CN118495443A

CN118495443A - Device and method for filling containers

Info

Publication number: CN118495443A
Application number: CN202410177488.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 瓦伦丁·贝彻; 胡贝特·奥尔
Original assignee: Krones AG
Current assignee: Krones AG
Priority date: 2023-02-16
Filing date: 2024-02-08
Publication date: 2024-08-16
Also published as: EP4417568A1; DE102023103857A1

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for filling a container with a multi-component filling product comprising a main component and at least one additional component in a beverage filling device, wherein the container is filled by means of at least one filling member having: a product chamber for receiving a filling product; a main inlet having a flow meter and arranged to introduce a main component into the product chamber; and at least one metering valve arranged to meter additional components into the product chamber. The method comprises the following steps: introducing the main component into the product chamber during the analysis phase while the filling member is closed, then metering at least one additional component into the product chamber through the at least one metering valve while the filling member is still closed, and determining the amount of fluid that is being pushed back in the main inlet during the metering of the additional component using the flow meter; and in the process phase, introducing the main component into the product chamber and metering the additional component into the product chamber via the metering valve when the filling member is open.

Description

Device and method for filling containers

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a device and a method for filling containers with a multicomponent filling product, preferably in a beverage filling plant.

Background

For mixing and filling filled products composed of a plurality of components, a technique for metering the individual components is known, wherein the combination of the components is effected at least partially only in the containers and/or in a common filling valve, see for example EP0775668A1 and WO2009/114121A1. In this case, the metering of the components to be added to the base fluid takes place before the filling valve outlet, wherein the desired quantity can be measured, for example, by volume measurement by means of a flow meter (EP 0775668 A1) or by another volume metering technique, for example by means of a metering piston and/or diaphragm pump (WO 2009/114121 A1).

A modification of the metering/filling process is known from EP2272790A1 and DE102009049583A1, in which the components are mixed at a later point in time, i.e. either during filling or shortly before filling. In this case, the metered product is metered into the filling valve when the outlet is closed, wherein the main component is extruded from the metering component back into the main strand when metering. The extrusion volume of the main component is determined by means of a flow meter, so that the volume of the metered component is also known and controllable. The main component is flushed from the filling valve into the container together with the metering component when the filling product is subsequently filled into the container, wherein the total filling quantity can be determined simultaneously with the same flow meter. The filling quantity and the metering component quantity can be determined again in the next filling cycle. Thus, it is possible to fill personalized beverages with a high degree of flexibility without switching times.

By metering into the filling valve, the inner surface of the filling valve is wetted with the metering product. This wetting must be removed from the surface by turbulence (cross-mixing) during flushing to avoid escape of possible residues of the metering product in the filling valve during the subsequent filling process and thus to avoid a quality degradation of the filled product. In this case, the quality of the flushing is mainly dependent on the viscosity ratio between the main product and the metered product and the ratio of the amounts of the two media.

In conventional metering by back extrusion, the finished product in the container is only partially mixed, since the metered product and the main component are substantially sequentially filled into the container. Some mixing is performed by immersing the liquid into the liquid level in the container. However, this mixing is incomplete, especially in cases where the density and viscosity are very different, the two components may remain permanently unmixed, which is a problem, for example, when control of the quality of the finished product is premised on uniform mixing in the container.

For the metering process, additional process time is required, for example, in comparison to a filling process, in which the finally mixed filling product is filled or the metering of the metering product into the main component and the introduction of the filling product into the container take place simultaneously, due to the backward extrusion when the filling valve is closed. If the metering is extended, the process time increases, thereby either requiring more fill points or reducing throughput.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved device and an improved method for filling containers with a multi-component filling product, preferably in a beverage filling plant.

This object is achieved by a device having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of the independent method claim. Advantageous developments emerge from the dependent claims, the following description of the invention and the description of preferred embodiments.

The device and the method are designed for filling a container with a multicomponent filling product. The device and the method are particularly preferably used in beverage filling apparatuses, for example for filling water (distilled or carbonated), soft drinks, smoothies, fruit juices, beer, wine, dairy products, mixed beverages, etc.

