JP4737920B2

JP4737920B2 - Food filling system sterilization method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: JP4737920B2
Application number: JP2003093856A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 健岩下; 繁坂井; 千加子春原; 誠澤田
Original assignee: Toyo Seikan Kaisha Ltd
Current assignee: Toyo Seikan Group Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2003-03-31
Filing date: 2003-03-31
Publication date: 2011-08-03
Anticipated expiration: 2023-03-31
Also published as: JP2004299723A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、各種食品および飲料をＰＥＴボトル、プラスチックカップ等の食品包装容器に無菌的に充填する食品充填システムの機器外表面、室内表面および無菌水ライン配管内外表面からなる殺菌対象表面の殺菌方法および装置に関する。なお、本明細書において「無菌的」とは、内容物の商業的無菌性を保持するレベルの無菌性を意味する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
食品充填システムの上記殺菌対象表面の殺菌方法としては、特許文献１に記載の方法がある。この方法によれば、充填機を包囲する枠体内に霧状の過酸化水素を導入して殺菌を行い、その後この枠体内にホットエアを導入して殺菌効果を増進する。また、枠体内に霧状の過酢酸を導入して殺菌を行い、その後この枠体内に霧状の無菌水を導入して付加的に滅菌を行う。
【０００３】
【特許文献１】
特開平１１−２０８７８２号公報
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
上記従来の殺菌方法において、枠体内に霧状の殺菌剤を導入する方法として具体的に開示されている方法は、枠体内の上部に配置された噴射ノズルから殺菌対象表面に向けて液状の殺菌剤をスプレーするものである。しかしながら、現実に使用されている食品充填システムの各機器は凹凸や入組んだ部分が多く複雑な表面構造を有しており、上記従来の方法により殺菌剤を上方からスプレーしても、これら機器の凹部や入組んだ部分まで殺菌剤をまんべんなく降り注ぐことは不可能であり、殺菌剤が付着しない部分が生じる。したがって、上記従来の方法により食品充填システムの完全な殺菌を期待することはできない。
【０００５】
したがって、この種の食品充填システムの機器外表面や枠体内表面を殺菌する場合は、作業員が枠体内に入り、手作業により各機器の外表面等の殺菌対象表面に塩素化アルカリ系発泡殺菌剤をすみずみまで降りかけた後水で洗浄するという手間と時間がかる方法で殺菌を行っているのが現状である。
【０００６】
さらに、従来の食品充填システムの殺菌方法においては、通常殺菌剤によって機器表面等の殺菌を行った後洗浄水により洗浄を行っているので、殺菌剤の系統と洗浄水の系統という２系統の配管が必要であり、またこれら２系統を切り替えるための弁装置や制御装置等の設備が必要であり、装置と殺菌・洗浄工程が複雑化するとともに殺菌剤の費用に加えて設備費が嵩むという問題点があった。
【０００７】
本発明は、上記従来の食品充填システム殺菌方法の問題点にかんがみなされたものであって、自動化された方法でありながら複雑な表面構造を有する食品充填システムの機器でも短時間で完全に殺菌することを可能にするとともに、従来よりも簡便な方法と設備により従来と同等の無菌環境を維持することができる食品充填システム殺菌方法および装置を提供しようとするものである。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記目的を達成するため、本発明者らは、研究と実験を重ねた結果、食品充填システムの殺菌対象である機器等が配置される空間は殺菌対象を包囲する枠体として大気から遮断された密閉空間であり、この密閉空間内に６０℃以上に加熱された温水を導入すると、温水による加熱および温水から蒸発した蒸気が密閉空間内に充満することにより、殺菌剤のスプレーによっては殺菌剤が付着することが困難な機器凹部等の殺菌対象表面にも加熱された蒸気が接触して容易に殺菌が行われることを見出し、本発明に到達した。
【０００９】
すなわち、上記目的を達成する本発明の食品充填システム殺菌方法は、食品包装容器搬入のための出入り口を設けた作業室内の一部空間を囲って密封空間とし、この密封空間内に陽圧の無菌空気を導入して無菌状態を維持するようにした無菌閉鎖空間を形成する枠体内に存在する食品充填システムの機器外表面、室内表面および無菌水ライン配管内外表面からなる殺菌対象表面を殺菌する方法であって、温水および/または蒸気を該枠体内に導入し、該殺菌対象表面を湿熱加熱殺菌することを特徴とするものである。
