EP3659963B1 - Füllanlage und verfahren zum füllen von behältern mit einem giessbaren lebensmittelprodukt - Google Patents

Füllanlage und verfahren zum füllen von behältern mit einem giessbaren lebensmittelprodukt Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3659963B1
EP3659963B1 EP18306582.0A EP18306582A EP3659963B1 EP 3659963 B1 EP3659963 B1 EP 3659963B1 EP 18306582 A EP18306582 A EP 18306582A EP 3659963 B1 EP3659963 B1 EP 3659963B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
valve plug
filling
valve
product
pourable
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EP18306582.0A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP3659963A1 (de
Inventor
Mattia Cenci
Alessandro Fusaro
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Sidel Participations SAS
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Sidel Participations SAS
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Priority to EP18306582.0A priority Critical patent/EP3659963B1/de
Priority to PCT/EP2019/080965 priority patent/WO2020108977A1/en
Publication of EP3659963A1 publication Critical patent/EP3659963A1/de
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/22—Details
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/22—Details
    • B67C3/28—Flow-control devices, e.g. using valves
    • B67C3/286—Flow-control devices, e.g. using valves related to flow rate control, i.e. controlling slow and fast filling phases

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a filling plant for filling receptacles with a pourable food product, in particular a sterilized and/or sterile-processed pourable food product.
  • the present invention also relates to a method of filling receptacles with a pourable food product, in particular a sterilized and/or sterile-processed pourable food product.
  • Filling plants for the filling of pourable food products in particular sterilized and/or sterile-processed pourable food products, are known.
  • a typical filling plant comprises a processing apparatus configured to process and/or prepare and/or treat the pourable food product and a filling apparatus configured to receive the pourable food product from the processing apparatus and to fill the receptacles with the pourable food product.
  • a typical filling plant also comprises a process valve, which is configured to allow or impede the flow of the pourable food product from a first flow circuit of the processing apparatus to a second flow circuit of the filling apparatus and a flow control valve arranged within the second flow circuit and configured to control the flow rate of the pourable product flowing from the first flow circuit to the second flow circuit.
  • the process valve is configured such to isolate the first flow circuit from the second flow circuit when impeding the flow from the first flow circuit to the second flow circuit.
  • the process valve comprises an inlet and an outlet, valve plugs for opening and closing the inlet and the outlet and means for introducing a sterile gas into at least a portion of the flow conduit interposed between the inlet and the outlet.
  • the process valve comprises an inlet and an outlet, valve plugs for opening and closing the inlet and the outlet and means for introducing a sterile gas into at least a portion of the flow conduit interposed between the inlet and the outlet.
  • DE 10 2013 100702 A1 discloses a filling plant in accordance with the preamble of claim 1 and a corresponding filling method.
  • Number 1 indicates as a whole a filling plant for filling receptacles, such as containers, bottles, plastic bottles, cans, carton packages or the like, with a pourable food product, such as carbonated liquids (e.g. sparkling water, soft drinks and beer) or non-carbonated liquids (e.g. still water, juices, teas, sport drinks, liquid cleaners, wine, emulsions, suspensions, high viscosity liquids and beverages containing pulps).
  • a pourable food product such as carbonated liquids (e.g. sparkling water, soft drinks and beer) or non-carbonated liquids (e.g. still water, juices, teas, sport drinks, liquid cleaners, wine, emulsions, suspensions, high viscosity liquids and beverages containing pulps).
  • carbonated liquids e.g. sparkling water, soft drinks and beer
  • non-carbonated liquids e.g. still water, juices, teas, sport drinks, liquid cleaners, wine, emulsions
  • filling plant 1 is configured to fill a sterilized and/or sterile-processed pourable food product, such as e.g. juices or milk and the like, into the receptacles.
  • a sterilized and/or sterile-processed pourable food product such as e.g. juices or milk and the like
  • filling plant 1 comprises:
  • filling plant 1 also comprises a closing apparatus (not shown and known as such) configured to close the receptacles after filling; e.g. the closing apparatus could be configured to apply closures onto the receptacles, e.g. onto a cartoon package or a bottle.
