Process and plant for endless-cycle sterilization of sheet material utilized in aseptic packaging

US6442915B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Hassia Verpackungsmaschinen GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Gunter Kurth · Ranstadt, DE
• Peter Walter · Hürth, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 23, 1999
• Grant date: Sep 3, 2002
• Expiry date: Nov 23, 2019

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B65B55/103
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The invention is concerned with a process of sterilizing at least the load-sided surface of sheets of packing material by using saturated steam, and with an arrangement for carrying out the process.According to the process, the saturated steam prior to application thereof to the sheet section contained in the sterilization passage chamber is converted by a controlled energy supply into superheated steam. The said superheated steam is jetted with substantially uniform intensity across the entire length of at least one transverse line of the sheet of packing material onto the sheet to form a uniformly thin condensate film on the sheet of packing material. The so sterilized sheet of packing material, while maintaining the sterile conditions, is then supplied to a packing machine connected thereto which also operates under sterile conditions.