EP2691305B1 - Filling system and filling method - Google Patents

Filling system and filling method Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2691305B1
EP2691305B1 EP12709802.8A EP12709802A EP2691305B1 EP 2691305 B1 EP2691305 B1 EP 2691305B1 EP 12709802 A EP12709802 A EP 12709802A EP 2691305 B1 EP2691305 B1 EP 2691305B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
line
valve
filling
container
branch
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.)
Active
Application number
EP12709802.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2691305A1 (en
Inventor
Paul Janssens
Michael Müller
Jean-Pierre Decheneux
Swen Weitemeier
Michael Fiedler
Steffen Strietzel
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Sartorius Lab Instruments GmbH and Co KG
Original Assignee
Sartorius Lab Instruments GmbH and Co KG
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Sartorius Lab Instruments GmbH and Co KG filed Critical Sartorius Lab Instruments GmbH and Co KG
Publication of EP2691305A1 publication Critical patent/EP2691305A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2691305B1 publication Critical patent/EP2691305B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • 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
    • B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
    • B65B3/04—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles
    • B65B3/10—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles by application of pressure to material
    • B65B3/14—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles by application of pressure to material pneumatically
    • 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
    • B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
    • B65B3/003—Filling medical containers such as ampoules, vials, syringes or the like
    • 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
    • B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
    • B65B3/26—Methods or devices for controlling the quantity of the material fed or filled
    • B65B3/28—Methods or devices for controlling the quantity of the material fed or filled by weighing
    • 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
    • B65B2210/00—Specific aspects of the packaging machine
    • B65B2210/06—Sterilising or cleaning machinery or conduits

Definitions

  • the invention further relates to a filling method using such a filling system, wherein in a first filling step by coordinated control of the valves of the valve carrier one or more target containers are filled with liquid from the reservoir and at least one hereinafter referred to as residual amount container target container remains unfilled.
  • Manifolds are for example from the EP 152 513 8B1 known.
  • a manifold is a hose system that connects a plurality of containers. As a container in particular flexible bag but also rigid or semi-rigid container, such as bottles in question.
  • the containers are connected via connecting lines with a common, referred to here as the parent line hose.
  • the trunk line is on the one hand connected to a supply hose and on the other hand can be connected to a discharge hose.
  • a sharp demarcation between the parent line and the feeder can be difficult in practice and, in the context of the present description, is primarily functional.
  • the supply line essentially provides the connection with a storage container, for example a storage tank.
  • the drain if present, may be used to discharge gas contained in the piping or in the target tanks during the bottling process.
  • the totality of supply line, trunk line and possibly derivative is referred to here as the main line.
  • the manifold with the connected containers is placed in a special filling device.
  • the containers are arranged individually, in particular lying or hanging in a support frame.
  • the filling device has a valve carrier which can be completely or partially integrated in the aforementioned carrier frame.
  • the valve carrier has a separately controllable valve, in particular a hose clamp valve, for each connecting line.
  • the valve carrier also includes a main valve with which the volume flow from the supply line can be controlled in the trunk line and which can be considered in practice as a functional boundary between the supply line and the main line.
  • the entire filling device including Manifold be positioned on an electronic scale, wherein the changes in the weight values can provide information about the filling process and the corresponding electronic signals can be used as control signals for the valve control.
  • the corresponding target container valve is closed and the process repeats with the next target container. After filling the desired number of destination container they are closed, eg welded and separated from the connecting lines.
  • a disadvantage of the known method is that a considerable amount of liquid in the trunk line and the connecting lines trunk line side of the target container valves remains. This disadvantage weighs the more difficult the more expensive the liquid, especially in the biotechnological and medical field, where Manifolds are widely used, extremely expensive liquids are handled.
  • the horizontal manifold is emptied again by the exhaust pipe connected to a compressed air source and the input of the manifold is decoupled from the supply pipe and connected to a collecting container.
  • the liquid in the drain pipes remains there, which corresponds to a pre-portioning for the subsequent, actual filling process.
  • the input of the manifold is closed and again compressed air is added to the end of the manifold, at the same time the tip valves of the exhaust pipes are opened.
  • the pre-portioned in the outlet tubes liquid is blown into the now provided under the tip valves bottles.
  • the liquid accumulated in the collecting container which has meanwhile been decoupled from the distributor pipe, is likewise blown back into the storage container by means of compressed air support.
  • a similar system in which instead of a manifold, a distribution tank is provided with outlet hoses connected thereto, is from the DE 196 40 664 C1 known. Both reservoir and distribution tank are here separately pressurized.
  • a generic filling system is also from the US 2010 236 340 known.
  • branch point is arranged trunk line side of the pump and the branch line leads to a compressed gas source.
  • the object is further achieved in conjunction with the features of the preamble of claim 6, characterized in that in a second filling step in the main remaining residual liquid is filled into the remainder tank by the associated target container valve open, the trunk closed at its end remote from the branch, the Supply line closed by means of the associated hose clamp valve of the double valve assembly and the branch line is opened by means of the associated hose clamp valve of the double valve assembly, so that pressurized gas from the compressed gas source presses the residual liquid into the residual quantity container.
  • the invention manifests itself first in a modification of both the manifold and the filling device. Both modifications must be coordinated.
  • a branch point is arranged in the region of the supply line, so that the actual supply line is still connected to the storage container and the branching branch line is connected to a compressed gas source, eg a compressed air compressor.
  • the filling device preferably the valve carrier
  • the valve carrier is expanded by a double valve arrangement, which in a preferred embodiment is designed as a common valve unit.
  • This double valve arrangement comprises two hose clamp valves, in one of which the actual supply line and in the other the branch line is inserted. It is important that both individual valves of the double valve arrangement can preferably be controlled independently, but at least oppositely to each other.
  • the residual amount container is connected to the trunk line over that of the connecting lines which is furthest from the branch point. This ensures that the largest part of the trunk line is between the Compressed gas inlet and the residue tank is located so that the maximum amount of residual liquid can be pressed into the residue tank.
  • a gas-permeable sterile filter is integrated in the branch line. This ensures that the pressurized gas does not contaminate the interior of the hose system. Sterile filtration at this point also allows the use of an unsterile source of pressurized gas, such as a conventional air compressor, in sterile operations.
  • a sterile filter on the trunk line facing side of the branch point be integrated into the derivative.
  • This arrangement of the sterile filter is particularly preferred since manifolds with drainage are in any case often equipped with a sterile filter in the drainage, in order to prevent contamination of the hose system and the liquid via these.
  • valve carrier further comprises a main valve with which a volume flow from the supply line to the main line can be controlled.
  • a main valve with which a volume flow from the supply line to the main line can be controlled.
  • it is also possible to dispense with a separate main valve if the individual valve associated with the actual supply line Dual valve assembly is functionally equipped so that it can take over the task of the conventional main valve.
  • the functional main valve can control the volume flow in several stages.
  • valve carrier further comprise an outlet valve with which a volume flow between the main line and the discharge line (if present) can be controlled.
  • outlet valve with which a volume flow between the main line and the discharge line (if present) can be controlled.
  • the target containers including the remainder container are used as flexible bags are formed.
  • the invention is of course also applicable to embodiments in which one, several or even all target containers are designed as rigid or semi-rigid container, for example as bottles.
  • the filling system comprises a manifold 100 and a filling device 200. Furthermore, a device periphery 300 is shown in the figures.
  • the manifold 100 comprises a main line, which consists of a supply line 102, a master line 104 adjoining this and a line 106 which in turn adjoins this. From the trunk line (104) branch off a plurality of connecting lines 108 and a remainder bag connecting line 108 'from.
  • the connection lines 108 each connect the trunk line 104 to a bag 110; Residual bag connection line 108 'connects trunk line 104 to a residue bag 110'.
  • the distinction between the bags 110 and the remainder bag 110 ' is made here only to simplify the explanation.
  • the supply line 102 of the manifold 100 is connected via a pump 302 to a reservoir 304, for example a tank.
  • the drain 106 of the manifold 100 has an integrated sterile filter 112 in the illustrated embodiment.
  • the manifold 100 is inserted into a filling device.
  • This has a support frame 202 for single storage of the bags 110, 110 '.
  • the support rack 202 is coupled to a valve column 204 which carries a plurality of valves.
  • the transition region between the supply line 102 and the trunk line 104 is inserted into a designed as a hose clamp valve main valve 206.
  • the transition region between the trunk line 104 and the discharge line 106 is inserted into an exhaust valve 208, which is likewise designed as a hose clamp valve.
  • each connecting line 108 is inserted into a bag valve 210 which is likewise designed as a hose clamping valve.
  • the residual quantity bag connecting line 108 ' is inserted into a residual quantity bag valve 210, which is likewise designed as a hose clamping valve.
  • the entire apparatus is mounted on an electronic balance, which is set up for the gravimetric filling quantity monitoring and for the corresponding output of control signals for the individual valves.
  • a compressed gas source 306 namely a compressed air compressor is shown.
  • the special coupling of the compressed gas source 306 is an essential part of the present invention.
  • the supply line 102 has a branch point 114 at which a branch line 116 branches off the supply line 102.
  • the branch line 116 is connected to the compressed gas source 306. It passes through a designed as a hose clamp valve first single valve 214a of a double-valve arrangement 214.
  • the supply-side conduit 102 passes through a second individual valve of the double-valve arrangement 214, likewise designed as a hose-clamping valve 214b, at the reservoir-side of the branching point 14.
  • a sterile filter 118 is arranged, which filters out any germs contained in the compressed gas and protects the manifold 100 from contamination.
  • the first individual valve 214a of the valve arrangement 214 is closed.
  • the filling process proceeds in a known manner until the bags 110 are filled and their associated bag valves 210 are closed.
  • the exhaust valve 208 is also closed at this time.
  • the second individual valve 214b of the valve assembly 214 are closed and the residual quantity bag valve 210 'and the first individual valve 214a of the double valve assembly 214 is opened in a subsequent step .
  • compressed gas flows from the compressed gas source 216 via the branching point 114 into the supply line 102 and presses the residual liquid remaining in the supply line 102 and the main line 104 into the residual quantity bag 110 '.
  • the residual quantity bag valve 210 'and the first individual valve 214a of the double valve arrangement 214 are closed and the residual quantity bag 110', as well as the remaining bags 110 can be separated with empty trunk line 104 and fed to the desired further treatment.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)