The filled product preferably comprises at least two product components, also referred to herein as a "main component" and an "additional component", wherein the order, sequence, or priority is not specified by the name. The main component is preferably water (carbonated or distilled) and the one or more additional components include, for example, syrup, flavor, pulp, CO ₂, carbonated water, and the like.

The device comprises at least one filling member (preferably a plurality of filling members are mounted), the filling member having: a product chamber for receiving a filling product; a main inlet having a flow meter and arranged to introduce a main component of the filled product into the product chamber; and at least one metering valve configured to introduce or meter at least one additional component into the product chamber. The filling member is arranged to introduce the filling product from the product chamber into the container in the open state and to not introduce the filling product into the container in the closed state. Thus, the filling member may be opened and completely closed or blocked. Preferably, an adjustment of the opening degree between the two positions is possible in a targeted manner, for example steplessly.

The device also has a controller in communication with the filling member and arranged to control and/or regulate filling of the container with the filling product.

The controller is further arranged to perform the filling process according to the analysis phase and the flow phase, i.e.:

a) In the analysis phase, introducing the main component into the product chamber while the filling member is closed, then introducing or metering at least one additional component into the product chamber through the at least one metering valve while the filling member is still closed, and determining the amount of fluid that is being extruded back in the main inlet using the flow meter during the metering of the at least one additional component; and

B) In the process phase, the main component is preferably introduced into the product chamber when the filling member is open and the at least one additional component is metered into the product chamber by means of the at least one metering valve when the filling member is open.

The metering of the additional component is thus carried out in the analysis phase when the filling means are closed, wherein the metering is determined by the backward extrusion (only after which the filling valve is opened to fill the container), while the metering is carried out in the flow phase when the filling means are open, whereby the additional component is metered into the main component in this case during the introduction of the filling product into the respective container, i.e. during the filling of the container.

Structuring the filling process into an analysis phase and a flow phase improves the flushing of the filling member and thus reduces the possible escape of additional components, since the metering product reaches only a few inner surfaces of the filling member and is flushed out efficiently by the flow. The result is also a well mixed finished product in the container. The apparatus allows flexible filling to be applied at atmospheric filling without increasing process time. The throughput can be significantly improved compared to a single metering by back extrusion.

Communication between the controller and the components to be controlled and/or read may be wired or wireless, digital or analog. The communication need not necessarily involve a two-way exchange of information. Unidirectional data streams and/or signal streams are referred to herein by the term "communication". The controller need not necessarily be formed by a central computing device or electronic regulator, but rather it includes decentralized and/or multi-stage systems, regulation networks, cloud systems, and the like. The controller may also be an integral part of or in communication with a superordinate device controller.

Preferably, the controller is configured to determine at least one process parameter, preferably a metering speed at which at least one additional component is metered into the product chamber, in the analysis phase in order to determine therefrom the correction value applied in the process phase. The control unit is preferably also configured to meter at least one additional component into the product chamber during the process phase by means of the time and/or pressure metering using the correction values. In this way, metering accuracy can be maintained even without backward extrusion during the flow phase.

Preferably, the controller is arranged to perform the analysis phase at regular intervals and/or upon occurrence of fluctuations in temperature, pressure and/or product characteristics of the main component and/or the additional component and/or at each filling process. How long and at which point in time the analysis phase is integrated into the filling process depends on many factors, in particular the product to be processed and the environmental conditions. The analysis phase is performed only occasionally, where possible, to maximize throughput.

Preferably, the controller is arranged to perform the analysis phase and the flow phase on the individual containers by metering a portion of the at least one additional component into the product chamber by back extrusion when the filling member is closed and then metering the remaining portion of the at least one additional component into the product chamber when the filling member is open. By not assigning the analysis phase and the flow section to a plurality of containers, but performing these two phases only on a single container, the analysis phase can be shortened and the throughput can be further improved.

Preferably, the device has at least one metering side flow meter arranged to determine the volumetric flow rate of the at least one additional component during introduction into the product chamber. Here, in the case of multiple filling members, the metering-side flow meter may act as a central metering-side flow meter for multiple or all filling members. One or more metering side flow meters may help improve metering accuracy, particularly during the process stages.