【００１０】
本発明によれば、無菌閉鎖空間内の殺菌対象表面が該空間内に導入された温水および/または蒸気により湿熱加熱殺菌される。温水のみを導入した場合でも、温水が殺菌対象表面に直接接触して殺菌を行うだけでなく、温水から蒸発する蒸気が無菌閉鎖空間内に充満することにより全殺菌対象表面のすみずみまで蒸気が接触し、殺菌もれ表面を生じることなく完全な殺菌が行われる。また、殺菌剤を使用しないので、従来のように殺菌剤・洗浄剤の２系統の配管、切替弁装置および制御装置を必要とせず、従来よりも簡便な方法と設備により従来と同等の無菌環境を維持することができ、殺菌剤の費用および設備費を節約することができる。
【００１１】
本発明の１側面において、該殺菌対象表面の殺菌は、殺菌対象表面温度が６０℃以上９６℃未満となるように湿熱加熱殺菌することにより行われることを特徴とする。
【００１２】
また、本発明の上記目的を達成する食品充填システム殺菌装置は、食品包装容器搬入のための出入り口を設けた作業室内の一部空間を囲って密封空間とし、この密封空間内に陽圧の無菌空気を導入して無菌状態を維持するようにした無菌閉鎖空間を形成する枠体内に存在する食品充填システムの機器外表面、室内表面および無菌水ライン配管内外表面からなる殺菌対象表面を殺菌する装置であって、温水および/または蒸気の供給源と該供給源から供給される温水または蒸気を該枠体内に散布する散布手段を備えることを特徴とする。
【００１３】
本発明の１側面において、該装置は、水を６０℃以上に加温する加温手段をさらに備えることを特徴とする。
【００１４】
また、本発明の他の側面において、該装置は、該無菌閉鎖空間に連通するようにして該作業室の前段に配置され、食品包装容器の少なくとも外面を予備殺菌するための予備殺菌室をさらに備え、該予備殺菌室の室内表面および該予備殺菌室に配置される機器外表面も付加的な殺菌対象表面を形成することを特徴とする。
【００１５】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下本発明の実施の形態について説明する。
本明細書において、無菌閉鎖空間とは、容器搬入のための出入り口を設けた作業室内の一部空間を囲って密封空間とし、この密封空間内に陽圧の無菌空気を導入して無菌状態を維持するようにした空間を意味する。また、湿熱加熱殺菌とは、殺菌対象表面に温水および／または蒸気の噴霧等を行い殺菌対象表面を乾燥していない状態で殺菌することを意味する。食品充填システムが配置される空間としては、本発明の無菌閉鎖空間のほかにクリーンルームが考えられるが、クリーンルーム内で湿熱加熱殺菌を行うとクリーンルーム壁面全面は殺菌されず、またクリーンルーム天井部のＨＥＰＡフイルターが水蒸気により損傷を受けるので、クリーンルームは湿熱加熱殺菌およびその後のフイラーによる内容物の容器への充填作業を行うには不適である。またこのような無菌閉鎖空間を使用することにより、設置費用が高価で制御も難しいクリーンルームを使用しないですむので、容器殺菌に要する費用を一層低減することができる。
【００１６】
殺菌温度は殺菌対象表面が６０℃以上、好ましくは６５℃以上とし、大気圧下で殺菌を行うために９６℃未満となるように温水および/または蒸気の加温を調節する。殺菌対象表面が６０℃未満では殺菌時間を比較的に長い３分としても３Ｄ以上の殺菌効果を確実に挙げることができず、殺菌対象表面を６５℃以上とすると殺菌時間は１分でも６Ｄ以上の充分な殺菌効果を挙げることができる。
【００１７】
本発明が適用される食品充填システムにおいては、ボトル等の食品充填容器の殺菌も温水および/または蒸気による湿熱加熱殺菌によって行うことが好ましい。その場合容器の殺菌効果を高めるために、食品充填システムには、無菌閉鎖空間に連通するようにして作業室の前段に配置され、食品包装容器の外面または内外面双方を予備殺菌するための予備殺菌室を設け、予備殺菌室の室内表面および予備殺菌室に配置される機器外表面も付加的な殺菌対象表面を形成するように構成してもよい。この予備殺菌室は、無菌閉鎖空間に連通しているので、無菌閉鎖空間に吹き込まれた蒸気または無菌閉鎖空間に供給された温水から発生する水蒸気で満たされることにより殺菌対象表面の殺菌が行われる。また予備殺菌室内を蒸気で満たすことにより、容器外面または内外面の殺菌効果が向上するとともに、予備殺菌室内が外部の大気に対してエアシールされた状態となり、外部の大気中の菌が無菌閉鎖空間内に流入することが防止される。
【００１８】
温水を枠体内に導入する方法としては特に限定はない。簡単で効率的に温水を導入する方法は枠体内で温水を散布する方法である。具体的には、たとえばスプレーボールを回転して温水の液滴を撒き散らしてもよいし、枠体の上部に多数の流出口を有する温水分配管を配置し、これら多数の流出口から温水を滝のように降らしてもよいし、あるいは複数のスプレーノズルを配置してこれらのスプレーノズルから温水を霧状に噴霧してもよい。いずれにしても、温水が枠体内でできるだけ広い面積に付着して温水が効率的に蒸発できるような方法で温水を散布すればよい。
【００１９】
散布以外の温水導入方法としては、たとえば、温水の温浴を枠体内に配置し、この温浴から蒸発した蒸気が枠体内に充満するようにしてもよい。
【００２０】
