US3615823A - Method of cleansing and/or sterilizing the filler tube in packaging machines - Google Patents

Method of cleansing and/or sterilizing the filler tube in packaging machines Download PDF

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Publication number
US3615823A
US3615823A US799560A US3615823DA US3615823A US 3615823 A US3615823 A US 3615823A US 799560 A US799560 A US 799560A US 3615823D A US3615823D A US 3615823DA US 3615823 A US3615823 A US 3615823A
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United States
Prior art keywords
tube
cleansing
packaging
sterilizing
agent
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Expired - Lifetime
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US799560A
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English (en)
Inventor
Alex Tuma
Jan Ingvar
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Tetra Pak AB
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Tetra Pak AB
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
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Publication of US3615823A publication Critical patent/US3615823A/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

Definitions

  • This invention is related to packaging technology and is concerned with a method of, and equipment for, cleansing and/or sterilizing the filler tube in packaging machines of the kind which form a packaging tube around the filler tube, and where the packaging tube, while partially filled with the liquid to be contained in the packages, is divided into filled and sealed packages at the same time as the column of liquid in the packaging tube is also divided.
  • One aim of this invention is therefore to supplement such a sterile washing process by cleansing and sterilizing the outside of the tiller tube as well.
  • This aim has been achieved by this invention, which is characterized by the lower end of the packaging tube being closed by a device, whereby the packaging tube and the device together define a space which is supplied with a cleansing and/or sterilizing agent through a duct in the device, at least up to that level which the liquid surrounding the filler tube reaches while the packaging machine is in operation, after which the cleansing and/or sterilizing agent is heated to a suitable cleansing and sterilizing temperature.
  • the packaging tube is made use of during cleansing and sterilization of the outside of the filler tube, to form the walls of a container for the reception of the cleansing, sterilizing and rinsing agents.
  • a further advantage is that only the area actually exposed to danger is sterilized, which means, among other things, that parts of the machine which do not have to be subjected to such harsh treatment will not become overheated or be exposed to chemical attack, and it is further possible to carry out this cleansing and/or sterilization simultaneousiy with the cleansing and/or sterilization processes of the milk sterilizer or other components used in conjunction with the sterile filling operation.
  • the invention is also concerned with equipment to be used for carrying out the method specified, the equipment being I characterized by a supporting arrangement designed to be fitted around a packaging tube, and by a device designed to be introduced into the packaging tube, whereby the device consists of a plate, disc or similar component having a. a sealing strip around its periphery, the sealing strip being designed to form a liquidtight seal against the inside of the packaging tube, I
  • piping connected to the combined supply and drainage duct for the supply of the cleansing and/or sterilizing agent into the space defined by the inner sidewalls of the device and of the packaging tube, and to remove it therefrom,
  • a heating coil designed to heat the cleansing and/or sterilizing agent.
  • FIG. 1 shows, in partial cross section, equipment for carrying out the method in accordance with the invention
  • FIG. 2 shows also partially in cross section, a part of the equipment depicted in FIG. I, to an enlarged scale.
  • Reference I in FIG. I denotes a packaging tube which consists of paper, aluminum or a plastic material, or a combination of these materials, and which has been formed around a filler tube 2 designed to introduce liquid into the tube I.
  • Reference 3 denotes a plate which has a sealing arrangement 4 around its periphery. There is furthermore a combined filling and drainage hole in the plate 3 for the cleansing and/or sterilizing agent which is supplied through the piping 9.
  • the plate 3 also has a heating coil 10 with inlet and outlet pipes II and 12 respectively.
  • the plate 3 and its sealing arrangement 4 are designed to form a liquidtight seal in the packaging tube I, whereby the plate 3 and the packaging tube 1 will form a container 13 for the cleansing and/or sterilization process.
  • the plate and its attachments, as well as their working will now be described more closely by reference to FIG. 2.
  • the plate 3 has a sealing arrangement 4 which is designed to form a liquidtight seal in the packaging tube I.
  • the sealing arrangement consists of a sealing strip 5 and a supporting unit or presure ring 6 which surrounds and is in contact with the tube I opposite the circumference of said strip.
  • the sealing strip 5 consists at least partly of material that can be deformed, such as rubber, and may in its simplest version consist of a hose, a pipe vulcanized into a hose, or similar. As may be seen on the Figure, the sealing strip 5 is seated in a groove at the peripheral edge of the plate 3.
  • the sealing strip 5 is furthermore connected to a tube 7 which is intended to convey to the inside of the sealing strip a pressurized agent, e.g. a gas under pressure such as compressed air.
  • a pressurized agent e.g. a gas under pressure such as compressed air.
  • One of the functions of the pressure ring 6, which is fitted around the free portion of the sealing strip 5, is to shape the sealing ring and to prevent its deformation in the radial direction.
  • the plate 3 is intended to be introduced into the packaging tube in such a way that the sealing strip 5 will be inside the tube and the pressure ring 6 outside the tube at the same level as the strip.