Alternatively or additionally, the change in the flow rate can be calculated by pressure monitoring and/or temperature monitoring of the main component and/or of the additional component during metering, in order to further improve the metering accuracy, in particular during the process phase.

Preferably, the product chamber is of annular configuration and tapers in the lower region to an annular outlet, so that the filling product is in a vortex during introduction into the container. The product chamber is therefore preferably embodied as an annular channel or annular element. To support vortex generation, the main inlet preferably opens tangentially into the product chamber.

The preferred tangential feeding of the filling product from the main inlet into the product chamber is supported by the annular product chamber and the tapering outlet, with the filling product being in a vortex, whereby the filling product is driven outwards by centrifugal force and flows downwards at the container wall of the container placed below the outlet after flowing out from the filling member. The tapering or necking of the product chamber towards the outlet on the one hand causes a uniform, well-defined vortex flow over the circumference and on the other hand a decisive determining factor for the flow. If the degree of tapering, in particular the size of the annular gap at the outlet, can be adjusted, if necessary, an integrated flow adjustment of the filling member up to the blocking can be achieved.

Metering the additional components into the turbulent product chamber ensures good mixing of the components before they enter the container. Metering may be performed uninterrupted, i.e. on individual pieces or at intervals to improve the mixing of the finished product.

The above-described blocking function of the filling member and possibly the flow adjustment can be implemented by means of a valve cone having a cylindrical shape tapering towards the outlet and being adjustable in the axial direction by means of an actuator, wherein the actuator is arranged to adjust the valve cone between an open position and a closed position, preferably steplessly. In this way, the position of the valve cone defines the open and closed state of the filling member.

The above object is also achieved by a method for filling a container with a multi-component filling product comprising a main component and at least one additional component. Here, the container is filled with a filling product by means of at least one filling member having: a product chamber for receiving a filling product; a main inlet having a flow meter and arranged to introduce a main component of the filled product into the product chamber; and at least one metering valve configured to introduce or meter at least one additional component into the product chamber.

The filling member introduces the filling product from the product chamber into the container in the open state and does not introduce the filling product into the container in the closed state.

The method comprises an analysis stage and a flow stage with the following steps:

B) In the process phase, the main component is preferably introduced into the product chamber when the filling member is open, and the at least one additional component is introduced or metered into the product chamber by means of the at least one metering valve when the filling member is open.

Features, technical effects, advantages and embodiments described in relation to the device are similarly applicable to the method.

For the reasons mentioned above, it is therefore preferable to determine at least one process parameter in the analysis phase, in particular the metering speed at which at least one additional component is metered into the product chamber, in order to determine the correction value applied in the process phase therefrom. In the process phase, at least one additional component is metered into the product chamber, preferably by means of a time metering and/or pressure metering, using a correction value.

The analysis phases are preferably carried out at regular intervals and/or upon occurrence of fluctuations in the temperature, pressure and/or product properties of the main component and/or of the additional component and/or at each filling process.

Preferably, for the reasons mentioned above, the analysis phase and the flow phase are performed on the individual containers by metering a portion of the at least one additional component into the product chamber by backward extrusion when the filling member is closed, and then metering the remaining portion of the at least one additional component into the product chamber when the filling member is open.

Preferably, for the above reasons, the at least one metering side flowmeter is arranged to determine the volumetric flow rate of the at least one additional component. Preferably, a plurality of filling members are installed, wherein the metering-side flowmeter may in this case act as a central metering-side flowmeter for a plurality or all of the filling members.

Preferably, for the reasons mentioned above, the product chamber is of annular configuration and tapers in the lower region to an annular outlet, so that the filling product is in a vortex during introduction into the container. Preferably, the main inlet opens tangentially into the product chamber.

Preferably, the flow rate of the at least one additional component into the product chamber is varied by adapting the pressure difference between the at least one additional component and the main component, whereby the metering accuracy can be improved, in particular during the process phase.

