U.S. patent application number 15/538405 was filed with the patent office on 2017-12-21 for method and device for treating foods and/or containers by means of a process liquid.
This patent application is currently assigned to Red Bull GmbH. The applicant listed for this patent is Red Bull GmbH. Invention is credited to Roland CONCIN, Harald EDER, Christian RINDERER, Matthias RINDERER, Volker VIECHTBAUER.
Application Number | 20170360069 15/538405 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55349597 |
Filed Date | 2017-12-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170360069 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CONCIN; Roland ; et
al. |
December 21, 2017 |
METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TREATING FOODS AND/OR CONTAINERS BY MEANS OF
A PROCESS LIQUID
Abstract
The invention relates to a method and a device for treating
foods and/or containers for holding foods. The foods and/or
containers are treated in at least one treatment zone by a process
liquid, wherein the process liquid is at least partially
recirculated into the treatment zone or the treatment zones after
completed treatment of the foods and/or the containers. At least
one membrane filtration system and at least one UV irradiation
apparatus are provided for cleaning and sterilisation of the
process liquid.
Inventors: |
CONCIN; Roland; (Fuschl am
See, AT) ; EDER; Harald; (Eugendorf, AT) ;
RINDERER; Christian; (Fuschl am See, AT) ; RINDERER;
Matthias; (Fuschl am See, AT) ; VIECHTBAUER;
Volker; (Fuschl am See, AT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Red Bull GmbH |
Fuschl am See |
|
AT |
|
|
Assignee: |
Red Bull GmbH
Fuschl am See
AT
|
Family ID: |
55349597 |
Appl. No.: |
15/538405 |
Filed: |
December 22, 2015 |
PCT Filed: |
December 22, 2015 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/AT2015/050327 |
371 Date: |
August 10, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F 1/28 20130101; A23L
3/001 20130101; C02F 2209/11 20130101; C02F 2209/001 20130101; C02F
2209/003 20130101; A23L 2/46 20130101; C02F 1/02 20130101; C02F
1/32 20130101; C02F 2209/02 20130101; C02F 9/00 20130101; A23L 3/28
20130101; A23L 3/00 20130101; A61L 2202/23 20130101; C02F 2103/02
20130101; A23L 3/18 20130101; A61L 2/02 20130101; A61L 9/00
20130101; A61L 2/10 20130101; C02F 1/444 20130101; C12H 1/16
20130101; A23L 3/02 20130101; B65B 55/025 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A23L 3/00 20060101
A23L003/00; C02F 1/32 20060101 C02F001/32; C02F 1/44 20060101
C02F001/44; A23L 2/46 20060101 A23L002/46; A61L 2/10 20060101
A61L002/10; C12H 1/16 20060101 C12H001/16; A23L 3/28 20060101
A23L003/28 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 22, 2014 |
AT |
A 50935/2014 |
Jul 22, 2015 |
AT |
A 50646/2015 |
Claims
1-26. (canceled)
27: Method for treating food in at least one treatment zone (4),
wherein the food to be treated is filled into containers (2) before
the treatment, the containers (2) are closed, and the containers
(2) are introduced into a treatment zone (4) and/or transported
through a treatment zone (4), and wherein the treatment zone (4) or
the treatment zones (4) are each fed at least one liquid stream (5)
of a process liquid (3) to act on the containers (2), wherein the
particular liquid stream (5) of the process liquid (3) is tempered
before being fed into a treatment zone (4) and the treatment of the
food is executed in a treatment zone (4) by heat transfer via a
tempered process liquid (3), in which the process liquid (3) flows
around an outside (6) of the containers (2), and wherein the
process liquid (3) is drained again after completed treatment of
the foods out of the treatment zone(s) (4), and wherein the process
liquid (3) is at least partially recirculated into the treatment
zone (4) or the treatment zones (4) for re-use in the method,
wherein out of the total process liquid (3) conducted through all
existing treatment zones (4) per unit of time, at least a partial
quantity of the process liquid (3) is used per unit of time to form
at least one stream (20) of the process liquid (3), and the at
least one formed stream (2) of the process liquid (3) is filtered
by at least one membrane filtration system (19) and/or irradiated
by at least one UV irradiation apparatus (47), an irradiated stream
and/or filtered stream (46, 48, 49) of the process liquid (3) is
fed back into at least one conduction element (8) containing and/or
conducting the process liquid (3) and/or into at least one
treatment zone (4), wherein a specifiable quantity of the process
liquid (3) is removed out of at least one element (8) containing or
conducting the process liquid (3) per time unit in a controlled
manner by means of at least one adjustable splitting means (21) or
multiple splitting means (21) working together and is used for
formation of the at least one stream (20) of the process liquid
(3).
28: Method according to claim 27, wherein the temperatures of the
particular liquid streams (5) of the process liquid (3) are set
separately for each treatment zone (4) in a controlled way before
feeding into a treatment zone (4) and the foods being pasteurized
in at least one treatment zone (4).
29: Method according to claim 28, wherein the foods being treated
are heated successively in at least one treatment zone (4), are
pasteurized in at least one treatment zone (4), and are cooled in
at least one treatment zone (4).
30: Method according to claim 29, wherein a liquid stream (5) of
the process liquid (3) is fed into at least one treatment zone (4)
for heating the foods and/or containers (2) at a temperature
between 40.degree. C. and 50.degree. C.
31: Method according to claim 27, wherein at least one stream (46)
of the process liquid (3) filtered by a membrane filtration system
is fed into a UV irradiation apparatus (47) and irradiated
immediately after the filtration process and a filtered and
irradiated stream (49) of the process liquid (3) is fed back into
at least one conduction element (8) holding and/or conducting the
process liquid and/or at least one treatment zone (4).
32: Method according to claim 29, wherein process liquid (3) with a
temperature between 40.degree. C. and 50.degree. C. is used to form
at least one stream (2) of the process liquid to be filtered.
33: Method according to claim 32, wherein the at least one stream
(20) is formed by removing process liquid (3) from a
tempering-capable flow container (50) for the process liquid
(3).
34: Method according to claim 27, wherein the process liquid
quantity used to form at least one stream (20) of the process
liquid (3) out of at least one conduction element (8) holding
and/or conducting the process liquid during continuous treatment
per unit of time is chosen in such a way that the irradiation
and/or filtration of the stream (20) or streams (20) allow a
removal rate for micro-organisms to be achieved that is larger than
the growth rate of the micro-organisms in the process liquid (3) in
the same unit of time.
35: Method according to claim 27, wherein an irradiated and/or
filtered stream (46, 48, 49) of the process liquid (3) is fed back
into at least one conduction element (8) holding and/or conducting
the process liquid and/or into at least one treatment zone (4)
under at least approximately ambient pressure in free fall.
36: Method according to claim 27, wherein an irradiated and/or
filtered stream (46, 48, 49) of the process liquid (3) is at least
partially fed into a treatment zone (4) for rinsing the outside (6)
of closed containers filled with food (2) placed at the end of the
process in the method for treating foods and or containers (2) for
holding the foods.
37: Method according to claim 27, wherein the degree of
contamination of the process liquid (3) is continuously monitored,
especially by measurements of the turbidity of the process liquid
using sensors (41) placed in conduction elements (8) and/or in
treatment zones (4).
38: Methods according to claim 32, wherein a stream (20) of the
process liquid (3) to be irradiated and/or filtered is formed as
needed out of different conduction elements (8) containing or
conducting process liquid, is filtered by at least one membrane
filtration system (19), and after the membrane filtration process a
filtered stream (46) is fed into at least one conduction element
(8) containing or conducting process liquid and/or at least one
treatment zone (4) and/or at least one UV irradiation apparatus
(47).
39: Device (1) for treating foods in closed containers (2) with a
process liquid (3), comprising at least one treatment zone (4),
which treatment zone (4) is designed to apply the process liquid
(3) to the outside (6) of closed containers (2), wherein the
process liquid (3) flows around the outside (6) of the closed
containers (2), means of transport (10) for transporting the
containers (2) through the treatment zone(s) (4) and conduction
elements (8) containing and/or conducting the process liquid for
feeding liquid streams (5) of the process liquid (3) into a
treatment zone (4) and conduction elements (8) for discharging
liquid streams (5) of the process liquid (3) from the treatment
zone(s) (4), additional conduction elements (8) for containing
and/or conducting the process liquid (3) in the device (1) and at
least one conveying means (11) for conveying liquid streams (5) of
the process liquid (3) in the conduction elements (8), wherein the
conduction elements (8) are designed and arranged such that the
process liquid (3) can be at least partially recirculated again
into the treatment zone (4) or into the treatment zones (4), and
wherein the device (1) comprises at least one heating means (12)
for heating the process liquid (3) and at least one cooling means
(13) for cooling the process liquid (3), wherein the device (1)
comprises at least one UV irradiation apparatus (47) and at least
one membrane filtration system (19), wherein the at least one UV
irradiation apparatus (47) and the at least one membrane filtration
system (19) are operatively connected to the conduction elements
(8) and/or to the treatment zones (4) in such a way that at least
some of the total process liquid (3) fed through all existing
treatment zones (4) per unit of time can be used to form at least
one stream (20) of the process liquid, the formed stream (20) or
the formed streams (20) can be filtered by the at least one
membrane filtration system (19) and/or irradiated by the at least
one UV irradiation apparatus (47), and a filtered and/or irradiated
stream (46, 48, 49) of the process liquid can be fed into at least
one conduction element (8) and/or at least one treatment zone (4),
wherein at least one adjustable splitting means (21) or multiple
co-operating splitting means (21) are arranged on an inlet side of
the at least one UV irradiation apparatus (47) and/or the at least
one membrane filtration system (19) for controlled removal of a
specifiable process liquid quantity per unit of time out of at
least one conduction element (8) holding or conducting the process
liquid (3) and for formation of the at least one stream (20) of the
process liquid (3) to be irradiated and/or filtered.
40: Device according to claim 39, wherein is arranged at least one
treatment zone (4) for heating the foods and/or containers (2), at
least one treatment zone (4) for pasteurizing the foods, and at
least one treatment zone (4) for cooling the foods and/or
containers in succession along the direction of transport (26) of
the foods or containers (2).
41: Device according to claim 39, wherein at least one UV
irradiation apparatus (47) is operatively arranged immediately
after a membrane filtration system (19) such that a filtered stream
(46) of the process liquid can be irradiated by a UV irradiation
apparatus (47) immediately after filtration.
42: Device according to claim 39, wherein a feeding element (22) of
a membrane filtration system (19) is connected to a
tempering-capable flow container (50) for the process liquid
(3).
43: Device according to claim 39, wherein the number and
irradiation power of the UV irradiation apparatus(es) (47) and the
number and filtration capacity of the membrane filtration system(s)
(19) are fixed such that the total process liquid drawn out of at
least one conduction element (8) containing and/or conducting the
process liquid per unit of time for forming at least one stream
(20) of the process liquid during continuous treatment can be
chosen such that the filtration and irradiation of the stream (20)
or the streams (20) can achieve a removal rate of micro-organisms
that is greater than the growth rate of the micro-organisms in the
process liquid in the same unit of time.
44: Device according to claim 39, wherein in order to recirculate
an irradiated and/or filtered stream (46, 48, 49) of the process
liquid, draining elements (24) out of at least one UV irradiation
apparatus (47) and/or out of at least one membrane filtration
system (19) being connected to at least one conduction element (8)
and/or at least one treatment zone (4) in such a way that an
irradiated and/or filtered stream (46, 48, 49) of the process
liquid can be fed into the conduction element(s) (8) and/or the
treatment zone(s) (4) under the influence of gravity in free
fall.
45: Device according to claim 39, wherein is arranged at least one
treatment zone (4) for rinsing the outside (6) of closed containers
filled with foodstuffs, which is placed at the end of the treatment
zone line in the transport direction (26) of the containers (2)
through the treatment zones (4) and which treatment zone (4) is
connected to at least one draining element (24) of a UV irradiation
apparatus (47) and/or a draining element (24) of a membrane
filtration system (19) in order to rinse the containers by feeding
in an irradiated and/or filtered stream (46, 48, 49) of the process
liquid.
46: Device according to claim 39, wherein sensors (41) are placed
in conduction elements (8) and/or in treatment zones (4) to
continuously monitor the degree of contamination of the process
liquid (3), especially by measuring the turbidity of the process
liquid (3).