  • a closing apparatus (not shown and known as such) configured to close the receptacles after filling; e.g. the closing apparatus could be configured to apply closures onto the receptacles, e.g. onto a cartoon package or a bottle.
  • filling plant 1 also comprises a labeling apparatus configured to apply at least one respective label sheet on each receptacle.
  • filling plant 1 also comprises a blow molding apparatus configured to obtain and/or produce bottles from respective pre-forms.
  • processing apparatus 2 comprises a first flow circuit 5 for the pourable food product
  • filling apparatus 3 comprises a second flow circuit 6 for the pourable product
  • process valve 4 is configured to fluidically couple in a selective manner first flow circuit 5 with second flow circuit 6.
  • processing apparatus 2 comprises at least one process unit 7 configured to process and/or treat and or prepare the pourable food product.
  • Process unit 7 and/or one or more further process units could be configured to blend and/or pasteurize and/or homogenize and/or filter and/or enrich and/or hear and/or cool and/or de-aerate and/or condition the pourable product.
  • process unit 7 is fluidically coupled to and/or comprises at least a portion of first flow circuit 5.
  • processing apparatus 2 could also comprise one or more storage tanks.
  • filling apparatus 3 comprises:
  • filling units 9 are peripherically arranged on conveying carousel 8 and are equally spaced angularly around axis A.
  • each filling unit 9 is configured to advance along a respective conveying path by means of, in use, rotation of conveying carousel 8 around axis A.
  • one respective filling unit 9 advances together with one respective receptacle during at least advancement of the respective receptacle along the advancement path.
  • filling apparatus 3 also comprises a product storage tank 10 configured to receive the pourable food product (from processing apparatus 2 and through process valve 4) and/or to (at least) temporarily store the pourable food product.
  • product storage tank 10 is fluidically connected to second flow circuit 6 and/or comprises a portion of second flow circuit 6.
  • product storage tank 10 is fluidically connected and/or connectable to each filling unit 9 and is configured to direct the pourable product from product storage tank 10 itself to filling units 9.
  • filling apparatus 3 comprises a plurality of further valve elements, each one associated to and/or interposed between product storage tank 10 and one respective filling unit 9 and each one being configured to selectively control a flow of the pourable product from product storage tank 10 to the respective filling unit 9.
  • process valve 4 comprises at least:
  • each one of first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 is moveable between at least a respective closed position and a respective maximum open position so as to respectively close and open respectively inlet 15 and outlet 16.
  • process valve 4 is controllable such that, in use, a flow of the pourable product within flow conduit 14 occurs along a respective flow direction D from inlet 15 to outlet 16.
  • process valve 4 also comprises a first valve seat 19 and a second valve seat 20 configured to respectively receive first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 when being arranged in the respective closed position for closing respectively inlet 15 and outlet 16.
  • first valve seat 19 is arranged upstream of second valve seat 20 with respect to flow direction D.
  • process valve 4 is connected to first flow circuit 5 and second flow circuit 6 such that first flow circuit 5 and second flow circuit 6 define closed circuits with first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 being arranged in the closed positions.
  • first flow circuit 5 and second flow circuit 6 define closed circuits with first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 being arranged in the closed positions.
  • first valve plug 17 being in the closed position it is possible to allow the flow of a cleaning and/or sterilization agent within first flow circuit 5 without entering into second flow circuit 6.
  • second valve plug 18 being in the closed position it is possible to allow the flow of a cleaning and/or sterilization agent within second flow circuit 6 without entering into first flow circuit 5.
  • process valve 4 further comprises at least:
  • process valve 4 further comprises at least:
  • fluid conduit 14 is occupied by the pourable product with e.g. first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 being positioned at the maximum open position and is occupied with the sterile fluid with at least first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 being controlled at the respective closed position.