Preferably, the pressure of the main component and/or the at least one additional component is monitored during the metering into the product chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the viscosity of the main component and/or at least one additional component and/or the filling product may be determined by temperature monitoring. The process parameters thus obtained can be used to calculate the corresponding flow rate variations and thus improve the metering accuracy, in particular during the process phase.

Further advantages and features of the invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments. The features described herein may be implemented alone or in combination with one or more of the features described above provided that the features are not inconsistent with each other. The preferred embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Further preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail by the following description of fig. 1, fig. 1 schematically showing an apparatus for filling a container with a multicomponent filling product.

Detailed Description

The preferred embodiment is described below on the basis of fig. 1, fig. 1 schematically showing an apparatus 1 for filling a container 100 with a multi-component filling product.

The device 1 is particularly preferably used in beverage filling apparatuses, for example for filling water (distilled or carbonated), beer, juice, soft drinks, smoothies, dairy products, etc. The device 1 is preferably embodied in a gyrator configuration, in which the containers 100 to be filled are fed to a filler carousel (not shown in fig. 1) and filled with filling products during transport along the sub-circuits.

The device 1 is arranged to fill the container 100 with a multi-component filling product. The filled product thus comprises at least two product components, also referred to herein as main component H and additional component Z. The main component H is preferably water (carbonated or distilled), and the additional component Z may be, for example, syrup. However, there is no limitation in this regard. For example, the main component H and the additional component Z can be milk of different fat contents, so that the desired fat content in the filled product can be flexibly adjusted in this way. Alternatively, fruit juices with fruit pieces can be filled, wherein pulp is added as an additional component Z to the juice main component H mix. Additional component Z may include additives, flavoring agents, carbonated water, and the like. Furthermore, applications outside the beverage or food industry are possible, for example in the care sector for filling shampoos and the like.

In the embodiment of fig. 1, the device 1 is arranged to mix and introduce into the container 100 two additional components, namely a first additional component Z1 and a second additional component Z2, in addition to the main component H.

The device 1 is suitable for rapid and flexible change of product, in particular when the various filling products are based on a common carrier medium, i.e. the main component H, and various additives, i.e. the additional components Z, Z, Z2.

The device 1 has a filling member 10, which filling member 10 according to the embodiment of fig. 1 enables the filling product to be in a vortex when introduced into the container 100. For this purpose, the filling member 10 has a product chamber 11 embodied as an annular channel or ring. The filling member 10 also has a main inlet 12, which main inlet 12 preferably opens tangentially or substantially tangentially into the product chamber 11. The main inlet 12 comprises a main valve 12a, a flow meter 12b and is attached to the filling tank 2 providing the main component H.

In the lower region of the filling member 10, the product chamber 11 tapers to an annular outlet 13, from which annular outlet 13 the filling product flows out during filling and into a container 100 placed below the filling member 10.

It should be noted that spatial indications such as "lower", "below", "upper" and the like refer to regular mounting positions of the filler member 10, which are clearly determined by the direction of gravity. Furthermore, the filling member 10 has an axial direction defined by the annular outlet 13, which in the mounted state at least substantially coincides with the direction of gravity.

The preferably tangential feeding of the filling product from the main inlet 12 into the product chamber 11 is supported by the annular product chamber 11 and the tapering outlet 13, such that the filling product is in a vortex, whereby the filling product is driven outwards due to centrifugal forces and flows downwards at the container wall 101 after flowing out from the filling member 10. The tapering or necking of the product chamber 11 towards the outlet 13 causes on the one hand a uniform, well-defined vortex flow over the circumference and on the other hand a decisive determining factor for the flow. If the degree of tapering, in particular the size of the annular gap at the outlet 13, can be adjusted, integrated flow control can thus be implemented if necessary until blocking.

