EP0377069B1 - Process for filling a tank with carbonated beverages, particularly beer, and device for carrying out the process - Google Patents

Process for filling a tank with carbonated beverages, particularly beer, and device for carrying out the process Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0377069B1
EP0377069B1 EP89101463A EP89101463A EP0377069B1 EP 0377069 B1 EP0377069 B1 EP 0377069B1 EP 89101463 A EP89101463 A EP 89101463A EP 89101463 A EP89101463 A EP 89101463A EP 0377069 B1 EP0377069 B1 EP 0377069B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
line
air
tank
gas
connection fitting
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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EP89101463A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0377069A1 (en
Inventor
Erich MÖCKESCH
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BIER-DRIVE Kellertanksysteme GmbH
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BIER-DRIVE Kellertanksysteme GmbH
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Priority to AT89101463T priority Critical patent/ATE79832T1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/04—Apparatus utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on beverages in storage containers
    • B67D1/0462—Squeezing collapsible or flexible beverage containers, e.g. bag-in-box containers

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method and a device according to the preamble of claims 1, 8 and 10. Such a method and such a device are known from WO-A-79/00092.
  • Fig. 1 shows a spherical tank 1, which is preferably pivotally mounted in a known manner in a vertical plane on side bearings 2. Such storage, to which reference is made in full, is described and illustrated in WO-A-79/00093.
  • the tank 1 has a connection fitting 3, 4 with a shut-off valve at the top and bottom, of which the lower connection fitting 4 is connected to a film bag 5 arranged in the tank 1 in such a way that the filling liquid 7 coming from a tanker vehicle 6 in the present case beer, can be filled into the film bag 5.
  • connection 12 is optionally a coming from the tanker 6 compressed air line 13, which is fed by a compressor K in the tanker 6 or a CO2 line 14 can be connected, which extends from a CO2 container 15 with a pressure of about 2 bar or about more.
  • the tank 1 is located in the basement 10 of a restaurant or the like, in which the CO2 container is arranged, while the tanker 6 normally remains outside the basement or the restaurant.
  • the upper connection fitting 3 is also assigned a pressure relief valve 16 or overflow valve which opens above a pressure of about 0.8 bar and can be connected to the connection 12 instead of the air line 13 or the CO2 line 14.
  • the lower connection fitting 4 is removed and the film bag 5 is removed through an opening in the tank 1 which receives the lower connection fitting 4.
  • the upper connection fitting 3 Before beer is introduced from the tanker 6 through the lower connection fitting 4 into the film bag 5, the upper connection fitting 3 is opened by means of the shut-off valve 8 completely closed. Then the air line 13 is removed from the upper connection fitting 3 and instead the pressure limiting valve 16 is connected (shown), which opens at a pressure of approximately 0.8 bar.
  • the pressure relief valve 16 is carried by the tank driver, who also changes the film bag 5 in the tank 1. After connecting the pressure relief valve 16, the shut-off valve 8 on the upper connection fitting is opened again.
  • beer is filled into the film bag 5 under pressure via the filling line 7 coming from the tanker 6 through the lower connection fitting 4.
  • the inflowing beer presses on the air located between the film bag 5 and the tank wall, the pressure relief valve 16 setting a counterpressure of 0.8 bar and allowing excess air to flow off.
  • the filling was completed in that the shut-off valve 8 on the upper connection fitting 3 is closed again and the air line 13 is decoupled from the upper connection fitting 3 and instead the CO2 container 15 connected to the stationary CO2 container 15 arranged in the cellar 10 Line 14 was connected to the upper connection fitting 3 at connection 12. Then the check valve 8 was opened again. The tank 1 was then emptied by the pressure of the propagating into the residual space 17 Pressure of the CO2 of about 2 bar.
  • Air contains oxygen, which is able to diffuse through the wall of the film bag 5 and impair the durability of the beer.
  • the impairment caused by the oxygen which has diffused into the film bag 5 is less disruptive.
  • the quality of which has been significantly increased by reducing the oxygen content however, diffused oxygen leads to a significant impairment of the shelf life.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a method or an apparatus with which it is possible when filling conventional tanks 1 with a film bag 5 to fill the residual space 17 only with CO2 or a CO2-air mixture, the oxygen content of which is negligible .
  • the air in the residual space is replaced by a gas which is neutral with respect to the beverage, in particular carbon dioxide, or is mixed with the neutral gas to such an extent that the air conditional oxygen content in the mixture is below a prescribed minimum value.