枠体内に温水を散布する場合、本発明によれば、殺菌対象表面の殺菌は、温水の液滴が付着しない部分においても蒸発した水蒸気により充分に達成されるので、温水の散布に際して特に殺菌対象表面を目標として散布する必要がなく、したがって個別の食品充填用機器の形状や配置等の特殊事情を考慮して散布用器具の設計や配置を特別の仕様にする必要がなく、異なる食品充填システムに汎用の殺菌装置を適用することができるので便利である。
【００２１】
散布後の温水は廃棄してもよいが、回収し循環して使用するように装置を構成すればエネルギーの節約に寄与することができる。
【００２２】
また、温水の導入に替えて、６０℃以上の水蒸気をたとえばパイプ等により枠体内に吹込む等の方法により導入することにより温水導入と同様の殺菌効果を挙げることができる。
【００２３】
以上述べた本発明の殺菌方法により殺菌できる主な微生物は次のとおりである。
【００２４】
かび類：Aspergillus属、Penicillium属、Byssochamys属、Neosartorya属およびChatomium属
酵母類：Saccharomyces属およびCandida属
細菌類：Bacillus属Ａ群：Bacillus subitilis var. niger、Bacillus subitilis
細菌類：Bacillus 属B群：Bacillus cereus
食品充填システムにおいて、容器の殺菌を終了後容器は上記と同一条件の無菌閉鎖空間内に設けられたフイラーに移送され、内容物貯蔵部に蓄えられた殺菌済みの内容物が容器に充填される。内容物が充填された容器は同一条件の無菌閉鎖空間内に設けられた密封装置に移送され、殺菌ずみの蓋で完全に密封された後容器詰め食品または飲料製品として無菌閉鎖空間外に排出される。
【００２５】
本発明が適用される食品充填システムおよび殺菌装置の１具体例を図１の概略図に示す。
【００２６】
図１において、食品充填システム１０は飲料をＰＥＴボトルに充填するための充填装置であって、ＰＥＴボトルの搬送方向の順にボトルの内面を殺菌するボトルリンサー１１、フイラー１２、アセプキャッパー１３、ボトルを２列に振り分けるための振り分け装置１４が配列されている。食品充填装置１０は鋼板からなるカバー１５によって覆われており、このカバー１５によって無菌閉鎖空間を構成する枠体１６が形成されている。無菌閉鎖空間内はダクト１７から供給される無菌エアーにより陽圧に保持されている。
【００２７】
なお、カバー１５にはボトル外面予備殺菌室１８およびその内部に配置されたボトル外面予備殺菌装置１９に連通するボトル導入口１５ａとボトル排出口１５ｂが形成されているが、枠体１６は実質的に密閉されている。
【００２８】
無菌閉鎖空間殺菌装置１は、枠体１６内において温水を散布する手段を構成する複数の回転ノズル２および複数の固定ノズル３を備えている。回転ノズル２はスプレーボールからなり、噴射口を下方に向けて枠体１６内の上部に配置されている。固定ノズル３はフルコーンノズルからなり、噴射口を斜め上方に向けて枠体１６内の下部の床面付近に配置されている。回転ノズル２および固定ノズル３はそれぞれ配管４により弁７および加温ヒーター６を介して温水供給源５に接続されており、該供給源５から温水の供給を受けることができる。
【００２９】
この装置を使用して殺菌を行う場合は、弁７を操作して配管４を温水供給源５に接続する。温水供給源５からの水は加温ヒーター６により加温され、配管４を経由して枠体１６内の回転ノズル２および固定ノズル３に供給され、これらのノズル２、３から枠体内に散布される。散布された温水は枠体１６内のボトルリンサー１１、フイラー１２、アセプキャッパー１３、振り分け装置１４等の機器の外表面、枠体１６の内壁面およびボトルリンサー１１に温水を供給するライン配管（図示せず）等の殺菌対象表面の大部分に降りかかってこの部分を濡らす。散布された温水は殺菌対象表面の大部分を濡らすことによってこの部分を殺菌するとともに、蒸発した水蒸気が枠体１６内に充満し、温水によって濡れていない部分を含む全殺菌対象表面に接触することによってさらなる殺菌が行われる。この温水の散布を所定時間継続することによって全殺菌対象表面の完全な殺菌が達成される。この場合無菌閉鎖空間の外面である枠体１６の内壁面も全面が機器表面と同様に充分に殺菌される。
【００３０】
【実施例】
実施例
供試菌としてAspergillus niger ATCC6275を３０日間ポテトデキストロース寒天培地で培養したものを使用した。
【００３１】
この供試菌の胞子懸濁液を図１の装置内の機器表面の適当な場所に１０^６cfu/100cm^２となるように付着させ、乾燥後、温水循環による殺菌を行った。
【００３２】
殺菌後の機器表面の生残菌数をポテトデキストロース寒天培地で３０℃×７日間培養して菌数を計測し、Ｌｏｇ（初期菌数／生残菌数）より、殺菌効果を求めた。
【００３３】
機器表面における殺菌温度・時間と殺菌効果の関係を表１に示す。
【００３４】
【表１】

【００３５】
【発明の効果】
以上述べたように、本発明によれば、無菌閉鎖空間内の殺菌対象表面が該空間内に導入された温水および/または蒸気により湿熱加熱殺菌される。温水のみを導入した場合でも、温水が殺菌対象表面に直接接触して殺菌を行うだけでなく、温水から蒸発する蒸気が無菌閉鎖空間内に充満することにより全殺菌対象表面のすみずみまで蒸気が接触し、殺菌もれ表面を生じることなく完全な殺菌が行われる。