The above flow adjustment may be performed as follows: according to the embodiment of fig. 1, the filling member 10 has a valve cone 14, which valve cone 14 has a cylindrical shape tapering towards the outlet 13. The annular gap adjoining the product chamber 11 is formed at least sectionally on the inside by the outer circumferential surface of the valve cone 14. Externally, an annular gap is defined or formed by the valve housing 15. The valve cone 14 is displaceably arranged in the axial direction, i.e. upwards and downwards. In this way, the annular gap at the outlet 13 can be increased and decreased. The height adjustment of the valve cone 14 takes place in the working area, i.e. between the fully open position and the closed position, preferably steplessly, with actuation by means of a suitable actuator 16. If the valve seat in sealing contact with the valve cone 14 in the closed position of the filling member 10 is formed by the inner shape of the valve housing 15, the outlet 13 can be completely closed, whereby a latching function can be achieved.

A main inlet 12 to the product chamber 11 opens laterally, i.e. tangentially, creating a space above the product chamber 11. The space is unobstructed and can be used for mounting a membrane 17, which membrane 17 seals the product chamber 11 in the upper region. The diaphragm 17 has a circular outer contour which is directly or indirectly attached to the valve housing 15. The diaphragm 17 is further fastened radially inside the valve cone 14. The diaphragm 17 is made of a flexible material, preferably teflon, whereby the diaphragm 17 can follow the axial movement of the valve cone 14 and at the same time ensure a hygienic seal of the product chamber 11. The symmetry of the diaphragm 17 also allows implementation with high duty cycles, which is generally necessary for filling valves.

The filling member 10 preferably has a gas channel 18, which gas channel 18 passes centrally through the valve cone 14 in the axial direction. The gas channel 18 is, for example, a return gas channel for leading out any gas, such as a tensioning gas, that is discharged from the container 100 during filling. However, the gas passage 18 may also have a multi-passage structure, such as a tube-in-tube structure, to create separate inlet and exhaust paths.

The valve cone 14 ends substantially directly below the throttle point, i.e. the narrowest point of the annular gap forming the outlet 13, thereby effecting a defined change in flow from a single-phase gap to a wall film flow in the vessel 100. Thus, a well-defined, constant liquid guiding edge is formed, more precisely at the point with the highest flow velocity. Preferably, the valve seat, i.e. the blocking point, is located immediately adjacent the deflector edge, thereby minimizing the surface that may lead to dripping.

The filling member 10 is particularly suitable for the wall filling described above, wherein the filling product travels helically downwards at the inner wall 101 of the container. However, the filling member 10 may also be configured as a free injection valve. The filling member allows for a complete flushing of the valve interior space, in particular of the product chamber 11 and of the outlet 13 adjoining it in the filling direction, with a minimum flushing amount due to the high turbulence achievable in the product chamber 11 and with a relatively small surface area. The filling element 10 is therefore particularly suitable for filling products, in particular the metered-in additional components Z, Z, Z2, frequently, for example up to a change in the form of a container. The filling member 10 may also be applied in a sterile filling machine due to good flushability.

The integration of the adjusting and/or locking function in the filling member 10 allows for a reduction of the member and a simplification of the product route. This results in less pressure loss and contributes to a milder product handling and less foam formation during the filling process.

The compact design of the filling element 10 also enables a hygienic integration of the valve cone drive or actuator 16 and, if appropriate, further control functions in the valve head, i.e. above the product chamber 11, for example, a gas valve for biasing the container 100, a return gas line, an unloading line, solenoid valves for further individual control functions, for example, lifting and lowering valves, metering components, etc., in the region of the filling element 10. Also, the control printed circuit board for implementing the decentralized control architecture may be mounted in a valve head, for example.

In order to achieve a quick change of species with substantially no changeover time, the filling member 10 has one or more, preferably two metering valves 19a, 19b, which metering valves 19a, 19b are installed in the respective supply lines for the additional components Z, Z, Z2 to the product chamber 11. Additional components Z, Z, Z2 can be metered into the product chamber 11 in the desired amounts via metering valves 19a, 19 b.

The mixing of the additional components Z, Z, Z2 takes place directly in the product chamber 11 via the metering valves 19a, 19b, whereby good flushability of the filling member 10 is ensured and any aroma escaping is minimized. By integrating the supply of the additional components Z, Z, Z2 into the valve housing 15, no hoses or additional lines are required. In this way, the filling member 10 is particularly suitable for immediate product replacement.

