Process and plant for endless-cycle sterilization of sheet material utilized in aseptic packaging of pre-sterilized fluid products

Abstract

The invention relates to a process for endless-cycle sterilization of the sheet material utilized in aseptic packaging of pre-sterilized fluid food-stuffs, and to plant therefor. The process involves sterilization of a continuous sheet of material--caused subsequently to assume tubular format--by means basically of its being bathed on both sides and then sprayed with superheated steam jetted likewise at either side. Following such heat treatment, the sheet is shaped into a continuous tube and filled, this dual operation coming about within an enclosure maintained in sterile conditions. Plant for carrying the process into effect basically comprises a first chamber (3) inside which the alreadly-bathed sheet (1) is sprayed with steam, and a second chamber (5) inside which sterile conditions are maintained, wherein the sheet is duly shaped into a tube (10) and filled. The first chamber entry point is by way of a siphon trap (8), and the first and second chambers are pressurized to a given level and equalized thus during the plant's operation.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.