In Fill-Accuracy During Pouch Formation

Abstract

In one of its aspects, the present invention relates to a process for forming a flexible liquid-packaging pouch. This process improves fill-accuracy of the flowable material contained in the pouch. Specifically, the invention relates to a process for improving the fill-accuracy of a pouch by incorporating at least one stand-pipe in a balance tank that feeds the pouch with flowable material to be packaged. This invention also relates to such apparatus for improving the fill-accuracy of the flexible liquid-packaging pouch.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A pouch formed with improved fill-accuracy according to a process comprising the steps of:
 (A) providing a continuous tube of flexible and sealable film;   (B) supplying the continuous tube with a predetermined flow-rate of flowable material fed from an external balance tank; wherein said balance tank comprises an inlet for said flowable material, at least one outlet for said flowable material, and at least one stand-pipe within said balance tank and over said at least one outlet, wherein said stand-pipe is flowably attached to said at least one outlet, such that the inside of said balance tank is at a steady state, and localized disturbances are reduced, and wherein said balance tank feeds at least one continuous flexible tube, and wherein the height of said stand-pipe, measured as a percentage of the level of said flowable material in said balance tank, is in the range from about 1% to about 99%.   
     
     
         2 . The pouch as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the height of the stand-pipe, measured as a percentage of the level of said flowable material in said tank, is in the range of from about 3% to about 25%. 
     
     
         3 . The pouch as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one stand-pipe is substantially centrally-located on said at least one outlet. 
     
     
         4 . The pouch as recited on  claim 1 , wherein said balance tank has a floor, and said balance tank comprises at least one drain-hole on the floor of said balance tank. 
     
     
         5 . The pouch as recited on  claim 1 , wherein said balance tank comprises at least one drain-hole on said stand-pipe. 
     
     
         6 . The process as recited on  claim 1 , wherein said balance tank comprises at least one drain-hole on said stand-pipe, wherein said drain-hole is at the base of said stand-pipe. 
     
     
         7 . The pouch as recited on  claim 1 , wherein said balance tank has a floor, and said balance tank comprises at least one drain-hole on said stand-pipe and at least one drain-hole on the floor of said balance tank. 
     
     
         8 . The pouch as recited on  claim 1 , wherein said balance tank comprises at least one baffle in said balance tank. 
     
     
         9 . The pouch as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said balance tank is filled at least 30% of its volume by a flowable material. 
     
     
         10 . A package comprising the pouch of  claim 1  inside a secondary container. 
     
     
         11 . The package as recited in  claim 10 , wherein said secondary container is a card-board box. 
     
     
         12 . A balance tank for providing flowable material to a fill-seal machine, comprising an inlet for said flowable material, at least one outlet for said flowable material, and at least one stand-pipe over said at least one outlet, wherein said stand-pipe is flowably attached to said at least one outlet, such that the inside of said balance tank is at a steady state, and localized disturbances are reduced, and wherein said balance tank feeds at least one continuous flexible tube, and wherein the height of said stand-pipe, measured as a percentage of the level of said flowable material in said balance tank, is in the range from about 1% to about 99%. 
     
     
         13 . The balance tank as recited in  claim 12 , wherein the height of the stand-pipe, measured as a percentage of the level of said flowable material in said tank, is in the range of from about 3% to about 25%. 
     
     
         14 . The balance tank as recited in  claim 12 , wherein said at least one stand-pipe is substantially centrally located on said at least one outlet. 
     
     
         15 . The balance tank as recited on  claim 12 , wherein said balance tank has a floor, and said balance tank comprises at least one drain-hole on the floor of said balance tank. 
     
     
         16 . The balance tank as recited on  claim 12 , wherein said balance tank comprises at least one drain-hole on said stand-pipe. 
     
     
         17 . The process as recited on  claim 12 , wherein said balance tank comprises at least one drain-hole on said stand-pipe, wherein said drain-hole is at the base of said stand-pipe. 
     
     
         18 . The balance tank as recited on  claim 12 , wherein said balance tank has a floor, and said balance tank comprises at least one drain-hole on said stand-pipe and at least one drain-hole on the floor of said balance tank. 
     
     
         19 . The balance tank as recited on  claim 12 , wherein said balance tank comprises at least one baffle in said balance tank. 
     
     
         20 . The balance tank as recited in  claim 12 , wherein said balance tank is filled at least 30% of its volume by a flowable material. 
     
     
         21 . The balance tank as recited in  claim 12 , wherein said at least one stand-pipe comprises a cross-section selected from the group consisting a circular cross-section, a random cross-section, a cross-section that varies in vertical direction, and a cross-section with at least three defined angles, wherein the sides of said cross-section are equilateral.