  • filling plant 1 also comprises a supply device (not shown and known as such) being fluidically connected and/or being fluidically connectable to fluid inlet 23 and being configured to supply the sterile fluid to at least fluid inlet 23 (and into fluid conduit 14 with first auxiliary valve 24 being controlled into the open configuration).
  • a supply device (not shown and known as such) being fluidically connected and/or being fluidically connectable to fluid inlet 23 and being configured to supply the sterile fluid to at least fluid inlet 23 (and into fluid conduit 14 with first auxiliary valve 24 being controlled into the open configuration).
  • control unit is configured to control first auxiliary valve element 24 and, preferentially but not necessarily also second auxiliary valve element 26 into the respective open position, when first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 28 are arranged in the respective closed position, so as to fill fluid conduit 14 with the sterile fluid.
  • This allows to further improve the isolation and/or separation of filling apparatus 3 and processing apparatus 2 from one another when first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 28 are arranged in the respective closed position.
  • first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 do not perfectly close, e.g. due to material errors of e.g.
  • the sterile fluid introduced into fluid conduit 14 guarantees the isolation and/or separation of processing apparatus 2 and filling apparatus 3.
  • process valve 4 also comprises a first actuator 32, in particular of the pneumatic type, and a second actuator 33, in particular of the pneumatic type, functionally and/or operationally coupled to and being configured to control respectively first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 between at least the respective closed position and the maximum open position.
  • control unit is operationally coupled to first actuator 32 and second actuator 33 and configured to control and/or activate and deactivate first actuator 32 and second actuator 33.
  • process valve 4 also comprises a first biasing assembly 34, in particular a first spring, and a second biasing assembly 35, in particular a second spring, configured to bias respectively first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 into a respective initial position.
  • first actuator 32 and second actuator 33 are configured to move respectively first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18, at least from the closed position to the maximum open position.
  • first actuator 32 and second actuator 33 are linear actuators.
  • first actuator 32 and second actuator 33 are piston actuators.
  • first valve plug 17 is integral to first actuator 32 and second valve plug 18 is integral to second actuator 33.
  • process valve 4 comprises a shell 36 having at least flow conduit 14, inlet 15 and outlet 16.
  • shell 36 comprises an inner lateral surface 37 at least partially delimiting and/or defining flow conduit 14.
  • first valve seat 19 and second valve seat 20 are connected to and protrude from inner lateral surface 37.
  • first valve seat 19 and second valve seat 20 have a substantially annular shape.
  • shell 36 carries and/or supports first actuator 32 and/or second actuator 33.
  • control unit is configured to control, in use, in particular by controlling respectively first actuator 32 and second actuator 33, at least one of first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18, in the specific case shown second valve plug 18 (see Figure 2 ), at an intermediate position between the respective closed position and the respective maximum open position for controlling the flow rate of the pourable product from processing apparatus 2 to filling apparatus 3.
  • the flow rate is maximum with first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 being controlled into the respective maximum open position. Even more specifically, the flow rate is a function of the position of respectively first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 and increases, in use, with first valve plug 17 and/or second valve plug 18 approaching the respective maximum open position.
  • first actuator 32 is also adapted (is configured) to control first valve plug 17 into the intermediate position and/or second actuator 33 is also adapted (is configured) to control second valve plug 18 into the intermediate position.
  • control unit is configured to control, in particular by controlling respectively first actuator 32 and second actuator 33, one of first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 into the maximum open position, in the specific case disclosed first valve plug 17, and the other one of first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18, in the specific example disclosed second valve plug 18, into the intermediate position for controlling the flow rate of the pourable product.
  • control unit is configured to control, in use, first valve plug 17 and/or second valve plug 18 such to vary the respective intermediate position for varying the flow rate of the pourable product during production (i.e. during operation of filling plant 1).
  • the intermediate position is not constant, but varies between any possible position between the closed position and the maximum open position.
