METHOD AND DEVICE FOR TREATING FOODS AND/OR CONTAINERS FOR HOLDING FOODS

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for treating foods and/or containers for holding foods. The foods and/or containers (2) are treated in at least one treatment zone (4) by a process liquid (3), wherein the process liquid (3) is at least partially recirculated into the treatment zone (4) or the treatment zones (4) after completed treatment of the foods and/or the containers (2). It is provided herein that during continuous treatment at least some or all of the process liquid (3) is used per time unit to form at least one stream (20) of the process liquid (3), the formed stream (20) is filtered by at least one membrane filtration system (19), and a filtered stream (46) is at least partially fed back into an element (8) holding and/or conducting the process liquid (3) and/or into a treatment zone (4).

Claims

1-47. (canceled)

48. Method for treating food in at least one treatment zone (4), wherein the food to be treated is filled into containers (2) before the treatment, the containers (2) are closed, and the containers (2) are introduced into a treatment zone (4) and/or transported through a treatment zone (4), and wherein the treatment zone (4) or the treatment zones (4) are each fed at least one liquid stream (5) of a process liquid (3) to act on the containers (2), wherein the process liquid (3) flows around an outside (6) of the containers (2), and wherein the process liquid (3) is tempered and the treatment of the food is executed in a treatment zone (4) by heat transfer via the process liquid (3) and the food is pasteurized by a heated process liquid (3) in at least one treatment zone (4), and wherein the process liquid (3) is drained again after completed treatment of the foods out of the treatment zone (4), and wherein the process liquid (3) for treating the food is at least partially recirculated into the treatment zone (4) or the treatment zones (4) for re-use in the method, wherein during continuous treatment at least a partial quantity of the process liquid (3) out of the total process liquid (3) conducted through all existing treatment zones (4) per time unit is used per time unit to form at least one stream (20) of the process liquid (3), and the at least one formed stream (20) of the process liquid (3) is filtered by at least one membrane filtration system (19) in order to clean the process liquid (3), and after the filtration process a filtered stream (46) is at least partially fed back into an element (8) containing and/or conducting the process liquid (3) and/or into a treatment zone (4), wherein at least one adjustable splitting means (21) or multiple splitting means (21) working together remove a specifiable quantity of the process liquid (3) out of at least one element (8) containing or conducting the process liquid (3) per time unit in a controlled manner in order to form the at least one stream (20) of the process liquid (3).

49. Method according to claim 48, wherein the temperatures of the particular liquid streams (5) of the process liquid (3) are set separately for each treatment zone (4) in a controlled way before feeding into a treatment zone (4).

50. Method according to claim 48, wherein the foods being treated are heated successively in at least one treatment zone (4), are pasteurized in at least one treatment zone (4), and are cooled in at least one treatment zone (4).

51. Method according to claim 50, wherein a liquid stream (5) of the process liquid (3) is fed into at least one treatment zone (4) for heating the foods and/or containers (2) at a temperature between 40 C. and 50 C.

52. Method according to claim 48, wherein the process liquid quantity used to form at least one stream (20) of the process liquid (3) out of at least one element (8) holding and/or conducting the process liquid (3) during continuous treatment per time unit is chosen in such a way that the filtration of the stream (20) or streams (20) allow a removal rate for micro-organisms to be achieved that is larger than the growth rate of the micro-organisms in the process liquid (3) in the same time interval.

54. Method according to claim 48, wherein the process liquid quantity used per time unit to form at least one stream (20) of the process liquid (3) out of at least one element (8) holding and/or conducting the process liquid (3) during continuous operation is selected in such away that, based on the total quantity of process liquid (3) conducted through all existing treatment zones (4) per time unit, at least 1% and less than 25% is used to format least one stream (20) of the process liquid (3), and this total partial quantity of the process liquid (3) formed per time unit is filtered by at least one membrane filtration system (19).

54. Method according to claim 48, wherein during continuous treatment the total volume of process liquid (3) contained in a device (1) for treating food and/or containers (2) is conducted through one or more membrane filtration system(s) (19) and filtered at least 1 time and preferably between 2 times and 10 times per day.

55. Method according to claim 48, wherein process liquid (3) is taken and/or removed to form at least one stream (20) to be filtered when the process liquid (3) has a temperature of less than 80 C. and especially less than 50 C.

56. Method according to claim 50, wherein process liquid (3) with a temperature between 40 C. and 50 C. is used to form at least one stream (2) of the process liquid to be filtered.

57. Method according to claim 48, wherein a filtered stream (46) of the process liquid (3) is fed back into at least one element (8) holding and/or conducting the process liquid and/or one treatment zone (4) under at least approximately ambient pressure in free fall.

58. Method according to claim 48, wherein a filtered stream (46) of the process liquid (3) is at least partially fed into a treatment zone (4) for rinsing the outside (6) of the closed containers filled with food (2) placed at the end of the process in the method for treating foods and/or containers (2) for holding the foods.

59. Method according to claim 48, wherein a filtered stream (46) of the process liquid (3) is at least partially fed into a treatment zone (4) for cleaning the inside (28) and the outside (6) of unfilled containers (2) placed at the start in the method for treating foods and/or containers (2) for holding the foods.

60. Method according to claim 48, wherein a stream (46) of the process liquid (3) is conducted into a receiving container (32) after filtration by the at least one membrane filtration system (19) and recirculated into at least one element (8) holding and/or conducting the process liquid (3) and/or into a treatment zone (4) via an arranged on the receiving container (32).

61. Method according to claim 60, wherein a membrane filtration system (19) is operatively separated from the rest of the device (1) for treating foods and/or containers (2) at specifiable time intervals in order to clean filter membranes during ongoing operation and the filtrate (33) of the process liquid (3) collected in the receiving container (32) is conducted through a membrane filtration system (19) by reversing the flow direction through the filter membranes in comparison to filtration mode.

62. Method according to claim 61, wherein liquid waste accrued during cleaning by reversal of the flow direction through the filter membranes of the membrane filtration system (19) is drained and replaced by an equivalent quantity of fresh process liquid (3).

63. Method according to claim 48, wherein chemicals from one or more chemical sources (39) are admixed into a stream (20) of the process liquid (3) to be filtered and/or a filtered stream (46) of the process liquid (3) by a dispensing device (38) as needed both during treatment and filtration as well as cleaning for the at least one membrane filtration system (19).

