JP6132454B2 - Container filling system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a container filling system and an electron beam sterilization unit, and more particularly to a container filling system and an electron beam sterilization unit that can suppress the inflow of ozone into the filler part and can ensure the air cleanliness of the filler part.

  As a conventional container filling system, for example, an aseptic filling machine for filling a plastic bottle with tea or mineral water as a soft drink in an aseptic environment is known. Such a container filling system includes an electron beam sterilization unit that irradiates the container with an electron beam and sterilizes the container, and a filler unit that fills the container that has passed through the electron beam sterilization unit.

  Here, in the container filling system, X-rays are generated by electron beam irradiation in the electron beam sterilization unit, and oxygen in the air is converted into ozone. Since this ozone causes the contents to oxidize and deteriorate, it is necessary to suppress the inflow to the filler portion.

  Moreover, in order to prevent the contamination of the contents, it is necessary to prevent the entry of foreign substances and bacteria from outside the chamber. In particular, in the filler part, since the process of filling the contents into the container is performed, the highest air cleanliness (state with the smallest amount of fine particles in the air) is required.

  As a conventional container filling system related to such a problem, a technique described in Patent Document 1 is known.

JP 2008-162652 A

  It is an object of the present invention to provide a container filling system and an electron beam sterilization unit that can suppress the inflow of ozone into the filler part and can ensure the air cleanliness of the filler part.

In order to achieve the above object, a container filling system according to the present invention fills a container with an electron beam sterilization unit that irradiates the container with an electron beam and sterilizes the container, and the container that has passed through the electron beam sterilization unit. A container filling system comprising a filler unit, which is disposed downstream of the electron beam sterilization unit in the container conveyance direction and upstream of the filler unit in the container conveyance direction, and is a chamber of the electron beam sterilization unit A downstream chamber having a lower pressure than the pressure and the chamber pressure of the filler portion, and a chamber pressure that is disposed upstream of the electron beam sterilization portion in the container transport direction and lower than the chamber pressure of the downstream chamber an upstream chamber having to discharge the Earinsu portion having a lower chamber pressure than room pressure of the upstream chamber while being disposed upstream of the upstream chamber, the air in the upstream chamber discharge Comprising a device and an exhaust device for exhausting the air in the downstream chamber, and a dehumidifier for dehumidifying the air in the electron beam sterilizing unit, and the upstream chamber and the downstream chamber is higher than the outside air pressure It has a room pressure, and the electron beam sterilization unit performs sterilization with an electron beam in both an inverted state and an upright state with respect to one container .

In this container filling system, since the chamber pressure of the electron beam sterilization unit is higher than the chamber pressure of the downstream chamber, a part of ozone generated by electron beam irradiation in the electron beam sterilization unit is transferred from the electron beam sterilization unit to the downstream chamber. Flow into. On the other hand, since the chamber pressure in the filler section is higher than the chamber pressure in the downstream chamber, the inflow of ozone from the downstream chamber to the filler section is suppressed, and foreign matter contained in the air in the filler section is downstream from the filler section. Collected in the chamber. Thereby, there exists an advantage which can ensure the air cleanliness of a filler part while being able to suppress the inflow of ozone to a filler part .

  According to the container filling system and the electron beam sterilization unit according to the present invention, there is an advantage that the inflow of ozone to the filler part can be suppressed and the air cleanliness of the filler part can be ensured.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a container filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an explanatory view showing an electron beam sterilization unit of the container filling system shown in FIG. FIG. 3 is an explanatory view showing a modification of the container filling system shown in FIG.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments. Further, the constituent elements of this embodiment include those that can be replaced while maintaining the identity of the invention and that are obvious for replacement. In addition, a plurality of modifications described in this embodiment can be arbitrarily combined within a range obvious to those skilled in the art.

[Container filling system]
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing a container filling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The figure shows the relationship between the configuration of the container filling system 1 and the chamber pressure distribution in each chamber. Moreover, FIG. 2 is explanatory drawing which shows the electron beam disinfection unit of the container filling system described in FIG. The figure shows the internal structure of the electron beam sterilization unit.

  The container filling system 1 is a filling system for filling a container with contents, and is particularly applied to a food machine such as a food packaging machine. In this embodiment, the case where the container is a plastic bottle and the content is a beverage will be described as an example.