Description

Gebiet der ErfindungField of the invention

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Abfüllsystem, umfassend eine Abfüllvorrichtung und eine in die Abfüllvorrichtung eingesetzte Behälteranordnung, wobei die Behälteranordnung umfasst:

  • eine schlauchartige Hauptleitung, die eine mit einem Vorratsbehälter verbundene und mit einer Pumpe ausgestattete Zuleitung und eine der Zuleitung in linearer Verbindung nachgeordnete Stammleitung umfasst, sowie
  • eine Mehrzahl von Zielbehältern, insbesondere flexible Beutel, die über je eine schlauchartige Verbindungsleitung mit der Stammleitung verbunden sind,
und wobei die Abfüllvorrichtung umfasst:
  • ein Trägergestell zur Einzellagerung der Zielbehälter,
  • einen Ventilträger mit einer Mehrzahl von Ventilen, umfassend eine der Mehrzahl der Zielbehälter entsprechende Mehrzahl von Zielbehälterventilen, mit denen jeweils ein Volumenfluss durch jeweils eine der Verbindungsleitungen steuerbar ist.
The invention relates to a filling system comprising a filling device and a container arrangement inserted into the filling device, the container arrangement comprising:
  • a hose-like main line, which comprises a connected to a reservoir and equipped with a pump supply line and a supply line in a linear connection downstream master line, and
  • a plurality of target containers, in particular flexible bags, which are each connected via a hose-like connecting line to the main line,
and wherein the filling device comprises:
  • a carrier rack for single storage of target containers,
  • a valve carrier having a plurality of valves, comprising a plurality of target container valves corresponding to the plurality of target containers, with each of which a volume flow through each one of the connecting lines is controllable.

Die Erfindung bezieht sich weiter auf ein Abfüllverfahren unter Verwendung eines solchen Abfüllsystems, wobei in einem ersten Abfüllschritt durch koordinierte Steuerung der Ventile des Ventilträgers ein oder mehrere Zielbehälter mit Flüssigkeit aus dem Vorratsbehälter befüllt werden und wenigstens ein im folgendem als Restmengenbehälter bezeichneter Zielbehälter unbefüllt bleibt.The invention further relates to a filling method using such a filling system, wherein in a first filling step by coordinated control of the valves of the valve carrier one or more target containers are filled with liquid from the reservoir and at least one hereinafter referred to as residual amount container target container remains unfilled.

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Abfüllsysteme zur Befüllung so genannter Manifolds sind beispielsweise aus der EP 152 513 8B1 bekannt. Unter einem Manifold versteht man ein Schlauchsystem, das eine Mehrzahl von Behältern miteinander verbindet. Als Behälter kommen insbesondere flexible Beutel aber auch steife oder halbsteife Behälter, wie z.B. Flaschen in Frage. Die Behälter werden über Verbindungsleitungen mit einem gemeinsamen, hier als Stammleitung bezeichneten Schlauch verbunden. Die Stammleitung ist einerseits mit einem Zuleitungsschlauch verbunden und kann andererseits mit einem Ableitungsschlauch verbunden sein. Eine scharfe Grenzziehung zwischen Stammleitung und Zuleitung bzw. Ableitung kann in der Praxis schwierig sein und ist im Kontext der vorliegenden Beschreibung vor allem funktional zu verstehen. Die Zuleitung stellt im Wesentlichen die Verbindung mit einem Vorratsbehälter z.B. einem Vorratstank zur Verfügung. Die Ableitung kann, sofern vorhanden, zum Abführen von im Leitungssystem oder in den Zielbehältern enthaltenem Gas während des Abfüllvorgangs dienen. Die Gesamtheit aus Zuleitung, Stammleitung und ggf. Ableitung wird hier als Hauptleitung bezeichnet.Filling systems for filling so-called Manifolds are for example from the EP 152 513 8B1 known. A manifold is a hose system that connects a plurality of containers. As a container in particular flexible bag but also rigid or semi-rigid container, such as bottles in question. The containers are connected via connecting lines with a common, referred to here as the parent line hose. The trunk line is on the one hand connected to a supply hose and on the other hand can be connected to a discharge hose. A sharp demarcation between the parent line and the feeder can be difficult in practice and, in the context of the present description, is primarily functional. The supply line essentially provides the connection with a storage container, for example a storage tank. The drain, if present, may be used to discharge gas contained in the piping or in the target tanks during the bottling process. The totality of supply line, trunk line and possibly derivative is referred to here as the main line.