  • the sealing strip 5 When the sealing strip 5 is subjected to pressure by the introduction of a pressurized agent through the pressure hose 7, the sealing strip will exert pressure against the inside of the packaging tube, which pressure and the area under pressure, or in other words the sealing surface, will be caused to increase owing to the action against the pressure ring 6.
  • the sealing procedure may be described in other words by saying that the wall of the packaging tube 1 is clamped between the sealing strip 5 and the pressure ring 6, such clamping being the result of pressure from inside the tube (toward its inside surface and) radially outwards.
  • the upper side of the plate 3 which faces the lower end of the filler tube 2 should preferably have a somewhat conical or concave shape sloping towards the combined filling and drainage hole 8 for the cleansing and/or sterilizing agent in the plate 3,
  • the piping 9 is connected to the hole 8 which should preferably be situated at the center of the plate 3, and functions to supply the cleansing and/or sterilizing agent to the space 13 above and defined by the plate 3 and the packaging tube, and to remove it therefrom.
  • the plate 3 also supports the heating coil 10, in the shape of e.g. a helix, which is intended for heating the cleansing and/or sterilizing agent introduced into the space 13.
  • the heating coil 10 is located adjacent the conical sideof the plate 3 and is arranged so as to surround the lower end of the filler tube 2.
  • the .heating coil 10 is also connected to inlet and outlet pipes 11 and 12 respectively which pass through the plate 3.
  • the inlet and outlet pipes 11 and 12 respectively are fitted with surrounding handles 14 and 15 and the outlet pipe 12 may in addition be fitted with a steam trap 16 when the heating medium is superheated steam.
  • the heating coil 10 may naturally be designed to be heated in another way, e.g. electrically.
  • washing agent which is intended hereinafter and in the appended claims to refer to a cleansing agent, a sterilizing agent or a combination thereof.
  • the plate 3 When the outside of the filler tube 2 is to be cleansed and/or sterilized, the plate 3 is fitted into the free end of the packaging tube 1 which has been obtained by tearing off orin some similar way, care being taken at the same time that the tube material is inserted between the sealing strip of the plate 3 and the pressure ring 6.
  • the plate 3 is furthermore inserted into the tube 1 in such a way that the heating coil is situated around the lower outlet end of the fillertube 2.
  • a pressurized agent such as compressed air is admitted through the pressure hose 7, whereby the sealing strip 5 is pressed against the inside of the packaging tube 1 and against the pressure ring 6 situated outside the tube 1.
  • This operation at the same time produces a liquidtight seal between the plate 3 and the packaging tube 1, the seal being accomplished from the inside of the tube 1 radially outwards.
  • Washing agent is then introduced into the circumscribed space .13 through the washing agent pipe 9.
  • the washing agent is admitted into the space 13 up to a level 18 such that the washing agent surrounds the filler tube 2 to a level higher than that of the liquid contained in the packages when the machine is in operation.
  • the washing agent is then heated to boiling tem perature with the aid of the heating coil 10, during which operation the washing agent is caused to circulate in the space 13 so that even such parts thatare difficult to cleanse will be efi'rciently cleansed.
  • the space 13 is cleared of washing agent through the piping 9 affixed to the plate 3.
  • the space 13 may in the end be rinsed if desired by e.g. sterile hot water also introduced and drained away through the washing agent pipe 9.
  • a filler pipe with a sterile outer surface will thus be obtained by the method of operation described above.
  • the plate 3 and its ancillary equipment are fitted into the packaging tube 1 and are made to form a seal against the tube wall, after which at least one cleansing of the apparatus is carried out with a view to removing liquid that has been left behind.
  • another cleansing operation may be carried out if desired, but the apparatus must be sterilized at least once this time, as described above.
  • the pressure in the sealing strip 5 of the plate 3 is released, so that the plate may be removed from the packaging tube 1 and put to the side, after which the machine may be started up.
  • the apparatus is to be used invthe way described even when the machine is out of action for a short time.
  • a cleansing and sterilizing operation using the above method and equipment may be carried out at any time when the machine is out of ac tion.
  • milk suspension containing spores of Bacillus subtilis as the contaminating agent, and a 2 percent caustic soda (NaOH) solution as the washing agent were used.
  • the 2 percent caustic soda solution was heated by the heating coil 10 which consisted of coppertubing.
  • Steam having a temperature of 145 C. (293 F.) and maintained at a pressure of 4 atm. .(59 p.s.i.g.,) was continuously supplied to the heating coil 10 through the inlet pipe 1-1.
  • the steam was exhausted through the outlet pipe 12 and had atmospheric pressure and a temperature of approximately C. (212 F.) beyond thesteam trap 16.
  • the filler tube 2 was rinsed using sterile distilled water at room temperature, in order to neutralizeany caustic soda solution left behind.
  • the filler tube was then swabbed with beef-tea that had been inc'u bated for 7 days at a temperature of 30C. (86 F.), and checks were then made'to find out if-growth had taken place.
  • the pressure ring may thus be attached to the plate,-by making it in the shape of a U so that its legs reach round the lower free end of the packaging tube.
  • the sealing strip may also consist of several parts, one of these parts being that capable of deformation which .will constitute the means'of accomplishing the seal.
  • the plate may for instance consist of two discs situated at acertain distance from one another, the sealing strip being clamped between these discs.
  • the inletand outlet pipes for the heating coil may be situated next to one another so that they. can be fitted with a common handle. 5
  • washing agent consisting of a cleansing of caustic soda (NaOH).
  • washing agent comprises a cleansing agent.
  • washing agent comprises a sterilizing agent.