  • process valve 4 is operated as a modulating valve, in particular by controlling at least one of first valve plug 17 and/or second valve plug 18 continuously between any possible position between the respective closed position and the respective maximum open position.
  • control unit is configured to control first valve plug 17 and/or second valve plug 18 such that a product level of the pourable product within product storage tank 10 remains, during production, substantially constant.
  • control unit is configured to control the respective intermediate position of first valve plug 17 and/or of second valve plug 18 for keeping the product level substantially constant.
  • filling plant 1 fills the receptacles with the pourable product.
  • filling plant 1 comprises at least the following steps:
  • filling units 9 fill the receptacles with the pourable product.
  • filling units 9 fill the receptacles during advancement of the receptacles along the advancement path.
  • filling units 9 selectively receive the pourable product from product storage tank 10.
  • second valve plug 18 is arranged at an intermediate position for controlling the flow rate of the pourable product from processing apparatus 2, in particular first flow circuit 5, to filling apparatus 3, in particular second flow circuit 6.
  • first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 are arranged at the maximum open position, in the specific case disclosed first valve plug 17 (see Figure 2 ), and the other one of first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18, in the specific example shown second valve plug 18, is arranged at the intermediate position for controlling the flow rate of the pourable product.
  • the intermediate position is varied for varying the flow rate of the pourable product.
  • the flow rate is controlled such, in particular by controlling the intermediate position, that the product level within product storage tank 10 remains substantially constant.
  • first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 are controlled between the respective closed position and the respective maximum open position by respectively first actuator 32 and second actuator 33.
  • control unit controls first actuator 32 and second actuator 33 for controlling first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18.
  • first actuator 32 and second actuator 33 move respectively first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 from the closed position to the open position upon activation of first actuator 32 and second actuator 33.
  • operation of filling plant 1 also comprises an auxiliary control step during which first auxiliary valve element 24 and second auxiliary valve element 26 are controlled between the respective closed and open position.
  • first auxiliary valve element 24 and, preferentially but not necessarily second auxiliary vale plug 26, is/are controlled into the respective closed position with first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 being controlled into the respective intermediate or the respective maximum open position.
  • first auxiliary valve element 24 and, preferentially but not necessarily second auxiliary vale plug 26 is/are controlled into the open position with at least one of first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 being controlled into the respective closed position (see Figure 1 ).
  • operation of filling plant 1 also comprises a step of cleaning and/or sterilization during which at least portions of filling apparatus 3 and/or at least portions of processing apparatus 2 are cleaned and/or sterilized.
  • first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 are controlled into the respective closed position.
  • first auxiliary plug 24 and second auxiliary plug 26 are controlled into the respective open positions.
  • filling plant 1 and its operation is simplified as there is no need for a further flow control valve present within the second flow circuit. It is only required that the control unit controls process valve 4 for also obtaining a control of the flow rate.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)

Claims (15)

  1. Füllanlage (1) zum Füllen von Behältern mit einem gießbaren Lebensmittelprodukt, umfassend:
    - eine Verarbeitungsvorrichtung (2), die dazu ausgelegt ist, das gießbare Lebensmittelprodukt zu verarbeiten und/oder zuzubereiten und/oder zu behandeln;
    - eine Füllvorrichtung (3), die dazu ausgelegt ist, die Behälter mit dem gießbaren Lebensmittelprodukt zu füllen;
    - ein Prozessventil (4), insbesondere ein Vier-Wege-Prozessventil (4), das fluidisch mit der Verarbeitungsvorrichtung (2) und der Füllvorrichtung (3) verbunden und dazu ausgelegt ist, den Fluss des gießbaren Produkts von der Verarbeitungsvorrichtung (2) zur Füllvorrichtung (3) selektiv zu steuern; und
    - eine Steuereinheit, die dazu ausgelegt ist, mindestens das Prozessventil (4) zu steuern;
    wobei das Prozessventil (4) mindestens umfasst:
    - eine Flussleitung (14), die dazu ausgelegt ist, die Verarbeitungsvorrichtung (2) mit der Füllvorrichtung (3) fluidisch zu verbinden;
    - einen Einlass (15), der mit der Verarbeitungsvorrichtung (2) fluidisch verbunden und dazu ausgelegt ist, die Zufuhr des gießbaren Produkts in mindestens einen Abschnitt der Flussleitung (14) zu ermöglichen;
    - einen Auslass (16), der mit der Verarbeitungsvorrichtung (3) fluidisch verbunden und dazu ausgelegt ist, die Zufuhr des gießbaren Produkts aus mindestens einem Abschnitt der Flussleitung (14) zur Füllvorrichtung (3) zu ermöglichen;
    - einen ersten Ventilstopfen (17), der dazu ausgelegt ist, den Einlass (15) selektiv zu schließen oder zu öffnen, um den Fluss des gießbaren Produkts in die Flussleitung (14) selektiv zu behindern und zu ermöglichen; dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Prozessventil (4) ferner umfasst:
    - einen zweiten Ventilstopfen (18), der dazu ausgelegt ist, den Auslass (16) selektiv zu öffnen oder zu schließen, um den Fluss des gießbaren Produkts aus der Flussleitung (14) zur Füllvorrichtung (3) selektiv zu behindern und zu ermöglichen;
    wobei jeder des ersten Ventilstopfens (17) und des zweiten Ventilstopfens (18) zwischen jeweils mindestens einer geschlossenen Stellung und jeweils einer maximal geöffneten Stellung zum Schließen bzw. Öffnen des Einlasses (15) und des Auslasses (16) bewegbar ist;
    wobei die Steuereinheit dazu ausgelegt ist, beim Betrieb mindestens einen des ersten Ventilstopfens (17) und des zweiten Ventilstopfens (18) in einer Zwischenstellung zwischen der jeweils geschlossenen Stellung und der jeweils maximal geöffneten Stellung zu steuern, um eine Durchflussrate des gießbaren Produkts von der Verarbeitungsvorrichtung (2) zur Füllvorrichtung (3) zu steuern.
  2. Füllanlage gemäß Anspruch 1, wobei die Steuereinheit dazu ausgelegt ist, einen des ersten Ventilstopfens (17) und des zweiten Ventilstopfens (18) in die maximal geöffnete Stellung und den anderen des ersten Ventilstopfens (17) und des zweiten Ventilstopfens (18) in die Zwischenstellung zu steuern, um die Durchflussrate des gießbaren Produkts zu steuern.
  3. Füllanlage gemäß Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die Steuereinheit dazu ausgelegt ist, den ersten Ventilstopfen (17) und/oder den zweiten Ventilstopfen (18) so zu steuern, dass während des Betriebs der Füllanlage (1) die Zwischenstellung zum Verändern der Durchflussmenge des gießbaren Produkts verändert wird.
  4. Füllanlage gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Prozessventil (4) einen ersten Ventilsitz (19) und einen zweiten Ventilsitz (20) umfasst;
    wobei der erste Ventilsitz (19) und der zweite Ventilsitz (20) dazu ausgelegt sind, den ersten Ventilstopfen (17) bzw. den zweiten Ventilstopfen (18) aufzunehmen, wenn sie in der jeweils geschlossenen Stellung angeordnet sind, um den Einlass (15) bzw. den Auslass (16) zu schließen.
  5. Füllanlage gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Prozessventil (4) ferner einen ersten Aktuator (32) und einen zweiten Aktuator (33) umfasst, die funktionell und/oder betriebsmäßig mit dem ersten Ventilstopfen (17) bzw. dem zweiten Ventilstopfen (18) gekoppelt sind;
    wobei die Steuereinheit betriebsmäßig mit dem ersten Aktuator (32) und dem zweiten Aktuator (33) gekoppelt und dazu ausgelegt ist, den ersten Aktuator (32) und den zweiten Aktuator (33) zu steuern, um jeweils den ersten Ventilstopfen (17) und den zweiten Ventilstopfen (18) zwischen mindestens der geschlossenen Stellung und der maximal geöffneten Stellung zu steuern.