Zum Abfüllen wird das Manifold mit den angeschlossenen Behältern in eine spezielle Abfüllvorrichtung eingesetzt. Darin werden die Behälter einzeln, insbesondere liegend oder hängend in einem Trägergestell angeordnet. Weiter weist die Abfüllvorrichtung einen Ventilträger auf, der vollständig oder teilweise in dem vorgenannten Trägergestell integriert sein kann. Der Ventilträger weist für jede Verbindungsleitung ein separat steuerbares Ventil, insbesondere ein Schlauchklemmventil auf. Hierdurch kann die Verbindung jedes Zielbehälters mit der Stammleitung individuell hergestellt oder unterbunden werden. Üblicherweise umfasst der Ventilträger auch ein Hauptventil, mit welchem der Volumenstrom von der Zuleitung in die Stammleitung gesteuert werden kann und das in der Praxis als funktionale Grenze zwischen Zuleitung und Stammleitung angesehen werden kann.For filling, the manifold with the connected containers is placed in a special filling device. In it, the containers are arranged individually, in particular lying or hanging in a support frame. Furthermore, the filling device has a valve carrier which can be completely or partially integrated in the aforementioned carrier frame. The valve carrier has a separately controllable valve, in particular a hose clamp valve, for each connecting line. As a result, the connection of each target container with the trunk line can be made or prevented individually. Usually, the valve carrier also includes a main valve with which the volume flow from the supply line can be controlled in the trunk line and which can be considered in practice as a functional boundary between the supply line and the main line.

Zur Befüllung werden in einem Vorflutungsschritt sämtliche Zielbehälterventile geschlossen und bei geöffnetem Hauptventil (sofern vorhanden) wird Flüssigkeit von dem Vorratsbehälter in die Stammleitung gepumpt, bis diese gefüllt ist, wobei in der Stammleitung befindliches Gas gegebenenfalls durch die Ableitung (sofern vorhanden) entweichen kann. Der Begriff des Pumpens ist weit zu verstehen und umfasst sowohl echte Pumpvorgänge als auch andere, druckdifferenzbedingte Flüssigkeitstransfervorgänge, beispielsweise unter Ausnutzung der Schwerkraft. Nach dem Vorfluten werden die Zielbehälterventile einzeln geöffnet, sodass Flüssigkeit von dem Vorratsbehälter in den jeweiligen Zielbehälter strömen kann. Eine Füllmengenmessung kann dabei volumetrisch oder gravimetrisch erfolgen. Insbesondere kann die gesamte Abfüllvorrichtung inklusive Manifold auf einer elektronischen Waage positioniert sein, wobei die Änderungen der Wägewerte Aufschluss über den Füllvorgang geben kann und die entsprechenden elektronischen Signale als Steuersignale für die Ventilsteuerung genutzt werden können. Sobald ein Zielbehälter befüllt ist, wird das entsprechende Zielbehälterventil geschlossen und der Vorgang wiederholt sich mit dem nächsten Zielbehälter. Nach Befüllung der gewünschten Anzahl von Zielbehälter werden diese verschlossen, z.B. verschweißt und von den Verbindungsleitungen getrennt.To fill in a Vorflutungsschritt all Zielbehälterventile be closed and with the main valve open (if present), liquid is pumped from the reservoir into the main line until it is filled, where in the trunk line located gas may optionally escape through the drain (if present). The term pumping is to be understood broadly and encompasses both true pumping operations and other fluid pressure-differential fluid transfer operations utilizing, for example, gravity. After flooding, the target container valves are individually opened so that liquid can flow from the reservoir into the respective target container. A filling quantity measurement can be done volumetrically or gravimetrically. In particular, can the entire filling device including Manifold be positioned on an electronic scale, wherein the changes in the weight values can provide information about the filling process and the corresponding electronic signals can be used as control signals for the valve control. Once a target container is filled, the corresponding target container valve is closed and the process repeats with the next target container. After filling the desired number of destination container they are closed, eg welded and separated from the connecting lines.

Nachteilig bei dem bekannten Verfahren ist, dass eine nicht unerhebliche Flüssigkeitsmenge in der Stammleitung und den Verbindungsleitungen stammleitungsseitig der Zielbehälterventile verbleibt. Dieser Nachteil wiegt umso schwerer je teurer die Flüssigkeit ist, wobei insbesondere im biotechnologischen und medizinischen Bereich, wo Manifolds verbreitet Einsatz finden, extrem teure Flüssigkeiten gehandhabt werden.A disadvantage of the known method is that a considerable amount of liquid in the trunk line and the connecting lines trunk line side of the target container valves remains. This disadvantage weighs the more difficult the more expensive the liquid, especially in the biotechnological and medical field, where Manifolds are widely used, extremely expensive liquids are handled.