Preferably, the device 1 has a plurality of filling members 10, which filling members 10 are mounted at the outer periphery of the filler carousel in the case of a gyrator structure of the device 1, wherein the containers 100 to be filled are fed to the filler carousel and filled with filling products during transport along the sub-circuit.

A controller 50 is provided for controlling the filling member 10 or the filling members 10, which controller 50 communicates with the actuator 16 of the valve cone 14, the valves 12a, 19b, the flow meters 12b and 20, possible sensors for monitoring the filling process, etc., and is arranged to control or regulate the filling process.

Communication between the controller 50 and the components to be controlled and/or read may be wired or wireless, digital or analog. The communication need not necessarily involve a two-way exchange of information. Unidirectional data streams and/or signal streams are referred to herein by the term "communication". The controller 50 need not necessarily be formed by a central computing device or electronic regulator, but rather it may include a decentralized and/or multi-stage system, a conditioning network, a cloud system, or the like. The controller 50 may also be an integral part of or in communication with a superordinate device controller.

The filling of the container 100 is performed in a plurality of stages, including an analysis stage and a flow stage. During the analysis phase, the additional components Z, Z, Z2 are metered by extrusion after the outlet 13 is closed, in particular in order to determine the metering speed and/or other process parameters. Metering in the process phase takes place during filling of the container 100 when the outlet 13 is open.

First, the analysis phase is described more precisely: the main inlet 12, including the flow meter 12b, allows metering of the additional components Z, Z, Z2 by backward extrusion in combination with the metering valves 19a, 19 b. The filling product is mixed together from a plurality of components, namely a main component H and additional components Z, Z, Z2, directly in the product chamber 11 of the filling component 10, wherein the additional components Z, Z, Z2 are introduced into the product chamber 11 via the metering valves 19a, 19 b. The main component H, which was previously supplied through the main inlet 12, is extruded back at the main outlet 12 by introducing the additional components Z, Z, Z2 into the product chamber 11. The extrusion volume of the main component H is determined by means of the flow meter 12b and thus the volume of the metered additional components Z, Z, Z2 is also known and controllable. When the filling product is subsequently filled into the container 100, the main component H is completely flushed from the filling member 10 into the container 100 together with the metering additional components Z, Z, Z2, wherein the same flow meter 12b can be used simultaneously to determine the total filling quantity. Thus, it is possible to fill personalized filling products, in particular beverages, with a high degree of flexibility substantially without switching times.

The analysis phase is used in particular to determine process parameters such as the metering speed provided by the metering valves 19a, 19b in combination with the controller 50. The analysis stages may be performed at regular intervals, at each filling round, and/or when fluctuations in the temperature, pressure and/or product characteristics of the main component and/or additional components occur.

The remaining, predominantly dominant portion of the additional components Z, Z, Z2 is metered during the filling process when the outlet 13 is open in the process phase, i.e. during the introduction of the filling product from the product chamber 11 into the container 100. Here, this means time-metering and/or pressure-metering (i.e. determining the amount of additional component Z, Z, Z2 metered into the product chamber 11 by metering time and/or pressure applied to the metering valves 19a, 19 b) with correction values, which are determined by occasionally executing an analysis phase.

The analysis phase and the flow phase can also be performed on a single container 100 by metering a portion of the additional components Z, Z, Z2 into the product chamber 11 by back extrusion when the outlet 1 is closed, and then metering the remaining portion of the additional components Z, Z, Z2 into the product chamber 11 during the filling process when the outlet 13 is open. Alternatively, the analysis phase may be performed on one or more containers 100 and the flow phase may be performed on subsequent other containers 100.

Metering the additional components Z, Z, Z2 into the turbulent product chamber 11 ensures good mixing of the components before they enter the container 100. Metering may be performed uninterrupted, i.e. on individual pieces or at intervals to improve the mixing of the finished product. By possibly adapting the pressure difference between the additional components Z, Z, Z2 and the main component H, the flow rate of the additional components Z, Z, Z2 can be changed.