【００３６】
また、殺菌剤を使用しないので、従来のように殺菌剤・洗浄剤の２系統の配管、切替弁装置および制御装置を必要とせず、従来よりも簡便な方法と設備により従来と同等の無菌環境を維持することができ、殺菌剤の費用および設備費を節約することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の食品充填システム殺菌装置の１実施形態を模式的に示す図である。
【符号の説明】
１食品充填システム殺菌装置
２回転ノズル（散布手段）
３固定ノズル（散布手段）
４配管（散布手段）
５温水供給源
６加温ヒーター（加温手段）
１５カバー
１６枠体[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method for sterilizing a surface to be sterilized, comprising an outer surface of a food filling system for aseptically filling food packaging containers such as PET bottles and plastic cups with various foods and beverages, an indoor surface, and an inner and outer surface of a sterile water line pipe. And device. As used herein, “aseptic” means a level of sterility that maintains the commercial sterility of the contents.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a method of sterilizing the surface to be sterilized of the food filling system, there is a method described in Patent Document 1. According to this method, atomized hydrogen peroxide is introduced into the frame surrounding the filling machine to sterilize, and then hot air is introduced into the frame to enhance the sterilizing effect. Further, mist-like peracetic acid is introduced into the frame body for sterilization, and then mist-like sterile water is introduced into the frame body for additional sterilization.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-208782
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above-described conventional sterilization method, a method specifically disclosed as a method for introducing a mist-like sterilizing agent into the frame is a liquid sterilization from the spray nozzle disposed at the upper part of the frame toward the surface to be sterilized. The agent is sprayed. However, each device of the food filling system that is actually used has a complex surface structure with many irregularities and intricate parts, and even if the disinfectant is sprayed from above by the above conventional method, these devices It is impossible to evenly pour the bactericidal agent into the recesses and the intricate parts, and a portion where the bactericidal agent does not adhere is generated. Therefore, complete sterilization of the food filling system cannot be expected by the above conventional method.