  • the oxygen in the residual space can be removed or reduced to a portion that is harmless with regard to the diffusion into the beer.
  • Claims 8 and 10 contain devices which enable the process according to the invention to be carried out, by means of which the gas or gas mixture present in the residual space is passed to the outside atmosphere surrounding the latter in order to avoid endangering the basement space Connection fitting provided, while according to claim 10, a longitudinal section of the gas line and / or air line is used as a return line section.
  • a method according to the invention is explained as the first exemplary embodiment when using the previously described device.
  • the air in the residual space 17 is replaced by a neutral gas, in particular carbon dioxide (CO2), or mixed with the neutral gas to such an extent that the oxygen in the mixture is below a prescribed minimum value.
  • a neutral gas in particular carbon dioxide (CO2)
  • CO2 carbon dioxide
  • a first method of replacing the air in the residual space 17 with a neutral gas is to flush the residual space 17 with neutral gas such as CO2, with the residual space 17 open to the surroundings of the tank 1.
  • the flushing can preferably be carried out in one operation as long as until there is no more air in the residual space 17 or the air content is below the prescribed minimum value. This can be done by creating a further closable outlet opening on the tank 1 or on the upper connection fitting 3, through which the residual space 17 is flushed through with the CO2 line 14 connected to the connection 12. If there is no more air in the residual space 17 or only air below the prescribed minimum value, this outlet opening is closed again.
  • an outlet line to the outlet opening, which either in the outside atmosphere, ie into the free atmosphere outside the basement, opens out, or leads to a container arranged in the basement, in which at least the CO2 portion the air is safely absorbed.
  • a device suitable for this is shown in FIG. 2, the upper connection fitting 3 being provided with an outlet opening 22 which can be closed by a second shut-off valve 21 and from which an outlet line 23 leads to the free atmosphere or outside atmosphere or to the container (not shown) in the basement.
  • the residual space 17 prescribed for safety reasons is connected to the surroundings of the tank 1 after the film bag 5 has been filled (preferably with the lower connection fitting 4 closed and the filling line 7 disconnected).
  • This can be done in the context of the invention by opening the shut-off valve 8, and the pressure relief valve 16 is released or opened before the CO2 line 14 is connected to the upper connection fitting 3.
  • the film bag 5 then expands by the internal pressure of the beer, whereby the residual space 17 is reduced and part of the CO2-air mixture therein flows through the open connection 12 into the vicinity of the tank 1 (cellar 10).
  • the residual space 17 is not completely filled by the expanding beer in the film bag 5, but a portion of the residual space 17 remains, which is filled with air or air components.
  • the CO2 line 14 is connected to the upper connection fitting 3 and the valve 24 of the CO2 container 15 is opened, so that CO2 flows with the desired pressure (about 2 bar) into the residual space 17 of the tank 1 and restores the initial volume of the residual space 17 .
  • the proportion of air in the air-CO2 mixture of the residual space 17 is reduced.
  • This process can be repeated by closing the valve 24 of the CO2 container 15 and the CO2 line again from the upper connection fitting 3 is uncoupled.
  • the internal pressure of the beer in the film bag 5 then reduces the residual space 17 to a part of its size described above.
  • the CO2 line 14 is connected again to the upper connection fitting 3 and the valve 24 of the CO2 container is opened, so that the initial volume of the residual space 17 filled with a CO2-air mixture between the film bag 5 and the tank wall 18 is formed again .
  • the oxygen content in the residual space 17 can be successively reduced to a negligible value.
  • the reduction in the oxygen content in the residual space 17 can be carried out by means of less handling or control effort.
  • FIG. 3 In the embodiment of Figure 3 is one of a tanker 6, 1 assigned CO2 container 25 coming CO2 line 26 connected to the air line 13, so that it does not require replacement of the air line 13 through the CO2 line 26 after filling the tank 1.
  • the passage of either the air or the CO2 is controlled by a control valve 27, which can be a directional control valve. It is advantageous to combine the CO2 line 26 and the air line 13 in a double line shown in simplified cross-section in FIG. 4, which can be unwound from the take-up reel assigned to the tanker 6, 1 (not shown) and also rewound.
  • the control valve 27 can be adjusted manually or automatically into the required control position.
  • an additional CO2 container 25 is also present on the tanker vehicle 6, 1 shown in simplified form.