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)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)
US799560A 1968-03-01 1969-02-17 Method of cleansing and/or sterilizing the filler tube in packaging machines Expired - Lifetime US3615823A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE02773/68A SE346966B (de) 1968-03-01 1968-03-01

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US3615823A true US3615823A (en) 1971-10-26

Family

ID=20260667

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US799560A Expired - Lifetime US3615823A (en) 1968-03-01 1969-02-17 Method of cleansing and/or sterilizing the filler tube in packaging machines

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US3615823A (de)
CH (1) CH505001A (de)
DE (1) DE1909689A1 (de)
FR (1) FR2003025A1 (de)
GB (1) GB1248535A (de)
NL (1) NL6902931A (de)
SE (1) SE346966B (de)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4784697A (en) * 1986-02-14 1988-11-15 Tetra Dev-Co. Method and an arrangement on packing machines
US5058612A (en) * 1990-04-16 1991-10-22 Winsted Billy C Portable spray cleaning apparatus
US5468937A (en) * 1993-04-07 1995-11-21 Teisan Kabushiki Kaisha Impurity removing system for the delivery of high purity gases
US5649575A (en) * 1994-03-17 1997-07-22 Gea Till Gmbh & Co. Keg filling process and apparatus
CN114684424A (zh) * 2022-04-26 2022-07-01 青岛海斯达包装有限公司 一种用于电子产品的全自动包装装置及方法

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4205655C2 (de) * 1992-02-25 1999-12-16 Bosch Gmbh Robert Verfahren zum Sterilisieren einer Verpackungsmaschine und Vorrichtung zum Durchführen des Verfahrens

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4784697A (en) * 1986-02-14 1988-11-15 Tetra Dev-Co. Method and an arrangement on packing machines
US5058612A (en) * 1990-04-16 1991-10-22 Winsted Billy C Portable spray cleaning apparatus
US5468937A (en) * 1993-04-07 1995-11-21 Teisan Kabushiki Kaisha Impurity removing system for the delivery of high purity gases
US5649575A (en) * 1994-03-17 1997-07-22 Gea Till Gmbh & Co. Keg filling process and apparatus
CN114684424A (zh) * 2022-04-26 2022-07-01 青岛海斯达包装有限公司 一种用于电子产品的全自动包装装置及方法
CN114684424B (zh) * 2022-04-26 2024-04-02 青岛海斯达包装有限公司 一种用于电子产品的全自动包装装置及方法

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
SE346966B (de) 1972-07-24
CH505001A (de) 1971-03-31
NL6902931A (de) 1969-09-03
FR2003025A1 (de) 1969-11-07
DE1909689A1 (de) 1969-10-02
GB1248535A (en) 1971-10-06

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