.
Furthermore, it is known from the publication (Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology; Kirk-Othmer, Vol. 21, from 1983) to sterilize a tank under aseptic conditions.

Der Erfindung liegt einerseits die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren zur Durchführung einer absolut keimfreien Dampfsterilisation eines Tankcontainers anzugeben und andererseits den Tankcontainer dahingehend zu verbessern, dass mit diesem auch unter extremen, klimatischen Bedingungen ohne jegliche Kühlung ein wirtschaftlicher und einwandfreier Transport sowie Lagerung von gärempfindlichen Produkten gewährleistet wird.On the one hand, the invention is based on the object of specifying a method for carrying out an absolutely germ-free steam sterilization of a tank container and, on the other hand, of improving the tank container so that it can be used under extreme, climatic conditions without any cooling an economical and flawless transport and storage of fermentation-sensitive products is guaranteed.

Diese Aufgabe wird nach dem erfindungsgemässen Verfahren dadurch gelöst,

  • dass der Innenraum des Tankcontainers bei geöffneter Stellung eines daran angeordneten Vakuumventils sowie bei der gedrosselten Stellung des Abschlussorgans, über das geöffnete Anschlussorgan solange mit gefiltertem und sterilisiertem Dampf beaufschlagt wird, bis ein am Tankcontainer angeordnetes Druckbegrenzungsventil sich öffnet, und
  • dass bei geschlossenem Vakuumventil sowie bei gedrosseltem Abschlussorgan anschliessend der Tankcontainer zum Trocknen und Kühlen über das geöffnete Anschlussorgan mit gefilterter, steriler Luft beaufschlagt wird, derart, dass beim Erreichen eines bestimmten Überdrucks das Vakuumventil sich kurzzeitig öffnet, und
  • dass beim Vorliegen eines entsprechenden Überdruckes im Tankcontainer zuerst das Vakuumventil sowie das Anschlussorgan und nach dem Einfüllen des Produktes, entgegen dem vorliegenden Überdruck, das Abschlussorgan geschlossen und anschliessend, unter Beibehaltung des Überdruckes der gefüllte Tankcontainer transportiert und entsprechend gelagert wird.
According to the method according to the invention, this object is achieved by
  • that the interior of the tank container is acted upon with filtered and sterilized steam via the open connecting element when a vacuum valve arranged thereon and in the throttled position of the closing element until a pressure limiting valve arranged on the tank container opens, and
  • that when the vacuum valve is closed and when the closing element is throttled, the tank container for drying and cooling is then charged with filtered, sterile air via the opened connecting element, such that the vacuum valve opens briefly when a certain excess pressure is reached, and
  • that if there is a corresponding overpressure in the tank container, first the vacuum valve and the connecting element and after filling the product, against the existing overpressure, the closing element is closed and then, while maintaining the excess pressure, the filled tank container is transported and stored accordingly.

Der erfindungsgemässe Tankcontainer zur Durchführung des Verfahrens umfasst mindestens ein als Ventil ausgebildetes Anschlussorgan und mindestens ein als Ventil ausgebildetes Abschlussorgan und ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass im oberen Bereich des Tankcontainers ein mit einem Sterilluft-Filter versehenes Vakuumventil sowie ein Druckbegrenzungsventil angeordnet ist.The tank container according to the invention for carrying out the method comprises at least one connecting element designed as a valve and at least one closing element designed as a valve and is characterized in that a vacuum valve provided with a sterile air filter and a pressure limiting valve are arranged in the upper region of the tank container.

Weitere Merkmale der Erfindung ergeben sich aus der folgenden Beschreibung in Verbindung mit der Zeichnung und den weiteren Patentansprüchen.Further features of the invention emerge from the following description in conjunction with the drawing and the further patent claims.

Die Erfindung wird nachstehend anhand der Zeichnung beschrieben. Es zeigt:

Fig.1
einen schematisch dargestellten Tankcontainer mit den zur Durchführung des erfindungsgemässen Verfahrens vorgesehenen Zusatz-Aggregaten,
Fig.2
ein in Schnittansicht dargestelltes Überdruckventil für den Tankcontainer gemäss Fig.1, und
Fig.3
ein in Schnittansicht und in Offenstellung dargestelltes und mit einem Sterilluft-Beatmungsfilter versehenes Vakuumventil.
The invention is described below with reference to the drawing. It shows:
Fig. 1
1 shows a schematically illustrated tank container with the additional units provided for carrying out the method according to the invention,
Fig. 2
a shown in sectional view pressure relief valve for the tank container according to Fig.1, and
Fig. 3
a vacuum valve shown in sectional view and in the open position and provided with a sterile air ventilation filter.