  6. Füllanlage gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Füllvorrichtung (3) einen Produktspeichertank (10) umfasst, der dazu ausgelegt ist, das gießbare Lebensmittelprodukt aufzunehmen und/oder mindestens vorübergehend zu speichern;
    wobei die Steuereinheit dazu ausgelegt ist, die Zwischenstellung so zu steuern, dass ein Produktpegel innerhalb des Produktspeichertanks (10) im Wesentlichen konstant bleibt.
  7. Füllanlage gemäß Anspruch 6, wobei die Füllvorrichtung (3) umfasst:
    - eine Vielzahl von Fülleinheiten (9), die jeweils mit dem Produktspeichertank (10) verbunden sind; und
    - ein Förderkarussell (8), das um eine Drehachse (A) drehbar ist und die Fülleinheiten (9) trägt.
  8. Füllanlage gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Prozessventil (4) mindestens einen Fluideinlass (23) umfasst, der dazu ausgelegt ist, den Eintritt bzw. den Austritt eines sterilen Fluids in mindestens einen Abschnitt der Flussleitung (14) zu ermöglichen;
    wobei das Prozessventil (4) außerdem mindestens ein erstes Hilfsventilelement (24) zum selektiven Öffnen und Schließen des Fluideinlasses (23) umfasst;
    wobei die Steuereinheit dazu ausgelegt ist, das erste Hilfsventilelement (24) so zu steuern, dass es beim Betrieb den Fluideinlass (23) öffnet, wobei einer des ersten Ventilstopfens (17) und des zweiten Ventilstopfens (18) in der jeweils geschlossenen Stellung angeordnet ist.
  9. Verfahren zum Füllen von Behältern mit einem gießbaren Lebensmittelprodukt, umfassend mindestens die folgenden Schritte:
    - Verarbeiten und/oder Zubereiten und/oder Behandeln des gießbaren Lebensmittelprodukts innerhalb einer Verarbeitungsvorrichtung (2);
    - Füllen des gießbaren Lebensmittelprodukts in Behälter innerhalb einer Füllvorrichtung (3);
    - Steuern eines Flusses des gießbaren Lebensmittelprodukts durch selektives Steuern eines Prozessventils (4), insbesondere eines Vier-Wege-Prozessventils (4), das fluidisch mit der Verarbeitungsvorrichtung (2) und der Füllvorrichtung (3) verbunden und/oder verbindbar ist und dazu ausgelegt ist, den Fluss des gießbaren Produkts von der Verarbeitungsvorrichtung (2) zur Füllvorrichtung (3) selektiv zu steuern;
    wobei das Prozessventil (4) mindestens umfasst:
    - eine Flussleitung (14), die dazu ausgelegt ist, die Verarbeitungsvorrichtung (2) mit der Füllvorrichtung (3) fluidisch zu verbinden;
    - einen Einlass (15), der mit der Verarbeitungsvorrichtung (2) fluidisch verbunden und dazu ausgelegt ist, die Zufuhr des gießbaren Produkts in mindestens einen Abschnitt der Flussleitung (14) zu ermöglichen;
    - einen Auslass (16), der mit der Verarbeitungsvorrichtung (3) fluidisch verbunden und dazu ausgelegt ist, die Zufuhr des gießbaren Produkts aus mindestens einem Abschnitt der Flussleitung (14) zur Füllvorrichtung (3) zu ermöglichen;
    - einen ersten Ventilstopfen (17), der dazu ausgelegt ist, den Einlass (15) selektiv zu schließen oder zu öffnen, um den Fluss des gießbaren Produkts in die Flussleitung (14) selektiv zu behindern und zu ermöglichen; und
    - einen zweiten Ventilstopfen (18), der dazu ausgelegt ist, den Auslass (16) selektiv zu öffnen oder zu schließen, um den Fluss des gießbaren Produkts aus der Flussleitung (14) zur Füllvorrichtung (3) selektiv zu behindern und zu ermöglichen;
    wobei jeder des ersten Ventilstopfens (15) und des zweiten Ventilstopfens (16) zwischen jeweils mindestens einer geschlossenen Stellung und jeweils einer maximal geöffneten Stellung bewegbar ist;
    wobei während des Schritts des Steuerns mindestens einer des ersten Ventilstopfens (17) und des zweiten Ventilstopfens (18) in einer Zwischenstellung zwischen der jeweils geschlossenen Stellung und der jeweils maximal geöffneten Stellung angeordnet ist, um die Durchflussrate des gießbaren Produkts von der Verarbeitungsvorrichtung (2) zur Füllvorrichtung (3) zu steuern.