  The container filling system 1 includes an introduction line 21 and a carry-out line 22, a supply unit 31, an air rinse unit 32, an electron beam sterilization unit 34, an upstream chamber 33 and a downstream chamber 35, a gas replacement unit 36, and a filler. The part 37, the capper part 38, the carrying-out part 39, the several air blowers 41-43, and the some exhaust apparatus 44-47 are provided (refer FIG. 1). In this container filling system 1, the supply line 31 to the carry-out part 39 in the container transfer line is a clean room in which fine particles in the atmosphere are controlled to a predetermined reference amount or less.

  In this embodiment, “upstream side” and “downstream side” are defined with reference to the conveyance direction of the container. A unit including the electron beam sterilization unit 34, the upstream chamber 33, and the downstream chamber 35 is referred to as an electron beam sterilization unit U.

  The introduction line 21 is a line for carrying a container, and receives the container from a molding apparatus (not shown) for molding the container and conveys the container downstream. The unloading line 22 is a line for unloading containers, receives products from the unloading unit 39, and transports them to a predetermined place.

  The supply unit 31 is configured such that a transfer device such as a star wheel is disposed in the chamber (not shown), and is disposed on the downstream side of the introduction line 21. In this supply part 31, a conveyance apparatus receives a container from the introduction line 21, and supplies it downstream.

  The air rinsing unit 32 is configured by arranging a blower device and a transfer device in a chamber (not shown), and is arranged on the downstream side of the supply unit 31. In the air rinse section 32, the transport device transports the container to the downstream side, and the blower device blows air into the container and removes foreign matter in the container. In this embodiment, the conveying device inverts and conveys the container, and the blower device blows air into the container in this inverted state (not shown).

  The electron beam sterilization unit 34 is configured by arranging a pair of electron beam irradiation devices 341 and 342 and a pair of transfer devices 343 and 344 in a chamber 345 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). In the electron beam sterilization unit 34, the pair of transport devices 343 and 344 transport the container downstream, and the pair of electron beam irradiation devices 341 and 342 sterilize the container by irradiating the container with the electron beam. To do. In this embodiment, sterilization with an electron beam is performed in both the inverted state and the upright state of the container. Specifically, the first transport device 343 transports the container in an inverted state, and the first electron beam irradiation device 341 irradiates the container with the first electron beam in this inverted state. Further, when the container is transferred from the first transfer device 343 to the second transfer device 344, the inverted state is returned to the upright state (transfer function). Then, the second transport device 344 transports the container upright, and in this upright state, the second electron beam irradiation device 342 irradiates the container with the electron beam for the second time. The chamber 345 of the electron beam sterilization unit 34 is covered with a shielding substance in order to prevent X-rays generated by electron beam irradiation from leaking to the outside. Note that the electron beam sterilization unit 34 does not necessarily need to bring the container upright.

  The upstream chamber 33 and the downstream chamber 35 are chambers for shielding X-rays generated by electron beam irradiation in the electron beam sterilization unit 34 and removing ozone generated by electron beam irradiation. The upstream chamber 33 is configured by the transfer device 331 being disposed in the chamber 332, and is disposed upstream of the electron beam sterilization unit 34 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The downstream chamber 35 is configured by arranging the transfer device 351 in the chamber 352 and is arranged on the downstream side of the electron beam sterilization unit 34. For example, in this embodiment, the upstream chamber 33 is disposed between the air rinse part 32 and the electron beam sterilization part 34 and is adjacent to the electron beam sterilization part 34. A downstream chamber 35 is disposed between the electron beam sterilization unit 34 and the gas replacement unit 36 and is adjacent to the electron beam sterilization unit 34.

  The gas replacement unit 36 includes a blower device and a transfer device arranged in a chamber (not shown), and is arranged downstream of the electron beam sterilization unit U (downstream chamber 35). In the gas replacement unit 36, the transport device transports the container to the downstream side, and the blower device blows air into the container and expels ozone generated by the electron beam sterilization process from the container. The gas replacement unit 36 may include a cleaning device that cleans the container with water (not shown).

  The filler unit 37 is configured by arranging a filling device and a transfer device in a chamber (not shown), and is arranged downstream of the gas replacement unit 36. In the filler unit 37, the transport device transports the container to the downstream side, and the filling device fills the container with the contents in the middle.