47: Device according to claim 39, wherein at least one switching
means (42) is assigned to a feeding element (22) of a membrane
filtration system (19) that is operatively connected to at least
two different conduction elements (8) holding the process fluid in
such a way that the stream (20) of process liquid to be filtered
can be formed as needed either from one of the liquid streams (5)
or multiple liquid streams (5) of the process liquid (3) in the
conduction elements (8) or from multiple liquid streams (5).
48: Device according to claim 39, wherein at least one mixing
element (43) is assigned to a feeding element (22) of a membrane
filtration system (19) that is operatively connected to at least
two different conduction elements (8) holding the process fluid in
such a way that the stream (20) of process liquid to be filtered
can be formed as desired either from one of the liquid streams (5)
or multiple liquid streams (5) of the process liquid in the
conduction elements (8) or a stream (20) of the process liquid to
be filtered by the membrane filtration system (19) can be formed by
removing and mixing specifiable partial quantities from multiple
liquid streams (5) of the process liquid.
49: Use of a membrane filtration system (19) and a UV irradiation
apparatus (47) for continuous cleaning and sterilization of a
process liquid (3) in a device (1) for pasteurizing foods in
containers (2), according to claim 39.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a method for treating foods and/or
containers for holding foods and to a device for treating foods
and/or containers for holding foods. In particular, the invention
relates to a method and device for treating luxury foods,
especially alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks. The foods and the
containers for holding foods are treated with a process liquid in
at least one treatment zone, wherein after being discharged from
the treatment zone(s) the process liquid is at least partially
recirculated into the treatment zone(s) for re-use in the method.
For cleaning and sterilisation, at least some or all of the at
least partially circulated process liquid is used to form at least
one stream of process liquid, and the at least one resulting stream
is filtered by at least one membrane filtration system and/or
irradiated by at least one UV irradiation apparatus.
[0002] Various variations of methods and devices for treating foods
and/or containers are known from the prior art. Often the products,
for example foodstuffs, and/or the containers are treated by a
tempered process liquid, as is e.g. the case in pasteurisation of
food products in so-called pasteurisers. In most cases, water or an
aqueous solution is used as the process liquid and acts indirectly
on the products or directly on the containers.
[0003] To avoid creating large quantities of liquid waste and waste
water, the process liquid or process water is often at least
partially circulated through the device or the treatment zone(s),
i.e. the process liquid is re-used in a circulation procedure.
However, this approach entails a high potential for dirtying or
contamination of the process liquid, especially an increased risk
of the growth of germs or pathogenic micro-organisms. Systems for
treating products or containers are usually accessible, the
conditions by no means consist of controlled air circulation or the
like. There are other sources of dirt and germs in addition to the
ambient air, for example the operating staff or other people,
conveying elements for the containers and products, any cooling
equipment for the process liquid, especially air-conditioned
cooling towers, or even the process liquid freshly introduced into
the method or device itself. Furthermore, contaminants can enter
through the treatment process itself, such as through damage to the
containers and contaminants in the process liquid caused by the
product or through the detaching of particles such as paint
particles or the like from the outside of the containers.
[0004] In the past a number of methods have been suggested for
removing contaminants from a process liquid. These consist of
filtration measures for removal of relatively coarse or large
particles, such as glass shards, sand, gravel, and the like. An
example is EP 2 722 089 A1. EP 2 722 089 A1 describes a device for
thermal treatment of products in containers. The containers are
sprinkled or sprayed with a process liquid and the process liquid,
e.g. water, is recirculated for at least partial re-use. A
gravitational sedimentation device is used to clean the process
liquid that can separate out coarse-grained or large particles like
glass shards or sand.
[0005] The methods known from the prior art describe, for example,
filtration methods for separating relatively large particles out of
a process liquid using separating devices such as conventional mesh
sieves, filter bands, or detachable sieves, or in fact
sedimentation devices.
[0006] However, the measures known from the prior art are not
suitable for removing impurities with relatively small particle
sizes from the process liquid. This especially affects particle
contaminants that cannot be removed by conventional filter sieves
and other separating devices, or e.g. do not or only very slowly
precipitate out of a process water stream. Furthermore,
micro-organisms and pathogenic germs cannot be removed from the
process liquid or process water to a sufficient extent in this way.
In particular, these previously known measures do not provide an
effective means of preventing or at least reducing the reproduction
or growth of micro-organisms and germ colonies. This requires
extensive use of germ-deactivating chemicals like chlorine or
chlorination methods, which chemicals can for the most part be
hazardous to health and the environment. In addition, the use of
chemicals for disinfection is typically associated with high
costs.
[0007] In such devices or systems for treating products or
foodstuffs, there are furthermore conditions in at least some areas
that promote the growth or reproduction of micro-organisms in the
process liquid or process water, for example because of a
particularly favourable, growth-promoting temperature. These
micro-organisms, for example bacteria, fungal spores, but also
viruses, can be introduced into the device by fresh process water
but also by operating staff or other persons. In general, it cannot
be wholly ruled out that micro-organisms may get on the outside of
the containers in the course of the treatment and at least
partially remain there even after the treatment process.
[0008] Particularly problematic in regard to filtration by
conventional sieves is the disadvantageous distribution of particle
sizes in a typical process water. In particular, the use of
chemicals like surfactants favours very small particle sizes that
cannot be removed from the process liquid by conventional
separating devices or only to an inadequate extent. Finally,
production and treatment in currently known methods for treating
products and containers in which the process liquid is at least
partially recirculated must be interrupted at relatively short
intervals to clean and sterilise the treatment device. Such
cleaning and sterilisation processes are typically very laborious
and in particular lead to production losses and as a consequence to
financial losses.
[0009] It is therefore the aim of the invention to develop an
improved method and an improved device that can eliminate the
deficits still existing in the prior art. In particular, in
comparison to the prior art an improved method and improved device
for treating products, especially food products, and/or containers
is to be provided, in which method or device the process liquid can
be at least partially recirculated for re-use in the method, but
the disadvantages associated with this due to continuously
increasing dirtying or contamination of the process liquid are
avoided as much as possible.
[0010] The aim of the invention is achieved by providing a method
for treating foods and containers for holding foods using a process
liquid in at least one treatment zone, in which method at least one
membrane filtration system and at least one UV irradiation
apparatus are provided for continuous cleaning and sterilisation of
the process liquid.
[0011] The foods and the containers are introduced into a treatment
zone or conveyed through a treatment zone. At least one liquid
stream of the process liquid is conducted into the treatment zone
or treatment zones to act on the foods or containers, and
discharged from the treatment zone again after completed treatment
of the food products and containers, wherein the process liquid for
treating the foods and containers is at least partially
recirculated into the treatment zone or the treatment zones for the
purpose of re-use in the method.
[0012] In particular, in the continuous, ongoing treatment, at
least some or all of the process liquid out of the total process
liquid conducted through all existing treatment zones per time unit
is used in each time unit to form at least one stream of the
process liquid, and the at least one resulting stream of the
process liquid is filtered by at least one membrane filtration
system and/or irradiated by at least one UV irradiation apparatus
in order to clean and sterilise the process liquid, and after the
filtration process an irradiated and/or filtered stream is at least
partially returned to an element holding or conducting the process
liquid and/or to a treatment zone.
[0013] Here and below, an element holding or conducting the process
liquid or a conduction element for the process liquid means any
element that is designed to hold the process liquid or to conduct a
liquid stream of the process liquid. These can be, for example,
piping, ducts, and the like in which the process liquid is e.g. fed
into a treatment zone or discharged from a treatment zone. The term
"conduction element" further means, for example but not exclusively
reservoirs, tanks, or collection devices for the process liquid
arranged inside or outside the treatment zones or the like.
[0014] Here and below, a treatment zone means a zone in which the
food is brought into contact with the process liquid, preferably
indirectly, and/or the containers are brought into contact with the
process liquid, preferably directly. The physical and/or chemical
and/or other parameters of the process liquid can be adjusted
specifically for the relevant treatment purpose. The process liquid
can affect the food and the containers for holding food in various
ways. For example, to generate the desired interaction the process
liquid and a liquid foodstuff to be treated can be conducted in a
materially separated manner in a counter current, direct current,
or cross flow arrangement in adjacent conduction elements. The
desired interaction can be achieved by heat transfer between the
food and the process liquid in the sense of a heat exchanger, as
for example is usual in the pasteurisation of milk for
preservation. Another frequently used method is the pasteurisation
of food products in which the food is already in a closed container
and the process liquid acts on the outside of the containers. The
process liquid can be poured on the outside of the containers or
the containers can be sprinkled or sprayed with the process liquid.
In another example, dipping methods are also possible in which
containers holding food are dipped into the process liquid.
Naturally, however, the invented method and invented device can
also be used for treatment, e.g. rinsing/cleaning of empty
containers. Finally, the term treatment zone means, at least in the
broadest sense, also an element holding or conducting the process
liquid or a conduction element for the process liquid.
[0015] Here and below, a liquid stream of the process liquid means
any kind of conducted movement of the process liquid, regardless of
how the liquid stream or its conduction are designed. This means
that the term "liquid stream" comprises; for example, a stream of a
moved process liquid in conduction elements like piping, ducts,
reservoirs, tanks, etc. just as much as, for example, a sprinkling
or spray stream of the process liquid free falling under ambient
air pressure in a treatment zone or a stream of the process liquid
in a recooling apparatus or the like.
[0016] Through the measures disclosed in claim 1, a method can be
prepared that is eminently suitable especially for the removal of
impurities or contaminants with a very small particle size such as
bacteria colonies from the process liquid and for sterilising the
process liquid. This allows a significant improvement to be
achieved compared to previously known methods, which are of only
limited or even of no use in removing small particles as well as
viable and reproducing micro-organisms from an at least partially
recirculated process liquid. Advantageously, the cleaning and
sterilisation of the process liquid can be performed during ongoing
operation and is comparatively efficient and energy-saving.
[0017] Furthermore, the membrane filtration per se is effective at
removing micro-organisms, as a result of which the combination of
membrane filtration and UV irradiation acts in synergy to clearly
increase the efficiency of a reduction of reproducing
micro-organisms. If the membrane filtration is executed in the form
of so-called "ultra-filtration," i.e. filtration with membranes
with pore diameters of approx. 0.2 .quadrature.m or less, both
inorganic and organic small and micro-particles, e.g. bacteria
colonies, can be effectively removed from the process liquid.
[0018] In principle, a UV irradiation apparatus can be connected in
series on the inlet side to a conduction element holding or
conducting the process liquid, such as piping. In this case, the
entire liquid stream of the process liquid flowing through this
conduction element or piping is conducted through the UV
irradiation apparatus and irradiated. The same fundamentally also
applies to the connection of a membrane filtration system for
filtering the process liquid.
[0019] Alternatively, a UV irradiation apparatus and/or a membrane
filtration system can also be operatively connected parallel to a
conduction element holding the process liquid so that a partial
quantity of the process liquid out of the liquid stream of the
process liquid can be used to form at least one stream of the
process liquid per time unit. In this context is can also be
advantageous if at least one adjustable splitting means or multiple
co-operating splitting means are used to separate out a specifiable
quantity of the process liquid from at least one element holding or
conducting the process liquid in a controlled manner per time unit
and to form at least one stream of the process liquid which can
then be irradiated and/or filtered. In this way the partial
quantity of process liquid separated out from a liquid stream of
the process liquid per time unit can be specified and controlled in
a precise manner. It is also advantageous that the partial quantity
of process liquid separated out per time unit can be adjusted to
the current conditions and varied. In this way capacity bottlenecks
can be avoided without having to accept significant compromises on
degree of contamination or germ content of the process liquid.
[0020] The exact number, type, and location of integration of the
membrane filtration system(s) and UV irradiation apparatus(es) and
the connection of a membrane filtration system and a UV irradiation
apparatus to the conduction elements conducting the process liquid
and/or treatment zone(s) can be determined or implemented in due
consideration of structural features, process parameters, and the
like. However, specific arrangement variations can offer advantages
for the method for treating food and containers, which will be
explained in more detail below.