  • a fill line 7, 1 is connected to the vehicle tank 28, with an optionally rigid fill line section 31, which extends from the vehicle tank 28 to the axis 32 of a winding roller 33, and a flexible waste line section 34, which can be unwound and rewound from the winding roller 33.
  • the flexible filling line section 34 is assigned an auxiliary line 35, which is designed as a double or double line with the flexible filling line section 34, but branches off independently in the region of its free end in order to connect these flexible line sections (34, 35) to the here 1.1 to facilitate the designated tank.
  • the line connection between the rigid filling line section 31 and the flexible filling line section 34 is established by the axis 32 the winding roller 33, which has appropriately designed passages for the purpose of flow in each rotational position of the winding roller 33.
  • the auxiliary line 35 can optionally be fed with CO2 or compressed air and also via the axis 32, to which at its end opposite the rigid filling line section 31 a compressed air line 37 and the CO2 line designated 38 are connected.
  • the latter extends between the CO2 container 25 assigned to the tanker 6.1 and the axle 32, a branch 39 of the CO2 line 38 leading to the existing vehicle tank 28 in order to also supply it with CO2.
  • the compressed air present in the air line 37 is generated by a compressor K which, as in the previous examples, is assigned to the tanker vehicle 6.1 and from which the air line 37 originates.
  • the compressor K is controlled by a pressure switch 41, the switch of which switches the power supply to the compressor K on or off.
  • the air line 37 is also assigned two compressed air storage containers 42.
  • the auxiliary line 35 can be connected to the connection 12.1 of the upper connection fitting 3.1 of the tank 1.1. After the connection 12.1, the check valve 8.1, the pressure relief valve 9 and the manometer 11 on the upper connection fitting 3.1. seconded.
  • control valves are provided on board the tank vehicle 6.1, which are identified in FIG. 5 as the control device part St and shown schematically.
  • a check valve 44 is arranged in the inlet flow direction before the line connection 43 for the CO2 line 38. Between the latter and the line connection 43 branch off a first and a second outlet line section 45.1, 45.2, in which in each case a check valve 46, 47 is arranged.
  • an overflow or pressure limiting valve 48 in the air line 47, which is preferably set to a pressure of approximately 0.8 bar.
  • a check valve 49 in the CO2 line 38 behind which a CO2 meter 50 is arranged in the CO2 line 38.
  • an outlet line section 45.3 branches off from the CO2 line 38.
  • a shut-off valve 56 is first arranged in the outlet flow direction and then an overpressure or pressure relief valve 57 set to a low pressure of approximately 0.2 to 0.4 bar.
  • the outlet line sections 45.1, 45.2 which may be combined to form a common outlet line 45.3 lead to the free atmosphere or to the outside atmosphere (outside the basement 10) and are comparable to the outlet line 23 of the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 2 and 3.
  • the blocking valves 44, 46, 47, 49, 56 can be manually adjusted for the purpose of closing and opening, or can preferably be controlled electrically or pneumatically by means of a control device provided in the control cabinet 58 of the tanker vehicle 6.1.
  • the tank 1.1 is filled with beer as follows. After replacing the film bag 5, the filling line 7.1 (flexible filling line section 34) and the auxiliary line 35 are coupled to the lower and upper connection fittings 3.1, 4.1. When the shut-off valves 46, 47, 49 and 56 are closed and the shut-off valve 44 is open, compressed air is introduced from the air line 37 into the tank 1.1 above the film bag 5, the pressure of which is brought about by the pressure relief valve assigned to the tanker vehicle 6.1 48 is limited to about 0.8 bar. against this counterpressure, beer is filled into the tank 1.1 through the filling line 7.1 until the prescribed volume of the residual space 17 is reached.
  • the residual space 17 is applied after closing the check valve 44 and opening the check valve 49 with CO2 higher pressure from the CO2 line 38, in the present embodiment with a pressure of about 2.0 to 2.5 bar, which in the manner already described leads to an enlargement of the residual space 17.
  • the residual space 17 can relax in the manner also described above via the outlet line section 45.3 to the outside atmosphere, whereby its volume decreases.
  • This mutual application of the residual space 17 with CO2 and relaxation can also be carried out automatically with a corresponding sequence control, the respective CO2 content in the residual space 17 or in the branch of the outlet line section 45.3 upstream in the outlet flow direction line section of the CO2 line 38 through the CO2 meter 50 determined and this automatic control process is only switched off when the CO2 content is below the prescribed value.
  • outlet line section 45.3 it is also possible, or instead of the outlet line section 45.3, to use the outlet line sections 45.1 and / or 45.2 for the above-described outlet of the air or air-gas mixture present in the residual space 17. A corresponding one is required for this Actuation of the shut-off valves 46.47.

