METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE STERILIZATION OF A CARTON

摘要

The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for sterilizing cartons with vapor-phase hydrogen peroxide and ultraviolet radiation on a packaging machine (22). A partially formed carton (20) is first sprayed at a bottom forming station (10) with a sterilant. Then, the carton (20) is transported to a sterilization station (28) where the carton (20) is sprayed with gaseous hydrogen peroxide thereby allowing the gas to condense on the packaging material. The carton (20) is then conveyed to a UV radiation source (38) for irradiation of the carton (20). The carton (20) is then dried with heated air to flush/remove any residual hydrogen peroxide. The present invention sterilizes the carton (20) allowing for filling with a desired product such as milk, juice or water. The invention allows for the efficacious use of hydrogen peroxide having a concentration of up to 53 % while providing a carton (20) having less than 0.5 ppm hydrogen peroxide. The method and apparatus of the present invention allows for the fabrication of a shelf-stable food product.