[0005]
Therefore, when sterilizing the outer surface of the equipment and the inside of the frame of this kind of food filling system, the worker enters the inside of the frame and manually chlorinated alkaline foam sterilization on the surface to be sterilized such as the outer surface of each equipment. The current situation is that sterilization is carried out in a time-consuming and time-consuming manner, after the agent has been applied to every corner and then washed with water.
[0006]
Furthermore, in the conventional food filling system sterilization method, the surface of the equipment is sterilized with a sterilizing agent and then washed with washing water, so two lines of a sterilizing agent system and a washing water system are used. Is necessary, and equipment such as a valve device and a control device for switching between these two systems is required, and the equipment and the sterilization / washing process become complicated, and the cost of the equipment increases in addition to the cost of the sterilizer. There was a point.
[0007]
The present invention has been considered in view of the problems of the above-mentioned conventional food filling system sterilization method, and is an automated method, and even a food filling system device having a complicated surface structure can be completely sterilized in a short time. An object of the present invention is to provide a food filling system sterilization method and apparatus capable of maintaining the aseptic environment equivalent to the conventional one by a simpler method and equipment than the conventional one.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, as a result of repeated research and experiments, the present inventors have cut off the space in which the equipment that is the object of sterilization of the food filling system is placed from the atmosphere as a frame surrounding the object of sterilization. This is a sealed space. When warm water heated to 60 ° C. or higher is introduced into the sealed space, the heat is heated by the warm water and the vapor evaporated from the warm water fills the sealed space. It has been found that heated steam comes into contact with the surface of the object to be sterilized, such as an equipment recess that is difficult to adhere, so that sterilization is easily performed, and the present invention has been achieved.
[0009]
That is, the food filling system sterilization method of the present invention that achieves the above-mentioned object encloses a partial space in a working chamber provided with an entrance for carrying in food packaging containers into a sealed space, and positive pressure is sterilized in the sealed space. A method for sterilizing a surface to be sterilized consisting of an outer surface of a food filling system, an inner surface, and an inner and outer surface of a sterile water line pipe, which are present in a frame forming a sterile closed space in which air is introduced to maintain a sterile condition Then, hot water and / or steam is introduced into the frame, and the surface to be sterilized is sterilized by heat and humidity.
[0010]
According to the present invention, the surface to be sterilized in the sterile closed space is sterilized by heat and heat with the hot water and / or steam introduced into the space. Even when only hot water is introduced, not only the hot water directly contacts the surface to be sterilized but also sterilizes, and the vapor evaporated from the hot water fills the sterile closed space, so that the steam is exhausted all over the surface to be sterilized. Contact and complete sterilization without sterilization leak surface. In addition, since no bactericides are used, there is no need for two systems of disinfectant / cleaner pipes, a switching valve device and a control device as in the past, and the same aseptic environment with conventional methods and equipment. Can save the cost of the disinfectant and the equipment cost.
[0011]
In one aspect of the present invention, the sterilization target surface is sterilized by wet heat sterilization so that the surface temperature of the sterilization target is 60 ° C. or higher and lower than 96 ° C.
[0012]
Further, the food filling system sterilization apparatus that achieves the above-mentioned object of the present invention provides a sealed space surrounding a partial space in a work chamber provided with an entrance for carrying in food packaging containers, and a positive pressure sterilization is provided in the sealed space. A device for sterilizing a surface to be sterilized comprising an outer surface of a food filling system, an inner surface of a food filling system, and an inner and outer surface of a sterilized water line pipe in a frame forming a sterile closed space in which air is introduced to maintain a sterile condition. In addition, the present invention is characterized by comprising a supply source of hot water and / or steam and spraying means for spraying hot water or steam supplied from the supply source into the frame.
[0013]
1 aspect of this invention WHEREIN: This apparatus is further provided with the heating means which heats water to 60 degreeC or more.
[0014]
In another aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further includes a preliminary sterilization chamber which is disposed in front of the working chamber so as to communicate with the sterile closed space, and which preliminarily sterilizes at least the outer surface of the food packaging container. And the inside surface of the preliminary sterilization chamber and the outer surface of the device disposed in the preliminary sterilization chamber also form an additional surface to be sterilized.
[0015]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below.
