Filling machine having a continuous particle monitoring system

Abstract

A continuous particle monitoring system for use in a filling machine is provided. The filling machine has a plurality of processing stations in which containers are conveyed to each processing station to execute at least one process to collectively form, fill and seal each container. The filling machine also includes an air intake in fluid communication with a clean air supply. A chamber is connected in fluid communication with the air intake to receive the clean air supply. The particle monitoring system is constructed and arranged to monitor the clean air supply within the chamber. To this end, the particle monitoring system includes a sampling probe arranged in the chamber and oriented anisoaxially with respect to the clean air supply. The sampling probe preferably includes a substantially tubular body having a sampling port arranged at an end thereof. Also, a mounting plate for securing the probe within the filling machine is formed in the tubular body. A sampling line connection point is arranged at another end of the tubular body in fluid communication with the sampling port. The sampling probe is connected via a sampling line to a particle counter. A vacuum pump draws an air sample through the probe and into the counter to continuously monitor the air quality in the filling station of the filling machine.