[0021] For example, additional dirt traps or the like can be
arranged in the conduction elements to remove large-grained
impurities in the process liquid. For example, a gravitational
sedimentation device as described in the previously cited EP 2 722
089 A1 can be used to separate large or large-grained
particles.
[0022] The measures disclosed in claim 1 further succeed in
reducing as much as possible laborious and expensive interruptions
in the production or treatment in order to clean the treatment
device or at least in significantly lengthening the time intervals
between such cleaning processes. In addition, micro- and
ultrafiltration and UV irradiation can at least reduce the quantity
of chemical stabilisers used to prepare the process liquid,
especially the required quantities of surfactants and corrosion
inhibitors, and of disinfectants and biocides, and the use of such
cleaning chemicals and disinfection chemicals can be at least
largely avoided or minimised. Membrane filtration is effective at
removing both micro-organisms and other impurities. UV irradiation
further increases the efficiency of the method in regard to
sterilisation. Membrane filtration can also markedly improve the
effectiveness and efficiency of the UV irradiation apparatus(es).
Small and micro-particles and suspended solids can cause turbidity
of the process liquid, which can significantly reduce the
effectiveness of the UV irradiation. A membrane filtration system
can significantly reduce the turbidity of the process liquid and
therefore avoid efficiency losses in UV irradiation due to UV light
absorption, scattering, etc. The turbidity of a liquid can be
expressed in, for example, the unit NTU (nephelometric turbidity
unit). The process liquid preferably has a turbidity of less than 5
NTU, especially less than 1 NTU.
[0023] Small and micro-particles and substances that cause
turbidity can be caused, among other ways, in the course of
manufacturing the containers by shaping or cutting process steps
such as cutting, milling, drilling or the like and/or can get into
the process liquid through the containers. In typical devices for
treating foods and/or containers, the formation of small and
micro-particles is particularly facilitated by the use of chemicals
like surfactants.
[0024] Thus a significant improvement in environmental friendliness
can be achieved and the burden on a facility, such as a
purification plant, placed after the method or device can be
minimised. In addition, irradiation by UV light is also effective
at suppressing the reproduction of at least most types of
algae.
[0025] The invented measures can also improve olfactory factors as
the formation of undesirable or unpleasant smells can be hindered.
Various micro-organisms, especially bacteria, are known for
generating bad smells as products of their metabolism. The removal
or killing of these micro-organisms can largely prevent unpleasant
smells.
[0026] If bacterial cultures remain in a process liquid for a
longer time under simultaneous use of biocides, bacterial strains
can "get used to" the biocides being used or bacterial strains
resistant to the biocides being used can be formed. This means that
biocides can become of limited or even no use in removing
micro-organisms from the process liquid over time. Through
continuous removal of the micro-organisms from the process liquid
and additional UV irradiation of the process liquid, the formation
of resistant germs can be hindered and the use of biocides can be
minimised overall as efficient and effective means are provided to
hinder the growth and reproduction of micro-organisms in the
process liquid. Membrane filtration and UV irradiation can, for
example, also effectively hinder the growth of biocide-resistant
and/or chlorine-resistant bacterial strains.
[0027] Naturally other organic and inorganic small and
micro-particles can also be removed from the process liquid by the
at least one membrane filtration system. This simultaneously
results in further improvement in regard to micro-organism growth
and to the growth rate of micro-organisms in the process liquid, as
organic and inorganic small and micro-particles can often act as
good nutritional bases or "breeding grounds," e.g. for bacteria.
The removal of unwanted particle contaminants using membrane
filtration can significantly reduce the use of otherwise necessary
chemicals for elimination of such contaminants, such as
surfactants.
[0028] The invented measures can also remove dust-like impurities
from the process liquid. Such impurities can, for example, be
caused in the course of manufacturing the containers by shaping or
cutting process steps like cutting, milling, drilling or the like.
The manufacturing of containers can cause e.g. glass of metal dust,
especially aluminium dust, which dust can be introduced into the
method for treating foods and containers along with the
containers.
[0029] Finally, the invented measures can effectively hinder
dirtying or contamination by germs of the outside of the containers
as well as the surfaces of the device for treating the foods and
containers by the process liquid itself. This brings further
advantages in regard to any secondary treatment or additional
cleaning measures, whose extent can at least be reduced. Where
appropriate, the invented measures can make secondary cleaning of
the containers with cleaning and disinfecting chemicals and/or
sterilisation of the containers superfluous.
[0030] The additional measure of filling the food to be treated
into containers before the treatment, closing the containers,
tempering a liquid stream of the process liquid before feeding it
into a treatment zone, and treating the foods in a treatment zone
through heat transfer using a tempered process liquid in which the
process liquid flows around the outside of the containers on the
one hand represents a particularly efficient measure for treating
foods, since an already filled trade product can be put out after
the treatment. In addition, this allows direct contact between the
foods and the process liquid to be avoided.
[0031] It can further be advisable to set the temperatures of the
particular liquid streams of the process liquid separately for each
treatment zone in a controlled manner before feeding into a
treatment zone and to pasteurise the food products in at least one
treatment zone using a heated process liquid. Pasteurisation can
achieve a longer shelf life for the foods. The disclosed measures
for controlled tempering of the process liquid have the advantage
that the overall method for treating the foods and containers is
easy to control. In particular, this can prevent unwanted damage to
the foods and/or containers because of overly quick or high
temperature changes.
[0032] It can be useful especially in regard to pasteurisation of
food to successively heat up the foods being treated, especially
luxury food products, in at least one treatment zone, to pasteurise
them in at least one treatment zone, and to cool them in at least
one treatment. On the one hand, slow heating in at least one
heating zone can guarantee gentle heating of the foods. On the
other hand, active cooling in at least one cooling zone after
pasteurisation can effectively prevent so-called
"over-pasteurisation" because of foods being at a high temperature
for too long of a time. Such over-pasteurisation often caused
unwanted changes in the food and can negatively influence the
flavour and/or smell of the food. The disclosed process steps for
sequential treatment of foodstuffs, especially luxury food
products, allows well-controlled and gentle process guidance for
the foodstuffs. For example, the temperature of the process liquid
can be increased step by step for multiple heating zones, in one or
more treatment zones the process liquid can be introduced at a
pasteurising temperature such as 80 to 85.degree. C. and then the
process liquid can be introduced into one or more cooling zones for
the foodstuffs or containers, again in the form of zones, with
sequentially lower temperatures for cooling the foods or
containers.
[0033] Alternatively to the stated temperature ranges, which are
given as examples for the pasteurisation of food, other temperature
ranges can of course also be advisable for other treatment
processes. Another example given at this juncture is superheated
steam sterilisation, in which the process liquid or process water
reaches temperatures above 100.degree. C. such that at least in the
sterilisation zones process water acts on the containers in a
gaseous state.
[0034] It has proven particularly practical if a liquid stream is
fed into at least one treatment zone for heating the foods and/or
containers at a temperature between 40.degree. C. and 50.degree. C.
This provides particularly gentle pre-heating of the food and
allows large temperature jumps to be avoided in the course of
heating the food.
[0035] In an advantageous embodiment of the method, it can be
provided that at least one stream filtered by a membrane filtration
system is fed into a UV irradiation apparatus and irradiated
immediately after the filtration process and a filtered and
irradiated stream of the process liquid is fed back into at least
one conduction element holding and/or conducting the process liquid
and/or at least one treatment zone. In this way it can be ensured
that a process liquid with particularly low turbidity can be
irradiated by the UV irradiation apparatus, allowing the efficiency
of the UV irradiation to be increased once more.
[0036] In order to prepare a process liquid with low turbidity, it
can also be practical if process liquid with a temperature between
40.degree. C. and 50.degree. C. is used to form at least one stream
to be filtered. Particularly good filtration results can be
achieved through membrane filtration or ultrafiltration at a
process liquid temperature in this range. This is because, among
other reasons, blockage of filter membranes due to lubricants such
as paraffin or waxes can be avoided in this temperature range. Such
lubricants are often used during manufacturing of containers,
sometimes remain stuck to the containers after manufacturing, and
can be introduced into the process liquid. Through membrane
filtration of the process liquid in the stated temperature range,
process liquid with particularly low turbidity can be prepared for
UV irradiation.
[0037] In this connection it can also be provided that the at least
one stream be formed by removing process liquid from a
tempering-capable flow container for the process liquid. This can
increase the efficiency of the membrane filtration and the
filtration performance even more.
[0038] In regard to cleaning efficiency for the process liquid
during continuous treatment, it can be advisable to select the
process liquid quantities used to form at least one stream of the
process liquid out of at least one conduction element holding
and/or conducting the process liquid during continuous treatment
per time unit in such a way that the irradiation and/or filtration
of the stream or streams allow a removal rate for micro-organisms
to be achieved that is larger than the growth rate of these
micro-organisms in the process liquid in the same time unit. This
in particular allows the total quantity of viable and reproducing
micro-organisms in the process liquid to be minimised as much as
possible and an increase in the total quantity of micro-organisms
in the process liquid during continuous treatment of the foods
and/or containers to be effectively prevented.
[0039] Surprisingly, it has been shown that the irradiation and
membrane filtration per time unit of a relatively small partial
quantity of the process liquid out of the total liquid streams of
the process liquid conducted through the device and/or the
treatment zones per time unit is entirely sufficient to achieve an
adequate result. This means that the physical size and/or the
number of UV irradiation apparatus(es) and membrane filtration
system(s) can be kept comparatively small without having to
compromise on the degree of contamination and germ content or
bacterial count of the process liquid. In addition, the amount of
energy used to clean and sterilise the process liquid can be
further reduced.
[0040] By recirculating a UV-irradiated and/or micro- or
ultrafiltered stream of the process liquid at ambient pressure or
in free fall back into at least one conduction element holding or
conducting the process liquid and/or into one treatment zone, the
advantage is obtained that an additional conveying means for
introducing or discharging an irradiated and/or filtered stream
into the process liquid is not needed.
[0041] It can be advisable here for an irradiated and/or filtered
stream of the process liquid to be at least partially fed into a
liquid stream of the process liquid moved through a treatment zone
after it acts on the foods or containers. This variation of feeding
a filtered stream into a treatment zone is advantageous in
particular if a liquid stream of the process liquid is introduced
into the treatment zone under a certain pre-existing pressure. The
pre-existing pressure may be needed, for example to atomise the
process liquid in order to spray the containers as evenly as
possible in the treatment zone. This variation on introducing a
filtered and/or irradiated stream is also advisable, for example,
to avoid unwanted influence of the filtered and/or irradiated
stream on the foods and containers in the treatment zone. This may
happen, for example, because of an unsuitable temperature level of
the filtered and/or irradiated stream of the process liquid.
[0042] However, it can also be advisable for an irradiated and/or
filtered stream of the process liquid to be at least partially fed
into a liquid stream of the process liquid moved through a
treatment zone before it acts on the foods or containers. This in
particular allows a process liquid with very high purity and very
low germ content to be provided for treating the foods and
containers in a treatment zone.
[0043] In the method for treating foods and containers, at least
partial feeding of an irradiated and/or filtered stream of the
process liquid into a treatment zone arranged at the end of the
process to receive the products can be particularly advantageous in
order to rinse or clean the outside of the closed containers filled
with food product. Such a process step is typically performed near
the end of a method for treating foods and containers, then a
drying step or other secondary treatment step may potentially still
follow. In such a process step for rinsing and washing containers,
dirtying and contamination of the process liquid are particularly
critical because under some circumstances dirt and germ residues
like bacteria or bacterial residues can remain on the surface of
the container. This is why feeding a stream that has been UV
irradiated and/or filtered and cleaned by a membrane filtration
system into such a treatment zone for rinsing containers is
advantageous.
[0044] In regard to the membrane filtration, it can further be
advisable for a stream of the process liquid to be fed into a
receiving container after filtration by the membrane filtration
system and recirculated back into at least one element holding or
conducting the process liquid and/or into a treatment zone and/or
into a UV irradiation apparatus via an outlet or equivalent element
arranged on the receiving container. In this way a reservoir of
process liquid with high purity is collected or prepared that can
be used for various purposes.