  In this embodiment, since the container is conveyed to the filler unit 37 in an upright state, a transfer device for bringing the container carried into the filler unit 37 into an upright state is omitted (see FIG. 1). ). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in a configuration in which the container is conveyed to the filler unit 37 in an inverted state, a transfer device for placing the container in an upright state is disposed on the upstream side of the filler unit 37 or inside the filler unit 37. (Not shown).

  The capper unit 38 is configured by arranging a capper device and a transfer device (not shown) in the chamber, and is disposed on the downstream side of the filler unit 37. In the capper unit 38, the transport device transports the container to the downstream side, and the capper device attaches a cap to the container in the middle.

  The carry-out unit 39 is configured by arranging a transfer device in the chamber (not shown), and is arranged on the downstream side of the capper unit 38. In the carry-out unit 39, the conveyance device receives the container from the capper unit 38 and conveys it to the carry-out line 22 on the downstream side.

  The blowers 41 to 43 are devices that send in air and are installed in the electron beam sterilization unit 34, the filler unit 37, and the capper unit 38, respectively, and send air into these chambers. For example, in this embodiment, the blowers 41 to 43 are fan filter units having a blower and a dust filter, and aseptic air is sent to the electron beam sterilization unit 34, the filler unit 37, and the capper unit 38, respectively. The exhaust devices 44 to 47 are devices that exhaust air, and are disposed in the supply unit 31, the upstream chamber 33, the downstream chamber 35, and the carry-out unit 39, respectively, and exhaust the air in these chambers.

  In the container filling system 1, first, the container is conveyed from the introduction line 21 to the air rinse unit 32 via the supply unit 31. In the air rinse section 32, the container is turned upside down, and air is blown into the container to remove foreign substances in the container (see FIG. 1). Next, the container is transported from the air rinse section 32 to the electron beam sterilization section 34 through the upstream chamber 33. In this electron beam sterilization part 34, an electron beam is irradiated to a container and the container is sterilized (refer FIG. 2). Next, the container is conveyed from the electron beam sterilization unit 34 to the gas replacement unit 36 through the downstream chamber 35. In the gas replacement unit 36, air is blown into the container, and ozone generated by the electron beam sterilization treatment is removed from the container. Next, the container is transported from the gas replacement unit 36 to the filler unit 37. In the filler unit 37, the container is filled with contents. Next, the container is conveyed from the filler unit 37 to the capper unit 38. In the cap part 38, a cap is attached to the container. Thereafter, the container is transported from the capper section 38 to the unloading line 22 via the unloading section 39.

[Room pressure distribution in each chamber]
Here, in the container filling system 1, X-rays are generated by irradiation of the electron beam in the electron beam sterilization unit 34, and oxygen in the air is converted into ozone. Since this ozone causes the contents to oxidize and deteriorate, it is necessary to suppress the inflow into the filler part 37.

  Moreover, in order to prevent the contamination of the contents, it is necessary to prevent the entry of foreign substances and bacteria from outside the chamber. In particular, in the filler unit 37, the process of filling the container with the contents is performed, so that the highest air cleanliness (state with the least amount of fine particles in the air) is required.

  Therefore, in this container filling system 1 (electron beam sterilization unit U), the following configuration is adopted in order to suppress the inflow of ozone into the filler unit 37 and ensure the air cleanliness of the filler unit 37 ( FIG. 1 and FIG. 2).

  First, in order from the upstream side in the container conveying direction, the chamber pressure P1 of the supply unit 31, the chamber pressure P2 of the air rinse unit 32, the chamber pressure P3 of the upstream chamber 33, the chamber pressure P4 of the electron beam sterilization unit 34, and the downstream chamber The chamber pressure P5 of the gas replacement unit 36, the chamber pressure P7 of the filler unit 37, the chamber pressure P8 of the capper unit 38, and the chamber pressure P9 of the unloading unit 39 are defined. These chamber pressures P1 to P9 are atmospheric pressures in the respective chambers. Further, the external atmospheric pressure (the atmospheric pressure outside the chamber) is P0.

  At this time, the chamber pressures P1 to P9 are set to have a relationship of P1 <P0 <P2 <P3 <P4> P5 <P6 <P7> P8> P0> P9 (see FIG. 1). For example, in this embodiment, the blowers 41 to 43 supply air to the respective chambers of the electron beam sterilization unit 34, the filler unit 37, and the capper unit 38, and the exhaust devices 44 to 47 supply the supply unit 31 and the upstream chamber 33. The air is discharged from the chambers of the downstream chamber 35 and the carry-out part 39. In addition, each chamber is provided with a pressure gauge (not shown) for measuring the chamber pressure, and based on output signals from these pressure gauges, drive control of the blowers 41 to 43 and the exhaust devices 44 to 47 (blowing fan / Exhaust fan output control or air valve opening control) is performed. Thereby, the chamber pressures P1 to P9 of each chamber are controlled to the above relationship.

