GB2153013A

GB2153013A - Transference of a fluid from a container to a fluid-flow line

Info

Publication number: GB2153013A
Application number: GB08401580A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Christopher Colin Sillett
Original assignee: APV International Ltd
Current assignee: APV International Ltd
Priority date: 1984-01-20
Filing date: 1984-01-20
Publication date: 1985-08-14
Also published as: GB8401580D0; GB2153013B

Abstract

To reduce loss of a fluid material, which may be edible, when a container 1 and a flexible pipe 3 therefore are disconnected from a line 11 at eg. a coupling 3b, an isolating valve 4 is provided at or adjacent the connection to the said line. Preferably, the flexible pipe is not detached from the container at eg. a coupling 3a. Displacement of the fluid material from the container to the line through the flexible pipe is effected by pumping means eg. a peristaltic pump 10, such that the said material does not come into contact with the said means. The flexible pipe may be removable from the pump 10. A further isolating valve 7 may be provided to facilitate flushing with a sterilising fluid through valves 8,9. The flexible pipe may be flushable through valves 5a, 6a. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Method and apparatus for introducing ingredients from a container into a process stream This invention relates to methods and apparatus for introducing ingredients from a container into a process stream.

In many food processes, a base material is manufactured, and from the base material, several end products are produced by blending a variety of ingredients, for example flavours or fruit purees, into the base material immediately prior to final processing or filling. When, as in common, these other ingredients are handled in transportable containers, there is a need to couple such a container to a pumping system by which the ingredient is extracted from the container and pumped into the base material. Such systems commonly use flexible hoses for ease of operation and to accommodate different container dimensions. Where the ingredient is perishable, this flexible hose system must be connected and preferably sterilised, either chemically or, more commonly, with steam or hot water, before the ingredient can be passed through the connection.In addition, when the desired quantity of the end product has been produced, and the transportable container is not empty, the flexible hose forming the connection must be isolated and the product within it displaced before uncoupling of the container. It is often preferred to re-sterilise the coupling before the final disconnection.

The systems in current normal use thus require the wastage of the contents of the flexible hose and also the forward purging of the ingredient in the pumping system, so that end product is also wasted while this is carried out.

It is an object of the invention to provide a method and apparatus which minimises wastage and allows the connection to be sterilized as required before and/or after use.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for connecting a container to a product line to enable flowable material from the container to be pumped into the product line, the apparatus comprising a pipe of flexible material having end fittings to connect the pipe between a connection on the container and a connection to the product isolating valve at or adjacent to the connection to the product line, and pumping means for pumping the flowable material through the flexible pipe without contacting the said material.

In use, the flexible pipe is intended to be left on the container until the contents are exhausted or are to be disposed of.

The pumping means is preferably a peristaltic pump, and it is particularly useful if the pumping means is capable of being disconnected from the flexible pipe to enable its use with any of a number of flexible pipes, thus reducing capital cost.

The flexible pipe may include further connections for cleaning-in-place prior to use and ater use when it is to be, or has been, disconnected from the container.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for introducing flowable ingredients from a container into a product line, comprising connecting apparatus according to the invention as set forth above to the container and to the product line in a sterile manner, pumping the ingredient as required from the container to the product line, closing the isolating valve, and cleaning and sterilising the connection between the product line and the flexible pipe prior to disconnecting the latter, while leaving the flexible pipe connected to the container until the contents of the latter are exhausted or are no longer required.

The invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawing, of which the single figure is a diagrammatic illustration of a preferred mode of putting the invention into effect, and of apparatus in accordance with the invention.

A transportable tank or container 1 is usually fitted with a manually operated isolating valve 2. Under clean or preferably sterile conditions, a presterilised flexible pipe 3 with an isolating valve 4 is attached at its distal end by means of a union 3a to the container valve 2. If truly aseptic conditions are required, then, after coupling, this flexible pipe 3 may be sterilised with hot water or chemicals or steam using the optional connections 5 and 6 and corresponding control valves 5a and 6a.

Once connected, the flexible pipe 3, together with its isolating valve 4, becomes an extension to the containment of the transportable tank or container 1 and remains coupled to the tank until the latter is either empty or its contents are no longer required.