64. Method according to claim 48, wherein the degree of contamination is continuously monitored, especially by measuring the turbidity of the process liquid (3) using sensors (41) in conduction elements (8) of a treatment zone (4) and/or in a treatment zone (4).

65. Methods according to claim 48, wherein a stream (20) of the process liquid (3) is formed as needed out of different elements (8) containing and/or conducting process liquid (3), is filtered by at least one membrane filtration system (19), and after the filtration process a filtered stream (46) is fed into at least one element (8) containing and/or conducting process liquid (3) and/or at least one treatment zone (4).

66. Method according to claim 65, wherein a stream (20) of the process liquid (3) is formed for filtration by a membrane filtration system (19) by switching between or mixing different liquid streams (5) of the process liquid (3) from different conduction elements (8) depending on measured values obtained through in-line measurements and/or random sample measurements, and a filtered stream (46) of the process liquid (3) is fed back into different conduction elements (8) and/or treatment zones (4) by introducing and/or splitting the filtered stream (46) into different liquid streams (5) depending on measured values obtained through in-line measurements and/or randomsample measurements.

67. Method according to claim 48, wherein a treatment zone (4) is assigned more than one membrane filtration system (19) and a certain quantity is removed from the liquid streams (5) of the process liquid (3) fed into a particular treatment zone (4) as needed to form a stream (20) of the process liquid (3) and a stream (20) is filtered by one or more membrane filtration system(s) (19) assigned to a treatment zone (4).

68. Device (1) for treating foods in closed containers (2) with a process liquid (3), comprising at least one treatment zone (4), which treatment zone (4) is designed to apply the process liquid (3) to the outside (6) of the closed containers (2) such that the process liquid (3) flows around the outside (6) of a closed container (2), means of transport (1) for transporting the containers (2) through the treatment zone(s) (4) and conduction elements (8) for feeding liquid streams (5) of the process liquid (3) into a treatment zone (4) and conduction elements (8) for discharging liquid streams (5) of the process liquid (3) from a treatment zone (4), additional conduction elements (8) for containing and/or conducting the process liquid (3) in the device (1) and at least one conveying means (11) for conveying liquid streams (5) of the process liquid (3) into the conduction elements (8), wherein the conduction elements (8) are designed and arranged such that the process liquid (3) for treating the food can be at least partially recirculated again into the treatment zone (4) or into the treatment zones (4), and wherein at least one heating means (12) for heating the process liquid (3) is arranged and wherein at least one cooling means (13) for cooling the process liquid (3) is arranged, wherein the device (1) comprises at least one membrane filtration system (19), which at least one membrane filtration system (19) is operatively connected to the conduction elements (8) and/or to the treatment zones (4) in such a way that at least some of the total process liquid (3) fed through all existing treatment zones (4) per time unit can be used to form at least one stream (20) of the process liquid (3), the formed stream (20) or the formed streams (20) can be filtered by the at least one membrane filtration system (19), and a filtered stream (46) of the process liquid can (3) at least partially be fed back into a conduction element (8) and/or a treatment zone (4), wherein at least one adjustable splitting means (21) or multiple co-operating splitting means (21) are arranged on an inlet side of the at least one membrane filtration system (19) for controlled removal of a specifiable process liquid quantity per time unit out of at least one conduction element (8) holding or conducting the process liquid (3) and for formation of the at least one stream (20) of the process liquid (3) to be filtered.

69. Device according to claim 68, wherein is arranged at least one treatment zone (4) for heating the foods and/or containers, at least one treatment zone (4) for pasteurizing the foods, and at least one treatment zone (4) for cooling the foods and/or containers in succession in the direction of transport (26) of the foods or containers (2).

70. Device according to claim 68, wherein the number and filtration capacity of the membrane filtration system(s) (19) are fixed such that the total process liquid drawn out of at least one element (8) containing and/or conducting the process liquid (3) per timeunit for forming at least one stream (20) of the process liquid (3) during continuous treatment can be chosen such that the filtration of the stream (20) or the streams (20) can achieve a removal rate of micro-organisms that is greater than the growth rate of the micro-organisms in the process liquid (3) in the same time interval.

71. Device according to claim 68, wherein the number and filtration capacity of the membrane filtration system(s) (19) are fixed such that, based on the total quantity of process liquid (3) conducted through all existing treatment zones (4) per time unit, at least 1% and less than 25% per time unit is used to form at least one stream (20) and this partial quantity of the process liquid (3) formed per time unit can be filtered by the membrane filtration system(s) (19).

72. Method according to claim 68, wherein the number and filtration capacity of the membrane filtration system(s) (19) are fixed such that the total volume of process liquid (3) contained in the device (1) for treating foods and/or containers (2) can be filtered at least 1 time and preferably between 2 times and 10 times per day using the membrane filtration system(s) (19).

73. Method according to claim 68, wherein the at least one membrane filtration system (19) for forming a stream (20) of process liquid (3) to be filtered is operatively connected to conduction elements (8) at places where the process liquid (3) held in the conduction elements (8) has a temperature of less than 80 C. and especially less than 50 C.

74. Device according to claim 68, wherein in order to recirculate a filtered stream (46) of the process liquid (3) after completed filtration, draining elements (24) out of at least one membrane filtration system (19) are connected to at least one conduction element (8) and/or at least one treatment zone (4) in such a way that a filtered stream (46) of the process liquid (3) can be fed into the conduction element(s) (8) and/or the treatment zone(s) (4) under the influence of gravity in free fall.

75. Device according to claim 68, wherein is arranged at least one treatment zone (4) for rinsing the outside (6) of closed containers (2) filled with foodstuffs, which treatment zone (4) is placed at the end of the treatment zone line in the transport direction (26) of the containers (2) through the treatment zones (4) and which treatment zone (4) is connected to at least one draining element (24) of a membrane filtration system (19) in order to rinse the containers (2) by feeding in a filtered stream (46) of the process liquid (3).