  In the above configuration, the chamber pressure P7 of the filler portion 37 is the highest. Thereby, the air cleanliness of the filler part 37 is maintained appropriately.

  Moreover, the chamber pressure P4 of the electron beam sterilization part 34 is higher than the chamber pressure P5 of the downstream chamber 35 (P4> P5). For this reason, ozone generated by electron beam irradiation easily flows into the downstream chamber 35 from the electron beam sterilization unit 34. On the other hand, the chamber pressure P7 of the filler unit 37 is higher than that of the downstream chamber 35 (P7> P5). For this reason, the inflow of ozone from the downstream chamber 35 to the filler unit 37 is suppressed, and foreign substances contained in the air of the filler unit 37 are likely to gather from the filler unit 37 into the downstream chamber 35. Therefore, the downstream chamber 35 collects ozone from the electron beam sterilization unit 34 and foreign matter from the filler unit 37. Then, ozone and foreign matter in the downstream chamber 35 are discharged outside by the exhaust device 46 and collected.

  For example, in this embodiment, air blowers 41 and 42 having a dust filter are installed in the electron beam sterilization unit 34 and the filler unit 37, respectively, and aseptic air is sent into each chamber (see FIGS. 1 and 2). . An exhaust device 46 is disposed in the downstream chamber 35 to exhaust air from the chamber 352. Then, by driving and controlling the blowers 41 and 42 and the exhaust device 46, the chamber pressure P4 of the electron beam sterilization unit 34, the chamber pressure P7 of the filler unit 37, and the chamber pressure P5 of the downstream chamber 35 are P4> P5. <P7 is controlled.

  The chamber pressure P4 of the electron beam sterilization unit 34 and the chamber pressure P5 of the downstream chamber 35 preferably have a relationship of 2 [Pa] ≦ (P4−P5) ≦ 100 [Pa]. Thereby, the ozone generated in the electron beam sterilization unit 34 is properly collected in the downstream chamber 35. Moreover, it is preferable that the chamber pressure P5 of the downstream chamber 35 and the chamber pressure P7 of the filler part 37 have a relationship of 2 [Pa] ≦ (P7−P5) ≦ 100 [Pa]. Thereby, the outflow of ozone from the downstream chamber 35 to the filler unit 37 is suppressed.

  Further, the chamber pressure P4 of the electron beam sterilization unit 34 is higher than the chamber pressure P3 of the upstream chamber 33 (P4> P3). For this reason, a part of the ozone generated by the electron beam irradiation flows into the upstream chamber 33 from the electron beam sterilization unit 34 and is collected. Then, the ozone in the upstream chamber 33 is discharged outside by the exhaust device 45 and collected.

  Further, the chamber pressure P3 of the upstream chamber 33 is lower than the chamber pressure P5 of the downstream chamber 35 (P3 <P5). Here, the difference ΔP between the chamber pressure P3 of the upstream chamber 33 and the chamber pressure P5 of the downstream chamber 35 is preferably in the range of 1 [Pa] ≦ ΔP ≦ 100 [Pa]. Thereby, the ozone generated in the electron beam sterilization unit 34 is more likely to flow into the upstream chamber 33 than the downstream chamber 35.

  Further, the chamber pressure P3 of the upstream chamber 33 and the chamber pressure P5 of the downstream chamber 35 are higher than the external pressure P0 (P0 <P3 <P5). Here, the difference (P3-P5) between the room pressure P3 and the external pressure P0 of the upstream chamber 33 is preferably in the range of 1 [Pa] ≦ (P3-P5) ≦ 100 [Pa]. Thereby, outflow of ozone from the upstream chamber 33 and the downstream chamber 35 to the outside is suppressed.