Landscapes

  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

A process for filling a tank (1) with carbonated beverages, particularly beer, which tank contains a film bag (5) to be filled with the beverage from below and is provided at the top with a connection fitting (3) which permits the escape and entry of a gas, the air situated between the outside of the film bag (5) and the tank wall (18) being expelled, when filling the film bag (5) with the beverage, via the connection fitting (3) due to the expanding film bag (5) until, for safety reasons, only a preset remaining space (17) remains between the film bag (5) and the tank wall (18), is to be developed further in such a way that it is possible, when filling conventional tanks (1) containing film bag (5), to fill the remaining space (17) only with CO2 or a CO2/air mixture, the oxygen content of which is negligible. This is achieved in that the air situated in the remaining space (17) is replaced by a gas, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), which behaves neutrally with respect to the beverage or is mixed with the neutral gas to such an extent that the oxygen content, due to the air, in the mixture is less than a preset minimum value. The invention also includes devices for carrying out the process. <IMAGE>

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren bzw. eine Vorrichtung nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruches 1,8 bzw. 10. Ein derartiges Verfahren und eine derartige Vorrichtung sind nach der WO-A-79/00092 bekannt.The invention relates to a method and a device according to the preamble of claims 1, 8 and 10. Such a method and such a device are known from WO-A-79/00092.

Im folgenden wird zunächst ein bekanntes Verfahren zum Befüllen eines einer Gaststätte oder dergleichen zugeordneten Tanks anhand der Figur 1 einer Zeichnung beschrieben.In the following, a known method for filling a tank assigned to a restaurant or the like is first described with reference to FIG. 1 of a drawing.

