GB1282003A - Improvements in or relating to the sterilisation of containers - Google Patents

Abstract

1282003 Sterilisation URSINA AG 14 Aug 1969 [14 Aug 1968] 40698/69 Heading A2D An apparatus for the continuous sterilisation of pressure-sensitive containers comprises a feed passage having an intake charging valve, a preheating zone, a sterilisation zone, a cooling zone and a free outlet along which passage, containers are conveyed solely by means of a flowing liquid which serves also as a heat transfer medium, the charging valve, preheating zone, cooling zone and outlet being at a higher level than the sterilisation zone. The preheating zone is formed in a plurality of turns having a continuous downwardly directed gradient to a junction between the preheating zone and one end of the sterilisation zone which itself is wound in a plurality of turns. The other end of the sterilisation zone is joined to the cooling zone which is wound in a plurality of turns having a continuous upward gradient extending at least a height corresponding to the entire height of the preheating zone. Heat exchangers are provided for the feed passage to exchange heat with the flowing liquid. The arrangement is such that the hydrostatic pressure in the feed passage at least between the intake charging valve and a point in the cooling zone having the same temperature as said valve is greater than the internal pressure of the container. A suitable apparatus is shown in Fig. 1 wherein containers 2 are fed by inlet charging valve 1 to a feed passage 3, a preheating zone V, sterilisation zone S and cooling zone K. The zones V and K consist of a plurality of turns wound in a coil-like manner and having a steeper gradient than that in zone S. These turns are provided with heat exchangers 5, 5'. Heat exchangers 5" are provided in zone S. The charging valve preferably comprises a housing which is tightly sealed at each end in which a wheel carrying pockets to receive the containers is rotatably mounted and on which an inlet and an outlet member for the containers is provided, wherein the pockets in the wheel pass along a feed path from the inlet member to the outlet member through several areas of increasing hydrostatic pressure and optionally, increasing temperatures of the flowing liquid. A suitable charging valve is shown in Fig. 4 wherein containers 2 arrive at the inlet 19 and are taken up by the pockets 20 of the wheel 18. The containers are thus conveyed to an outlet 21. Between inlet and outlet, the wheel passes through zones A, B and C of increasing pressure. For example in zone A, water at excess pressure and elevated temperature is introduced via pipe 22 to an arc-shaped groove 23 and hence via bores 24, 25 into the pockets 20. Expelled air and excess water are removed at opening 26. Similar operations occur in zones B and C. Further water at excess pressure and elevated temperature is fed in at 31 to facilitate the removal of containers at the outlet 21. The containers preferably contain foodstuffs such as milk, cream and other dairy products.