76. Device according to claim 68, wherein is arranged at least one treatment zone (4) for cleaning the inside (28) and the outside (6) of unfilled and open containers (2), which treatment zone (4) is placed at the start of the treatment zone line in the transport direction (26) of the containers (2) through the treatment zones (4) and is connected to at least one draining element (24) of a membrane filtration system (19) in order to clean the containers (2) by feeding in a filtered stream (46) of the process liquid (3).

77. Device according to claim 68, wherein a receiving container (32) with overflow is placed in a draining element (24) of the at least one membrane filtration system (19).

78. Device according to claim 77, wherein in order to clean a membrane filtration system (19), closing means (34) are placed in the feeding elements (22) and draining elements (24) to operatively separate the at least one membrane filtration system (19) from the rest of the device (1) and at least one conveying means (11) is placed in the receiving container (32) and/or backflush piping (35) extending between the receiving container (32) and the draining element (24) of the membrane filtration system (19) that is designed to transport the filtrate (33) of the process liquid (3) collected in the receiving container (32) in the opposite direction (36)compared to the flow direction through the filter membranes during filtrationthrough the at least one membrane filtration system (19).

79. Method according to claim 78, wherein to discharge the liquid waste accrued in the course of cleaning by reversing the flow direction through the filter membranes of the membrane filtration system (19), at least one closable liquid waste line (37) is assigned to the membrane filtration system (19), and at least one closable feed device (17) is placed in the device (1) to replace the discharged liquid waste with fresh process liquid (3).

80. Device according to claim 68, wherein a dispensing device (38) is placed in a draining element (24) and/or in the backflush piping (35) of the at least one membrane filtration system (19) through which the process liquid (3) and/or a filtrate (33) of the process liquid (3) can be admixed with chemicals from one or more chemical sources (39) both during filtration and when cleaning the membrane filtration system (19).

81. Device according to claim 68, wherein sensors (41) are placed in conduction elements (8) and/or in treatment zones (4) to continuously monitor the degree of contamination, especially by measuring the turbidity of the process liquid (3).

82. Device according to claim 68, wherein at least one switching means (42) is assigned to a feeding element (22) of a membrane filtration system (19) that is operatively connected to at least two different conduction elements (8) holding the process liquid (3) in such a way that the stream (20) of process liquid (3) to be filtered can be formed as desired either from one of the liquid streams (5) or multiple liquid streams (5) of the process liquid (3) in the conduction elements (8) or from multiple liquid streams (5) of the process liquid (3).

83. Device according to claim 68, wherein at least one mixing means (43) is assigned to a feeding element (22) of a membrane filtration system (19) that is operatively connected to at least two different conduction elements (8) holding the process liquid (3) in such a way that the stream (20) of process liquid (3) to be filtered can be formed as desired either from one of the liquid streams (5) or multiple liquid streams (5) of the process liquid (3) in the conduction elements (8) or a stream (20) of the process liquid (3) to be filtered by the membrane filtration system (19) can be formed by removing and mixing specifiable partial quantities from multiple liquid streams (5) of the process liquid (3).

84. Device according to claim 68, wherein at least one switching means (44) is placed in a draining element (24) of a membrane filtration system (19) that is operatively connected to at least one conduction element (8) holding process liquid (3) and/or at least one treatment zone (4) in such a way that feeding a filtered stream (46) of the process liquid (3) into the at least one conduction element (8) and/or the at least one treatment zone (4) can be controlled.

85. Device according to claim 68, wherein at least one splitting means (45) is assigned to a draining element (24) of a membrane filtration system (19) which is operatively connected to at least one conduction element (8) holding the process liquid (3) and/or at least one treatment zone (4) in such a way that feeding a filtered stream (46) of the process liquid (3) into the at least one conduction element (8) and/or the at least one treatment zone (4) can be controlled or specifiable quantities of the filtered stream (46) of process liquid (3) can be fed into the at least one conduction element (8) and/or the at least one treatment zone (4).

86. Use of a membrane filtration system (19) for continuous renewal of a process liquid (3) in a device (1) for pasteurizing foods in containers (2) with a process liquid (3) according to claim 68.

Description

[0088] Extremely simplified, schematic depictions show the following:

[0089] FIG. 1 An example embodiment of a known device for treating foods and/or containers with treatment zones in an extremely simplified, schematic, and not-to-scale depiction:

[0090] FIG. 2 A sample, well-known P&ID diagram of a device for treating foods and/or containers in an extremely simplified depiction;

[0091] FIG. 3 Excerpts of a partial diagram of a device with membrane filtration systems in an extremely simplified depiction;

[0092] FIG. 4 Excerpts of another partial diagram of a device with membrane filtration systems in an extremely simplified depiction;

[0093] FIG. 5 Excerpts of another partial diagram of a device with membrane filtration systems in an extremely simplified depiction;

[0094] FIG. 6 Excerpts of another partial diagram of a device with membrane filtration systems in an extremely simplified depiction;

[0095] FIG. 7 Excerpts of another partial diagram of a device with membrane filtration systems in an extremely simplified depiction;

[0096] FIG. 8 Excerpts of another partial diagram of a device with membrane filtration systems in an extremely simplified depiction;

[0097] FIG. 9 An design of a membrane filtration system, schematic and in an extremely simplified depiction;

[0098] FIG. 10 Excerpts of another partial diagram of a device with membrane filtration systems in an extremely simplified depiction;

[0099] FIG. 11 Excerpts of another partial diagram of a device with membrane filtration systems in an extremely simplified depiction.

[0100] In introduction, let it be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference signs or identical part names, and that the disclosures contained in the description as a whole can be carried over analogously to identical parts with identical reference signs or identical part names. Likewise, positional information selected in the description, e.g. above, below, on the side, etc. refer to the directly described and depicted figure and if the position is changed, this positional information carries over analogously to the new position.