Aus der DE 693 11 321 T1 (Deutsche Übersetzung der EP 0 632 775 B1 ) ist eine aus starren Rohrleitungen aufgebaute Abfüllanlage bekannt, die zum Abfüllen von Flaschen dient, die der Anlage mittels eines Fließbandfördersystems chargenweise zugeführt werden. Hierzu wird die abzufüllende Flüssigkeit zunächst aus einem Vorratstank über ein Zuleitungsrohr in ein horizontales Verteilerrohr eingefüllt, von dem eine Mehrzahl senkrecht nach unten ragender Auslassrohre, die an ihren Enden mit Spitzenventilen verschlossen sind, abgehen. Luft im Verteilerrohr kann dabei durch ein an seinem Ende angeschlossenes Abluftrohr entweichen. Beim Vorfluten des Verteilerrohrs werden auch die Auslassrohre geflutet. Anschließend wird das horizontale Verteilerrohr wieder entleert, indem das Abluftrohr mit einer Druckluftquelle verbunden und der Eingang des Verteilerrohres von dem Zuleitungsrohr entkoppelt und mit einem Sammelbehälter verbunden wird. Die Flüssigkeit in den Ablassrohren verbleibt dort, was einer Vorportionierung für den nachfolgenden, eigentlichen Abfüllvorgang entspricht. Für diesen wird der Eingang des Verteilerrohres geschlossen und erneut Druckluft auf das Ende des Verteilerrohrs gegeben, wobei gleichzeitig die Spitzenventile der Auslassrohre geöffnet werden. Die in den Auslassrohren vorportionierte Flüssigkeit wird in die inzwischen unter den Spitzenventilen bereitgestellten Flaschen ausgeblasen. Gleichzeitig wird die in dem inzwischen von dem Verteilerrohr abgekoppelten Sammelbehälter angefallene Flüssigkeit ebenfalls mittels Druckluftunterstützung zurück in den Vorratsbehälter geblasen. Dieses bekannte System ist nicht zum Abfüllen geringer Volumina teurer, steriler Flüssigkeiten geeignet. Es baut wesentlich auf zunächst übermäßiger Vorflutung mit nachfolgendem "Abstreichen" des Überstandes auf. Dies verlangt zwingend die unmittelbare Rückführung des Überstandes in den Vorratsbehälter; ein vorheriges Wiederaufbreiten des Überstandes (z.B. Sterilisieren) oder ein Verwerfen kommt aufgrund des großen Überstandsvolumens wirtschaftlich nicht in Frage. Eine unmittelbare Rückführung in den Vorratsbehälter führt jedoch zu einer zyklichen Durchmischung von "alter" und "frischer" Flüssigkeit, was bei sensiblen Flüssigkeiten aus hygienischen Gründen nicht hinnehmbar ist.From the DE 693 11 321 T1 (German translation of the EP 0 632 775 B1 ) is a built-up of rigid piping bottling plant is known, which serves for filling bottles, which are supplied to the plant by means of a conveyor belt system in batches. For this purpose, the liquid to be filled is first filled from a storage tank via a supply pipe in a horizontal distribution pipe, from which a plurality of vertically downwardly projecting outlet pipes, which are closed at their ends with tip valves, depart. Air in Manifold can escape through a connected at its end exhaust pipe. As the manifold flows in, the outlet pipes are also flooded. Subsequently, the horizontal manifold is emptied again by the exhaust pipe connected to a compressed air source and the input of the manifold is decoupled from the supply pipe and connected to a collecting container. The liquid in the drain pipes remains there, which corresponds to a pre-portioning for the subsequent, actual filling process. For this, the input of the manifold is closed and again compressed air is added to the end of the manifold, at the same time the tip valves of the exhaust pipes are opened. The pre-portioned in the outlet tubes liquid is blown into the now provided under the tip valves bottles. At the same time, the liquid accumulated in the collecting container, which has meanwhile been decoupled from the distributor pipe, is likewise blown back into the storage container by means of compressed air support. This known system is not suitable for filling small volumes of expensive, sterile liquids. It relies substantially on initially excessive flooding with subsequent "scraping" of the supernatant. This requires mandatory immediate return of the supernatant in the reservoir; a previous re-spreading of the supernatant (eg sterilizing) or discarding is economically out of the question due to the large supernatant volume. However, an immediate return to the reservoir leads to a cyclic mixing of "old" and "fresh" liquid, which at sensitive liquids is unacceptable for reasons of hygiene.

Ein gegenüber dem vorgenannten vereinfachtes System ist aus der DE 43 41 934 A1 bekannt. Hier ist das Verteilerrohr stets gefüllt und druckbeaufschlagt; die Vorportionierung in den Auslassrohren wird über entsprechende Ventile gesteuert. Die Druckbeaufschlagung erfolgt unmittelbar über Beaufschlagung des Vorratsbehälters.An over the aforementioned simplified system is known from DE 43 41 934 A1 known. Here, the manifold is always filled and pressurized; The pre-portioning in the outlet pipes is controlled by appropriate valves. The pressurization takes place directly on admission of the reservoir.

Ein ähnliches System, bei dem statt eines Verteilerrohres ein Verteilertank mit daran angeschlossenen Auslassschläuchen vorgesehen ist, ist aus der DE 196 40 664 C1 bekannt. Sowohl Vorratsbehälter als auch Verteilertank sind hier gesondert druckbeaufschlagt.A similar system, in which instead of a manifold, a distribution tank is provided with outlet hoses connected thereto, is from the DE 196 40 664 C1 known. Both reservoir and distribution tank are here separately pressurized.

Ein gattungsgemäßes Abfüllsystem ist außerdem aus der US 2010 236 340 bekannt.A generic filling system is also from the US 2010 236 340 known.

Aufgabenstellungtask

Es ist die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, ein gattungsgemäßes Abfüllsystem sowie ein gattungsgemäßes Abfüllverfahren derart weiterzubilden, dass der Flüssigkeitsabfall wesentlich reduziert wird.It is the object of the present invention to develop a generic filling system and a generic filling method such that the liquid waste is substantially reduced.

Darlegung der ErfindungPresentation of the invention

Diese Aufgabe wird in Verbindung mit den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffs von Anspruch 1 dadurch gelöst, dass die Verzweigungsstelle stammleitungsseitig der Pumpe angeordnet ist und die Zweigleitung zu einer Druckgasquelle führt.This object is achieved in conjunction with the features of the preamble of claim 1, characterized in that the branch point is arranged trunk line side of the pump and the branch line leads to a compressed gas source.

Die Aufgabe wird weiter in Verbindung mit den Merkmalen des Oberbegriffs von Anspruch 6 dadurch gelöst, dass in einem zweiten Abfüllschritt in der Hauptleitung verbliebene Restflüssigkeit in den Restmengenbehälter abgefüllt wird, indem das zugeordnete Zielbehälterventil geöffnet, die Stammleitung an ihrem der Abzweigstelle abgewandten Ende verschlossen, die Zuleitung mittels des zugeordneten Schlauchklemmventils der Doppelventilanordnung verschlossen und die Zweigleitung mittels des zugeordneten Schlauchklemmventils der Doppelventilanordnung geöffnet wird, sodass Druckgas von der Druckgasquelle die Restflüssigkeit in den Restmengenbehälter presst.The object is further achieved in conjunction with the features of the preamble of claim 6, characterized in that in a second filling step in the main remaining residual liquid is filled into the remainder tank by the associated target container valve open, the trunk closed at its end remote from the branch, the Supply line closed by means of the associated hose clamp valve of the double valve assembly and the branch line is opened by means of the associated hose clamp valve of the double valve assembly, so that pressurized gas from the compressed gas source presses the residual liquid into the residual quantity container.

Bevorzugte Ausführungsformen sind Gegenstand der abhängigen Ansprüche.Preferred embodiments are subject of the dependent claims.

Die Erfindung äußert sich zunächst in einer Modifikation sowohl des Manifolds als auch der Abfüllvorrichtung. Beide Modifikationen müssen aufeinander abgestimmt sein.The invention manifests itself first in a modification of both the manifold and the filling device. Both modifications must be coordinated.

Bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Abfüllsystem ist im Bereich der Zuleitung eine Verzweigungsstelle angeordnet, sodass die eigentliche Zuleitung nach wie vor mit dem Vorratsbehälter und die abzweigende Zweigleitung mit einer Druckgasquelle, z.B. einem Druckluft-Kompressor verbunden ist.In the filling system according to the invention, a branch point is arranged in the region of the supply line, so that the actual supply line is still connected to the storage container and the branching branch line is connected to a compressed gas source, eg a compressed air compressor.

