Prevention of agglomeration of particles during sterilization processes

An apparatus for inverting a plurality of containers comprising:

• a means for conveying a plurality of containers, each of the plurality of containers comprising a base portion and a neck portion, the conveying means configured to subject the plurality of containers to a series of angles as the plurality of containers are conveyed;
• and
• an enclosure disposed above the conveying means for preventing the plurality of containers from falling off of the conveying means,
• wherein the conveying means is configured to subject the plurality of containers to one or more inversion sequences comprising a first inversion of the containers until the bases are located at angle of up to 180 degrees relative to vertical, wherein the first inversion occurs over a time period of at least three seconds, and a second inversion of the containers, in the opposite direction, back to an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to vertical wherein the inversion sequence is repeated at least once, prevents inclusions from agglomerating in the neck portions of each of the plurality of containers, and allows a hot-fill liquid to sterilize the plurality of containers.

A method for a single temperature, hot-fill sterilization of a container comprising:

• providing a container comprising a base a neck portion, and an opening;
• directing a hot-fill liquid comprising inclusions into the container through the container opening to provide a hot-filled container, wherein the liquid is pre-heated to not higher than a sterilization temperature of the container to which it is to be added;
• providing a closure adapted to close the container opening;
• closing the hot-filled container with the closure;
• placing the hot-filled and closed container vertically upright on the container base;
• and
• subjecting the hot-filled and closed container to an inversion sequence, the inversion sequence comprising a first inversion of the container until the base is located at an angle of up to 180 degrees relative to vertical, wherein the first inversion occurs over a time period of at least three seconds, and a second inversion of the container, in the opposite direction, back to an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to vertical, wherein the inversion sequence is repeated at least once, prevents the inclusions from agglomerating in the neck portion of the container, and allows the hot-fill liquid to contact the closure for a time sufficient to sterilize the closure.