[0045] For example, a practical use for the process liquid filtrate
collected in a receiving container can be achieved on one variation
of an embodiment of the method by operatively separating a membrane
filtration system from the rest of the device for treating foods
and/or containers at specifiable time intervals during ongoing
operation to clean the filter membranes and by feeding the process
liquid filtrate collected in the receiving container through a
membrane filtration system by reversing the flow direction through
the filter membranes in comparison to filtration, i.e. the membrane
filtration system is also cleaned by backflushing the filtrate.
During continuous filtration of partial streams of the process
liquid, residues naturally form on the filter membranes and modules
over time. Particularly small particles can also penetrate into a
filter membrane or a pore channel of a filter membrane and remain
there. Overall, residues on the membrane surface and/or particles
or substances that have penetrated into and remained in a membrane
lead to blockages on and in a membrane and therefore to shrinking
flow capability and a reduction of the filtration performance of a
filter membrane. The disclosed periodic cleaning of the filter
membrane module by the collected process liquid filtrate achieved
by reversing the flow direction can prevent blockages and closure
of membrane pores as much as possible. Backflushing can be
additionally assisted by inputting gas, for example by inputting
compressed air into a filter membrane module.
[0046] Contaminated liquid waste is formed in the course of
cleaning by reversing the flow direction through the filter
membranes of the membrane filtration system. It can be useful to
discharge this liquid waste directly from the device for treating
foods and containers and replace it with a corresponding quantity
of fresh process liquid.
[0047] In connection with the cleaning of the filter membranes of a
membrane filtration system by backflushing it can also be advisable
to arrange a UV irradiation apparatus between a membrane filtration
system and a receiving container. This permits UV irradiation of
the process liquid collected in the receiving container during a
backflushing/cleaning process for a membrane filtration system and
allows a backflushing liquid with particularly low germ content to
be used for backflushing the filter membranes. Alternately, the
filter membranes of a membrane filtration system can also be
backflushed using an externally added rinsing liquid, for example
rinsing chemical-containing washing water or drinking water.
[0048] In regard to a membrane filtration system, it can also be
advantageous to admix chemicals from one or more chemical sources
using a dispensing device into a stream of the process liquid to be
filtered or a filtered stream or a process liquid collected in a
receiving container if needed both in treatment and in filtration
and in cleaning for the membrane filtration system. If the
dispensing device is suitably arranged, for example in a draining
element for a filtered stream of the process liquid or a bypass or
backflush piping linked to the draining element, admixing from the
same chemical sources can take place both in treatment and in
cleaning for the membrane filtration system. The type of chemicals
to be used depends on the particular need and the feeding of
chemicals can be performed by an operator of the device, or an
automatic control device for the device as needed. Since the
addition of chemicals is possible in both filtration and cleaning,
a flexible, targeted dispensation of chemicals from the same
chemical sources can be performed as needed. Examples of chemicals
that are suitable for both cases are surfactants for general
cleaning or chlorine for disinfection of the filter membranes or
other elements of the device for treating foods and containers.
Other typically used chemicals include, for example, organic acids
for pH value stabilisation, chelating agents, and corrosion
inhibitors.
[0049] In addition to preparing the process liquid through UV
irradiation and membrane filtration, it can be useful to remove or
separate dissolved or suspended or dispersed substances through an
adsorption device. In particular, in this way unwanted,
uncoagulated parts can be removed from the process liquid that
cannot be removed by a membrane filtration system.
[0050] To ensure the greatest possible process security, it can be
advantageous to continuously monitor the degree of contamination of
the process liquid using suitable sensors arranged in the
conduction elements holding and/or conducting process liquid and/or
in the treatment zones. In particular, measurements of turbidity
can be useful to determine the purity of the process liquid and the
particle concentration in the process liquid. Measuring the
turbidity of the process liquid is above all important in regard to
assessing the efficiency of the UV irradiation, since turbidity of
the process liquid can markedly decrease the effectiveness of UV
irradiation, as has already been explained above. Alternatively
and/or additionally, measurements on random samples of the process
liquid are also useful, especially to record fluctuations in the
content of bacterial cultures and determine micro-organism growth
rates. Through continuous monitoring of the turbidity of the
process liquid at different points or in different zones, sources
of contamination can also be localised and targeted
counter-measures can be introduced if needed.
[0051] Another advantage arises in a design variation in which a
stream of the process liquid to be irradiated and/or filtered is
formed as needed out of different conduction elements containing or
conducting process liquid, is filtered by at least one membrane
filtration system, and after the membrane filtration process a
filtered stream is fed into at least one conduction element holding
or conducting process liquid and/or at least one treatment zone
and/or at least one UV irradiation apparatus. It can particularly
be advantageous to integrate a membrane filtration system into the
device for treating products and/or containers using mechanical
switching and/or splitting means in such a way that a membrane
filtration system can be assigned different and/or multiple
different conduction elements for holding or conducting the process
liquid and/or treatment zones. The possibility of inlet-side
switching of a membrane filtration system to different sources of
process liquid for forming a stream to be filtered allows quick and
efficient reactions to zone-specific fluctuations in the quality
and degree of contamination of the process liquid in a flexible
manner, especially to fluctuations in the particle concentration.
This way there exists a fundamental option of switching from one
process liquid source to another process liquid source, i.e. of
using different liquid streams in different conduction elements to
form the stream to be filtered. If desired, however, multiple
liquid streams of the process liquid can also be used
simultaneously to form a stream of the process liquid to be
filtered. In this case, the stream to be filtered is formed by
mixing the used/removed partial quantities from the different
liquid streams of the process liquid.
[0052] Also practical is a variation of the embodiment in which the
stream of the process liquid is formed for filtration by a membrane
filtration system by switching between or mixing of different
liquid streams of the process liquid from different conduction
elements depending on measured values obtained by in-line
measurements and/or random sample measurements. It can also be
advantageous to recirculate a filtered stream of the process liquid
into different conduction elements or treatment zones and/or feed
it into a UV irradiation apparatus, depending on measured values
obtained by in-line measurements and/or random sample measurements,
by feeding or distributing the filtered stream of the process
liquid into different liquid streams of the process liquid.
[0053] However, the aim of the invention is also achieved by
providing a device for treating foods and/or treating containers
for holding foods using a process liquid.
[0054] The device comprises at least one treatment zone for
treating the foods and/or the containers, a means of transport for
transporting the foods and/or containers through the treatment
zone(s), and conduction elements holding and/or conducting process
liquid for feeding liquid streams of the process liquid into a
treatment zone and conduction elements for discharging liquid
streams of the process liquid out of a treatment zone. The device
further comprises additional conduction elements for holding and/or
conducting the process liquid in the device and at least one
conveying means for conveying liquid streams of the process liquid
in the conduction elements, wherein the conduction elements are
designed and arranged such that the process liquid for treating the
foodstuffs can be at least partially recirculated back into the
treatment zone or into the treatment zones.
[0055] In particular, the device comprises at least one UV
irradiation apparatus and at least one membrane filtration system
for cleaning and sterilisation of the process liquid by membrane
filtration and UV irradiation. The at least one UV irradiation
apparatus and the at least one membrane filtration system are
operatively connected to the conduction elements and/or to the
treatment zones such that at least some or all of the total process
liquid conducted through all existing treatment zones per time unit
is used to form at least one stream of the process liquid, the
resulting stream or resulting streams are filtered by the at least
one membrane filtration system and/or irradiated by the at least
one UV irradiation apparatus and a filtered and/or irradiated
stream of the process liquid can be fed into at least one
conduction element and/or at least one treatment zone.
[0056] Such a device is particularly suitable for the cleaning and
sterilisation of the process liquid. This allows a significant
improvement to be achieved compared to previously known devices,
which are of only limited or even of no use in removing small and
micro-particles as well as viable and reproducing micro-organisms
and germs from an at least partially recirculated process liquid.
Cleaning and sterilisation using the UV irradiation apparatus(es)
and the membrane filtration system(s) can advantageously be
performed during ongoing treatment and is also comparatively
efficient and energy-saving.
[0057] The additional preparation and cleaning of the process
liquid by a membrane filtration system can markedly increase the
effectiveness and efficiency of the UV irradiation apparatus(es),
as the turbidity of the process liquid can be markedly reduced,
preventing efficiency losses in the UV irradiation caused by UV
light absorption, scattering, etc. Furthermore, a membrane
filtration system per se is effective at removing micro-organisms,
as a result of which the combination of membrane filtration and UV
irradiation acts in synergy to clearly increase the efficiency of a
reduction of reproducing micro-organisms. Particularly when
so-called "ultrafiltration systems" are used, i.e. membrane
filtration systems with filter membranes with pore diameters of
approx. 0.2 .quadrature.m or smaller, both inorganic and organic
small and micro-particles, e.g. including bacteria colonies, can be
effectively removed from the process liquid.
[0058] Both a UV irradiation apparatus and a membrane filtration
system can in principle be connected on the inlet side both in
series and in parallel with a conduction element holding or
conducting the process liquid. In cases of a parallel connection,
it can be an advantage to arrange at least one adjustable splitting
means and/or multiple co-operating splitting means on the inlet
side of a UV irradiation apparatus and/or a membrane filtration
system for controlled removal of a specifiable process liquid
quantity per time unit out of at least one conduction element
holding or conducting the process liquid and for formation of a
stream of process liquid to be irradiated and/or filtered. This
design feature allows the partial quantity removed from a liquid
stream of the process liquid per time unit to be controlled very
precisely and adjusted to the particular immediate conditions.
[0059] Other advantages arising from the characteristics of the
device have already been explained in more detail above in the
description of the method that can be executed by the device, and a
repeated explanation can be omitted at this point.
[0060] In a practical further development of the device, it
comprises at least one heating means for heating the process liquid
and one cooling means for cooling the process liquid. As a result
of this, appropriately tempered liquid streams of the process
liquid can be used to purposefully heat and cool the foods and
containers.
[0061] The further characteristic that at least one treatment zone
is designed for application of the process liquid on the outside of
closed containers, wherein the process liquid flows around the
outside of a closed container, is a particularly efficient
construction characteristic for treating foodstuffs, since an
already finished and filled trade product can be put out after the
treatment. In addition, in this way the risk of recontamination of
the foodstuffs in a filling zone placed after the treatment zone(s)
can be precluded and/or a filling zone placed after the treatment
zones is made superfluous.
[0062] In addition, it can be an advantage to arrange at least one
treatment zone for heating the foods and/or containers, at least
one treatment zone for pasteurising the foods, and at least one
treatment zone for cooling the foods and/or containers in
succession along the direction of transport of the foods or
containers. This design can provide a device for treating foods and
containers in which the food can be pasteurised particularly gently
and damage to the pasteurised foods can be effectively
prevented.
[0063] In an advantageous design variation it can be provided that
at least one UV irradiation apparatus be operatively arranged
immediately after a membrane filtration system such that a filtered
stream of the process liquid can be irradiated by a UV irradiation
apparatus immediately after membrane filtration. This can further
increase the efficiency of the UV irradiation as a process liquid
with particularly low turbidity can be prepared for the UV
irradiation.
[0064] It can further be provided that a feeding element of a
membrane filtration system be connected to a tempering-capable flow
container for the process liquid. This way the temperature of a
stream of process liquid to be filtered can be purposefully set and
the filtration efficiency optimised.
[0065] It can further be advisable to design the device in such a
way that the number and irradiation power of the UV irradiation
apparatus(es) and the number and filtration capacity of the
membrane filtration system(s) are fixed such that the total process
liquid quantity drawn out of at least one element containing and/or
conducting the process liquid per time unit for forming at least
one stream of the process liquid during continuous treatment can be
chosen such that the filtration and irradiation of the stream or
the streams can achieve a removal rate of micro-organisms that is
greater than the growth rate of the micro-organisms in the process
liquid in the same time unit. These characteristics create a device
in which the UV irradiation apparatus(es) and the membrane
filtration system(s) can keep the total quantity of viable and
reproducing micro-organisms in the process liquid as low as
possible and an increase in the total quantity of micro-organisms
in the process liquid during continuous treatment of the foods
and/or containers is effectively prevented.
[0066] Another design of the device that can be advantageous is one
in which, to recirculate an irradiated and/or filtered stream of
the process liquid, draining elements out of at least one UV
irradiation apparatus and/or out of at least one membrane
filtration system are connected to at least one conduction element
and/or at least one treatment zone in such a way that an irradiated
and/or filtered stream of the process liquid can be fed into the
conduction element(s) and/or the treatment zone(s) under the
influence of gravity in free fall. This makes it possible for an
additional conveying means for bringing in or away an irradiated
and/or filtered stream of the process liquid to be made
superfluous, resulting in a structurally simple to realise
variation and an operationally efficient and cost-effective
variation of the device.