In this specification, the sterile closed space is defined as a sealed space that encloses a part of the work room provided with an entrance for carrying in containers, and a positive pressure of sterile air is introduced into the sealed space. It means a space that is to be maintained. Further, the wet heat heat sterilization means that the surface to be sterilized is sprayed with warm water and / or steam and the like and sterilized in a state where the surface to be sterilized is not dried. As the space where the food filling system is arranged, a clean room can be considered in addition to the aseptic closed space of the present invention. Is damaged by water vapor, the clean room is unsuitable for wet heat sterilization and subsequent filling operation of the contents with a filler. Further, by using such a sterile closed space, it is not necessary to use a clean room that is expensive to install and difficult to control, so that the cost required for container sterilization can be further reduced.
[0016]
The sterilization temperature is 60 ° C. or higher, preferably 65 ° C. or higher on the surface to be sterilized, and the warm water and / or steam is adjusted to be below 96 ° C. for sterilization under atmospheric pressure. If the surface to be sterilized is less than 60 ° C, even if the sterilization time is relatively long 3 minutes, the sterilization effect of 3D or more cannot be surely given. Sufficient sterilizing effect can be obtained.
[0017]
In the food filling system to which the present invention is applied, it is preferable that sterilization of food filling containers such as bottles is also performed by wet heat sterilization with warm water and / or steam. In this case, in order to enhance the sterilization effect of the container, the food filling system is arranged in front of the working chamber so as to communicate with the sterile closed space, and a spare for pre-sterilizing both the outer surface or the inner and outer surfaces of the food packaging container. A sterilization chamber may be provided, and the interior surface of the preliminary sterilization chamber and the outer surface of the device disposed in the preliminary sterilization chamber may also be configured to form an additional surface to be sterilized. Since this preliminary sterilization chamber communicates with the sterile closed space, the surface to be sterilized is sterilized by being filled with steam blown into the sterile closed space or steam generated from the hot water supplied to the sterile closed space. . Also, by filling the preliminary sterilization chamber with steam, the sterilization effect on the outer surface or inner and outer surfaces of the container is improved, and the preliminary sterilization chamber is air-sealed with respect to the external atmosphere, so that germs in the external atmosphere are in a sterile closed space. It is prevented from flowing in.
[0018]
There is no particular limitation on the method for introducing warm water into the frame. A simple and efficient method of introducing warm water is a method of spraying warm water in the frame. Specifically, for example, a spray ball may be rotated to sprinkle hot water droplets, or a hot moisture pipe having a large number of outlets may be arranged on the upper part of the frame, and hot water may be supplied from these numerous outlets. You may drop like a waterfall, or you may arrange | position a some spray nozzle and spray hot water from these spray nozzles in the shape of a mist. In any case, the hot water may be sprayed in such a manner that the hot water adheres to as wide an area as possible in the frame and the hot water can be efficiently evaporated.
[0019]
As a method for introducing warm water other than spraying, for example, a warm water warm bath may be arranged in the frame, and the vapor evaporated from the warm bath may be filled in the frame.
[0020]
When spraying warm water into the frame, according to the present invention, sterilization of the surface to be sterilized is sufficiently achieved by the evaporated water vapor even in the portion where the droplets of hot water do not adhere. Different food filling systems that do not need to be sprayed on the surface and therefore do not require special design and placement of the equipment for spraying, taking into account special circumstances such as the shape and placement of individual food filling equipment It is convenient because a general-purpose sterilization apparatus can be applied.
[0021]
The sprayed hot water may be discarded, but it can contribute to energy saving if the device is configured to be recovered and circulated for use.
[0022]
Moreover, it can replace with introduction | transduction of warm water, and the bactericidal effect similar to warm water introduction | transduction can be given by introduce | transducing water vapor | steam 60 degreeC or more into a frame body, for example with a pipe etc.
[0023]
The main microorganisms that can be sterilized by the sterilization method of the present invention described above are as follows.
[0024]
Fungi: Aspergillus, Penicillium, Byssochamys, Neosartorya, and Chatomium
Bacteria: Bacillus genus B group: Bacillus cereus
In the food filling system, after sterilizing the container, the container is transferred to a filler provided in a sterile closed space under the same conditions as described above, and the sterilized contents stored in the contents storage unit are filled into the container. . The container filled with the contents is transferred to a sealing device provided in a sterile closed space under the same conditions, completely sealed with a sterilized lid, and then discharged out of the sterile closed space as a packaged food or beverage product. The
[0025]
A specific example of a food filling system and a sterilizer to which the present invention is applied is shown in the schematic diagram of FIG.