  10. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 9, wobei während des Schritts des Steuerns einer des ersten Ventilstopfens (17) und des zweiten Ventilstopfens (18) in der maximal geöffneten Stellung und der andere des ersten Ventilstopfens (17) und des zweiten Ventilstopfens (18) in der Zwischenstellung angeordnet ist, um die Durchflussrate des gießbaren Produkts zu steuern.
  11. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 9 oder 10, wobei während des Schritts des Steuerns die Zwischenstellung zum Verändern der Durchflussrate des gießbaren Produkts verändert wird.
  12. Verfahren gemäß einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 11, wobei während des Schritts des Steuerns ein erster Aktuator (32) und ein zweiter Aktuator (33) des Prozessventils (4), die funktionell und/oder betriebsmäßig mit dem ersten Ventilstopfen (17) bzw. dem zweiten Ventilstopfen (18) gekoppelt sind, den ersten Ventilstopfen (17) bzw. den zweiten Ventilstopfen (18) mindestens zwischen der jeweils geschlossenen Stellung und der jeweils maximal geöffneten Stellung steuern.
  13. Verfahren gemäß einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Füllvorrichtung (3) einen Produktspeichertank (10) umfasst, der dazu ausgelegt ist, das gießbare Produkt aufzunehmen und/oder mindestens vorübergehend zu speichern;
    wobei während des Schritts des Steuerns die Zwischenstellung so gesteuert wird, dass ein Produktpegel innerhalb des Produktspeichertanks (10) im Wesentlichen konstant bleibt.
  14. Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 13, wobei die Füllvorrichtung (3) umfasst:
    - eine Vielzahl von Fülleinheiten (9), die jeweils mit dem Produktspeichertank (10) verbunden sind; und
    - ein Förderkarussell (8), das um eine Drehachse (A) drehbar ist und die Fülleinheiten (9) trägt;
    wobei während des Schritts des Füllens das gießbare Produkt selektiv gesteuert wird, um aus dem Produktspeichertank (10) zu den Fülleinheiten (9) zu fließen.
  15. Verfahren gemäß einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 14, wobei das Prozessventil (4) mindestens einen Fluideinlass (23) umfasst, um jeweils den Eintritt eines sterilen Fluids in mindestens einen Abschnitt der Flussleitung (14) zu ermöglichen;
    wobei das Prozessventil (4) außerdem mindestens ein erstes Hilfsventilelement (24) zum selektiven Öffnen bzw. Schließen des Fluideinlasses (23) umfasst;
    wobei das Verfahren außerdem einen Hilfssteuerungsschritt umfasst, während dessen das erste Hilfsventilelement (24) den Fluideinlass (23) öffnet, wobei der erste Ventilstopfen (17) und der zweite Ventilstopfen (18) jeweils in der geschlossenen Stellung angeordnet sind.
EP18306582.0A 2018-11-29 2018-11-29 Füllanlage und verfahren zum füllen von behältern mit einem giessbaren lebensmittelprodukt Active EP3659963B1 (de)

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PCT/EP2019/080965 WO2020108977A1 (en) 2018-11-29 2019-11-12 Filling plant and method for filling receptacles with a pourable food product

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