[0067] For example, at least one UV irradiation apparatus and/or
one membrane filtration system can be operatively connected on the
inlet side to an opening in a treatment one such that an irradiated
and/or filtered stream of the process liquid can flow off into the
treatment zone. The opening in a treatment zone can be placed, for
example, on an upper end of the treatment zone such that an
irradiated and/or filtered stream of the process liquid can be at
least partially fed into a liquid stream of the process liquid that
is moved through a treatment zone before it acts on the foods and
containers. On the other hand, however, it can also be practical to
place such an opening at a lower end of the treatment zone to avoid
unwanted, e.g. thermal influence of an irradiated and/or filtered
stream on the foods and containers in the treatment zone.
[0068] Another advantageous design of the device can be provided by
designing at least one treatment zone for rinsing the outside of
closed containers filled with foodstuffs, which at least one
treatment zone is placed at the end of the treatment zone line in
the transport direction of the containers through the treatment
zones and which is connected to at least one draining element of a
UV irradiation apparatus and/or a draining element of a membrane
filtration system in order to rinse the containers by feeding in an
irradiated and/or filtered stream of the process liquid. This
provides a treatment zone for the final cleaning of the outside of
the containers using an irradiated and/or filtered stream of the
process liquid in which the outside of the containers can be rinsed
by a process liquid with very high purity and low germ content.
[0069] In regard to the membrane filtration system(s), a variation
of the design in which a receiving container with an overflow is
arranged in a draining element of a membrane filtration system can
also be of advantage. This way a reservoir of process liquid can be
collected and provided to be used for various purposes.
[0070] For the purposes of cleaning a membrane filtration system,
it can for example be advisable to place closures in the feeding
elements and draining elements to operatively separate the at least
one membrane filtration system from the rest of the device and to
place at least one conveying means in the receiving container
and/or backflush piping stretching between the receiving container
and the draining element of the membrane filtration system that is
designed to transport the process liquid filtrate collected in the
receiving container in the opposite direction--compared to the flow
direction through the filter membranes during filtration--through
the at least one membrane filtration system. In this way, a
membrane filtration system can be cleaned through backflushing
using the process liquid collected in the receiving containers
during ongoing treatment by the device for treating the foods and
containers. Thus e.g. blockages in a membrane and the closure of
pores of a membrane can be prevented as much as possible without
requiring an interruption of treatment by the device. When the
filter membranes of a membrane filtration system are cleaned by
backflushing, it can also be advisable to place a UV irradiation
apparatus between a membrane filtration system and a receiving
container. This permits UV irradiation of the process liquid
collected in the receiving container during a backflushing/cleaning
process for a membrane filtration system and allows a backflushing
liquid with particularly low germ content to be used for
backflushing the filter membranes.
[0071] It can further be practical to discharge the liquid waste
accrued in the course of cleaning by reversing the flow direction
through the filter membranes of the membrane filtration system, to
assign at least one closable liquid waste line to the membrane
filtration system, and to place at least one closable feed device
in the device to replace the discharged liquid waste with fresh
process liquid. This makes it possible to discharge the liquid
waste directly from the device for treating foods and containers
and replace it with a corresponding quantity of fresh process
liquid.
[0072] It can also be useful to place a dispensing device in a
draining element and/or in the backflush piping of the at least one
membrane filtration system through which the process liquid or the
process liquid collected in a receiving container can be admixed
with chemicals from one or more chemical sources both during
filtration and when cleaning the membrane filtration system. By
installing a dispensing device connected to the chemical source(s),
chemicals like chloride, surfactants, and other active chemicals
can be admixed with the process liquid as needed both during
filtration and when cleaning a membrane filtration system.
[0073] In addition to the inclusion of at least one UV irradiation
apparatus and/or one membrane filtration device, a design of the
device in which an adsorption device is included can be
advantageous. In this way unwanted, uncoagulated parts can also be
removed from the process liquid that cannot be removed by a
membrane filtration system. For example, carbon compounds can be
removed from the process liquid using activated charcoal in such an
adsorption device.
[0074] For better process security, it can be useful to place
sensors in conduction elements and/or in treatment zones for
continuous monitoring of the degree of contamination, especially by
measuring the turbidity of the process liquid. This way the degree
of contamination of the process liquid can be recorded and
continuously monitored at least in sections. Inclusion of such
sensors is helpful for, among other things, evaluating the
efficiency of the UV irradiation apparatus(es). Through continuous
monitoring of the turbidity of the process liquid at different
points or in different zones of the device for treating foods
and/or containers, sources of contamination can also be localised
and targeted counter-measures can be introduced if needed.
[0075] Another advantageous design can be formed by assigning at
least one switching means to a feeding element of a membrane
filtration system that is operatively connected to at least two
different conduction elements holding the process fluid in such a
way that the stream of process liquid to be filtered can be formed
as desired either from one of the liquid streams or multiple liquid
streams of the process liquid in the conduction elements or from
multiple liquid streams of the process liquid. This allows the
membrane filtration system to be switched on the inlet side to
different sources of the process liquid to form a filtered stream.
In this way, for example, quick and efficient reactions are
possible to zone-specific fluctuations in quality and degree of
contamination of the process liquid, especially to fluctuations in
the particle concentration.
[0076] Another design that is of advantage can be formed by
assigning at least one mixing means to a feeding element of a
membrane filtration system that is operatively connected to at
least two different conduction elements holding the process fluid
in such a way that a stream of process liquid to be filtered can be
formed as desired either from one of the liquid streams or multiple
liquid streams of the process liquid in the conduction elements or
a stream of the process liquid to be filtered by the membrane
filtration system can be formed by removing and mixing specifiable
partial quantities from multiple liquid streams of the process
liquid. This allows simultaneous removal of partial quantities of
process liquid from different conduction elements and the formation
of a stream of the process liquid to be filtered by mixing the
removed partial quantities of process liquid.
[0077] However, it can also be advisable to assign at least one
switching means to a draining element of a membrane filtration
system that is operatively connected to at least one conduction
element holding process liquid and/or at least one treatment zone
and/or a UV irradiation apparatus in such a way that feeding a
filtered stream of the process liquid into the at least one
conduction element and/or the at least one treatment zone and/or
the irradiation apparatus can be controlled. In this way a filtered
stream of the process liquid can be fed as needed into one or more
conduction element(s) and/or one or more treatment zone(s) and/or
one or more UV irradiation apparatuses. This can be practical, for
example, to set specific temperatures in sections for the process
liquid in the device for treating foods and containers.
[0078] However, another design variation can be of advantage in
which at least one splitting means is assigned to a draining
element of a membrane filtration system which is operatively
connected to at least one conduction element holding the process
liquid and/or at least one treatment zone and/or a UV irradiation
apparatus in such a way that feeding a filtered stream of the
process liquid into the at least one conduction element and/or the
at least one treatment zone and/or the at least one UV irradiation
apparatus can be controlled or specifiable quantities of the
filtered stream of process liquid can be fed into the at least one
conduction element and/or the at least one treatment zone and/or
the at least one UV irradiation apparatus.
[0079] Finally, the aim of the invention is also achieved by using
a membrane filtration system and a UV irradiation apparatus for
continuous cleaning and sterilisation of a process liquid in a
device for treating foods and containers for holding foods using
the process liquid. This way the process liquid in the device for
treating foods and containers for holding foods can be continuously
cleaned and sterilised in a particularly efficient way.
[0080] To facilitate better understanding of the invention, it will
be explained in detail using the figures below.
[0081] Extremely simplified, schematic depictions show the
following:
[0082] FIG. 1 An example embodiment of a known device for treating
foods and/or containers with treatment zones in an extremely
simplified, schematic, and not-to-scale depiction:
[0083] FIG. 2 A P&ID diagram of an example embodiment of a
device for treating foods and/or containers in an extremely
simplified depiction:
[0084] FIG. 3 Excerpts of a partial diagram of an embodiment of a
device with UV irradiation apparatus and membrane filtration system
in an extremely simplified depiction;
[0085] FIG. 4 Excerpts of a partial diagram of an embodiment of a
device with UV irradiation apparatus and membrane filtration system
in an extremely simplified depiction;
[0086] FIG. 5 Excerpts of another partial diagram of an embodiment
of a device with a UV irradiation apparatus and a membrane
filtration system in an extremely simplified depiction;
[0087] FIG. 6 Excerpts of another partial diagram of an embodiment
of a device with a UV irradiation apparatus and a membrane
filtration system in an extremely simplified depiction;
[0088] FIG. 7 Excerpts of another partial diagram of an embodiment
of a device with a UV irradiation apparatus and a membrane
filtration system in an extremely simplified depiction;
[0089] FIG. 8 Excerpts of another partial diagram of an embodiment
of a device with a UV irradiation apparatus and a membrane
filtration system in an extremely simplified depiction;
[0090] FIG. 9 An example design of a membrane filtration system
with subsequent UV irradiation apparatus, schematic and in an
extremely simplified depiction;
[0091] FIG. 10 Excerpts of another partial diagram of an embodiment
of a device with a UV irradiation apparatus and a membrane
filtration system in an extremely simplified depiction;
[0092] FIG. 11 Excerpts of another partial diagram of an embodiment
of a device with a UV irradiation apparatus and a membrane
filtration system in an extremely simplified depiction.
[0093] In introduction, let it be noted that in the variously
described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical
reference signs or identical part names, and that the disclosures
contained in the description as a whole can be carried over
analogously to identical parts with identical reference signs or
identical part names. Likewise, positional information selected in
the description, e.g. above, below, on the side, etc. refer to the
directly described and depicted figure and if the position is
changed, this positional information carries over analogously to
the new position.
[0094] FIG. 1 shows an example of an arrangement of treatment zones
of a device 1 for treating foods and/or treating containers 2 for
holding foods in a schematic and extremely simplified depiction.
The foods and containers 2 are treated by a process liquid 3 in at
least one treatment zone 4. In the example embodiment shown in FIG.
1 the foodstuffs to be treated are located in closed containers 2
and are treated using a process liquid 3 by having a liquid stream
5 of the process liquid 3 flow around the outside 6 of the
containers 2. In the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the
liquid stream 5 of the process liquid 3 through a treatment zone 4
is generated by the process liquid 3 being split by splitting
devices such as spray nozzles 7 on the top of the treatment zone 4
and the liquid stream 5 of the process liquid 3 traversing the
treatment zones 4 from top to bottom. A liquid stream 5 of the
process liquid 3 is fed into a treatment zone 4 using structurally
suitable conduction elements 8 like piping connected to the spray
nozzles 7. In an analogous manner, after passing through a
treatment zone 4 a liquid stream 5 of the process liquid 3 is
removed from a treatment zone 4 again by means of other conduction
elements 8 assigned to the bottom of a treatment zone 4. The
conduction elements 8 provided to drain a liquid stream 5 of the
process liquid 3 out of a treatment zone 4 can be formed by, for
example, collecting tubs 9 that collect the liquid stream 5 of the
process liquid 3 sprinkling through a treatment zone 4 at the
bottom of the treatment zone 4. The process liquid 3 caught by the
collecting tubs 8, 9 can then be discharged out of a treatment zone
4 by conduction elements 8 or piping 8 connected to the collecting
tubs 8, 9, as shown schematically in FIG. 1.
[0095] The containers 2 can be transported through the treatment
zones 4 using suitable means of transport 10 such as conveying
means belts or the like, e.g. on two levels from left to right as
shown in FIG. 1 by the arrows 26 depicting a transport direction 26
for the containers 2.
[0096] Alternately to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a treatment
zone for treating the foods using a process liquid can naturally be
created in other ways as well. For example, a treatment zone for
treating a liquid foodstuff can be designed as a heat exchanger in
which the liquid foodstuff and the process liquid are conducted
past each other while materially separated, as is for example
typical when pasteurising milk. The description of the invented
device 1 using the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is continued below,
though it is noted at this juncture that the invention is not
limited to the example embodiments specifically depicted below but
also comprises alternative designs.