Die Erfindung geht von der Überlegung aus, dass beim Transport eines empfindlichen Produktes, beispielsweise eines gärempfindlichen oder dem mikrobiologischen Verderb unterworfenen Produktes, auf die während des Transports erforderliche Kühlung, die entsprechend aufwendig ist, verzichtet werden kann, wenn der Tankcontainer selbst steril ist und das Produkt steril eingefüllt wird.The invention is based on the consideration that when transporting a sensitive product, for example a product sensitive to fermentation or subject to microbiological spoilage, the cooling required during transport, which is correspondingly complex, can be dispensed with if the tank container itself is sterile and that Product is filled in sterile.

Die Erfindung zeigt eine Lösung, wie dieses Ziel erreicht werden kann, wobei zusätzlich noch der Vorteil daraus resultiert, dass am Verbraucher- bzw. Verarbeiterort das Produkt ohne weitere Behandlung in die Produktion gehen kann.The invention shows a solution as to how this goal can be achieved, with the additional advantage that: the product can go into production at the consumer or processor location without further treatment.

In Fig. 1 ist ein Tankcontainer 1 schematisch dargestellt, der auf der Oberseite einen Dom 2 mit einem Domdeckel 3 aufweist. Auf der Oberseite des Tankcontainers 1 ist weiter ein Vakuumventil 4, siehe Fig. 3, und ein Druckbegrenzungsventil 5, siehe Fig. 2, angeordnet. Auf der Oberseite des Tankcontainers 1 ist weiter ein Abschlussorgan 6, z.B. ein Klappenventil, angeschlossen, dessen Anschlusstutzen 7 durch eine Abschlusskappe 8 abschliessbar ist. An den Anschlussstutzen 7 kann eine Zuleitung 9 für die Zufuhr von Dampf und steriler Luft angeschlossen werden.In Fig. 1, a tank container 1 is shown schematically, which has a dome 2 with a dome cover 3 on the top. A vacuum valve 4, see FIG. 3, and a pressure relief valve 5, see FIG. 2, are also arranged on the top of the tank container 1. On the top of the tank container 1 there is also a closure member 6, e.g. a flap valve, connected, the connecting piece 7 can be closed by an end cap 8. A supply line 9 for the supply of steam and sterile air can be connected to the connecting piece 7.

Am Tankcontainer 1 ist bodenseitig ein weiteres Abschlussorgan 10, z.B. ein Klappenventil, angeschlossen, dessen Anschlusstutzen 11 durch eine Verschlusskappe 12 abschliessbar ist. Am Anschlusstutzen 11 kann eine Produktleitung 15 angeschlossen werden, durch die das im Tankcontainer 1 zu transportierende Produkt eingefüllt wird. An der Produktleitung 15, vorzugsweise an ihren Enden, sind Ablassventile 16 angeordnet, durch die in der Produktleitung sich sammelnde Flüssigkeit abgelassen werden kann. Die Produktleitung 15 weist eine Abzweigung 17 mit einem Abschlussorgan 18, z.B. einem Abschlussventil, auf, dessen Anschlussstutzen 19 den Anschluss der Zuleitung 9 (gestrichelt dargestellt) ermöglicht.On the bottom of the tank container 1 there is a further closing element 10, e.g. a flap valve, connected, the connecting piece 11 can be closed by a cap 12. A product line 15 can be connected to the connecting piece 11, through which the product to be transported in the tank container 1 is filled. Drain valves 16 are arranged on the product line 15, preferably at their ends, through which liquid collecting in the product line can be drained. The product line 15 has a branch 17 with a termination member 18, e.g. a shut-off valve, the connecting piece 19 of which enables the connection of the feed line 9 (shown in dashed lines).

Die Produktleitung 15 ist an dem, dem Tankcontainer 1 entgegengesetzten Ende an einen Durchlauferhitzer 20 anschliessbar, der eine kurzzeitige Erhitzung mit nachfolgender Kühlung des in den Tankcontainer 1 einzufüllenden Produktes ermöglicht. Der Durchlauferhitzer 20 ist zulauf- und auslaufseitig mit je einem Abschlussorgan, z.B. einem Abschlussventil 21 versehen.The product line 15 can be connected at the end opposite the tank container 1 to a continuous-flow heater 20, which enables brief heating with subsequent cooling of the product to be filled into the tank container 1. The instantaneous water heater 20 is on the inlet and outlet sides with one terminating element, for example one End valve 21 provided.