[0101] FIG. 1 shows an example of an arrangement of treatment zones of a device 1 for treating foods and/or treating containers 2 for holding foods in a schematic and extremely simplified depiction. The foods and containers 2 are treated by a process liquid 3 in at least one treatment zone 4. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the foodstuffs to be treated are located in closed containers 2 and are treated using a process liquid 3 by having a liquid stream 5 of the process liquid 3 flow around the outside 6 of the containers 2. In the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the liquid stream 5 of the process liquid 3 through a treatment zone 4 is generated by the process liquid 3 being split by splitting devices such as spray nozzles 7 on the top of the treatment zone 4 and the liquid stream 5 of the process liquid 3 traversing the treatment zones 4 from top to bottom. A liquid stream 5 of the process liquid 3 is fed into a treatment zone 4 using structurally suitable conduction elements 8 like piping connected to the spray nozzles 7. In an analogous manner, after passing through a treatment zone 4 a liquid stream 5 of the process liquid 3 is removed from a treatment zone 4 again by means of other conduction elements 8 assigned to the bottom of a treatment zone 4. The conduction elements 8 provided to drain a liquid stream 5 of the process liquid 3 out of a treatment zone 4 can be formed by, for example, collecting tubs 9 that collect the liquid stream 5 of the process liquid 3 sprinkling through a treatment zone 4 at the bottom of the treatment zone 4. The process liquid 3 caught by the collecting tubs 8, 9 can then be discharged out of a treatment zone 4 by conduction elements 8 or piping 8 connected to the collecting tubs 8, 9, as shown schematically in FIG. 1.

[0102] The containers 2 can be transported through the treatment zones 4 using suitable means of transport 10 such as conveying means belts or the like, e.g. on two levels from left to right as shown in FIG. 1 by the arrows 26.

[0103] Alternately to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a treatment zone for treating the foods using a process liquid can naturally be created in other ways as well. For example, a treatment zone for treating a liquid foodstuff can be designed as a heat exchanger in which the liquid foodstuff and the process liquid are conducted past each other while materially separated, as is for example typical when pasteurising milk. The description of the invented device 1 using the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is continued below, though it is noted at this juncture that the invention is not limited to the example embodiments specifically depicted below but also comprises alternative designs.

[0104] In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the two treatment zones 4 depicted on the left side in FIG. 1 can be used e.g. for successive heating of the containers 2 or the foods found in the containers. The treatment zone 4 depicted in the middle of FIG. 1 can be used e.g. for pasteurising foods and the two treatment zones 4 depicted on the right side in FIG. 1 can be used for sequential cooling of the foods and containers. The corresponding treatment steps for heating, pasteurising, and cooling can be executed by feeding a suitably tempered liquid stream 5 of the process liquid 3 in the relevant treatment zone 4. It can be practical for a liquid stream 5 to be fed into at least one treatment zone 4 for heating the foods and/or containers at a temperature between 40 C. and 50 C.

[0105] To feed a liquid stream 5 of the process liquid 3 into the relevant treatment zone 4, conveying means 11 can be assigned to the treatment zones 4 as can be seen in the flow diagram depicted in FIG. 2. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the same reference symbols and part names will be used for the same parts in FIG. 2 as in the preceding FIG. 1, with only three treatment zones 4 being depicted in FIG. 2 for greater clarity. The treatment zone 4 depicted in FIG. 2 left can again be used, for example, for heating the containers or foods, while the treatment zone 4 drawn in FIG. 2 middle can be provided for pasteurisation and the treatment zone 4 drawn in FIG. 2 right can be provided for cooling the containers and foods.

[0106] The example embodiment of a flow diagram of a device 1 shown in FIG. 2 comprises a heating means 12 for heating the process liquid 3 and a cooling means 13 for cooling the process liquid 3. In the case of the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the process liquid 3 is fed into and/or conducted through the heating means 12 by an additional conveying means 11 out of a conduction element 8 in the form of a liquid tank 14 via conduction elements 8 in the form of piping or the like. The process liquid 3 in the heating means 12 can be heated in a great variety of ways, for example by heat transfer to the process liquid through a heating medium, for example saturated steam. In principle, any source of heat can be used to heat the process liquid 3, though it can be practical for pasteurising food for the heating means 12 for heating the process liquid 3 to be set to a temperature of at least 80 C. After running through the heating means 12, the liquid stream 5 of the process liquid 3 heated in this way can be fed into the treatment zones 4 through conduction elements 8, e.g. piping.

[0107] Other methods for treating the foods and containers are also conceivable alternately or additionally to the example embodiments shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. For example, a process liquid, especially process water for treating foods and/or containers can also be heated above the boiling point of the process water, so to a temperature above 100 C., and fed into a treatment zone as superheated steam. This may be practical for purposes of e.g. sterilisation. In another example, dipping methods are also possible in which containers holding food are dipped into the process liquid.

[0108] To cool the process liquid 3, the process liquid 3 can be fed into the cooling means 13 as shown in FIG. 2, for example out of a liquid tank 15. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the cooling means 13 is connected to the liquid tank, for example a cold water tank 15, by conduction elements 8 in such a way that a liquid stream 5 of the process liquid 3 can be removed by a conveying means 11 from the liquid tank 15 and returned to the liquid tank 15 after completed cooling of the liquid stream 5 of the process liquid 3. The cooling means 13 can, for example, be executed as a cooling tower or heat exchanger in which the process liquid 3 is cooled by air or another cooling medium flowing in the opposite direction.

[0109] As can further be seen from FIG. 2, the conduction elements 8 for holding and conducting the process liquid 3 or the liquid streams 5 of the process liquid 3 in the device 1 are designed or arranged such that the process liquid 3 can be at least partially recirculated into the treatment zones 4 again. For better clarity, the flow directions for the liquid streams 5 of the process liquid 3 for the treatment mode of device 1 are indicated in FIG. 2 by arrows. Closable emptying devices 16 are provided to discharge a partial quantity of the process liquid 3 and at least one closable conduction element 8 designed as a feeding device 17 is arranged to feed in fresh process liquid 3. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2, flow regulator apparatuses 18 are provided in the conduction elements 8 placed on an inlet side of the treatment zones 4, by which flow regulator apparatuses 18 the liquid streams 5 of the process liquid 3 can be mixed at different temperature levels in a controlled manner. This makes it possible to purposefully set the temperature of the liquid streams 5 of the process liquid 3 separately for each treatment zone 4. In place of the depicted flow regulator apparatuses 18, three-way mixing valves or other suitable means can be provided for controlled mixing and setting of the temperature of a liquid stream 5 of the process liquid 3.