[0097] In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the two treatment
zones 4 depicted on the left side in FIG. 1 can be used e.g. for
successive heating of the containers 2 or the foods found in the
containers. The treatment zone 4 depicted in the middle of FIG. 1
can be used e.g. for pasteurising foods and the two treatment zones
4 depicted on the right side in FIG. 1 can be used for sequential
cooling of the foods and containers. The corresponding treatment
steps for heating, pasteurising, and cooling can be executed by
feeding a suitably tempered liquid stream 5 of the process liquid 3
in the relevant treatment zone 4. It can be practical for a liquid
stream 5 to be fed into at least one treatment zone 4 for heating
the foods and/or containers at a temperature between 40.degree. C.
and 50.degree. C.
[0098] To feed a liquid stream 5 of the process liquid 3 into the
relevant treatment zone 4, conveying means 11 can be assigned to
the treatment zones 4 as can be seen in the flow diagram depicted
in FIG. 2. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the same reference
signs and part names will be used for the same parts in FIG. 2 as
in the preceding FIG. 1, with only three treatment zones 4 being
depicted in FIG. 2 for greater clarity. The treatment zone 4
depicted in FIG. 2 left can again be used, for example, for heating
the containers or foods, while the treatment zone 4 drawn in FIG. 2
middle can be provided for pasteurisation and the treatment zone 4
drawn in FIG. 2 right can be provided for cooling the containers
and foods.
[0099] The example embodiment of a flow diagram of a device 1 shown
in FIG. 2 comprises a heating means 12 for heating the process
liquid 3 and a cooling means 13 for cooling the process liquid 3.
In the case of the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the process
liquid 3 is fed into and/or conducted through the heating means 12
by an additional conveying means 11 out of a conduction element 8
in the form of a liquid tank 14 via conduction elements 8 in the
form of piping or the like. The process liquid 3 in the heating
means 12 can be heated in a great variety of ways, for example by
heat transfer to the process liquid through a heating medium, for
example saturated steam. In principle, any source of heat can be
used to heat the process liquid 3, though it can be practical for
pasteurising food for the heating means 12 for heating the process
liquid 3 to be set to a temperature of at least 80.degree. C. After
running through the heating means 12, the liquid stream 5 of the
process liquid 3 heated in this way can be fed into the treatment
zones 4 through conduction elements 8, e.g. piping.
[0100] Other methods for treating the foods and containers are also
conceivable alternately or additionally to the example embodiments
shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. For example, a process liquid,
especially process water for treating foods and/or containers can
also be heated above the boiling point of the process water, so to
a temperature above 100.degree. C., and fed into a treatment zone
as superheated steam. This may be practical for purposes of e.g.
sterilisation. In another example, dipping methods are also
possible in which containers holding food are dipped into the
process liquid.
[0101] To cool the process liquid 3, the process liquid 3 can be
fed into the cooling means 13 as shown in FIG. 2, for example out
of a liquid tank 15. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the
cooling means 13 is connected to the liquid tank, for example a
cold water tank 15, by conduction elements 8 in such a way that a
liquid stream 5 of the process liquid 3 can be removed by a
conveying means 11 from the liquid tank 15 and returned to the
liquid tank 15 after completed cooling of the liquid stream 5 of
the process liquid 3. The cooling means 13 can, for example, be
executed as a cooling tower or heat exchanger in which the process
liquid 3 is cooled by air or another cooling medium flowing in the
opposite direction.
[0102] As can further be seen from FIG. 2, the conduction elements
8 for holding and conducting the process liquid 3 or the liquid
streams 5 of the process liquid 3 in the device 1 are designed or
arranged such that the process liquid 3 can be at least partially
recirculated into the treatment zones 4 again. For better clarity,
the flow directions for the liquid streams 5 of the process liquid
3 for the treatment mode of device 1 are indicated in FIG. 2 by
arrows. Closable emptying devices 16 are provided to discharge a
partial quantity of the process liquid 3 and at least one closable
conduction element 8 designed as a feeding device 17 is arranged to
feed in fresh process liquid 3. In the example embodiment shown in
FIG. 2, flow regulator apparatuses 18 are provided in the
conduction elements 8 placed on the inlet side of the treatment
zones 4, by which flow regulator apparatuses 18 the liquid streams
5 of the process liquid 3 can be mixed at different temperature
levels in a controlled manner. This makes it possible to
purposefully set the temperature of the liquid streams 5 of the
process liquid 3 separately for each treatment zone 4. In place of
the depicted flow regulator apparatuses 18, three-way mixing valves
or other suitable means can be provided for controlled mixing and
setting of the temperature of a liquid stream 5 of the process
liquid 3.
[0103] Of course, the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2 only shows
one design of a device 1 for treating products and containers. For
example, for some embodiments of devices for treating foods and/or
containers it is typical to feed a liquid stream directly into
another treatment zone after it is drained from one treatment zone.
This is useful, for example, if a liquid stream of the process
liquid drained out of a treatment zone has a temperature level
suitable for treating the foods and/or containers in another
treatment zone. Such alternative or supplementary designs to the
example embodiment shown in FIG. 2 can be executed as needed by a
person with skill in the relevant art or are sufficiently known
from the prior art that the presentation of further example
embodiments at this juncture can be omitted.
[0104] FIG. 3 shows excerpts of a diagram of a device 1 for
treating foods and/or containers, wherein at least one membrane
filtration system 19 and at least one UV irradiation apparatus 47
are provided in the device 1 for cleaning and sterilisation of the
process liquid. FIG. 3 uses the same reference signs and part names
for the same parts as were used in the preceding FIGS. 1 and 2. To
avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the detailed
description in the above FIG. 1, 2.
[0105] The UV irradiation apparatus 47 and the membrane filtration
system 19 shown as examples in FIG. 3 are operatively connected to
the conduction elements 8 and/or to the treatment zones 4 such that
at least some or all of the total process liquid conducted through
all existing treatment zones 4 per time unit is used to form at
least one stream 20, 20 of the process liquid to be filtered and/or
irradiated, the resulting stream 20 or resulting streams 20 are
filtered by the at least one membrane filtration system 19 and/or
irradiated by the at least one UV irradiation apparatus 17 and a
filtered and/or irradiated stream 46, 48 of the process liquid can
be at least partially fed into a conduction element 8 and/or a
treatment zone 4. Forming a stream to be filtered and/or irradiated
by using the total quantity of process liquid circulated through
one or more treatment zone(s) can above all be practical in
small-sized devices for treating foods and/or containers.
[0106] In principle, any given liquid stream 5 of the process
liquid can be used to form a stream 20 of the process liquid to be
filtered and/or irradiated and/or partial quantities of the process
liquid can be taken from any liquid stream 5 to form a stream 20.
Likewise, a filtered and/or conducted stream 46, 48 of the process
liquid can in principle be returned to any conduction element 8 for
the process liquid and/or to any treatment zone 4. However, certain
variations of incorporating one or more membrane filtration
system(s) 19 and/or UV irradiation apparatus(es) 47 offer
advantages that are explained in more detail below using additional
example embodiments depicted in the figures.
[0107] In the excerpts of the example embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a
formed stream 20 is fed into a membrane filtration system 19 (left
in FIG. 3) and a formed stream 20 is fed into a UV irradiation
apparatus 37 (right in FIG. 3).
[0108] The membrane filtration system 19 shown by way of example in
FIG. 3 is placed bypass-like between a conduction element
conducting a liquid stream 5 and a treatment zone 3. The UV
irradiation apparatus 47 shown by way of example is placed
bypass-like between two conduction elements 8. In the example
embodiment shown in FIG. 3, a filtered stream 46 is fed into a
treatment zone 4 and an irradiated stream 48 is fed into a
conduction element 8. It would of course also be possible to feed a
filtered stream into a conduction element 8 and an irradiated
stream 48 into a treatment zone 4.
[0109] In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 3, suitable
splitting means 21 are used to remove a partial quantity of a
liquid stream 5 of the process liquid per time unit to form a
stream 20 to be filtered or irradiated. For controlled removal of a
partial quantity out of the liquid stream 5 to form a stream 20,
something like a splitting means 21 in the form of a flow regulator
apparatus 18 can be placed in a feeding element 22 into a membrane
filtration system 19 or into a UV irradiation apparatus 47, as
shown on the left in FIG. 3. Alternately; as shown for example on
the right in FIG. 3, a three-way splitting valve 23 can also be
used as a splitting means 21. An additional splitting means 21 in
the form of a conveying means 11 or pump can be arranged to work
together with a valve 18, 23 in order to allow controlled removal
of a partial quantity of the process liquid out of the conduction
element 8. Preferably, however, the placement of an additional
conveying means 11 in a feeding element 22 of a UV irradiation
apparatus 47 or a membrane filtration system 19 is omitted and, as
shown on the left in FIG. 3, the removal of a partial quantity of
the process liquid is accomplished using only one conveying means
11 placed in a conduction element 8 of the device 1.
[0110] The treatment zone 4 shown on the left in FIG. 3 can again,
for example, be designed as a heating zone for the foods or
containers, the treatment zone 4 shown in the middle of FIG. 3 can
be for pasteurising the food, and the treatment zone 4 shown on the
right in FIG. 3 can be for cooling the foods or containers.
Accordingly, during ongoing treatment mode of the device 1 the
pasteurisation zone 4 placed in the middle would be fed a liquid
stream 5 of a high-temperature process liquid, while the treatment
zones 4 for heating and cooling the foods and containers would be
fed liquid streams 5 at comparably low temperatures.
[0111] As indicated in FIG. 3, in order to spare the membrane
filtration system 19 a liquid stream 5 at a relatively low
temperature can be used to form a stream 20 of the process liquid
to be filtered. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 3, feeding
elements 22 of the depicted membrane filtration system 19 are
operatively connected to the conduction elements 8 leading to the
heating treatment zone, i.e. the treatment zone 4 depicted on the
left in FIG. 3. These conduction elements 8 hold a liquid stream 5
of relatively low-temperature process liquid. It is preferable for
the at least one membrane filtration system for forming a stream 20
of the process liquid to be filtered to be operatively connected to
locations with conduction elements 8 of the device 1 in such a way
as to ensure that process liquids with a temperature between
40.degree. C. and 50.degree. C. are used to form at least one
stream 20 to be filtered. As has been shown, membrane filtration
and the filtration performance of a stream 20 of process liquid is
particularly efficient in this temperature range.
[0112] As is further shown in FIG. 3, it can further be provided
that a feeding element 22 of a membrane filtration system 19 be
connected to a tempering-capable flow container 50 for the process
liquid. Such a flow container 50 can, for example, be designed as a
buffer with integrated heat exchanger or as a buffer with electric
heating, etc. In this way a stream 20 can be formed by removing the
process liquid from the tempering-capable flow container 50 for the
process liquid.
[0113] Alternatively to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 3, an
entire liquid stream 5 of the process liquid can be used to form a
stream 20 of the process liquid, as is shown schematically in FIG.
4. In the example shown in FIG. 4, a membrane filtration system 19
and a UV irradiation apparatus 47 are operatively arranged serially
in a conduction element 9 leading to a treatment zone 4. This way
the entire liquid stream 5 of the process liquid 3 conducted
through the conduction element 8 is directed through the depicted
membrane filtration system 19 and the depicted UV irradiation
apparatus 47 and in the example shown in FIG. 4 fed into a
treatment zone 4 after completed membrane filtration and UV
irradiation. As shown in FIG. 4, in such an arrangement providing
an additional conveying means 11 to bring the process liquid 3 into
a treatment zone 4 after completed membrane filtration and UV
irradiation can be necessary because of the loss of pressure over
the membrane filtration system 19 and the UV irradiation apparatus
47.
[0114] A UV irradiation apparatus suitable for executing the method
or for use in the device can in principle be designed in a variety
of ways. It is presupposed as generally known that UV irradiation
apparatuses with radiation sources that radiate or consist of UV
light with a wavelength equal to or smaller than 254 nm are
particularly effective. In particular, this so-called UVC light
breaks molecular bonds in the DNA of micro-organisms, killing the
micro-organisms or at least converting them into a harmless,
non-reproducing state. Mercury vapour lamps or amalgam lamps are
often used as UVC radiation source(s).