The metered volumetric flow of the additional components Z, Z, Z2 may be monitored by one or more metered-flow meters 20. Preferably, a central metering flow meter 20 is provided when supplying additional components Z, Z, Z2 to several or all of the filling members 10 of the device 1. Alternatively or additionally, the change in flow rate can be calculated by pressure monitoring of the main component H and/or the additional components Z, Z, Z2 during metering and the viscosity can be determined by temperature monitoring.

Subdividing or structuring the filling process into an analysis phase and a flow phase improves the flushing of the filling member 10 and thus reduces the possible escape of the additional components Z, Z, Z2, since the metering product reaches only a few inner surfaces of the filling member 10 and is flushed out effectively. As a result, a well-mixed product is obtained in the container 100. The apparatus 1 allows flexible filling to be applied at atmospheric filling without increasing the process time. The throughput can be significantly improved compared to a single metering by back extrusion.

Where applicable, all of the individual features shown in the embodiments can be combined with and/or interchanged with one another without departing from the scope of the invention.

Reference numerals illustrate:

device for filling containers with multicomponent filling products

2 Filling tank

10 Filling member

11 Product chamber

12. Main inlet

12A Main valve

12B flowmeter

13. An outlet

14. Valve cone

15. Valve housing

16. Actuator with a spring

17. Diaphragm

18. Gas channel

19A metering valve

19B metering valve

20. Metering side flowmeter

50. Controller for controlling a power supply

100. Container

101. Container wall

H main component

Z additional component

Z1 first additional component

Z2 second additional component

Claims

1. Device (1) for filling a container (100) with a multi-component filling product comprising a main component (H) and at least one additional component (Z, Z1, Z2), preferably in a beverage filling plant, wherein the device (1) has:

At least one filling member (10), the filling member (10) having: a product chamber (11) for receiving the filling product; -a main inlet (12), said main inlet (12) having a flow meter (12 b) and being arranged to introduce said main component (H) of said filling product into said product chamber (11); and at least one metering valve (19 a,19 b), the metering valve (19 a,19 b) being arranged to meter the at least one additional component (Z, Z1, Z2) into the product chamber (11), wherein,

-The filling member (10) is arranged to introduce the filling product from the product chamber (11) into the container (100) in an open state and not to introduce the filling product into the container (100) in a closed state; and

A controller (50), said controller (50) being in communication with said filling member (10) and being arranged to control and/or regulate filling of said container (100) with said filling product,

Characterized in that the controller (50) is arranged to: in an analysis phase, the main component (H) is introduced into the product chamber (11) while the filling member (10) is closed, and then the at least one additional component (Z, Z1, Z2) is metered into the product chamber (11) through the at least one metering valve (19 a,19 b) while the filling member (10) is still closed (10), and the amount of fluid that is extruded back in the main inlet (12) is determined using the flow meter (12 b) during the metering of the at least one additional component (Z, Z1, Z2), and in a flow phase, the main component (H) is introduced into the product chamber (11) and the at least one additional component (Z, Z1, Z2) is metered into the product chamber (11) through the at least one metering valve (19 a,19 b) while the filling member (10) is open.

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller (50) is arranged to determine at least one process parameter, preferably a metering speed at which the at least one additional component (Z, Z1, Z2) is metered into the product chamber (11), in the analysis phase, in order to thereby determine a correction value applied in the process phase, wherein the controller (50) is preferably arranged to meter the at least one additional component (Z, Z1, Z2) into the product chamber (11) in the process phase by means of a time metering and/or a pressure metering using the correction value.

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the controller (50) is arranged to perform the analysis phase at regular intervals and/or upon occurrence of fluctuations in the temperature, pressure and/or product characteristics of the main component (H) and/or the additional component (Z, Z1, Z2) and/or upon each filling process.

4. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (50) is arranged to perform the analysis phase and the flow phase on a single container (100) by metering a portion of the at least one additional component (Z, Z1, Z2) into the product chamber (11) by back extrusion when the filling member (10) is closed, and then metering the remaining portion of the at least one additional component (Z, Z1, Z2) into the product chamber (11) when the filling member (10) is opened.