  For example, in this embodiment, the upstream chamber 33 and the downstream chamber 35 are arranged adjacent to each other so as to sandwich the electron beam sterilization unit 34. Thereby, ozone from the electron beam sterilization unit 34 is efficiently recovered in the upstream chamber 33 and the downstream chamber 35. Further, the arrangement of the upstream chamber 33 and the downstream chamber 35 suppresses X-ray leakage from the entrance / exit of the electron beam sterilization unit 34 (the container transport entrance of the chamber 345). Further, the inlet of the upstream chamber 33 (the opening on the upstream side in the container transport direction) and the outlet of the downstream chamber 35 (the opening on the downstream side in the container transport direction) are the entrances and exits of other chambers (for example, the container of the filler unit 37). It is smaller than the entrance / exit for conveyance. Thereby, outflow of ozone or leakage of X-rays from the upstream chamber 33 and the downstream chamber 35 to the outside is suppressed.

In this embodiment, the air rinse section 32 is disposed between the supply section 31 and the electron beam sterilization unit U (upstream chamber 33) (see FIG. 1). Such a configuration is preferable in that the foreign matter removed from the container by air rinsing can be collected by the exhaust device 44 in the supply unit 31 having a low chamber pressure . Thereby, a foreign material can be collect | recovered in the front | former stage of the electron beam sterilization part 34 used as an aseptic area | region.

  However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the air rinse section 32 may be disposed between the electron beam sterilization unit U (downstream chamber 35) and the gas replacement section 36 (see FIG. 3). In such a configuration, the chamber pressures P1 to P9 are set to have a relationship of P1 <P0 <P3 <P4> P5 <P2 <P6 <P7> P8> P0> P9.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the one air blower 42 is arrange | positioned at the filler part 37 (refer FIG. 1). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is preferable that a plurality of blowers be arranged in the filler unit 37. In such a configuration, even when one blower fails, the chamber pressure P7 of the filler portion 37 can be secured by another blower. Thereby, the air cleanliness of the filler part 37 can be maintained appropriately.

  In this embodiment, supply part 31 and carry-out part 39 have lower room pressures P1 and P9 than other chambers. Further, the exhaust devices 44 and 47 exhaust and collect ozone or foreign matter flowing into the supply unit 31 and the carry-out unit 39 from within each chamber. At this time, since the supply unit 31 and the carry-out unit 39 are lower than the external pressure P0, the situation where the recovered ozone or foreign matter flows out from the supply unit 31 and the carry-out unit 39 is prevented. Thereby, the environmental property of the container filling system 1 is improved.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, the air blower 41 which sends air into the electron beam sterilization part 34, and the dehumidifier 48 which dehumidifies the air supplied to this air blower 41 are installed (refer FIG. 2). Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of nitric acid in the electron beam sterilization part 34 is suppressed. In particular, the blower 41 has a dust filter, and the dehumidifier 48 is arranged on the upstream side of the air flow with respect to the blower 41, whereby aseptic and dehumidified air is supplied to the electron beam sterilization unit 34. Has been. In addition, as the dehumidifier 48, a cooler can be employ | adopted, for example.

  In this container filling system 1, a gas processing device that performs an inert gasification process on the air supplied to the blower 41 may be arranged (not shown). Thereby, generation | occurrence | production of ozone in the electron beam sterilization part 34 is suppressed more effectively.

  In the container filling system 1, for example, a cooling device for cooling the chamber 345 of the electron beam sterilization unit 34, cooling an electron gun that irradiates an electron beam, cooling a handling device that holds the container, and the like is installed. (Not shown). With the arrangement of the cooling device, the temperature in the electron beam sterilization unit 34 can be optimized (for example, 65 [° C.] or lower). As such a cooling device, for example, the dehumidifying device 48 may be used.

[effect]
As described above, the container filling system 1 is disposed on the downstream side in the container transport direction with respect to the electron beam sterilization unit 34 and on the upstream side in the container transport direction with respect to the filler unit 37, and the chamber of the electron beam sterilization unit 34. A downstream chamber 35 having a chamber pressure P5 lower than the pressure P4 is provided (see FIGS. 1 and 2). In this configuration, (1) since the chamber pressure P4 of the electron beam sterilization unit 34 is higher than the chamber pressure P5 of the downstream chamber 35, a part of ozone generated by the electron beam irradiation in the electron beam sterilization unit 34 is an electron beam. It flows from the sterilization section 34 into the downstream chamber 35. On the other hand, (2) since the chamber pressure P7 of the filler portion 37 is higher than the chamber pressure P5 of the downstream chamber 35, the inflow of ozone from the downstream chamber 35 to the filler portion 37 is suppressed, and the air in the filler portion 37 The foreign matter contained in is collected in the downstream chamber 35 from the filler portion 37. Thereby, (1) the inflow of ozone to the filler unit 37 is suppressed, and (2) the air cleanliness of the filler unit 37 can be ensured.