[0115] It is preferable for UV irradiation apparatuses to be placed
in the device that are intended to flow through the liquid to be
irradiated and sterilised, i.e. that are designed as flow
apparatuses. Such UV irradiation apparatuses can e.g. comprise a
chemical-resistant sheath, made e.g. of rust-proof stainless steel,
inside which the UVC radiation source(s) is placed. The sheath can
have at least one feeding element and at least one draining element
so that the liquid to be sterilised can be fed through the inside
of the UV irradiation apparatus or the internal space defined by
the sheath and irradiated. The radiation source(s), e.g. medium
pressure mercury vapour lamp(s) can or could, for example, be
placed in a quartz glass sleeve in the internal space of the UV
irradiation apparatus defined by the sheath so that the liquid
being irradiated flows around the radiation source(s). Alternately,
it can also be provided that the liquid to be irradiated be
conducted into the internal space of a UV irradiation apparatus in
one or more UV-transparent conduit(s) and irradiated by the
radiation source(s) from outside. These kinds of UV irradiation
apparatuses are in principle known in the prior art.
[0116] It is important here for the irradiation power of a UV
irradiation apparatus to be selected so that an effective,
germ-reducing dose of the UVC radiation can be applied to the
liquid to be irradiated. The effectiveness of a UV irradiation
apparatus in regard to reducing germ content is directly dependent
on the applied UV dose. The UV light dose is a product of the UV
light intensity and irradiation time. Therefore the UV dose of a UV
irradiation apparatus depends, among other things, on factors like
the flow rate and speed of the liquid through the UV irradiation
apparatus, UV translucence, and the turbidity of the liquid. When
it comes to long-term effectiveness, however, the formation of
deposits on the radiation source and decreasing radiation intensity
with increasing lamp age must also be taken into account. It can
therefore be practical for the UV irradiation apparatus to include
monitoring devices that monitor the radiation output/intensity of
the radiation source(s) so that a radiation source can be replaced
if the radiation intensity is no longer sufficient.
[0117] In regard to the penetration depth of the UVC radiation into
the liquid being irradiated, elements can for example be placed in
the internal space of the sheath of a UV irradiation apparatus
through which a stream conducted through the UV irradiation
apparatus can be manipulated. For example, dividing a stream
conducted through a UV irradiation apparatus can be useful or
specially guiding it through redirecting elements in the internal
space of the sheath of the UV irradiation apparatus. In addition,
reflecting elements can be useful for better distribution of the UV
radiation in the liquid flowing through.
[0118] FIG. 5 depicts another example embodiment of a device 1 for
treating foods and/or containing, where once again the same
reference signs and part names are used for the same parts as have
been used in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 4. To avoid unnecessary
repetition, please refer to the detailed description in the above
FIGS. 1 to 4. In FIG. 5, a UV irradiation apparatus 47 is
operatively placed directly after a membrane filtration system 19.
This way a filtered stream 46 can be fed into a UV irradiation
apparatus 47 immediately after the filtration process and
irradiated. A filtered and irradiated stream 49 of the process
liquid can again thereafter be fed back into a conduction element 8
holding and/or conducting the process liquid and/or at least one
treatment zone 4. In the example embodiment as in FIG. 5, a
filtered and irradiated stream 49 is fed into a treatment zone
4.
[0119] It is preferable for the number and irradiation power of the
UV irradiation apparatus(es) 47 and the number and filtration
capacity of the membrane filtration system(s) 19 in the device 1 to
be fixed or designed such that the total process liquid quantity
drawn out of at least one conduction element 8 holding and/or
conducting the process liquid per time unit for forming at least
one stream 20 of the process liquid 3 during continuous treatment
can be chosen such that the filtration and UV irradiation of the
stream 20 or the streams 20 can achieve a removal rate of
micro-organisms that is greater than the growth rate of these
micro-organisms in the process liquid 3 in the same interval or
time unit.
[0120] It is preferable to feed an irradiated and/or filtered
stream 46, 48, 49 of the process liquid into a treatment zone 4
and/or a conduction element 8 without conveying means 11. For this
purpose, it can be useful for the draining elements 24 of a UV
irradiation apparatus 47 and/or of a membrane filtration system 19
to be connected e.g. to a treatment zone 4 in such a way that at
least one filtered and/or irradiated stream 46, 48, 49 of the
process liquid can be fed into the treatment zone 4 under the
influence of gravity, in free fall. Such an example embodiment is
shown in FIG. 6 as an example of feeding a filtered and irradiated
stream 49 into a treatment zone 4. To avoid unnecessary
repetitions, FIG. 6 once again uses the same reference signs and
part names for the same parts as are used in the preceding FIGS. 1
and 5.
[0121] FIG. 6 depicts an example embodiment of a technical
connection of a UV irradiation apparatus 47 to a treatment zone 4
in which a draining element 24 leading from the UV irradiation
apparatus 47 to the treatment zone 4 is arranged in such a way that
a constant gradient from top to bottom in the direction from the UV
irradiation apparatus 47 to the treatment zone 4 is formed, as a
result of which the stream 49 of the process liquid 3 conducted
away from the UV irradiation apparatus 47 to the treatment zone 4,
irradiated, and filtered can flow under the influence of gravity.
To introduce the irradiated and filtered stream 49 of the process
liquid 3 into the treatment zone 4, one or more opening(s) 25 in
the treatment zone 4 can or could easily be designed in the
treatment zone 4 or connected to the draining elements 24 so that
the irradiated and filtered stream 49 can flow into the treatment
zone 4.
[0122] Alternately to the design depicted in FIG. 6, only a
membrane filtration system or only a UV irradiation apparatus can
be placed at this location in the device 1 instead of the
combination of one membrane filtration system 19 and one UV
irradiation apparatus 47 technically placed one after the other. It
is also possible for one only directly filtered stream or one only
directly irradiated stream to be fed into at least one treatment
zone 4. To achieve this, draining elements of a membrane filtration
system or draining elements of a UV irradiation apparatus would be
operatively connected to at least one treatment zone.
[0123] FIG. 7 depicts excerpts of another, potentially independent
embodiment of the device 1, where once again the same reference
signs and part names are used for the same parts as have been used
in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 6. To avoid unnecessary repetition,
please refer to the detailed description in the above FIGS. 1 to 6.
FIG. 7 represents an arrangement for feeding an irradiated and
filtered stream 49 of the process liquid 3 into a conduction
element 8 for the process liquid 3, for example a liquid tank 15.
The draining elements 24 again extend from top to bottom in a
constant gradient from the UV irradiation apparatus 47 down to the
liquid tank 8, 15 so that the irradiated and filtered stream 49 can
flow through the opening(s) 25 in the liquid tank 8, 15.
[0124] Alternately to the design depicted in FIG. 7, only a
membrane filtration system or only a UV irradiation apparatus can
again be placed at this location in the device 1 instead of the
combination of one membrane filtration system 19 and one UV
irradiation apparatus 47 technically placed one after the other. It
is therefore again possible for one only directly filtered stream
or one only directly irradiated stream to be fed into at least one
conduction element 8. To achieve this, draining elements of a
membrane filtration system or draining elements of a UV irradiation
apparatus would be operatively connected to a conduction
element.
[0125] FIG. 8 depicts excerpts of another, potentially independent
embodiment of the device 1, where once again the same reference
signs and part names are used for the same parts as have been used
in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 7. To avoid unnecessary repetition,
please refer to the detailed description in the above FIGS. 1 to 7.
In FIG. 8, a treatment zone 4 is arranged for rinsing the outside 6
of the closed containers 2 filled with food, which at least one
treatment zone 4 is arranged at the end of the treatment zone line
in the transport direction 26 of the containers 2 through the
treatment zones 4. In the example embodiment in FIG. 8, an
irradiated and filtered stream 49 of the process liquid 3 is fed
into this treatment zone 4 for cleaning the containers 2. The
treatment zone 4 is again operatively connected to a draining
element 24 of a UV irradiation apparatus 47 for this purpose. In
addition, the treatment zone 4 can be assigned e.g. a fan 27 for
drying the containers 2 with drying air or another drying
device.
[0126] Also alternately to the design depicted in FIG. 8, only a
membrane filtration system or only a UV irradiation apparatus can
again be placed at this location in the device 1 instead of the
combination of one membrane filtration system 19 and one UV
irradiation apparatus 47 technically placed one after the other.
This makes it possible for an only directly filtered stream or an
only directly irradiated stream to be fed into the treatment zone 4
for rinsing the containers 2. To achieve this, draining elements of
a membrane filtration system or draining elements of a UV
irradiation apparatus would be operatively connected to at least
one treatment zone and/or a conduction element.
[0127] FIG. 9 depicts an example embodiment of a design of a
membrane filtration system 19. To avoid unnecessary repetitions,
please refer again to the detailed description in the preceding
FIGS. 1 to 8, where the same reference signs and part names are
used for the same parts as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 8. Let it be
noted at this point that the example embodiment of a membrane
filtration system shown in FIG. 9 is only an example and in
principle embodiments of a membrane filtration system executed in
other ways can be suitable for the method and device for treating
foods and containers.
[0128] As already explained in detail, during filtration the
membrane filtration system 19 as per the example embodiment in FIG.
9 is fed a stream 20 of the process liquid 3 through the feeding
elements 22, where a partial quantity fed in per time unit can be
specified e.g. using a flow regulator apparatus 18. The stream 20
of the process liquid 3 to be filtered can, for example, be
directed by a three-way valve 29 into a pressure vessel 30 in which
filter membrane modules 31 are arranged to filter the process
liquid 3.
[0129] The filter membrane modules 31 shown in FIG. 9 can consist
of a great variety of membranes. The construction of the membranes
can be homogeneous or inhomogeneous and can exhibit different
symmetries in cross-section. In particular, porous membranes in
capillary or hollow fibre form and/or flat membranes can be used.
The membranes can be made out of various materials. Examples of
suitable membrane materials are polyethylene, polypropylene,
polyether sulfone, polyvinylidene fluoride, ethylene propylene
diene monomer (EDPM), polyurethane, or cellulose acetate. It is
preferable to use membrane materials that are hydrophilic.
Alternately and/or additionally to plastic membranes, ceramic
materials can also be used to form the membranes of the filter
membrane modules 31. Particularly suitable are chlorine-resistant
membrane materials that can withstand a chlorine exposure of more
than 200,000 ppm*h and preferably more than 2,000,000 ppm*h.
[0130] The example embodiment shown in FIG. 9 shows operation of
the device 1 and the membrane filtration system(s) 19 under high
pressure. Alternately or additionally, low pressure zones can also
be arranged in at least sections of the device 1; running a
membrane filtration system 19 at low pressure is particularly
conceivable. For example, suction devices (not shown) can be placed
in the draining elements 24, by which a filtered stream 46 of the
process liquid 3 can be suctioned from a filter membrane module 31.
For this reason, the filter membranes of the filter membrane
modules 31 are preferably designed to withstand high and low
pressure and suited for trans-membrane pressures and pressure
differences of at least 1,000 mbar without permanent blocking of
the membranes during ongoing operation of the membrane filtration
system 19. Where needed, membranes suitable for pressures of e.g.
2,000 mbar and up to 5,000 mbar over the particular membrane can
also be used. During filtration, the transmembrane pressure
difference should preferably be less than 5 bar, especially less
than 2 bar, and particularly preferably 1 bar or less. It is
preferable to use porous membranes, with the effective pore
diameter of a particular membrane lying in a range between 0.01
.quadrature.m and 1 .quadrature.m, membranes with effective pore
diameters between 0.05 .quadrature.m and 0.5 .quadrature.m are
particularly suitable for the filter membrane modules 31 of the
membrane filtration system(s) 19.
[0131] The example embodiment shown in FIG. 9 depicts what is
called the "outside-in" mode of the membrane filtration system 19,
in which the stream 20 of the process liquid 3 to be filtered
enters the filter membrane modules 31 from outside during
filtration, filters through the filter membranes of the filter
membrane modules 31, and a filtered stream 46 of the process liquid
3 is drained out of the inside of the filter membrane modules 31
using draining elements 24. Alternately to the example embodiment
shown in FIG. 9, there is also what is called "inside-out"
operation in which a stream 20 of the process liquid 3 to be
filtered is fed into the inside of the filter membrane modules 31
during filtration and a filtered stream 46 of the process liquid 3
exits on the outside of the filter membrane modules 31. In
addition, both a so-called "cross-flow" mode and a cyclical
"dead-end" interconnection are possible when it comes to the flow
of the stream 20 of the process liquid 3 into a filter membrane
module 31. Finally, submerged membrane configurations in which a
filtered stream 46 of the process liquid 3 is suctioned off by low
pressure are also possible. When a membrane filtration system 19 is
in a submerged configuration, a cyclical or acyclical air bubble
rinse or air turbulence can be provided or executed to counter the
formation of a layer on the membrane surfaces.
