초록 ▼

The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for sterilizing containers with gas-phase hydrogen peroxide and heat on a linear form, fill and seal packaging machine. A partially formed container is subjected to multiple applications of gaseous hydrogen peroxide and hot air within a steriliz

The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for sterilizing containers with gas-phase hydrogen peroxide and heat on a linear form, fill and seal packaging machine. A partially formed container is subjected to multiple applications of gaseous hydrogen peroxide and hot air within a sterilization tunnel. The sterilization tunnel is maintained at a temperature greater than the condensation temperature of hydrogen peroxide. The present invention sterilizes the container allowing for filling of the container with a high acid product such as orange juice for ambient distribution. The container may be any number of possibilities such as TETRA REX.RTM. gable top cartons, plastic bottles, and the like. The invention allows for the efficacious use of hydrogen peroxide gas having a concentration of up to 53%.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claims as our invention:] [1.] A method for sterilizing a series of containers being processed on a multiple station form, fill and seal packaging machine, each of the containers partially formed and defining a hollow interior, the method comprising:moving each of the containers into a steriliz

[ We claims as our invention:] [1.] A method for sterilizing a series of containers being processed on a multiple station form, fill and seal packaging machine, each of the containers partially formed and defining a hollow interior, the method comprising:moving each of the containers into a sterilization tunnel, the tunnel maintained at a temperature of at least about 60.degree. C. to maintain the sterilization tunnel at a temperature above the condensation temperature of hydrogen peroxide;subjecting each of the partially formed containers to a first predetermined quantity of gas-phase hydrogen peroxide from a first gas nozzle within the sterilization tunnel thereby subjecting the interior and the exposed exterior of each of the partially formed containers to the gas-phase hydrogen peroxide, the gas-phase hydrogen peroxide being at a concentration of at least about 35 percent;heating each of the partially formed containers with air heated at a first predetermined temperature at a position subsequent to the gas-phase application of hydrogen peroxide inside the sterilization tunnel;subjecting each of the partially formed containers to a second predetermined quantity of gas-phase hydrogen peroxide from a second gas nozzle within the sterilization tunnel at a position subsequent to the first gas nozzle, the gas-phase hydrogen peroxide being at a concentration of at least about 35 percent;subjecting each of the partially formed containers to a third predetermined quantity of gas-phase hydrogen peroxide from a third gas nozzle within the sterilization tunnel at a position subsequent to the second gas nozzle, the gas-phase hydrogen peroxide being at a concentration of at least about 35 percent; andheating each of the partially formed containers with air heated at a second predetermined temperature at a position subsequent to third gas nozzle.