[0110] Of course, the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2 only shows one design of a device 1 for treating products and containers. For example, for some embodiments of devices for treating foods and/or containers it is typical to feed a liquid stream directly into another treatment zone after it is drained from one treatment zone. This is useful, for example, if a liquid stream of the process liquid drained out of a treatment zone has a temperature level suitable for treating the foods and/or containers in another treatment zone.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 3, the device 1 includes at least one membrane filtration system 19, wherein the at least one membrane filtration system 19 is arranged in the device 1 and operatively connected to the conduction elements 8 and/or to the treatment zones 4 such that at least some or all of the total process liquid conducted through all existing treatment zones 4 per time unit can be used and/or removed to form at least one stream 20 of the process liquid, the resulting stream 20 or resulting streams 20 are filtered by the at least one membrane filtration system 19 and a filtered stream 46 of the process liquid can be at least partially recirculated into one conduction element 8 and/or one treatment zone 4. FIG. 3 uses the same reference signs and part names for the same parts as were used in the preceding FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. To avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the detailed description in the above FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

[0112] In principle, any given liquid stream 5 of the process liquid can be used to form a stream 20 of the process liquid to be filtered and/or partial quantities of the process liquid can be taken from any liquid stream 5 to form a stream 20 to be filtered. Likewise, a filtered stream 46 of the process liquid can in principle be returned to any conduction element 8 for the process liquid and/or to any treatment zone 4. However, certain variations of incorporating one or more membrane filtration system(s) 19 offer advantages that are explained in more detail below using additional example embodiments depicted in the figures.

[0113] It is preferable for the number and filtration capacity of the membrane filtration system(s) 19 in the device 1 to be fixed or designed such that the total process liquid quantity drawn out of at least one element 8 holding and/or conducting the process liquid per time unit for forming at least one stream 20 of the process liquid 3 during continuous treatment can be chosen such that the filtration of the stream 20 or the streams 20 can achieve a removal rate of microorganisms that is greater than the growth rate of these micro-organisms in the process liquid 3 in the same interval.

[0114] The number and the filtration capacity of the membrane filtration system(s) 19 can also be chosen or fixed such that, based on the total quantity of process liquid conducted through all existing treatment zones 4 per time unit, at least 1% and less than 25% per time unit can be used to form at least one stream 20 to be filtered and this partial quantity of the process liquid formed per time unit can be filtered by the membrane filtration system(s) 19. A particularly advantageous design is one where, based on the total process liquid conducted through all existing treatment zones per time unit, between 2% and 10%, and especially between 2.5% and 7% per time unit is used to form at least one stream 20 of the process liquid and this partial quantity of the process liquid formed per time unit is filtered by at least one membrane filtration system 19.

[0115] Additionally, it is preferable to set the number and filtration capacity of the membrane filtration system(s) 19 such that the total volume of process liquid in the device 1 for treating foods and/or containers can be filtered at least 1 time and preferably between 2 times and 10 times per day using the membrane filtration system(s) 19.

[0116] One option for forming and filtering a stream 20 of the process liquid is shown in FIG. 3, in which FIG. 3 e.g. two membrane filtration systems 19 are placed in a device 1 for treating foods and/or containers of which excerpts are shown. FIG. 3 uses the same reference symbols and part names for the same parts as were used in the preceding FIGS. 1 and 2. To avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the detailed description in the above FIG. 1, 2.

[0117] In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the two membrane filtration systems 19 depicted are placed bypass-like between a conduction element 8 conducting a liquid stream 5 and a treatment zone 4 (left in FIG. 3) or another conduction element 8 (right in FIG. 3). In the example embodiment shown, suitable splitting means 21 are used to remove a partial quantity of a liquid stream 5 of the process liquid per time unit to form a stream 19 to be filtered and to filter it using a membrane filtration system 19. In doing so, feeding element 22 of the membrane filtration system 19 can be operatively connected to a conduction element 9 for the process liquid or also to a treatment zone.

[0118] For controlled removal of a partial quantity out of the liquid stream 5 to form a stream 20, something like a splitting means 21 in the form of a flow regulator apparatus 18 can be placed in a feeding element 22 into a membrane filtration system 19, as shown on the left in FIG. 3. Alternately, as shown for example on the right in FIG. 3, a three-way splitting valve 23 can also be used as a splitting means 21. A splitting means 21 in the form of a conveying means 11 or pump can also be arranged to work together with a valve 18, 23 in order to allow controlled removal of a partial quantity of the process liquid out of the conduction element 8. In principle, a splitting means 21 designed as a conveying means 11 can also be used by itself. Preferably, however, the placement of an additional conveying means 11 in a feeding element 22 of a membrane filtration system 19 is omitted and, as shown on the left in FIG. 3, the removal of a partial quantity of the process liquid is accomplished using a conveying means 11 placed in a conduction element 8 of the device 1.

[0119] After completed filtration, a filtered stream 46 of the process liquid is recirculated into a treatment zone 4 like in the example shown on the left in FIG. 3 and/or into a conduction element 8 as in the example shown on the right in FIG. 3. A draining element 24 of a membrane filtration system 19 can again be operatively connected to a treatment zone 4 or to a conduction element 8 for the process liquid.

[0120] The treatment zone 4 shown on the left in FIG. 3 can again, for example, be designed as a heating zone for the foods or containers, the treatment zone 4 shown in the middle of FIG. 3 can be for pasteurising the food, and the treatment zone 4 shown on the right in FIG. 3 can be for cooling the foods or containers. Accordingly, during ongoing treatment mode of the device 1 the pasteurisation zone 4 placed in the middle is fed a liquid stream 5 of a high-temperature process liquid, while the treatment zones 4 for heating and cooling the foods and containers are fed liquid streams 5 at comparably low temperatures.

[0121] As indicated in FIG. 3, in order especially to spare the membrane filtration system 19 a liquid stream 5 at a relatively low temperature can preferably be used to form a stream 20 of the process liquid to be filtered. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the feeding elements 22 of the depicted membrane filtration systems 19 are operatively connected to the conduction elements 8 leading to the heating and cooling treatment zones, i.e. the treatment zones 4 depicted on the left and right, respectively, in FIG. 3. The two conduction elements 8 to which the feeding elements 22 are connected each contain one liquid stream 5 with a relatively low temperature process liquid. It is preferable for forming a stream 20 of the process liquid to be filtered for the at least one membrane filtration system 19 to be operatively connected to conduction elements 8 at places where the process liquid held or conducted in the conduction elements 8 has a temperature of less than 80 C. and especially less than 50 C. It is preferable for the at least one membrane filtration system for forming a stream 20 of the process liquid to be filtered to be operatively connected to locations with conduction elements 8 of the device 1 in such a way as to ensure that process liquids with a temperature between 40 C. and 50 C. are used to form at least one stream 20 to be filtered. As has been shown, membrane filtration and the filtration performance of a stream 20 of process liquid is particularly efficient in this temperature range.