5. The device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has at least one metering side flow meter (20), which metering side flow meter (20) is arranged to determine the volumetric flow of the at least one additional component (Z, Z1, Z2), wherein preferably a plurality of filling members (10) are provided and the metering side flow meter (20) is mounted as a central metering side flow meter (20) for a plurality or all of the filling members (10).

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the product chamber (11) is of annular configuration and tapers in a lower region to an annular outlet (13) so that the filling product is in a vortex during introduction into the container (100), wherein the main inlet (12) opens into the product chamber (11), preferably tangentially.

7. Device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the filling member (10) has a valve cone (14), the valve cone (14) having a cylindrical shape tapering towards the outlet (13) and being adjustable in axial direction by means of an actuator (16), wherein the actuator (16) is arranged to adjust the valve cone (14), preferably steplessly, between an open position and a closed position.

8. Method for filling a container (100) with a multi-component filling product comprising a main component (H) and at least one additional component (Z, Z1, Z2), preferably in a beverage filling plant, wherein,

-Filling the container (100) with the filling product by means of at least one filling member (10), the filling member (10) having: a product chamber (11) for receiving the filling product; -a main inlet (12), said main inlet (12) having a flow meter (12 b) and being arranged to introduce said main component (H) of said filling product into said product chamber (11); and at least one metering valve (19 a,19 b), the metering valve (19 a,19 b) being arranged to meter the at least one additional component (Z, Z1, Z2) into the product chamber (11), wherein,

The filling member (10) in an open state introduces the filling product from the product chamber (11) into the container (100) and in a closed state does not introduce the filling product into the container (100), wherein the method further has:

-introducing the main component (H) into the product chamber (11) while the filling member (10) is closed, and-then metering the at least one additional component (Z, Z1, Z2) into the product chamber (11) through the at least one metering valve (19 a,19 b) while the filling member (10) is still closed (10), and-determining the amount of fluid that is being back-extruded in the main inlet (12) using the flow meter (12 b) during the metering of the at least one additional component (Z, Z1, Z2); and introducing the main component (H) into the product chamber (11) and metering the at least one additional component (Z, Z1, Z2) into the product chamber (11) via the at least one metering valve (19 a,19 b) when the filling member (10) is open in a process phase.

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that in the analysis phase at least one process parameter, preferably a metering speed at which the at least one additional component (Z, Z1, Z2) is metered into the product chamber (11), is determined in order to thereby determine a correction value applied in the process phase, wherein in the process phase the at least one additional component (Z, Z1, Z2) is metered into the product chamber (11), preferably by means of time metering and/or pressure metering, using the correction value.

10. Method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the analysis phase is performed at regular intervals and/or upon occurrence of fluctuations in the temperature, pressure and/or product properties of the main component (H) and/or the additional component (Z, Z1, Z2) and/or at each filling process.

11. The method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the analysis phase and the flow phase are performed on a single container (100) by metering a portion of the at least one additional component (Z, Z1, Z2) into the product chamber (11) by back extrusion when the filling member (10) is closed, and then metering the remaining portion of the at least one additional component (Z, Z1, Z2) into the product chamber (11) when the filling member (10) is open.

12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that at least one metering side flow meter (20) is arranged to determine the volumetric flow rate of the at least one additional component (Z, Z1, Z2), wherein preferably a plurality of filling members (10) are arranged and the metering side flow meter (20) is mounted as a central metering side flow meter (20) for a plurality or all of the filling members (10).

13. Method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the product chamber (11) is of annular configuration and tapers in a lower region to an annular outlet (13) so that the filling product is in a vortex during introduction into the container (100), wherein the main inlet (12) opens into the product chamber (11), preferably tangentially.

14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the flow of the at least one additional component (Z, Z1, Z2) into the product chamber (11) is varied by adapting the pressure difference between the at least one additional component (Z, Z1, Z2) and the main component (H).

15. Method according to any one of claims 8 to 14, characterized in that the pressure of the main component (H) and/or the at least one additional component (Z, Z1, Z2) is monitored during metering into the product chamber (11) and/or the viscosity of the main component (H) and/or the at least one additional component (Z, Z1, Z2) and/or the filling product is determined by temperature monitoring to thereby calculate the change in the respective flow rate.