Die Zuleitung 9 ist an einer Filtereinheit 25 anschliessbar. Die Filtereinheit 25 ist mit einem Dampffilter 26 und mit einem Sterilluftfilter 27 ausgerüstet, welche beiden Filter einlaufseitig mittels eines Abschlussorganes 28, 29, z.B. durch ein Abschlussventil, versehen sind, an deren Anschlussstutzen 30, 31 eine Dampfquelle (nicht dargestellt) bzw. eine Luftquelle (nicht dargestellt) angeschlossen ist. Die Filter 26, 27 sind auslaufseitig an eine Leitung 32 bzw. 33 angeschlossen und diese Leitungen laufen vor einem Anschluss 34 zusammen, an dem die Zuleitung 9 anschliessbar ist. Zwischen den Filtern 26, 27 ist eine Verbindung in Form einer Verbindungsleitung 35 mit einem Abschlussorgan 36, z.B. einem Klappenventil, vorgesehen. Zudem weist jedes der Filter 26, 27 ein Druckanzeigegerät 38 auf. Auch an der Produktleitung 15 ist ein Druckanzeigegerät 40 anschliessbar.The feed line 9 can be connected to a filter unit 25. The filter unit 25 is equipped with a steam filter 26 and with a sterile air filter 27, which two filters on the inlet side by means of a closing element 28, 29, e.g. are provided by a terminating valve, to the connecting piece 30, 31 of which a steam source (not shown) or an air source (not shown) is connected. The filters 26, 27 are connected on the outlet side to a line 32 or 33 and these lines come together in front of a connection 34 to which the feed line 9 can be connected. Between the filters 26, 27 there is a connection in the form of a connecting line 35 with a terminating element 36, e.g. a flap valve provided. In addition, each of the filters 26, 27 has a pressure indicator 38. A pressure display device 40 can also be connected to the product line 15.

Das in Fig. 2 dargestellte Druckbegrenzungsventil 5 weist einen, mit einer Ueberwurfmutter 41 versehenen Ventilkörper 42 auf, auf dem eine Ventilhaube 43 aufgeschraubt ist. Im Ventilkörper 42 ist ein Schliesskörper an einer Ventilstange 45 befestigt, die zusammen mit einem Ventilkolben 46 eine Führung für den Schliesskörper 44 in der Ventilhaube 43 bilden. Die Ventilstange 45 und der Ventilkolben 46 sind mittels Weichdichtungen, z.B. O-Ringdichtungen, gegenüber der Ventilhaube 43 abgedichtet, wobei im Innenraum der Ventilhaube 43 eine Schliessfeder 49 angeordnet ist, die den Schliesskörper 44 auf den im Ventilkörper 42 angeordneten Ventilsitz 39 drückt. Damit das Ventil 5 dicht auf dem Tankcontainer 1 befestigt werden kann, weist der Ventilkörper 42 einen Konussitz 50 auf, der in einen entsprechenden Gegenkonus am Tankcontainer 1 eingesetzt und mit der Ueberwurfmutter 41 verschraubt wird.The pressure relief valve 5 shown in FIG. 2 has a valve body 42 provided with a union nut 41, onto which a valve cover 43 is screwed. In the valve body 42, a closing body is fastened to a valve rod 45, which together with a valve piston 46 form a guide for the closing body 44 in the valve cover 43. The valve rod 45 and the valve piston 46 are sealed by means of soft seals, for example O-ring seals, with respect to the valve cover 43, a closing spring 49 being arranged in the interior of the valve cover 43 and pressing the closing body 44 onto the valve seat 39 arranged in the valve body 42. So that the valve 5 can be fastened tightly on the tank container 1, the valve body 42 has a cone seat 50 which is inserted into a corresponding counter cone on the tank container 1 and is screwed onto the union nut 41.