Parallel hierzu wird die Abfüllvorrichtung, bevorzugt deren Ventilträger, um eine Doppelventilanordnung erweitert, die in einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform als gemeinsame Ventileinheit ausgebildet ist. Diese Doppelventilanordnung umfasst zwei Schlauchklemmventile, in deren eines die eigentliche Zuleitung und in deren anderes die Zweigleitung eingelegt ist. Wichtig ist dabei, dass beide Einzelventile der Doppelventilanordnung vorzugsweise unabhängig zumindest jedoch gegensätzlich zueinander angesteuert werden können.In parallel, the filling device, preferably the valve carrier, is expanded by a double valve arrangement, which in a preferred embodiment is designed as a common valve unit. This double valve arrangement comprises two hose clamp valves, in one of which the actual supply line and in the other the branch line is inserted. It is important that both individual valves of the double valve arrangement can preferably be controlled independently, but at least oppositely to each other.

Diese aufeinander abgestimmten Modifikationen von Manifold und Abfüllvorrichtung erlauben es, die Stammleitung alternativ in der üblichen Weise mit der eigentlichen Zuleitung oder mit der Druckgasquelle zu koppeln. Die letztgenannte Option wird gemäß dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren zum Abschluss eines Abfüllvorgangs gewählt, wenn die gewünschte Anzahl von Zielbehältern in der bekannten Weise befüllt und ein Restmengenbehälter noch unbefüllt geblieben ist. In diesem Stadium wird dann das Zielbehälterventil des Restmengenbehälters geöffnet, die Zuleitung geschlossen und die Verbindung zur Druckgasquelle hergestellt. Daraufhin presst das Druckgas die in der Stammleitung verbliebene Restflüssigkeit in den Restmengenbehälter, sodass sie gesichert und in geeigneter Weise weiterverwendet werden kann.These coordinated modifications of manifold and filling device make it possible to couple the trunk line alternatively in the usual way with the actual supply line or with the compressed gas source. The latter option is selected according to the inventive method for completing a filling process, when the desired number of target containers filled in the known manner and a residual amount container has remained unfilled. At this stage, the target container valve of the residual quantity container is then opened, the supply line is closed and the connection to the compressed gas source is established. Thereupon, the compressed gas presses the residual liquid remaining in the main line into the residual quantity container, so that it can be secured and reused in a suitable manner.

Dabei ist es besonders günstig wenn der Restmengenbehälter mit der Stammleitung über diejenige der Verbindungsleitungen verbunden ist die am weitesten von der Abzweigstelle beabstandet ist. Auf diese Weise wird sichergestellt, dass der größtmögliche Teil der Stammleitung zwischen dem Druckgaseinlass und dem Restmengenbehälter liegt, sodass die Maximalmenge an Restflüssigkeit in den Restmengenbehälter gepresst werden kann.It is particularly advantageous if the residual amount container is connected to the trunk line over that of the connecting lines which is furthest from the branch point. This ensures that the largest part of the trunk line is between the Compressed gas inlet and the residue tank is located so that the maximum amount of residual liquid can be pressed into the residue tank.

Bei einer bevorzugten Weiterbildung der Erfindung ist in die Zweigleitung ein gasdurchlässiger Sterilfilter integriert. Dieser stellt sicher, dass durch das Druckgas keine Kontamination in Inneren des Schlauchsystems erfolgt. Die Sterilfilterung an dieser Stelle erlaubt auch bei sterilen Vorgängen die Verwendung einer unsterilen Druckgasquelle, beispielsweise eines herkömmlichen Druckluftkompressors.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a gas-permeable sterile filter is integrated in the branch line. This ensures that the pressurized gas does not contaminate the interior of the hose system. Sterile filtration at this point also allows the use of an unsterile source of pressurized gas, such as a conventional air compressor, in sterile operations.

Alternativ oder zusätzlich zur Anordnung eines Sterilfilters in der Zweigleitung kann bei einer Variante der Erfindung, bei der eine Ableitung von der Hauptleitung umfasst und in linearer Verbindung der Stammleitung nachgeordnet ist, der Sterilfilter auf der stammleitungszugewandten Seite der Abzweigungsstelle in die Ableitung integriert sein. Diese Anordnung des Sterilfilters ist besonders bevorzugt, da Manifolds mit Ableitung ohnehin häufig über einen Sterilfilter in der Ableitung verfügen, um zu verhindern, dass über diese eine Kontamination des Schlauchsystems und der Flüssigkeit erfolgt.Alternatively or in addition to the arrangement of a sterile filter in the branch line, in a variant of the invention, in which a derivative of the main line comprises and is arranged in linear connection of the main line, the sterile filter on the trunk line facing side of the branch point be integrated into the derivative. This arrangement of the sterile filter is particularly preferred since manifolds with drainage are in any case often equipped with a sterile filter in the drainage, in order to prevent contamination of the hose system and the liquid via these.

Wie aus der Stand der Technik grundsätzlich bekannt, kann auch im Rahmen der Erfindung vorgesehen sein, dass der Ventilträger weiter ein Hauptventil umfasst, mit dem ein Volumenstrom von der Zuleitung in die Stammleitung steuerbar ist. Allerdings kann im Rahmen der Erfindung auf ein separates Hauptventil auch verzichtet werden, wenn das der eigentlichen Zuleitung zugeordneten Einzelventil der Doppelventilanordnung funktional so ausgestattet ist, dass es die Aufgabe des herkömmlichen Hauptventils übernehmen kann. Insbesondere kann es günstig sein, wenn das funktionale Hauptventil den Volumenstrom in mehreren Stufen steuern kann.As is basically known from the prior art, it can also be provided within the scope of the invention that the valve carrier further comprises a main valve with which a volume flow from the supply line to the main line can be controlled. However, within the scope of the invention, it is also possible to dispense with a separate main valve if the individual valve associated with the actual supply line Dual valve assembly is functionally equipped so that it can take over the task of the conventional main valve. In particular, it may be favorable if the functional main valve can control the volume flow in several stages.

Vergleichbares gilt für ein Auslassventil. So kann, wie aus dem Stand der Technik grundsätzlich bekannt der Ventilträger weiter ein Auslassventil umfassen, mit dem ein Volumenstrom zwischen der Stammleitung und der Ableitung (sofern vorhanden) steuerbar ist. Auch hier kann das der eigentlichen Ableitung zugeordnete Einzelventil der Doppelventilanordnung grundsätzlich die Aufgabe des bekannten Auslassventils übernehmen.The same applies to an exhaust valve. Thus, as is generally known from the prior art, the valve carrier further comprise an outlet valve with which a volume flow between the main line and the discharge line (if present) can be controlled. Again, the individual derivative of the double valve arrangement associated with the actual discharge can basically take on the task of the known outlet valve.