[0132] In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 9, after the process
liquid 3 passes through the filter membrane modules 31 and
filtration is completed, the filtered stream 46 of the process
liquid 3 is drained out of the membrane filtration system 19
through the draining elements 24 again. As shown in FIG. 9, it can
be advisable here to place a receiving container with an overflow
32 in the drain 24, which depending on its dimensions is designed
for temporary storage of a certain volume of the filtered process
liquid 3 or a filtrate 33. In particular, this filtrate 33 of the
process liquid 3 can be used to clean via flushing by reversing the
flow direction through the filter membrane modules 31.
[0133] To run a cleaning mode for the filter membrane modules 31,
closures 34 are placed in the feeding elements 22 and the draining
elements 24 that permit mechanical separation of the membrane
filtration system 19 from the other structural elements of the
device for treating foods and containers. In addition, at least one
conveying means 11 is placed in the receiving container 32 and/or a
backflush line 35 extending between the receiving container 32 and
the draining elements 24 of the membrane filtration system 19. This
way appropriate switching of the three-way valves 29 can reverse
the flow direction in the membrane filtration system 19 such that
the process liquid 3 flows through the filter membrane modules 31
in the reverse direction 36 than in filtration mode. To drain the
liquid waste accrued in the course of cleaning by reversing the
flow direction through the filter membranes of the membrane filter
system 19, the member filter system 19 is assigned at least one
closable liquid waste line 37. A quantity of fresh process liquid 3
equal to the drained quantity of liquid waste can, for example, be
provided by the feeding device 17 for fresh process liquid 3 shown
in FIG. 2.
[0134] As further shown in FIG. 9, a dispensing device 38 can be
placed in a draining element 24 and/or in the backflush piping 35
of the one membrane filtration system 19 through which the process
liquid 3 or the filtrate 33 of the process liquid 3 can be admixed
with chemicals from one or more chemical sources 39 both during
filtration and when cleaning the membrane filtration system 19.
Chemicals can be admixed during filtration through the three-way
valve 29 arranged in the drain 24. In addition, an adsorption
device 40 can be placed in the drain 24 of the membrane filtration
system 19 that allows removal or separation of substances
dissolved, suspended, or dispersed in a filtered stream 46 of the
process liquid 3.
[0135] In connection with the cleaning of the filter membranes of a
membrane filtration system 19 by backfiushing it can also be
advisable to arrange a UV irradiation apparatus 47 between a
membrane filtration system 19 and a receiving container 32, as is
shown by way of example in FIG. 9. This permits UV irradiation of
the process liquid 3 collected in the receiving container 32 during
a backflushing/cleaning process for a membrane filtration system 19
and allows a backfiushing liquid with particularly low germ content
to be used for backflushing the filter membranes.
[0136] FIG. 10 depicts excerpts of another, potentially independent
embodiment of the device 1, where once again the same reference
signs and part names are used for the same parts as have been used
in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 9. To avoid unnecessary repetition,
please refer to the detailed description in the above FIGS. 1 to 9.
FIG. 10 depicts sensors 41 that are designed for continuous
monitoring of the degree of contamination, especially by measuring
the turbidity of the process liquid. Sensors 41 for measuring or
monitoring the turbidity of the process liquid can, for example, be
placed in the conduction elements 8 and/or in the treatment zones 4
of the device 1.
[0137] The measured values of the sensors 41 can be used to assign
a UV irradiation apparatus 47 and/or a membrane filtration system
19 to different treatment zones 4 or conduction elements 8 for
liquid streams of the process liquid via switching means and
directing elements, as shown by way of example in FIG. 10.
Switching between conduction elements 8 and/or treatment zones 4
can naturally also be done based on measurements using random
samples taken from the device 1.
[0138] To switch a membrane filtration system 19 or UV irradiation
apparatus 47 to different conduction elements 8, the feeding
elements 22 of a UV irradiation apparatus 47 and/or a membrane
filtration system 19 can, for example, each be assigned two
switching means 42, 42, as shown in FIG. 10. The two depicted
switching means 42, 42 are operatively connected to two different
conduction elements 8, 8 holding the process liquid in such a way
that a stream 20 of the process liquid can be formed either out of
one of the two liquid streams 5, 5 of the process liquid in the
conduction elements 8, 8 or out of both liquid streams 5, 5. For
this purpose the two switching means 42, 42 can be designed as
so-called "open-shut valves" so that each of the two switching
means 42, 42 can operatively open or close the supply of process
liquid into a UV irradiation apparatus 47 and/or a membrane
filtration system 19. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 10,
the membrane filtration system 19 shown on the left side also has a
UV irradiation apparatus 47 operatively placed directly after
it.
[0139] A suitable alternative to the example embodiment shown in
FIG. 10 would naturally also be one switching means 42 designed as
a 3-way switching means (not shown in FIG. 10) for switching the
feeding elements 22 of the right-hand UV irradiation apparatus 47
and/or the left-hand membrane filtration system 19 to one of the
two conduction elements 8. The switching means 42 designed as 3-way
switching means 42 would again be assigned the feeding elements 22
of the UV irradiation apparatus 47 or of the membrane filtration
system 19 on the one hand and connected to two different conduction
elements 8, 8 on the other hand.
[0140] In FIG. 10 and below, the depiction and description using
2-way switching means is maintained for better understanding, with
it being noted at this juncture that the placement of a switchable
UV irradiation apparatus 47 and/or membrane filtration system 19 on
the inlet or outlet side can be designed in numerous ways and is
not limited to the example embodiments depicted in FIG. 10 and
below.
[0141] Instead of switching means 42, a feeding element 22 of a UV
irradiation apparatus 47 and/or a membrane filtration system 19 can
also be assigned two mixing means 43, 43 as indicated in FIG. 10.
The mixing means 43, 43 are again operatively connected to two
different conduction elements 8, 8 holding the process liquid in
such a way that the stream 20 of the process liquid can again be
formed either out of one of the two liquid streams 5, 5 of the
process liquid or out of both liquid streams 5, 5 in the conduction
elements 8, 8 or by removing and mixing specifiable partial
quantities from the two liquid streams 5, 5 of the process liquid.
For this purpose, the mixing means 43, 43 can for example be
designed as flow regulator valves.
[0142] Of course, a UV irradiation apparatus 47 and/or a membrane
filtration system 19 can also be assigned more than two switching
means 42 and/or mixing means 43, which can accordingly be connected
to more than two conduction elements 8. The measured values of the
turbidity measurement sensors 41 can, for example, be used to feed
a process liquid with relatively low turbidity directly into a UV
irradiation apparatus 47. On the other hand, a relatively strongly
contaminated or turbid process liquid can be fed into a membrane
filtration system 19 based on the turbidity monitoring.
[0143] FIG. 11 depicts excerpts of another, potentially independent
embodiment of the device 1, where once again the same reference
signs and part names are used for the same parts as have been used
in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 10. To avoid unnecessary repetition,
please refer to the detailed description in the above FIGS. 1 to
10. In the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 11, a drain 24 of a
membrane filtration system 19 is assigned three switching means 44,
44. A switching means is operatively connected to a conduction
element 8 in the form of a liquid tank 15. Another switching means
44 is operatively connected to a treatment zone 4. A third
switching means 44 is connected to a UV irradiation apparatus 47.
These example designs of the device 1 can feed a filtered stream 46
of the process liquid 3 either into the conduction element 8 in the
form of a liquid tank 15 or the treatment zone 4 or the UV
irradiation apparatus 47 or into all of the conduction element 8,
the treatment zone 4, and the UV irradiation apparatus 47.
[0144] For this purpose, the three switching means 44, 44, 44 in
FIG. 11 can again be designed as so-called "open/shut valves" so
that each of the three switching means 44, 44, 44 can operatively
open or close the discharge of a filtered stream 46 out of the
membrane filtration system 19 into the treatment zone 4 and/or the
at least one conduction element 8 and/or the at least one UV
irradiation apparatus 47.
[0145] Instead of switching means 44, a draining element 24 of a
membrane filtration system 19 can also be assigned three splitting
means 45, 45, 45 as indicated in FIG. 11. A splitting means 45 is
again operatively connected to a conduction element 8 in the form
of a liquid tank 15. A second splitting means 45 is operatively
connected to a treatment zone 4. Finally, a third splitting means
45 is connected to the depicted UV irradiation apparatus 47.
Because of this design, the filtered stream 46 of the process
liquid 3 can again be fed either into the conduction element 8
designed as a liquid tank 15 and/or the treatment zone 4 and/or the
UV irradiation apparatus 47. Alternately, the liquid tank 15 and/or
the treatment zone 4 and/or the UV irradiation apparatus 47 can
each be fed specifiable partial quantities of the filtered stream
46 of the process liquid 3. For this purpose, the splitting means
45, 45, 45 can, for example, again be designed as flow regulator
valves. A membrane filtration system 19 can again be assigned more
than three switching means 44 and/or splitting means 45, which can
accordingly be connected to multiple conduction elements 8 and/or
multiple treatment zones 4 and/or multiple UV irradiation
apparatuses 47.
[0146] The UV irradiation apparatus 47 depicted in FIG. 11 is
connected on the outlet side to at least one treatment zone 4
and/or at least one conduction element 8, 15 by switching means 44
and/or splitting means 45 in order to be able to feed a filtered
and irradiated stream 49 into the treatment zone 4 and/or the
conduction element 8.
[0147] The example embodiments show possible variations of the
method and the device for treating foods and/or containers; let it
be noted at this juncture that the invention is not limited to the
specially portrayed variations of embodiments themselves, but that
diverse combinations of the individual variations of embodiments
are possible and that this possibility of variation falls within
the competence of a person active in this technical field based on
the teaching regarding technical action provided by this
invention.
[0148] Furthermore, individual characteristics or combinations of
characteristics from the depicted and described various example
embodiments can constitute independent inventive or invented
solutions.
[0149] The aim underlying the independent invented solutions can be
taken from the description.
[0150] All information regarding ranges of values in this
description should be understood to mean that these include any and
all partial ranges, e.g. the statement 1 to 10 should be understood
to mean that all partial ranges starting from the lower threshold 1
and the upper threshold 10 are included, i.e. all partial ranges
begin with a lower threshold of 1 or larger and with an upper
threshold of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7 or 3.2 to 8.1 or 5.5 to
10.
[0151] Above all, the individual embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 11
can form the subject of independent invented solutions. The
relevant aims according to the invention and solutions can be found
in the detailed descriptions of these figures.
[0152] As a matter of form, let it be noted that, to facilitate a
better understanding of the design of the device for treating foods
and/or containers, these and their components have in places been
portrayed not to scale and/or enlarged and/or scaled-down.
TABLE-US-00001 List of reference signs 1 Device 2 Container 3
Process liquid 4 Treatment zone 5 Liquid stream 6 Outside 7 Spray
nozzle 8 Conduction element 9 Collecting tub 10 Means of transport
11 Conveying means 12 Heating means 13 Cooling means 14 Liquid tank
15 Liquid tank 16 Emptying device 17 Feeding device 18 Flow
regulator apparatus 19 Membrane filtration system 20 Stream 21
Splitting means 22 Feeding element 23 Three-way splitting valve 24
Draining element 25 Opening 26 Direction of transport 27 Fan 28
Inside 29 Three-way valve 30 Pressure vessel 31 Filter membrane
module 32 Receiving container 33 Filtrate 34 Closure 35 Backflush
piping 36 Direction 37 Liquid waste line 38 Dispensing device 39
Chemical source 40 Adsorption device 41 Sensor 42 Switching means
43 Mixing means 44 Switching means 45 Splitting means 46 Stream 47
UV irradiation apparatus 48 Stream 49 Stream 50 Flow container
* * * * *