Das in Fig. 3 dargestellte Vakuumventil 4 weist einen Ventilkörper 51 auf, der aus mehreren Teilen zusammengesetzt und einen rohrförmigen Körper bildet, an dessen unterem Ende ein Schliesskörper 52 mittels einer Ventilstange 53 in einem mit Bohrungen 54 versehenen Führung 55 gelagert ist und unter der Wirkung einer Schliessfeder 56 steht. Um das Vakuumventil 4 in die in Fig. 2 dargestellte Oeffnungsstellung zu bringen, ist es erforderlich, eine am Ventilkörper 51 gelagerte Blockierstange 57 in Pfeilrichtung 58 zu stossen, wodurch der Schliesskörper 52 entgegen der Wirkung der Schliessfeder 56 geöffnet wird. Der Schliesskörper 52 weist zur Abdichtung auf dem Ventilsitz eine Weichdichtung 59, z.B. einen O-Ring, auf. Auf der Oberseite des Ventilkörpers 51 ist ein Sterilluft-Filter 60 aufgesetzt, der etwaige, bei Unterdruck im Tankcontainer 1 eindringende Luft von etwaigen Keimen reinigt.The vacuum valve 4 shown in FIG. 3 has a valve body 51, which is composed of several parts and forms a tubular body, at the lower end of which a closing body 52 is mounted by means of a valve rod 53 in a guide 55 provided with bores 54 and under the action a closing spring 56 stands. In order to bring the vacuum valve 4 into the open position shown in FIG. 2, it is necessary to push a blocking rod 57 mounted on the valve body 51 in the direction of the arrow 58, whereby the closing body 52 is opened against the action of the closing spring 56. The closing body 52 has a soft seal 59 for sealing on the valve seat, e.g. an O-ring. On the top of the valve body 51, a sterile air filter 60 is placed, which cleans any air that may enter the tank container 1 when there is negative pressure.

In Fig. 1 ist mit 61 ein Sterilluft-Filter in Form einer Filterkerze dargestellt, der zum Entleeren des Tankcontainers 1 auf das Abschlussorgan 6 aufgesetzt werden kann, damit dieses geöffnet werden kann, um die Entleerung des Tankcontainers 1 unter sterilen Bedingungen zu beschleunigen.In Fig. 1, 61 shows a sterile air filter in the form of a filter candle, which can be placed on the closure member 6 for emptying the tank container 1 so that it can be opened to accelerate the emptying of the tank container 1 under sterile conditions.

Um den Transport des Produktes im Tankcontainer 1 unter sterilen Bedingungen durchführen zu können, ist am Erzeugerort des Prduktes eine Dampf- und eine Luftquelle bereitzustellen. Der Tankcontainer 1 wird zunächst gereinigt und auf Beschädigungen kontrolliert, worauf der Dom 2 mit dem Domdeckel 3 fest verschlossen wird. Nun wird die Funktion des Vakuumventils 4 überprüft und dieses in die in Fig. 3 gezeigte offene Stellung gebracht; der Sterilluft-Filter 60 ist hierbei fest auf den Ventilkörper 51 aufgeschraubt.In order to be able to transport the product in the tank container 1 under sterile conditions, a source of steam and an air must be provided at the place of manufacture of the product. The tank container 1 is first cleaned and checked for damage, whereupon the dome 2 is firmly closed with the dome lid 3. The function of the vacuum valve 4 is now checked and this is brought into the open position shown in FIG. 3; the sterile air filter 60 is firmly screwed onto the valve body 51.

Dann wird das Abschlussorgan 6 geöffnet und sein Anschlussstutzen 7 mit der Zuleitung 9 verbunden. Das andere Ende der Zuleitung 9 wird mit dem Anschluss 34 der Filtereinheit 25 verbunden und gleichzeitig wird das Abschlussorgan 36 der Verbindungsleitung 35 geöffnet.Then the closure member 6 is opened and its connecting piece 7 is connected to the feed line 9. The other end of the feed line 9 is connected to the connection 34 of the filter unit 25 and at the same time the closure member 36 of the connection line 35 is opened.