Weitere Merkmale und Vorteile der Erfindung ergeben sich nachfolgenden, speziellen Beschreibung und den beigefügten Zeichnungen.Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following, specific description and the accompanying drawings.

Kurzbeschreibung der ZeichnungBrief description of the drawing

Es zeigt:

Figur 1:
eine schematische Darstellung einer ersten Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Abfüllsystems.
It shows:
FIG. 1:
a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a filling system according to the invention.

Ausführliche Beschreibung bevorzugter AusführungsformenDetailed description of preferred embodiments

Die nachfolgende Beschreibung ist auf die bevorzugte Ausführungsform gerichtet, bei der die Zielbehälter einschließlich des Restmengenbehälters als flexible Beutel ausgebildet sind. Die Erfindung ist jedoch selbstverständlich auch auf Ausführungsformen anwendbar, bei denen ein, mehrere oder gar alle Zielbehälter als steife oder halbsteife Behälter, z.B. als Flaschen ausgebildet sind.The following description is directed to the preferred embodiment in which the target containers including the remainder container are used as flexible bags are formed. However, the invention is of course also applicable to embodiments in which one, several or even all target containers are designed as rigid or semi-rigid container, for example as bottles.

Das Abfüllsystem umfasst ein Manifold 100 sowie eine Abfüllvorrichtung 200. Weiter ist in den Figuren eine Geräteperipherie 300 dargestellt.The filling system comprises a manifold 100 and a filling device 200. Furthermore, a device periphery 300 is shown in the figures.

Das Manifold 100 umfasst eine Hauptleitung, die aus einer Zuleitung 102, einer sich an diese anschließenden Stammleitung 104 und einer sich wiederum an diese anschließenden Ableitung 106 besteht. Von der Stammleitung (104) zweigen mehrere Verbindungsleitungen 108 sowie eine Restmengenbeutel-Verbindungsleitung 108' ab. Die Unterscheidung zwischen den Verbindungsleitungen 108 und der Restmengenbeutel-Verbindungsleitung 108' erfolgt hier nur zum Zwecke der Vereinfachung der Erläuterung. Die Verbindungsleitungen 108 verbinden die Stammleitung 104 jeweils mit einem Beutel 110; die Restmengenbeutel-Verbindungsleitung 108' verbindet die Stammleitung 104 mit einem Restmengenbeutel 110'. Die Unterscheidung zwischen den Beuteln 110 und dem Restmengenbeutel 110' erfolgt hier nur zur Vereinfachung der Erläuterung.The manifold 100 comprises a main line, which consists of a supply line 102, a master line 104 adjoining this and a line 106 which in turn adjoins this. From the trunk line (104) branch off a plurality of connecting lines 108 and a remainder bag connecting line 108 'from. The distinction between the connecting lines 108 and the residual quantity bag connecting line 108 'is made here only for the purpose of simplifying the explanation. The connection lines 108 each connect the trunk line 104 to a bag 110; Residual bag connection line 108 'connects trunk line 104 to a residue bag 110'. The distinction between the bags 110 and the remainder bag 110 'is made here only to simplify the explanation.

Die Zuleitung 102 des Manifolds 100 ist über eine Pumpe 302 mit einem Vorratsbehälter 304, z.B. einem Tank, verbunden. Die Ableitung 106 des Manifolds 100 weist bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform einen integrierten Sterilfilter 112 auf.The supply line 102 of the manifold 100 is connected via a pump 302 to a reservoir 304, for example a tank. The drain 106 of the manifold 100 has an integrated sterile filter 112 in the illustrated embodiment.

Das Manifold 100 ist in eine Abfüllvorrichtung eingesetzt. Diese weist ein Trägergestell 202 zur Einzellagerung der Beutel 110, 110' auf. Bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform ist das Trägergestell 202 mit einer Ventilsäule 204 gekoppelt, die eine Vielzahl von Ventilen trägt. So ist der Übergangsbereich zwischen der Zuleitung 102 und der Stammleitung 104 in ein als Schlauchklemmventil ausgebildetes Hauptventil 206 eingelegt. Der Übergangsbereich zwischen der Stammleitung 104 und der Ableitung 106 ist in ein ebenfalls als Schlauchklemmventil ausgebildetes Auslassventil 208 eingelegt. Weiter ist jede Verbindungsleitung 108 in ein ebenfalls als Schlauchklemmventil ausgebildetes Beutelventil 210 eingelegt. Die Restmengenbeutel-Verbindungsleitung 108' ist in ein ebenfalls als Schlauchklemmventil ausgebildetes Restmengenbeutelventil 210 eingelegt.The manifold 100 is inserted into a filling device. This has a support frame 202 for single storage of the bags 110, 110 '. In the illustrated embodiment, the support rack 202 is coupled to a valve column 204 which carries a plurality of valves. Thus, the transition region between the supply line 102 and the trunk line 104 is inserted into a designed as a hose clamp valve main valve 206. The transition region between the trunk line 104 and the discharge line 106 is inserted into an exhaust valve 208, which is likewise designed as a hose clamp valve. Furthermore, each connecting line 108 is inserted into a bag valve 210 which is likewise designed as a hose clamping valve. The residual quantity bag connecting line 108 'is inserted into a residual quantity bag valve 210, which is likewise designed as a hose clamping valve.

Die gesamte Apparatur ist auf einer elektronischen Waage montiert, die zur gravimetrischen Füllmengenüberwachung und zur entsprechenden Ausgabe von Steuersignalen für die einzelnen Ventile eingerichtet ist.The entire apparatus is mounted on an electronic balance, which is set up for the gravimetric filling quantity monitoring and for the corresponding output of control signals for the individual valves.

Weiter ist in den Figuren eine Druckgasquelle 306, nämlich ein Druckluftkompressor dargestellt. Die spezielle Ankopplung der Druckgasquelle 306 ist wesentlicher Bestandteil der vorliegenden Erfindung.Next, in the figures, a compressed gas source 306, namely a compressed air compressor is shown. The special coupling of the compressed gas source 306 is an essential part of the present invention.

Bei der Ausführungsform gemäß Figur 1 weist die Zuleitung 102 eine Verzweigungsstelle 114 auf, an der eine Zweigleitung 116 von der Zuleitung 102 abzweigt. Die Zweigleitung 116 ist mit der Druckgasquelle 306 verbunden. Sie durchläuft dabei ein als Schlauchklemmventil ausgebildetes erstes Einzelventil 214a einer Doppelventilanordnung 214. Vorratsbehälterseitig der Verzweigungsstelle 14 durchläuft die Zuleitung 102 ein ebenfalls als Schlauchklemmventil 214b ausgebildetes, zweites Einzelventil der Doppelventilanordnung 214.In the embodiment according to FIG. 1 the supply line 102 has a branch point 114 at which a branch line 116 branches off the supply line 102. The branch line 116 is connected to the compressed gas source 306. It passes through a designed as a hose clamp valve first single valve 214a of a double-valve arrangement 214. The supply-side conduit 102 passes through a second individual valve of the double-valve arrangement 214, likewise designed as a hose-clamping valve 214b, at the reservoir-side of the branching point 14.

