Filling machine having a microfiltrated clean air supply system

Abstract

A microfiltrated clean air supply system for providing a highly filtered supply of clean air suitable for aseptic packaging (for example, class 100 or better) in a filling machine is provided. In an embodiment, the clean air supply system includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet. A first plurality of filters are arranged in order of increasing collection efficiency within the housing adjacent the inlet. Similarly a second plurality of filters are arranged within the housing near the outlet. The second plurality of filters are also arranged in order of increasing collection efficiency. The clean air supply system also includes a chamber located between the first plurality of filters and the second plurality of filters. The chamber includes a wall separating the chamber from the second plurality of filters. A blower is arranged in the chamber between the first and second plurality of filters. The blower has an exhaust port which is arranged in fluid communication with an aperture formed in the wall of the chamber. Thus, air is drawn in through the inlet of the housing and passes through the first plurality of filters. The air is drawn through the housing by the blower and expelled through the exhaust port into the second plurality of filters. The filtered air is then expelled through the outlet of the housing.