Von der Dampfquelle wird nach dem Oeffnen des Abschlussorganes 28 gedrosselter Dampf von etwa 1 bar Ueberdruck durch den Dampffilter 26 und durch die Zuleitung 9 in den Tankcontainer 1 eingeführt. Das bodenseitige Abschlussorgan 10 am Tankcontainer 1 wird solange gedrosselt, bis das Druckbegrenzungsventil 5 anspricht. Da das Vakuumventil 4 geöffnet ist, kann der Dampf dort ausströmen und dadurch den Filter 60 sterilisieren. Mit dieser Einstellung wird der Tankcontainer 1 während 60 - 80 Minuten mit Dampf beaufschlagt, wobei die Temperatur des sich am Abschlussorgan 10 sammelnden Kondensates eine Temperatur über 92° aufweisen soll. Dies kann deshalb ohne Schwierigkeit erreicht werden, weil der Tankcontainer 1 mit einer wirksamen Isolation (nicht dargestellt) umgeben ist.After the closing member 28 has been opened, throttled steam of about 1 bar gauge pressure is introduced through the steam filter 26 and through the feed line 9 into the tank container 1. The bottom end member 10 on the tank container 1 is throttled until the pressure relief valve 5 responds. Since the vacuum valve 4 is open, the steam can flow out there and thereby sterilize the filter 60. With this setting, the tank container 1 is subjected to steam for 60-80 minutes, the temperature of the condensate collecting at the closing element 10 being supposed to have a temperature of over 92 °. This can be achieved without difficulty because the tank container 1 is surrounded by effective insulation (not shown).

Nachdem durch die Dampfbeaufschlagung der Tank steril gemacht ist, wird das Abschlussorgan 36 in der Verbindungsleitung 35 der Filtereinheit 25 geschlossen. Dann wird das Abschlussorgan 28 des Dampffilters 26 langsam geschlossen und das Abschlussorgan 29 des Sterilluft-Filters 27 langsam geöffnet, wodurch sterile Luft von etwa 1 bar Ueberdruck über die Zuleitung 9 in den Tankcontainer 1 gelangt. Durch die Luftzufuhr wird der Tankcontainer 1 abgekühlt, wobei die Luftzufuhr so reichlich sein muss, dass während des gesamten Luftblasvorganges das Druckbegrenzungsventil 5 anspricht. Das Vakuumventil 4 ist hierbei geschlossen. Erst kurz vor Beendigung des Blasvorganges wird es für ca. 5 Minuten durch Vorschieben der Blockierstange 57 geöffnet, damit die ausströmende heisse Luft das Sterilluft-Filter trocknet. Nach dem Schliessen des Vakuumventils 4 wird das einlaufseitige Abschlussorgan 31 des Luft-Filters und auch das Absperrorgan 6geschlossen, an dessen Anschlussstutzen 7 eine sterilgemachte Verschlusskappe 8 fest aufgesetzt wird. Dann wird noch das bodenseitige Abschlussorgan 10 geschlossen; damit ist nun der Tankcontainer 1 abfüllbereit.After the tank has been made sterile by the steam application, the closure member 36 in the connecting line 35 of the filter unit 25 is closed. Then the closing element 28 of the steam filter 26 is slowly closed and the closing element 29 of the sterile air filter 27 is slowly opened, as a result of which sterile air of about 1 bar excess pressure reaches the tank container 1 via the feed line 9. The tank container 1 is cooled by the air supply, the air supply having to be so abundant that the pressure relief valve 5 during the entire air blowing process appeals. The vacuum valve 4 is closed here. Only shortly before the end of the blowing process is it opened for about 5 minutes by pushing the blocking rod 57 forward so that the outflowing hot air dries the sterile air filter. After the vacuum valve 4 has been closed, the inlet-side closing element 31 of the air filter and also the shut-off element 6 are closed, on the connecting piece 7 of which a sterilized sealing cap 8 is firmly attached. Then the bottom end member 10 is closed; the tank container 1 is now ready for filling.

Es müssen jedoch auch noch die Teile, durch die das Produkt in den Container 1 geleitet wird, ebenfalls sterial gemacht werden. Hierzu kann die Zuleitung 9 verwendet werden, die am Anschlussstutzen 19 der Produktleitung 15 angeschlossen wird. Dann kann die Produktleitung 15 über die Abzweigung 17 ebenfalls mit Dampf beaufschlagt werden, wobei gleichzeitig auch der Durchlauferhitzer 20 beaufschlagt wird. Diese Dampfbeaufschlagung dauert etwa 15 - 25 Minuten, während die Dampfbeaufschlagung des Durchlauferhitzers 20 wesentlich länger, etwa 80 - 100 Minuten dauert. Das entstehende Kondensat wird über die Ablassventile 16 in der Produktleitung 15 abgeleitet.However, the parts through which the product is conducted into the container 1 must also be made sterial. For this purpose, the feed line 9 can be used, which is connected to the connecting piece 19 of the product line 15. Then the product line 15 can also be supplied with steam via the branch 17, the flow heater 20 also being supplied at the same time. This steam application takes about 15-25 minutes, while the steam application to the continuous-flow heater 20 takes considerably longer, about 80-100 minutes. The resulting condensate is discharged via the drain valves 16 in the product line 15.