In der Zweigleitung 116 ist ein Sterilfilter 118 angeordnet, der im Druckgas eventuell enthaltene Keime herausfiltert und das Manifold 100 vor Kontamination schützt.In the branch line 116, a sterile filter 118 is arranged, which filters out any germs contained in the compressed gas and protects the manifold 100 from contamination.

Bei einem Abfüllvorgang ist das erste Einzelventil 214a der Ventilanordnung 214 geschlossen. Der Abfüllvorgang verläuft in bekannter Weise, bis die Beutel 110 gefüllt und ihre zugeordneten Beutelventile 210 geschlossen sind. Typischerweise ist auch das Auslassventil 208 zu diesem Zeitpunkt geschlossen. Um nun die in der Stammleitung 104 und teilweise auch in der Zuleitung 102 verbliebene Flüssigkeit nicht verwerfen zu müssen, werden in einem nachfolgenden Schritt das zweite Einzelventil 214b der Ventilanordnung 214 geschlossen und das Restmengenbeutel-Ventil 210' sowie das erste Einzelventil 214a der Doppelventilanordnung 214 geöffnet. In der Folge strömt Druckgas von der Druckgasquelle 216 über die Verzweigungsstelle 114 in die Zuleitung 102 und presst die in der Zuleitung 102 sowie der Stammleitung 104 verbliebene Restflüssigkeit in den Restmengenbeutel 110'. Abschließend werden das Restmengenbeutel-Ventil 210' sowie das erste Einzelventil 214a der Doppelventilanordnung 214 geschlossen und der Restmengenbeutel 110' kann, wie auch die übrigen Beutel 110 bei leerer Stammleitung 104 abgetrennt und der gewünschten Weiterbehandlung zugeführt werden.During a filling process, the first individual valve 214a of the valve arrangement 214 is closed. The filling process proceeds in a known manner until the bags 110 are filled and their associated bag valves 210 are closed. Typically, the exhaust valve 208 is also closed at this time. In order not to have to discard the remaining in the trunk line 104 and partially in the supply line 102 liquid, the second individual valve 214b of the valve assembly 214 are closed and the residual quantity bag valve 210 'and the first individual valve 214a of the double valve assembly 214 is opened in a subsequent step , As a result, compressed gas flows from the compressed gas source 216 via the branching point 114 into the supply line 102 and presses the residual liquid remaining in the supply line 102 and the main line 104 into the residual quantity bag 110 '. Finally, the residual quantity bag valve 210 'and the first individual valve 214a of the double valve arrangement 214 are closed and the residual quantity bag 110', as well as the remaining bags 110 can be separated with empty trunk line 104 and fed to the desired further treatment.

Natürlich stellen die in der speziellen Beschreibung diskutierten und in den Figuren gezeigten Ausführungsformen nur illustrative Ausführungsbeispiele der vorliegenden Erfindung dar. Dem Fachmann ist im Lichte der hiesigen Offenbarung ein breites Spektrum an Variationsmöglichkeiten an die Hand gegeben. Insbesondere können Anzahl, Form, Größe und relative Anordnung der Beutel 110, 110' innerhalb des Manifolds 100 an die Erfordernisse des jeweiligen Einzelfalls angepasst werden.Of course, the embodiments discussed in the specific description and shown in the figures represent only illustrative embodiments of the present invention. A broad range of possible variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the disclosure herein. In particular, the number, shape, size and relative arrangement of the bags 110, 110 'within the manifold 100 can be adapted to the requirements of the particular case.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1010
Abfüllsystemfilling system
100100
ManifoldManifold
102102
Zuleitungsupply
104104
Stammleitungmaster cable
106106
Ableitungderivation
108108
Verbindungsleitungconnecting line
108'108 '
Restmengenbeutel-VerbindungsleitungRemainder bag connector line
110110
Beutelbag
110'110 '
RestmengenbeutelRemainder bag
112112
Sterilfiltersterile filter
114114
Verzweigungsstellebranching point
116116
Zweigleitungbranch line
118118
Sterilfiltersterile filter
200200
Abfüllvorrichtungfilling device
202202
Trägergestellsupport frame
204204
Ventilträgervalve
206206
Hauptventilmain valve
208208
Auslassventiloutlet valve
210210
Beutelventilbag valve
210'210 '
Restmengenbeutel-VentilResidual quantity bag-valve
214214
DoppelventilanordnungDouble valve arrangement
214a,b214a, b
Einzelventile von 214Single valves from 214
300300
Peripheriegeräteperipherals
302302
Pumpepump
304304
Vorratsbehälterreservoir
306306
DruckgasquelleCompressed gas source

Claims (7)

  1. Filling system, comprising a filling device (200) and a container arrangement (100) used in the filling device (200), wherein the container arrangement (100) comprises:
    - a hose-like main line which comprises a feed line (102), which is connected with a reservoir container (304) and equipped with a pump (302), and a trunk line (104) arranged downstream of the feed line (102) in linear connection, and
    - a plurality of destination containers (110, 110') which are each connected with the trunk line (104) by way of a respective hose-like connecting line (108, 108'),
    and wherein the filling device (200) comprises:
    - a support frame (202) for individual mounting of the destination containers (110, 110'),
    - a valve support (204) with a plurality of valves, comprising a plurality, which corresponds with the plurality of destination containers (110, 110'), of destination container valves (210, 210'), by each of which a respective volume flow through a respective one of the connecting lines (108, 108') is controllable,
    wherein at a branch point (114) in the region of the feed line (102) a branch line (116) branches off the feed line (102) and the feed line (102) and the branch line (116) on the side of the branch point (114) remote from the trunk line pass through a double-valve arrangement (214) with two hose clamping valves (214a, 214b) controllable in opposite sense to one another, in which one (214b) is inserted in the feed line (102) and the other (214a) is inserted in the branch line (116),
    characterised in that
    the branch point (114) is arranged on the side of the pump (302) at the trunk line and the branch line (116) leads to a source (306) of pressurised gas.
  2. Filling system according to claim 1, characterised in that a gas-permeable sterile filter (118) is integrated in the branch line (116).
  3. Filling system according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the main line further comprises a discharge line (106) arranged downstream of the trunk line (104) in linear connection.
  4. Filling system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the valve support (204) further comprises a main valve (206), by which a volume flow from the feed line (102) to the trunk line (104) is controllable.
  5. Filling system according to claim 3 or claim 4 insofar as dependent on claim 3, characterised in that the valve support (204) further comprises an outlet valve (208) by which a volume flow between the trunk line (104) and the discharge line (106) is controllable.
  6. Filling method with use of a filling system (10) according to claim 3, wherein in a first filling step through co-ordinated control of the valves of the valve support (204) one or more destination containers (110) are filled with liquid from the reservoir container (304) and at least one residual quantity container (110') remains unfilled,
    characterised in that
    in a second filling step taking place in time after the first filling step residual liquid remaining in the main line is filled into the residual quantity container (110') in that the associated destination container valve (210') is opened, the trunk line (104) is closed at its end remote from the branch point (114), the feed line (102) is closed by means of the associated hose clamping valve (214b) of the double-valve arrangement (214) and the branch line (116) is opened by means of the associated hose clamping valve (214a) of the double-valve arrangement (214) so that pressured gas from the pressurised gas source (306) forces the residual liquid into the residual quantity container (110').
  7. Method according to claim 6, characterised in that the residual quantity container (110') is connected with the trunk line (104) by those of the connecting lines (108') at the furthest spacing from the branch point (114).
EP12709802.8A 2011-03-28 2012-03-14 Filling system and filling method Active EP2691305B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102011001584.1A DE102011001584B4 (en) 2011-03-28 2011-03-28 Filling system and filling process
PCT/EP2012/001141 WO2012130390A1 (en) 2011-03-28 2012-03-14 Filling system and filling method