Die Fig. 1 zeigt einen kugelförmigen Tank 1, der in an sich bekannter Weise vorzugsweise in einer vertikalen Ebene schwenkbar auf seitlichen Lagern 2 gelagert ist. Eine solche Lagerung, auf die im vollen Umfange Bezug genommen wird, ist in der WO-A-79/00093 beschrieben und dargestellt. Der Tank 1 weist oben und unten jeweils eine Anschlußarmatur 3,4 mit einem Sperrventil auf, von denen die untere Anschlußarmatur 4 so mit einem im Tank 1 angeordneten Foliensack 5 verbunden ist, daß mittels einer von einem Tankfahrzeug 6 kommenden Fülleitung 7 die vorhandene Flüssigkeit, im vorliegenden Falle Bier, in den Foliensack 5 eingefüllt werden kann. An der oberen Anschlußarmatur 3 befindet sich hinter dem manuell betätigbaren Sperrventil 8, ein auf etwa 2 bar eingestetes Überdruckventil 9, ein Manometer 11 und der zugehörige Anschluß der Anschlußarmatur 3, der mit 12 bezeichnet ist. An diesen Anschluß 12 istwahlweise eine vom Tankfahrzeug 6 kommende Druck-Luftleitung 13, die von einem Kompressor K im Tankfahrzeug 6 gespeist wird oder eine CO₂-Leitung 14 anschließbar, die sich von einem CO₂-Behälter 15 mit einem Druck von etwa 2 bar oder etwa mehr erstreckt. Der Tank 1 befindet sich im Keller 10 einer Gaststätte oder dergleichen, in dem der CO₂-Behälter angeordnet ist, während das Tankfahrzeug 6 normalerweise außerhalb des Kellers bzw. der Gaststätte verbleibt. Der oberen Anschlußarmatur 3 ist auch noch ein Druckbegrenzungsventil 16 bzw. Überströmventil zugeordnet, das oberhalb eines Druckes von etwa 0,8 bar öffnet und anstelle der Luftleitung 13 oder der CO₂-Leitung 14 wahlweise an den Anschluß 12 anschließbar ist. Wenn der Tank 1 leer ist, werden die untere Anschlußarmatur 4 entfernt und der Foliensack 5 durch eine die untere Anschlußarmatur 4 aufnehmende Öffnung im Tank 1 entfernt. Im Tank 1 befindliches Kohlendioxid (CO₂), das schwerer ist als Luft, strömt aus dieser Öffnung für die untere Anschlußarmatur 4 aus dem Tank 1 heraus. Gleichzeitig strömt leichtere Luft in den Tank 1 hinein. Nunmehr wird ein neuer Foliensack 5 durch die Öffnung den Tank eingesetzt und mit der wieder in die Öffnung eingesetzten Anschlußarmatur 4 verbunden. Mittels der an der oberen Anschlußarmatur 3 angeschlossenen Luftleitung 13 (Luftschlauch) wird dann Druckluft in den oberen Bereich des Tanks eingeleitet, deren Druck auf etwa 0,8 bar begrenzt ist. Dieser Druck soll einen Gegendruck zu dem Druck bilden, mit dem das Bier vom Tankfahrzeug 6 in den Foliensack 5 eingefüllt wird sowie zu dem inneren Druck des Bieres, der durch das im Bier gelöste CO₂ hervorgerufen wird. Ohne den Gegendruck der Druckluft im Tank 1 außerhalb des Foliensackes 5 würde das in den Foliensack 5 einströmende Bier zur Schaumbildung neigen.Fig. 1 shows a spherical tank 1, which is preferably pivotally mounted in a known manner in a vertical plane on side bearings 2. Such storage, to which reference is made in full, is described and illustrated in WO-A-79/00093. The tank 1 has a connection fitting 3, 4 with a shut-off valve at the top and bottom, of which the lower connection fitting 4 is connected to a film bag 5 arranged in the tank 1 in such a way that the filling liquid 7 coming from a tanker vehicle 6 in the present case beer, can be filled into the film bag 5. On the upper connection fitting 3, behind the manually operated shut-off valve 8, there is a pressure relief valve 9 set at approximately 2 bar, a manometer 11 and the associated connection of the connection fitting 3, which is designated by 12. At this connection 12 is optionally a coming from the tanker 6 compressed air line 13, which is fed by a compressor K in the tanker 6 or a CO₂ line 14 can be connected, which extends from a CO₂ container 15 with a pressure of about 2 bar or about more. The tank 1 is located in the basement 10 of a restaurant or the like, in which the CO₂ container is arranged, while the tanker 6 normally remains outside the basement or the restaurant. The upper connection fitting 3 is also assigned a pressure relief valve 16 or overflow valve which opens above a pressure of about 0.8 bar and can be connected to the connection 12 instead of the air line 13 or the CO₂ line 14. When the tank 1 is empty, the lower connection fitting 4 is removed and the film bag 5 is removed through an opening in the tank 1 which receives the lower connection fitting 4. Located in tank 1 carbon dioxide (CO₂), which is heavier than air, flows out of this opening for the lower connection fitting 4 from tank 1. At the same time, lighter air flows into the tank 1. Now a new film bag 5 is inserted through the opening of the tank and connected to the connection fitting 4 inserted again into the opening. By means of the air line 13 (air hose) connected to the upper connection fitting 3, compressed air is then introduced into the upper region of the tank, the pressure of which is limited to approximately 0.8 bar. This pressure is intended to form a counterpressure to the pressure with which the beer from the tanker 6 is filled into the film bag 5 and to the internal pressure of the beer which is caused by the CO₂ dissolved in the beer. Without the back pressure of the compressed air in the tank 1 outside the film bag 5, the beer flowing into the film bag 5 would tend to foam.

Bevor nun vom Tankfahrzeug 6 Bier durch die untere Anschlußarmatur 4 in den Foliensack 5 eingeleitet wird, wird die obere Anschlußarmatur 3 mittels des Sperrventils 8 vollständig geschlossen. Dann wird die Luftleitung 13 von der oberen Anschlußarmatur 3 entfernt und stattdessen das Druckbegrenzungsventil 16 angeschlossen (dargestellt), welches bei einem Druck von etwa 0,8 bar öffnet. Das Druckbegrenzungsventil 16 trägt der Tankfahrer bei sich, der auch den Foliensack 5 im Tank 1 auswechselt. Nach dem Anschluß des Druckbegrenzungsventils 16 wird das Sperrventil 8 an der oberen Anschlußarmatur wieder geöffnet.Before beer is introduced from the tanker 6 through the lower connection fitting 4 into the film bag 5, the upper connection fitting 3 is opened by means of the shut-off valve 8 completely closed. Then the air line 13 is removed from the upper connection fitting 3 and instead the pressure limiting valve 16 is connected (shown), which opens at a pressure of approximately 0.8 bar. The pressure relief valve 16 is carried by the tank driver, who also changes the film bag 5 in the tank 1. After connecting the pressure relief valve 16, the shut-off valve 8 on the upper connection fitting is opened again.