Zum Füllen des Tankcontainers 1 wird das Produkt, das bereits steril gelagert ist, vor dem Eintritt in den Tankcontainer 1 in dem Durchlauferhitzer 20 einer Kurzzeiterhitzung mit nachfolgender Kühlung ausgesezt, so dass das Produkt beim Eintritt in den Tankcontainer 1 am Abschlussorgan 10 eine Temperatur von nur wenigen Graden über 20°C aufweist.To fill the tank container 1, the product, which is already stored in sterile condition, is subjected to a short-time heating with subsequent cooling before it enters the tank container 1 in the continuous-flow heater 20, so that the product has a temperature of only when it enters the tank container 1 at the closure member 10 a few degrees above 20 ° C.

Das Füllen des Tankcontainers erfolgt nun gegen das darin herrschende Druckluftpolster von von 0,5 - 1,0 bar entsprechend dem Oeffnungsdruck des Druckbegrenzungsventils 5. Da die üblicherweise verwendeten Tankcontainer einen Inhalt von 23 000 - 24 000 Liter aufweisen, dauert der Füllvorgang bei einer Füllleistung von ca. 7 000 kg pro Stunde etwa 3 Stunden. Obwohl der Tankcontainer noch eine höhere Temperatur aufweist als das Produkt, steigt die Gesamttemperatur des Produktes im Hinblick auf das grosse Volumen nur wenig an, etwa knapp 1°C.The tank container is then filled against the compressed air cushion of 0.5 - 1.0 bar the opening pressure of the pressure relief valve 5. Since the tank containers usually used have a content of 23,000 - 24,000 liters, the filling process takes about 3 hours at a filling capacity of approx. 7,000 kg per hour. Although the tank container is still at a higher temperature than the product, the overall temperature of the product only increases slightly due to the large volume, about 1 ° C.

Nach Beendigung des Füllvorganges wird das bodenseitige Abschlussorgan 10 geschlossen und sein Anschlussstutzen 11 durch eine Verschlusskappe 12 fest verschlossen.After completion of the filling process, the bottom end member 10 is closed and its connecting piece 11 is firmly closed by a cap 12.

Nun kann der Tankcontainer 1 mittels Bahn- oder Strassentansport an den Verbraucherort gebracht werden. Durch die vor dem Abfüllen durchgeführte Sterilisierung des Tankcontainers und des Produktes kann es direkt in die Produktion geleitet werden. Das Produkt kann aber auch am Verbraucherort wie am Erzeugerort steril gelagert und dann nach Bedarf verarbeitet werden.Now the tank container 1 can be brought to the consumer location by rail or road transport. Thanks to the sterilization of the tank container and the product before filling, it can be sent directly to production. However, the product can also be stored sterile at the consumer site and at the producer site and then processed as required.

Durch die beschriebene Behandlung des Tankcontainers 1 gelingt es, das Produkt unverändert vom Erzeugerort an den Verbraucherort zu bringen, ohne dass besondere Massnahmen, wie z.B. eine Kühlung, vorgesehen werden müssten. Dadurch wird erreicht, dass das Produkt vom Erzeugerort bis zum Verbraucherort steril bleibt, wodurch es möglich ist, gärempfindliche Produkte oder andere empfindliche Produkte problemlos über grosse Distanzen zu transportieren.The treatment of the tank container 1 described enables the product to be brought unchanged from the place of production to the place of consumption without special measures, such as e.g. cooling, would have to be provided. This ensures that the product remains sterile from the place of production to the place of consumption, which makes it possible to easily transport fermentation-sensitive products or other sensitive products over long distances.