  In addition, the container filling system 1 includes an exhaust device 46 that exhausts the air in the downstream chamber 35 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). In such a configuration, ozone from the electron beam sterilization unit 34 and foreign matter from the filler unit 37 are collected in the downstream chamber 35 by the exhaust device 46 and discharged to the outside. Thereby, there exists an advantage which can collect | recover ozone and a foreign material in a chamber appropriately.

  Further, the container filling system 1 includes an upstream chamber 33 that is disposed upstream of the electron beam sterilization unit 34 in the container transport direction and has a chamber pressure P3 that is lower than the chamber pressure P4 of the electron beam sterilization unit 34. (See FIGS. 1 and 2). In such a configuration, since the chamber pressure P4 of the electron beam sterilization unit 34 is higher than the chamber pressure P3 of the upstream chamber 33, a part of ozone generated by the electron beam irradiation in the electron beam sterilization unit 34 is part of the electron beam sterilization unit 34. Flows into the upstream chamber 33. Thereby, there exists an advantage by which the outflow of ozone to a container conveyance direction downstream is suppressed.

  In the container filling system 1, the upstream chamber 33 has a chamber pressure P3 that is lower than the chamber pressure P5 of the downstream chamber 35 (P3 <P5). In such a configuration, ozone generated in the electron beam sterilization unit 34 flows more easily into the upstream chamber 33 than the downstream chamber 35. Accordingly, there is an advantage that the outflow of ozone and the scattering of foreign matters to the line (particularly, the filler portion 37) on the downstream side of the downstream chamber 35 are suppressed.

  In the container filling system 1, the upstream chamber 33 and the downstream chamber 35 have a chamber pressure P5 higher than the external pressure P0 (P0 <P3 <P5). Thereby, there is an advantage that the outflow of ozone from the upstream chamber 33 and the downstream chamber 35 to the outside is suppressed. This is particularly beneficial when the blower 41 of the electron beam sterilization unit 34 is stopped.

  Further, the container filling system 1 includes a dehumidifying device 48 for dehumidifying the air of the electron beam sterilizing unit 34 (see FIG. 2). In such a configuration, the dehumidifying device 48 dehumidifies the air of the electron beam sterilization unit 34, and therefore, there is an advantage that generation of nitric acid at the time of electron beam irradiation is suppressed.

  As described above, the container filling system and the electron beam sterilization unit according to the present invention are useful in that the flow of ozone into the filler part can be suppressed and the air cleanliness of the filler part can be secured.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Container filling system 21 Introduction line 22 Unloading line 31 Supply part 32 Air rinse part 33 Upstream chamber 331 Transfer apparatus 332 Chamber 34 Electron beam sterilization part 341,342 Electron beam irradiation apparatus 343,344 Transfer apparatus 345 Chamber 35 Downstream chamber 351 Transfer Device 352 Chamber 36 Gas replacement portion 37 Filler portion 38 Capper portion 39 Unloading portions 41 to 43 Blower devices 44 to 47 Exhaust device 48 Dehumidifying device U Electron beam sterilization unit

Claims (1)

A container filling system comprising an electron beam sterilization unit that irradiates a container with an electron beam and sterilizes the container, and a filler unit that fills a container that has passed through the electron beam sterilization unit,
A chamber that is disposed downstream of the electron beam sterilization unit in the container conveyance direction and upstream of the filler unit in the container conveyance direction, and is lower than the chamber pressure of the electron beam sterilization unit and the chamber pressure of the filler unit A downstream chamber having pressure;
An upstream chamber disposed upstream of the electron beam sterilization unit in a container transport direction and having a lower chamber pressure than a chamber pressure of the downstream chamber;
An air rinse section disposed upstream of the upstream chamber and having a chamber pressure lower than the chamber pressure of the upstream chamber ;
An exhaust device for exhausting air in the upstream chamber;
An exhaust device for discharging air in the downstream chamber;
A dehumidifying device for dehumidifying the air of the electron beam sterilization unit , and
The upstream chamber and the downstream chamber have a chamber pressure higher than an external pressure, and
The container filling system, wherein the electron beam sterilization unit performs sterilization with an electron beam in both an inverted state and an upright state with respect to one container .

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