Danach wird über die vom Tankfahrzeug 6 kommende Fülleitung 7 Bier durch die untere Anschlußarmatur 4 in den Foliensack 5 unter Druck eingefüllt. Das einströmende Bier drückt auf die zwischen dem Foliensack 5 und der Tankwandung befindliche Luft, wobei das Druckbegrenzungsventil 16 einen Gegendruck von 0,8 bar einstellt und überschüssige Luft abströmen läßt.Thereafter, beer is filled into the film bag 5 under pressure via the filling line 7 coming from the tanker 6 through the lower connection fitting 4. The inflowing beer presses on the air located between the film bag 5 and the tank wall, the pressure relief valve 16 setting a counterpressure of 0.8 bar and allowing excess air to flow off.

Es besteht eine Vorschrift der Sicherheitsbehörden, daß der Tank 1 nicht vollständig mit Bier gefüllt werden darf, sondern daß ein Restraum 17 zwischen dem Foliensack 5 und der Tankwandung 18 verbleibt, dessen volumen etwa 5 % des Tankvolumens beträgt, im vorliegenden Fall etwa 50 l.There is a regulation by the security authorities that the tank 1 must not be completely filled with beer, but that a residual space 17 remains between the film bag 5 and the tank wall 18, the volume of which is approximately 5% of the tank volume, in the present case approximately 50 l.

Bei dem bisher praktizierten Verfahren wurde die Befüllung dadurch abgeschlossen, daß das Sperrventil 8 an der oberen Anschlußarmatur 3 wieder geschlossen und die Luftleitung 13 von der oberen Anschlußarmatur 3 abgekoppelt und statt dessen die mit dem stationär im Keller 10 angeordneten CO₂-Behälter 15 verbundene CO₂-Leitung 14 an die obere Anschlußarmatur 3 am Anschluß 12 angeschlossen wurde. Dann wurde das Sperrventil 8 wieder geöffnet. Das Entleeren des Tanks 1 erfolgte dann durch den Druck des sich in den Restraum 17 fortpflanzenden Druckes des CO₂ von etwa 2 bar.In the previously practiced method, the filling was completed in that the shut-off valve 8 on the upper connection fitting 3 is closed again and the air line 13 is decoupled from the upper connection fitting 3 and instead the CO₂ container 15 connected to the stationary CO₂ container 15 arranged in the cellar 10 Line 14 was connected to the upper connection fitting 3 at connection 12. Then the check valve 8 was opened again. The tank 1 was then emptied by the pressure of the propagating into the residual space 17 Pressure of the CO₂ of about 2 bar.

Bei den bisherigen Verfahren wurde toleriert, daß sich in dem aus Sicherheitsgründen vorgeschriebenen Restraum 17 Luft befand, die sich mit dem CO₂ aus dem CO₂-Behälter 15 mischte. Luft enthält Sauerstoff, der durch die Wandung des Foliensackes 5 zu diffundieren und die Haltbarkeit des Bieres zu beeinträchtigen vermag. Bei einem Bier, das selbst einen größeren Anteil Sauerstoff enthält, ist die Beeinträchtigung durch den über den Foliensack 5 eindiffundierten Sauerstoff weniger störend. Bei Bieren, deren Qualität durch Verringerung des Sauerstoffanteils erheblich erhöht worden ist, führt eindiffundierter Sauerstoff jedoch zu einer wesentlichen Beeinträchtigung der Haltbarkeit.In the previous processes, it was tolerated that there was 17 air in the residual space prescribed for safety reasons, which mixed with the CO₂ from the CO₂ container 15. Air contains oxygen, which is able to diffuse through the wall of the film bag 5 and impair the durability of the beer. In the case of a beer which itself contains a larger proportion of oxygen, the impairment caused by the oxygen which has diffused into the film bag 5 is less disruptive. In the case of beers, the quality of which has been significantly increased by reducing the oxygen content, however, diffused oxygen leads to a significant impairment of the shelf life.

