METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ASEPTICALLY FILLING DRUMS

摘要

A method and apparatus for aseptically filling drums with flowable liquids such as fruit or vegetable juices. A steam atmosphere is provided within the drum and within a filling head engaged wth the drum top, and a condensate removal lance and filling lance are mounted on the filling head and movable into and out of the drum with a diaphragm seal means also movable into sealing engagement in the drum opening about the filling lance which extends through the drum opening during the filling operation. The seal means minimizes the condensation of steam from the filling head within the drum during the filling operation and permits maintenance of an above atmospheric pressure steam atmosphere in the filling head at all times.