The tank, together with its connected flexible pipe 3, is transported to the point of usage, if not already there, and the distal end with the isolating valve 4 is manually coupled to the point of injection into a product line 11 by a union 3b. The point of injection has an isolating valve 7 and a sterile barrier containing an inlet valve 8 and outlet valve 9. A suitable sterilising medium can thus be flushed through between valves 4 and 7 although this would usually be steam or hot water. The flow in the product line 11 is in the direction of the arrows.

The flexible pipe 3 is designed to be used as the flexible hose of a peristaltic pump 10 having a rotor with rollers 10a engaging the pipe 3. In addition to making the process couplings as described above, the flexible pipe is introduced to the peristaltic pump 10 which is of the type equipped so as to allow the easy installation or removal of the flexible pipe to or from the pump head itself. Such a pump is available from Autoclude Limited and forms the subject of United Kingdom patent specifications 1274749 and 1578022.

Once the connections are all made and any sterilisation of the final connection is complete, valves 8 and 9 are shut and valves 7 and 4 are opened so that the pump 10 can provide the necessary displacement of the ingredient into the base material flowing in the line 11. These valves can be operated either manually or automatically.

When processing stops and it is required to disconnect the transportable tank for any reason, valves 7 and 4 are shut and the connection to line 11 purged and resterilised using valves 8 and 9 as described above. The flexible pipe 3 is then manually uncoupled at the sterile barrier end from the line 11 and removed from the peristaltic pump 10 without breaking the connection at valve 2. The flexible pipe 3 remains with the transportable tank 1 until the tank is either empty or its contents are no longer required. The flexible pipe and its end connections can be removed and thoroughly cleaned and re-sanitised before being re-used. The end fittings of the flexible pipe are designed to be removable to facilitate the replacement of the flexible pipe 2 as and when it becomes necessary.

The valves 2, 4 and 7 may be integral with their respective union parts.

Various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for connecting a container to a product line to enable flowable material from the container to be pumped into the product line, the apparatus comprising a pipe of flexible material having end fittings to connect the pipe between a connection on the container and a connection to the product line, an isolating valve at or adjacent to the connection to the product line, and pumping means for pumping the flowable material through the flexible pipe without contacting the said material.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, in which the pumping means is a peristaltic pump.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the flexible pipe is readily disconnectable from the pumping means to enable the pumping means to be used selectively with any of a number of similar flexible pipes.

4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, in which the flexible pipe comprises further connections for cleaning in place prior to use and after use when it is to be or has been disconnected from the container.

5. Apparatus for connecting a transportable container to a product line substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accmpanying drawing.

5. Apparatus for transporting a container to a product line substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

6. A method for introducing flowable ingredients from a container into a product line, comprising connecting apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims to the container and to the product line in a sterile manner and pumping the ingredient as required from the container to the product line, closing the isolating valve, and cleaning and sterilising the connection between the product line and the flexible pipe prior to disconnecting the latter, while leaving the flexible pipe connected to the container until the contents of the latter are exhausted or are no longer required.

Superseded claims 1 to

6.

New or amended claims:

1. A method for introducing flowable ingredients from a container into a product line, comprising connecting a pipe of flexible material in a sterile manner by means of releasable end fittings between a connection on the container and a connection to the product line, the pipe having an isolating valve at or adjacent to the connection to the product line and being associated with pumping means for pumping the flowable material through the flexible pipe without contacting the said material, and pumping the ingredient as required from the container and through the flexible pipe to the product line, closing the isolating valve, and cleaning and sterilising the connection between the product line and the flexible pipe prior to disconnecting the latter, while leaving the flexible pipe connected to the container until the contents of the latter are exhausted or are no longer required.

2. An apparatus for connecting a container to a product line to enable flowable material from the container to be pumped into the product line, the apparatus comprising a pipe of flexible material having end fittings to connect the pipe between a connection on the container and a connection to the product line, an isolating valve at or adjacent to the connection to the product line, and pumping means for pumping the flowable material through the flexible pipe without contacting the said material, in which the pumping means is a peristaltic pump and in which the flexible pipe is readily disconnectable from the peristaltic pump to enable the pump to be used selectively with any of a number of similar flexible pipes.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2, in which the flexible pipe comprises further connections for cleaning in place prior to use and after use when it is to be or has been disconnected from the container.

4. A method for introducing flowable ingredients from a container into a product line substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.