[0026]
In FIG. 1, a food filling system 10 is a filling device for filling a PET bottle with a beverage, and a bottle rinser 11, a filler 12, an ascept capper 13, and a bottle for sterilizing the inner surface of the bottle in the order of the PET bottle conveyance direction. A sorting device 14 for sorting in two rows is arranged. The food filling device 10 is covered with a cover 15 made of a steel plate, and a frame 16 constituting an aseptic closed space is formed by the cover 15. The inside of the sterile closed space is maintained at a positive pressure by the sterile air supplied from the duct 17.
[0027]
The cover 15 is formed with a bottle introduction port 15a and a bottle discharge port 15b communicating with the bottle outer surface preliminary sterilization chamber 18 and the bottle outer surface preliminary sterilization device 19 disposed therein. Is sealed.
[0028]
The aseptic closed space sterilization apparatus 1 includes a plurality of rotating nozzles 2 and a plurality of fixed nozzles 3 that constitute a means for spraying hot water in the frame body 16. The rotary nozzle 2 is formed of a spray ball, and is disposed at the upper part in the frame body 16 with the spray port facing downward. The fixed nozzle 3 is composed of a full cone nozzle, and is disposed near the floor surface in the lower part in the frame body 16 with the injection port directed obliquely upward. The rotary nozzle 2 and the fixed nozzle 3 are connected to a hot water supply source 5 through a valve 4 and a warming heater 6 via a pipe 4, respectively, and can be supplied with hot water from the supply source 5.
[0029]
When sterilization is performed using this apparatus, the valve 7 is operated to connect the pipe 4 to the hot water supply source 5. Water from the hot water supply source 5 is heated by a heating heater 6, supplied to the rotating nozzle 2 and the fixed nozzle 3 in the frame body 16 via the pipe 4, and dispersed from the nozzles 2 and 3 into the frame body. Is done. The sprinkled hot water is line piping that supplies hot water to the outer surface of the equipment such as the bottle rinser 11, the filler 12, the cept capper 13, and the sorting device 14 in the frame 16, the inner wall surface of the frame 16, and the bottle rinser 11. (Not shown) on the surface of the surface to be sterilized, etc. and wet this part. The sprayed hot water sterilizes this part by wetting the majority of the surface to be sterilized, and the evaporated water vapor fills the frame 16 and comes into contact with the entire surface to be sterilized including the part not wetted by the hot water. Further sterilization takes place. By continuing the spraying of the warm water for a predetermined time, complete sterilization of the entire surface to be sterilized is achieved. In this case, the entire inner wall surface of the frame 16 which is the outer surface of the sterile closed space is sufficiently sterilized in the same manner as the device surface.
[0030]
【Example】
EXAMPLE As a test bacterium, Aspergillus niger ATCC6275 cultured on potato dextrose agar for 30 days was used.
[0031]
This spore suspension of the test bacteria was attached to an appropriate location on the surface of the device in the apparatus of FIG. 1 so as to be 10 ⁶ cfu / 100 cm ^2, and after sterilization by circulating hot water.
[0032]
The number of surviving bacteria on the surface of the device after sterilization was cultivated on a potato dextrose agar medium at 30 ° C. for 7 days to count the number of bacteria, and the bactericidal effect was determined from Log (initial number of bacteria / survival bacteria number).
[0033]
Table 1 shows the relationship between the sterilization temperature / time on the device surface and the sterilization effect.
[0034]
[Table 1]

[0035]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the surface to be sterilized in the sterilized closed space is sterilized by wet heat with the hot water and / or steam introduced into the space. Even when only hot water is introduced, not only the hot water directly contacts the surface to be sterilized but also sterilizes, and the vapor evaporated from the hot water fills the sterile closed space, so that the steam is exhausted all over the surface to be sterilized. Contact and complete sterilization without sterilization leak surface.
