Method for filling and closing containers

A method for filling and closing containers at a filling and closing unit of a handling station, the method comprising:

• connecting a container mouth of a corresponding container with a pressure-tight connection to a process chamber of the filling and closing unit;
• prior to initiating a filling phase, first evacuating an interior of the container, arranged in a sealing position at the process chamber, in an evacuation phase at least once to a negative pressure and, in at least one subsequent flushing phase, flushing the container with steam and/or flushing gas containing steam such that, prior to opening a filling valve for filling the container with a liquid filling material, a flushing gas pressure in the container is raised at least to atmospheric pressure;
• in the filling phase, opening the filling valve to allow the liquid filling material to flow into the container, while the container remains in the sealing position at the filling and closing unit;
• subsequent to the filling phase, carrying out a handling or treatment phase at the filling and closing unit of the handling station, by pressurizing the process chamber with nitrogen to a pressure at or above a saturation pressure of CO2 contained in the filling material filled into the container;
• subsequent to the handling or treatment phase, closing the container, while the container remains at the filling and closing unit of the handling station, by pressing on a closure cover under the pressure circumstances adjusted and set during the handling phase;
• and
• subsequently relieving an internal pressure of the process chamber to atmospheric pressure and to thereby release the pressure-tight connection of the container mouth of the corresponding container.