[0122] As is further shown in FIG. 3, it can further be provided that a feeding element 22 of a membrane filtration system 19 be connected to a tempering-capable flow container 47 for the process liquid. Such a flow container 47 can, for example, be designed as a buffer with integrated heat exchanger or as a buffer with integrated electric heating or the like. In this way a stream 20 to be filtered can be formed by using the process liquid from the flow container 47.

[0123] Alternatively to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 3, an entire liquid stream 5 of the process liquid can be used to form a stream 20 of the process liquid to be filtered, as is shown schematically in FIG. 4. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the membrane filtration system 19 is placed in series in a conduction element 8 leading to a treatment zone and/or its feeding element 22 and draining element are each connected to a conduction element 8 leading to a treatment zone 4. This way the entire liquid stream 5 of the process liquid 3 conducted through the conduction element 8 is directed through the membrane filtration system 19 and in the example shown in FIG. 4 fed into a treatment zone 4 after completed membrane filtration. In such an arrangement of a membrane filtration system 19, providing an additional conveying means 11 to bring the process liquid 3 into a treatment zone 4 after completed micro- and ultrafiltration can be necessary because of the loss of pressure over the membrane filtration system 19.

[0124] Advantageously, feeding a filtered stream 46 of the process liquid into a treatment zone 4 after completed filtration can be accomplished without a conveying means 11. For this purpose, it can be useful for the draining elements 24 of a membrane filtration system 19 to be connected e.g. to a treatment zone 4 in such a way that at least one filtered stream 46 of the process liquid can be fed into the treatment zone 4 under the influence of gravity, in free fall. Such an example embodiment is shown in FIG. 5; to avoid unnecessary repetitions, FIG. 5 once again uses the same reference signs and part names for the same parts as are used in the preceding FIGS. 1 and 4. FIG. 5 depicts an example embodiment of a technical connection of a membrane filtration system 19 to a treatment zone 4 in which a draining element 24 leading from the membrane filtration system 19 to the treatment zone 4 is arranged in such a way that a constant gradient from top to bottom in the direction from the membrane filtration system 19 to the treatment zone 4 is formed, as a result of which the stream 46 of the process liquid 3 conducted away from the membrane filtration system 19 to the treatment zone 4 and filtered can flow under the influence of gravity. To introduce the filtered stream 46 of the process liquid 3 into the treatment zone 4, one or more opening(s) 25 in the treatment zone 4 can or could easily be designed in the treatment zone 4 or connected to the draining elements 24 so that the filtered stream 46 can flow into the treatment zone 4.

[0125] FIG. 6 depicts excerpts of another, potentially independent embodiment of the device 1, where once again the same reference signs and part names are used for the same parts as have been used in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 5. To avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the detailed description in the above FIGS. 1 to 5. FIG. 6 shows, in the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, an arrangement for feeding a filtered stream 46 of the process liquid 3 into a conduction element 8 for the process liquid 3, for example a liquid tank 15. The draining elements 24 again extend from top to bottom in a constant gradient from the membrane filtration system 19 down to the liquid tank 8, 15 so that the filtered stream 46 can flow through the opening(s) 25 in the liquid tank 8, 15.

[0126] FIG. 7 depicts excerpts of another, potentially independent embodiment of the device 1, where once again the same reference signs and part names are used for the same parts as have been used in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 6. To avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the detailed description in the above FIGS. 1 to 6. In FIG. 7, a treatment zone 4 is arranged for rinsing the outside 6 of the closed containers 2 filled with food, which at least one treatment zone 4 is arranged at the end of the treatment zone line in the transport direction 26 of the containers 2 through the treatment zones 4. A filtered stream 46 of the process liquid 3 is fed into the treatment zone 4 to clean the containers 2. The treatment zone 4 is again operatively connected to a draining element 24 of a membrane filtration system 19 for this purpose. In addition, the treatment zone 4 can be assigned e.g. a fan 27 for drying the containers 2 with drying air or another drying device.

[0127] FIG. 8 depicts excerpts of another, potentially independent embodiment of the device 1, where once again the same reference signs and part names are used for the same parts as have been used in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 7. To avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the detailed description in the above FIGS. 1 to 7. FIG. 8 depicts a treatment zone 4 for rinsing or cleaning the inside 28 and the outside 6 of unfilled and open containers 2, wherein the depicted treatment zone 4 is arranged at the start of the treatment zone line in the transport direction 26 of the containers 2 through the treatment zones 4. A filtered stream 46 of the process liquid 3 is again fed into the treatment zone 4 to clean the open containers 2. The treatment zone 4 is again operatively connected to a draining element 24 of a membrane filtration system 19 for this purpose.

[0128] FIG. 9 depicts an exampleembodiment of a design of a membrane filtration system 19. To avoid unnecessary repetitions, please refer again to the detailed description in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 8, where the same reference signs and part names are used for the same parts as in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 8. As already explained in detail, during filtration the membrane filtration system 19 is fed a stream 20 of the process liquid to be filtered 3 through the feeding elements 22, wherein a partial quantity fed in per time unit can be specified e.g. using a flow regulator apparatus 18. The stream 20 of the process liquid 3 to be filtered can, for example, be directed by a three-way valve 29 into a pressure vessel 30 in which filter membrane modules 31 are arranged to filter the process liquid 3.

[0129] The filter membrane modules 31 shown in FIG. 9 can consist of a great variety of membranes. The construction of the membranes can be homogeneous or inhomogeneous and can exhibit different symmetries in cross-section. In particular, porous membranes in capillary or hollow fibre form and/or flat membranes can be used. The membranes can be made out of various materials. Examples of suitable membrane materials are polyethylene, polypropylene, polyether sulfone, polyvinylidene fluoride, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EDPM), polyurethane, or cellulose acetate. It is preferable to use membrane materials that are hydrophilic. Alternately and/or additionally to plastic membranes, ceramic materials can also be used to form the membranes of the filter membrane modules 31. Particularly suitable are chlorine-resistant membrane materials that can withstand a chlorine exposure of more than 200,000 ppm*h and preferably more than 2,000,000 ppm*h.