Hierbei ist es unwesentlich, ob die Dampf- und Luftbeaufschlagung des Tankcontainers 1 gleichzeitig mit der Dampf- und/oder Luftbehandlung der Produktleitung 15 und des Durchlauferhitzers 20 erfolgt oder nacheinander durchgeführt wird. Wesentlich ist, dass es durch das beschriebene Verfahren möglich it, selbst grosse Tankcontainer mit allem Zubehör so zu behandeln, dass vom Erzeugerort bis zum Verbraucherort ein steriler Verbindungsweg geschaffen wird.It is immaterial whether the steam and air loading of the tank container 1 takes place simultaneously with the steam and / or air treatment of the product line 15 and the continuous-flow heater 20 or is carried out in succession becomes. It is essential that the described method makes it possible to treat even large tank containers with all accessories in such a way that a sterile connection path is created from the place of production to the place of consumption.

Claims (7)

  1. Process for the steam-sterilization of a tank container, which is constructed for transporting and storing products susceptible to fermentation, in particular natural juices subjected to microbiological changes, whereby the products are loaded under sterile conditions at the site of production into the tank container (1) provided with at least one connecting part (6) constructed as a valve and at least one terminal part (10) constructed as a valve and the tank container is cleaned before loading the product and, with the terminal part (10) in the restricted position, is sterilized with steam via the open connecting part (6) and after conveyance is stored at the unloading site for sterile removal,
    characterized in that
    - the interior of the tank container (1) in the open position of a vacuum valve (4) arranged thereon as well as with the terminal part (10) in the restricted position, is loaded with filtered and sterilized steam via the open connecting part (6) until a pressure relief valve (5) arranged on the tank container (1) opens, and
    - with the vacuum valve (4) closed, as well as with the terminal part (10) restricted, subsequently the tank container is loaded with filtered, sterile air for drying and cooling via the open connecting part (6) in such a way that on reaching a fixed excess pressure the vacuum valve (4) opens for a short time, and
    - with the presence of a corresponding excess pressure in the tank container (1) first of all the vacuum valve (4) as well as the connecting part (6) and, after loading the product against the existing excess pressure, the terminal part (10) is closed and subsequently, while maintaining the excess pressure, the filled tank container (1) is transported and appropriately stored.
  2. Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the interior of the tank container (1) is loaded with filtered and sterilized steam until the condensate issuing at the terminal part (10) has a temperature of at least 92°C, and in that the condensate temperature is measured during the steam loading.
  3. Process according to one of claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the interior of the tank container (1) is loaded with steam for a period of the order of 60 to 80 minutes.
  4. Process according to claim 1, characterized in that with possible low pressure in the interior of the tank container (1) the air penetrating from the outside via the vacuum valve (4) is sterilized.
  5. Tank container for carrying out the process according to claim 1, having at least one connecting part (6) constructed as a valve and at least one terminal part (10) constructed as a valve, characterized in that in the upper region of the tank container (1) there is arranged a vacuum valve (4), provided with a sterile-air filter (60), as well as a pressure relief valve (5).
  6. Tank container according to claim 5, characterized in that the sterile-air filter (60) is arranged in a replaceable manner on the vacuum valve (4).
  7. Tank container according to claim 5, characterized in that the respective valve body of the vacuum valve (4) as well as of the pressure relief valve (5) can be actuated from the outside by means of an actuation part correspondingly operatively connected to the valve body.
EP86104478A 1985-04-09 1986-04-02 Process for shipping fermentable products Expired - Lifetime EP0204097B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH1517/85 1985-04-09
CH151785A CH665533A5 (en) 1985-04-09 1985-04-09 METHOD FOR TRANSPORTING GAS SENSITIVE LIQUID PRODUCTS.

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0204097A2 EP0204097A2 (en) 1986-12-10
EP0204097A3 EP0204097A3 (en) 1989-02-15
EP0204097B1 true EP0204097B1 (en) 1992-01-22

Family

ID=4212291

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP86104478A Expired - Lifetime EP0204097B1 (en) 1985-04-09 1986-04-02 Process for shipping fermentable products

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0204097B1 (en)
CH (1) CH665533A5 (en)
DE (1) DE3683539D1 (en)
ES (1) ES8705752A1 (en)

Non-Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
Die Grundlagen der Verfahrenstechnik in der Lebensmittelindustrie; H. Mohler (1969) *
Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology; Kirk-Othmer Vol. 21, (1983) *
Lehrbuch der pharmazeutischen Technologie; R. Voi (1984) *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0204097A3 (en) 1989-02-15
DE3683539D1 (en) 1992-03-05
ES552873A0 (en) 1987-05-16
EP0204097A2 (en) 1986-12-10
CH665533A5 (en) 1988-05-31
ES8705752A1 (en) 1987-05-16

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