[0036]
In addition, since no bactericides are used, there is no need for two systems of disinfectant / cleaner pipes, a switching valve device and a control device as in the past, and the same aseptic environment with conventional methods and equipment. Can save the cost of the disinfectant and the equipment cost.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an embodiment of a food filling system sterilizing apparatus of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Food filling system sterilizer 2 Rotating nozzle (dispersing means)
3 fixed nozzle (spreading means)
4 Piping (dispersing means)
5 Hot water supply source 6 Heating heater (heating means)
15 Cover 16 Frame

Claims

A part of the working chamber for filling food into the container is surrounded by a frame, and a food packaging and filling system is disposed inside the space surrounded by the frame, and a bottle inlet and a bottle discharge leading to the food packaging and filling system are arranged. An outlet is provided in a part of the frame, and is a substantially enclosed sterile closed space, the outer surface of the equipment constituting the food packaging and filling system existing inside the sterile enclosed space, and these In the method of sterilizing the outer surface of the line piping for supplying hot water to a part of the equipment and the inner wall surface of the frame as the surface to be sterilized,
Dispersing means comprising a plurality of nozzles arranged at the upper part and the lower part of the frame body toward the inside of the sterile closed space, the hot water heated by a heater from a hot water supply source arranged outside the sterile closed space The surface to be sterilized in the sterile closed space is heated and sterilized, and water is evaporated from the sprayed hot water to fill the sterile closed space to heat the surface to be sterilized. A pre-sterilization chamber which is disposed so as to be sterilized and communicated with the bottle inlet of the sterile closed space, and which pre-sterilizes at least the outer surface of the food packaging container; Japanese to sterilize the device outer surface disposed in the chamber with water vapor generated from the hot water supplied to the steam or the sterile enclosure blown into the sterile enclosure Sterile inner wall surface of the enclosed space as a way to bacteria killing equipment surfaces and line pipe surface disposed in this space to.

2. The inner wall surface of the sterile closed space according to claim 1, wherein sterile air is supplied from a duct connected to the sterile closed space, and the inside of the sterile closed space is maintained in a positive pressure state to maintain sterility. how to bacterial killing the placed device surface and line pipe surface in the space.

The inner wall surface of the sterile closed space according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sterilization of the surface to be sterilized is performed by heat and heat sterilization so that the surface temperature of the sterilization target is 60 ° C or higher and lower than 96 ° C. a method of bacterial killing the placed device surface and line pipe surface in this space.

The warm water from the warm water supply source is obtained by warming water to 60 ° C or higher with a warming heater, and the inner wall surface of the sterile closed space according to any one of claims 1 to 3, how to bacterial killing the placed device surface and line pipe surface in the space.

A part of the working chamber for filling food into the container is surrounded by a frame, and a food packaging and filling system is disposed inside the space surrounded by the frame, and a bottle inlet and a bottle discharge leading to the food packaging and filling system are arranged. An outlet is provided in a part of the frame, and is a substantially enclosed sterile closed space, the outer surface of the equipment constituting the food packaging and filling system existing inside the sterile enclosed space, and these In an apparatus for sterilizing the outer surface of the line piping for supplying warm water to a part of the equipment and the inner wall surface of the frame as the surface to be sterilized,
Hot water heated by a heating heater from a hot water supply source arranged outside the sterile closed space is introduced into the sterile closed space through spraying means comprising a plurality of nozzles arranged at the upper part and lower part of the frame body, respectively. The surface to be sterilized is heated and sterilized by heating the surface to be sterilized by evaporating water vapor from the sprayed hot water to fill the sterile closed space. Dispersing means for sterilizing, and arranged to communicate with the bottle inlet of the sterile closed space, further comprising a pre-sterilization chamber for pre-sterilizing at least the outer surface of the food packaging container, and the indoor surface of the pre-sterilization chamber in and water vapor for generating a device outer surface disposed on the preliminary sterilization chamber from the hot water supplied to the steam or the sterile enclosure blown into the sterile enclosure Characterized by bacteria, the inner wall surface and the space disposed apparatus for bacteria killing equipment surfaces and line pipe surface in a sterile closed space.

6. The sterilization according to claim 5, further comprising a duct that supplies aseptic air into the aseptic space and that connects to the aseptic closed space that maintains the sterility by maintaining a positive pressure in the aseptic enclosed space. inner wall and the space disposed apparatus for bacteria killing equipment surfaces and line pipe surface in the closed space.

The sterilization of the surface to be sterilized is performed by heat and heat sterilization so that the surface temperature of the sterilization target is 60 ° C or higher and lower than 96 ° C, and the inner wall surface of the sterile closed space according to claim 5 or 6, the space disposed apparatus for disinfecting the equipment surface and line pipe surface within.

The warm water from the warm water supply source is obtained by warming water to 60 ° C or higher with a warming heater, and the inner wall surface of the sterile closed space according to any one of claims 5 to 7, device for bacteria killing the placed device surface and line pipe surface in the space.