Device and method for sterilization of seals for containers

Abstract

Device and method for the sterilization of seals (2) for closing bottles or similar containers, in particular for the sterilization of cap-like seals, with a transport system for moving the seals (2) through at least one treatment zone in which the seals (2) are sterilized, wherein the transport system in the at least one treatment zone has at least one rotor (10), which can be driven in rotation about a machine or rotor axis (MA), with a multiplicity of seal holders (11) formed on the periphery of this rotor (10), with which seal holders the seals (2) can be moved through the at least one treatment zone along a treatment path between a seal input (31) and a seal output (33). On the at least one treatment path, there is at least one application station (23, 24) with a spraying device (20, 20') for sterilizing agent, which spraying device (20, 20') is directed towards at least one seal holder (11), in order to apply a sterilizing agent to the individual seals (2) held in the seal holder (11).

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for disinfecting and sterilizing seals according to the preambles of claims 1 and 10, respectively. Background technique [0002] For devices in the beverage industry, for example, it is common and known to seal a filled bottle or other container (including in particular a cap-shaped seals, such as threaded caps, flat caps, crown plugs, etc.) by using especially those containing H 2 o 2 steam (evaporated with sufficiently high H 2 o 2 Concentrated hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution) fungicides, or rich in H 2 o 2 The gaseous and / or vaporized carrier medium of the aerosol is sterilized or sterilized. In order to achieve a good germicidal effect with a high germicidal rate, the seal is preferably preheated, for example to a temperature varying between 50° C. and 85° C. The / or vaporized sterilant is then dried by using preferably heated sterile gaseous and / or vaporized media (for example by using prefe...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0004] In addition to the rather large overall size due to the two rotors, it is particularly disadvantageous that the process time for spraying the seals with biocide as well as the cycle time of the cyclic movement of the rotors depends on the movement of the seals through the process. Falling speed of the path

Another problem with the previously mentioned sterilization unit is that after being heated, the seals lose their shape stability due to softening, and this is subsequently lost during transport and when the seals move freely between each other. cause machine failure

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