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2691305A1 EP2691305A1 (en) 2014-02-05
EP2691305B1 true EP2691305B1 (en) 2015-02-18

Family

ID=45872901

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12709802.8A Active EP2691305B1 (en) 2011-03-28 2012-03-14 Filling system and filling method

Country Status (4)

Country Link
US (1) US9278769B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2691305B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102011001584B4 (en)
WO (1) WO2012130390A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102010060469B3 (en) * 2010-11-10 2011-11-10 Sartorius Ag Container assembly and method for filling flexible disposable bags
US9315281B2 (en) * 2012-11-19 2016-04-19 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. System and methods for use in dispensing biopharmaceutical materials
US20150347421A1 (en) * 2014-05-29 2015-12-03 Avaya Inc. Graph database for a contact center
US20160368629A1 (en) * 2015-05-20 2016-12-22 Stratos Group Llc Systems and methods for aliquoting fluids
EP3329947B1 (en) * 2016-12-01 2021-06-02 Fenwal, Inc. Fill and finish systems and methods
TW202144236A (en) * 2020-02-14 2021-12-01 瑞士商赫孚孟拉羅股份公司 Time-pressure-filling system for liquid drug products

Family Cites Families (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE132568C (en) *
US2791353A (en) * 1953-12-08 1957-05-07 Herman W Dorn Manually operable paint dispensing apparatus
SE9201037L (en) * 1992-04-02 1993-05-17 Ivan Haakansson SET AND APPLIANCE TO FILL WATER BOXES IN CONTAINERS
DE4341934A1 (en) * 1993-12-09 1995-06-14 Bosch Gmbh Robert Method and device for dosing and filling a liquid into packaging containers
DE19640664C1 (en) * 1996-10-02 1998-02-05 Bosch Gmbh Robert Filling pressurised fluid into packing containers, ampoules, phials etc.
US6712963B2 (en) * 2002-06-14 2004-03-30 Scilog, Llc Single-use manifold for automated, aseptic transfer of solutions in bioprocessing applications
FR2937618B1 (en) * 2008-10-23 2010-12-24 Commissariat Energie Atomique STERILE DEVICE FOR SINGLE USE IN THE PREPARATION OF A RADIOPHARMACEUTICAL DRUG, SYSTEM AND METHOD USING THE SAME
US8281672B2 (en) * 2009-03-20 2012-10-09 Pbs Biotech, Inc. Automatable aseptic sample withdrawal system
DE102010060469B3 (en) * 2010-11-10 2011-11-10 Sartorius Ag Container assembly and method for filling flexible disposable bags

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US9278769B2 (en) 2016-03-08
DE102011001584B4 (en) 2018-11-08
US20140027010A1 (en) 2014-01-30
EP2691305A1 (en) 2014-02-05
WO2012130390A1 (en) 2012-10-04
DE102011001584A1 (en) 2012-10-04

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2691305B1 (en) Filling system and filling method
EP3010812B1 (en) Packing machine and method
EP0196410B1 (en) Device for simultaneously filling a plurality of containers such as receptacles, vats, packages or the like with a liquid or solid fluid substance
EP2064040B1 (en) Method and apparatus for reducing the volume of disposable containers
EP2637932B1 (en) Container arrangement and method for filling flexible disposable bags
DE19640664C1 (en) Filling pressurised fluid into packing containers, ampoules, phials etc.
DE102011119451A1 (en) Packing machine and method for filling sacks
EP1918206B1 (en) Filling device and method for filling viscose bulk material
EP2163510B1 (en) Device for dispensing liquid from a tank and method for removing the remainder from a conduit section
DE102005062715B4 (en) Apparatus for filling receptacles with the products of a rotary press
DE102008020256A1 (en) Pack system
DE19906409A1 (en) Dosing arrangement comprises a receiver connected to a dosing device that has a unit formed as a disposable piston-cylinder unit
EP2285684B1 (en) Apparatus for, and method of, introducing or emptying bulk materials in a contamination-free manner
EP2152586B1 (en) Packing machine
DE60002834T2 (en) METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DOSING LIQUIDS
EP0105197B1 (en) Device for simultaneously filling a plurality of containers such as receptacles, casks, packages or the like with a liquid, gaseous or solid substance
EP4001896A1 (en) Biotechnical filtration test system
DE4405550A1 (en) Method and device for the pneumatic conveyance of rod-shaped objects
EP2479112A1 (en) Method and device for emptying containers
DE29622064U1 (en) Filling machine for bagging different products in valve bags
DE102016110482B3 (en) Device for removing at least one biomass sample from at least one fermenter, in particular a biogas plant
DE102016213421A1 (en) Apparatus and method for determining a proper condition of a production plant, in particular an aseptic packaging machine
DE1912854U (en) DEVICE FOR PACKAGING DAMP MATERIALS.
DE102014103335A1 (en) Interface for a strapping machine
EP0370369B1 (en) Transport system for curd

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20131028

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: B65B 3/28 20060101ALI20141002BHEP

Ipc: B65B 3/00 20060101AFI20141002BHEP

Ipc: B65B 3/14 20060101ALI20141002BHEP

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20141020

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 710556

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20150315

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 502012002290

Country of ref document: DE

Effective date: 20150402

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: VDEP

Effective date: 20150218

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

Ref country code: NO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150518

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150618

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

Ref country code: RS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 502012002290

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20151119

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150314

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150331

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150331

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 5

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R081

Ref document number: 502012002290

Country of ref document: DE

Owner name: SARTORIUS LAB INSTRUMENTS GMBH & CO. KG, DE

Free format text: FORMER OWNER: SARTORIUS LAB INSTRUMENTS GMBH & CO. KG, 37075 GOETTINGEN, DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: CA

Effective date: 20160822

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 6

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20120314

Ref country code: SM

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150331

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150618

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20150314

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 7

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MM01

Ref document number: 710556

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20170314

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20170314

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20150218

P01 Opt-out of the competence of the unified patent court (upc) registered

Effective date: 20230519

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20240321

Year of fee payment: 13

Ref country code: GB

Payment date: 20240322

Year of fee payment: 13

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20240320

Year of fee payment: 13