[0130] The depicted example embodiments show operation of the device 1 and the membrane filtration system(s) 19 under high pressure. Alternately or additionally, low pressure zones can also be arranged in at least sections of the device 1; running a membrane filtration system 19 at low pressure is particularly conceivable. For example, suction devices (not shown) can be placed in the draining elements 24, by which a filtered stream 46 of the process liquid 3 can be suctioned from a filter membrane module 31. For this reason, the filter membranes of the filter membrane modules 31 are preferably designed to withstand high and low pressure and suited for trans-membrane pressures and pressure differences of at least 1,000 mbar without permanent blocking of the membranes during ongoing operation of the membrane filtration system 19. Where needed, membranes suitable for pressures of e.g. 2,000 mbar and up to 5,000 mbar over the particular membrane can also be used. During filtration, the transmembrane pressure difference should preferably be less than 5 bar, especially less than 2 bar, and particularly preferably 1 bar or less. It is preferable to use porous membranes, with the effective pore diameter of a particular membrane lying in a range between 0.01 m and 1 m, membranes with effective pore diameters between 0.05 m and 0.5 m are particularly suitable for the filter membrane modules 31 of the membrane filtration system(s) 19.

[0131] The example embodiment shown in FIG. 9 depicts what is called the outside-in mode of the membrane filtration system 19, in which the stream 20 of the process liquid 3 to be filtered enters the filter membrane modules 31 from outside during filtration, filters through the filter membranes of the filter membrane modules 31, and a filtered stream 46 of the process liquid 3 is drained out of the inside of the filter membrane modules 31 using draining elements 24. Alternately to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 9, there is also what is called inside-out operation in which a stream 20 of the process liquid 3 to be filtered is fed into the inside of the filter membrane modules 31 during filtration and a filtered stream 46 of the process liquid 3 exits on the outside of the filter membrane modules 31. In addition, both a so-called cross-flow mode and a cyclical dead-end interconnection are possible when it comes to the flow of the stream 20 of the process liquid 3 into a filter membrane module 31. Finally, submerged membrane configurations in which a filtered stream 46 of the process liquid 3 is suctioned off by low pressure are also possible. When a membrane filtration system 19 is in a submerged configuration, a cyclical or acyclical air bubble rinse or air turbulence can be provided or executed to counter the formation of a layer on the membrane surfaces.

[0132] In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 9, after the process liquid 3 passes through the filter membrane modules 31 and filtration is completed, the filtered stream 46 of the process liquid 3 is drained out of the membrane filtration system 19 through the draining elements 24 again. As shown in FIG. 9, it can be advisable here to place a receiving container with an overflow 32 in the drain 24, which depending on its dimensions is designed for temporary storage of a certain volume of the filtered process liquid 3 or a filtrate 33. In particular, this filtrate 33 of the process liquid 3 can be used to clean via flushing by reversing the flow direction through the filter membrane modules 31.

[0133] To run a cleaning mode for the filter membrane modules 31, closures 34 are placed in the feeding elements 22 and the draining elements 24 that permit mechanical separation of the membrane filtration system 19 from the other structural elements of the device for treating foods and containers. In addition, at least one conveying means 11 is placed in the receiving container 32 and/or a backflush line 35 extending between the receiving container 32 and the draining elements 24 of the membrane filtration system 19. This way appropriate switching of the three-way valves 29 can reverse the flow direction in the membrane filtration system 19 such that the process liquid 3 flows through the filter membrane modules 31 in the reverse direction 36 than in filtration mode. To drain the liquid waste accrued in the course of cleaning by reversing the flow direction through the filter membranes of the membrane filter system 19, the member filter system 19 is assigned at least one closable liquid waste line 37. A quantity of fresh process liquid 3 equal to the drained quantity of liquid waste can, for example, be provided by the feeding device 17 for fresh process liquid 3 shown in FIG. 2.

[0134] As further shown in FIG. 9, a dispensing device 38 can be placed in a draining element 24 and/or in the backflush piping 35 of the one membrane filtration system 19 through which the process liquid 3 or the filtrate 33 of the process liquid 3 can be admixed with chemicals from one or more chemical sources 39 both during filtration and when cleaning the membrane filtration system 19. Chemicals can be admixed during filtration through the three-way valve 29 arranged in the drain 24. In addition, an adsorption device 40 can be placed in the drain 24 of the membrane filtration system 19 that allows removal or separation of substances dissolved, suspended, or dispersed in a filtered stream 46 of the process liquid 3.

[0135] FIG. 10 depicts excerpts of another, potentially independent embodiment of the device 1, where once again the same reference signs and part names are used for the same parts as have been used in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 9. To avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the detailed description in the above FIGS. 1 to 9. FIG. 10 depicts sensors 41 that are designed for continuous monitoring of the degree of contamination, especially by measuring the turbidity of the process liquid. The sensors 41 can be placed in the conduction elements 8 and/or in the treatment zones 4 of the device 1.

[0136] The measured values of the sensors 41 can, for example, be used to assign a membrane filtration system 19 to different treatment zones 4 or conduction elements 8 for liquid streams of the process liquid via switching means and directing elements. Switching between conduction elements 8 and/or treatment zones 4 can naturally also be done based on measurements using random samples taken from the device 1.

[0137] For example, it can be provided that a stream 20 of the process liquid 3 is formed for filtration by a membrane filtration system 19 by switching between or mixing of different liquid streams 5 of the process liquid 3 from different conduction elements 8 depending on measured values obtained by in-line measurements and/or random sample measurements. It can further be provided that a filtered stream 46 of the process liquid 3 be recirculated into different conduction elements 8 and/or treatment zones 4 by introducing and/or splitting the filtered stream 46 into different liquid streams 5 depending on measured values obtained by inline measurements and/or random sample measurements.

[0138] To switch a membrane filtration system 19 to different conduction elements 8, the feeding elements 22 of a membrane filtration system 19 can, for example, be assigned two switching means 42, 42, as shown in FIG. 10. The two depicted switching means 42, 42 are operatively connected to two different conduction elements 8, 8 holding the process liquid in such a way that a stream 20 of the process liquid can be formed for filtration either out of one of the two liquid streams 5, 5 of the process liquid in the conduction elements 8, 8 or out of both liquid streams 5, 5. For this purpose the two switching means 42, 42 can be designed as so-called open-shut valves so that each of the two switching means 42, 42 can operatively open or close the supply of process liquid into the membrane filtration system 19.

[0139] A suitable alternative to the example embodiment shown in FIG. 10 would naturally also be a single switching means 42 designed as a 3-way switching means (not shown in FIG. 10) for switching the feeding elements 22 of the membrane filtration system 19 to one of the two conduction elements 8. The switching means 42 designed as 3-way switching means 42 would again be assigned the feeding elements 22 of the membrane filtration system 19 on the one hand and connected to two different conduction elements 8, 8 on the other hand.

[0140] In FIG. 10 and below, the depiction and description using 2-way valves is maintained for better understanding, with it being noted at this juncture that the design and placement of a switchable membrane filtration system 19 can be arranged in numerous ways and is not limited to the example embodiments portrayed in FIG. 10 and below.

[0141] Instead of switching means 42, a feeding element 22 of a membrane filtration system 19 can also be assigned two mixing means 43, 43 as indicated in FIG. 10. The mixing means 43, 43 are again operatively connected to two different conduction elements 8, 8 holding the process liquid in such a way that the stream 20 of the process liquid can be formed for filtration again either out of one of the two liquid streams 5, 5 of the process liquid or out of both liquid streams 5, 5 in the conduction elements 8, 8 or by removing and mixing specifiable partial quantities from the two liquid streams 5, 5 of the process liquid. For this purpose, the mixing means 43, 43 can for example be designed as flow regulator valves.

[0142] Of course, a membrane filtration system 19 can also be assigned more than two switching means 42 and/or mixing means 43, which can accordingly be connected to more than two conduction elements 8.

[0143] FIG. 11 depicts excerpts of another, potentially independent embodiment of the device 1, where once again the same reference signs and part names are used for the same parts as have been used in the preceding FIGS. 1 to 10. To avoid unnecessary repetition, please refer to the detailed description in the above FIGS. 1 to 10. In the example embodiment depicted in FIG. 11, a drain 24 of a membrane filtration system 19 is assigned two switching means 44, 44. A switching means is operatively connected to a conduction element 8 in the form of a liquid tank 15. The other switching means 44 is operatively connected to a treatment zone 4. This design can feed a filtered stream 46 of the process liquid 3 either into the conduction element 8 in the form of a liquid tank 15 or the treatment zone 4 or into both the conduction element 8 and the treatment zone 4.

[0144] For this purpose, the two switching means 44, 44 in FIG. 11 can again be designed as so-called open/shut valves so that each of the two switching means 44, 44 can operatively open or close the discharge of a filtered stream 46 out of the membrane filtration system 19 into the treatment zone 4 and/or the at least one conduction element 8.

[0145] Instead of switching means 44, a draining element 24 of a membrane filtration system 19 can also be assigned two splitting means 45, 45 as indicated in FIG. 11. A splitting means 45 is again operatively connected to a conduction element 8 in the form of a liquid tank 15. The other splitting means 45 is operatively connected to a treatment zone 4. Because of this design, the filtered stream 46 of the process liquid 3 can again be fed either into the conduction element 8 designed as a liquid tank 15 or the treatment zone 4. Alternately, the liquid tank 15 and the treatment zone 4 can each be fed specifiable partial quantities of the filtered stream 46 of the process liquid 3. For this purpose, the splitting means 45, 45 can for example again be designed as flow regulator valves.

[0146] Again, a membrane filtration system 19 can also be assigned more than two switching means 44 and/or splitting means 45, which can accordingly be connected to multiple conduction elements 8 and/or multiple treatment zones 4.

[0147] The example embodiments show possible variations of the method and the device for treating foods and/or containers; let it be noted at this juncture that the invention is not limited to the specially portrayed variations of embodiments themselves, but that diverse combinations of the individual variations of embodiments are possible and that this possibility of variation falls within the competence of a person active in this technical field based on the teaching regarding technical action provided by this invention.

[0148] Furthermore, individual characteristics or combinations of characteristics from the depicted and described various example embodiments can constitute independent inventive or invented solutions.

[0149] The aim underlying the independent invented solutions can be taken from the description.

[0150] All information regarding ranges of values in this description should be understood to mean that these include any and all partial ranges, e.g. the statement 1 to 10 should be understood to mean that all partial ranges starting from the lower threshold 1 and the upper threshold 10 are included, i.e. all partial ranges begin with a lower threshold of 1 or larger and with an upper threshold of 10 or less, e.g. 1 to 1.7 or 3.2 to 8.1 or 5.5 to 10.

[0151] Above all, the individual embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 11 can form the subject of independent invented solutions. The relevant aims according to the invention and solutions can be found in the detailed descriptions of these figures.

[0152] As a matter of form, let it be noted that, to facilitate a better understanding of the design of the device for treating foods and/or containers, these and their components have in places been portrayed not to scale and/or enlarged and/or scaled-down.

TABLE-US-00001 List of reference signs 1 Device 2 Container 3 Process liquid 4 Treatment zone 5 Liquid stream 6 Outside 7 Spray nozzle 8 Conduction element 9 Collecting tub 10 Means of transport 11 Conveying means 12 Heating means 13 Cooling means 14 Liquid tank 15 Liquid tank 16 Emptying device 17 Feeding device 18 Flow regulator apparatus 19 Membrane filtration system 20 Stream 21 Splitting means 22 Feeding element 23 Three-way splitting valve 24 Draining element 25 Opening 26 Direction of transport 27 Fan 28 Inside 29 Three-way valve 30 Pressure vessel 31 Filter membrane module 32 Receiving container 33 Filtrate 34 Closure 35 Backflush piping 36 Direction 37 Liquid waste line 38 Dispensing device 39 Chemical source 40 Adsorption device 41 Sensor 42 Switching means 43 Mixing means 44 Switching means 45 Splitting means 46 Stream 47 Flow container