Gleiche Probleme ergeben sich auch bei der Verwendung eines Doppelkammer-Foliensackes oder einer den Tank äquatorial unterteilenden Trennfolie, die ebenfalls unter den Begriff Foliensack fällt, gemäß WO-A-79/00092.The same problems also arise when using a double-chamber film bag or a separating film dividing the tank equatorially, which also falls under the term film bag, according to WO-A-79/00092.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren oder eine Vorrichtung zu schaffen, mit welchen es beim Befüllen herkömmlicher Tanks 1 mit Foliensack 5 möglich ist, den Restraum 17 nur mit CO₂ oder einem CO₂-Luft-Gemisch zu füllen, dessen Sauerstoffanteil vernachlässigbar gering ist.The invention has for its object to provide a method or an apparatus with which it is possible when filling conventional tanks 1 with a film bag 5 to fill the residual space 17 only with CO₂ or a CO₂-air mixture, the oxygen content of which is negligible .

Diese Aufgabe wird durch die kennzeichnenden Merkmale der Ansprüche 1, 8 bzw. 10 gelöst.This object is achieved by the characterizing features of claims 1, 8 and 10, respectively.

Beim erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 wird die im Restraum befindliche Luft durch ein sich gegenüber dem Getränk neutral verhaltendes Gas, insbesondere Kohlendioxid ersetzt oder mit dem neutralen Gas in so starkem Maße gemischt wird, daß der durch die Luft bedingte Sauerstoffanteil in dem Gemisch unterhalb eines vorgeschriebenen Mindestwertes liegt. Hierdurch läß sich der Sauerstoff im Restraum entfernen oder auf einem hinsichtlich der Eindiffundierung in das Bier unschädlichen Anteil reduzieren. Dies kann vorteilhaft durch Spülen des Restraumes in einem oder mehreren Spülschritten erfolgen, was sich in einfacher Weise durchein- oder mehrmaliges "Beatmen" des Restraumes mit dem Gas bei einem Gasdruck von vorzugsweise etwa 2 bis 2,5 bar realisieren läßt, der größer ist als der Druck der Luft bzw. des Gasgemisches, der als Gegendruck von vorzugsweise etwa 0,8 bar beim Befüllen des Foliensackes mit dem Getränk im Restraum vorgegeben wird.In the method according to the invention as claimed in claim 1, the air in the residual space is replaced by a gas which is neutral with respect to the beverage, in particular carbon dioxide, or is mixed with the neutral gas to such an extent that the air conditional oxygen content in the mixture is below a prescribed minimum value. As a result, the oxygen in the residual space can be removed or reduced to a portion that is harmless with regard to the diffusion into the beer. This can advantageously be done by purging the residual space in one or more purging steps, which can be achieved in a simple manner by "ventilating" the residual space with the gas one or more times at a gas pressure of preferably about 2 to 2.5 bar, which is greater than the pressure of the air or the gas mixture, which is specified as a counter pressure of preferably about 0.8 bar when the film bag is filled with the beverage in the remaining space.

In den Ansprüchen 8 und 10 sind die Durchführung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens ermöglichende Vorrichtungen enthalten, mit denen das im Restraum vorhandene Gas bzw. Gasgemisch zwecks Vermeidung einer Gefährdung des Kellerraums zu letzerem umgebenden Außenatmosphäre geleitet wird, gemäß Anspruch 8 ist hierzu eine besondere Auslaßleitung an der oberen Anschlußarmatur vorgesehen, während gemäß Anspruch 10 ein Längsabschnitt der Gas-Leitung und/oder Luft-Leitung hierzu als Rückströmleitungsabschnitt herangezogen wird.Claims 8 and 10 contain devices which enable the process according to the invention to be carried out, by means of which the gas or gas mixture present in the residual space is passed to the outside atmosphere surrounding the latter in order to avoid endangering the basement space Connection fitting provided, while according to claim 10, a longitudinal section of the gas line and / or air line is used as a return line section.

Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind in den Unteransprüchen beschrieben.Advantageous developments of the invention are described in the subclaims.

Nachfolgend wird die Erfindung anhand von in der Zeichnung ebenfalls dargestellten bevorzugten Ausführungsbeispielen erläutert.The invention is explained below on the basis of preferred exemplary embodiments also shown in the drawing.

Dabei wird ein erfindungsgemäßes Verfahren als erstes Ausführungsbeispiel bei Verwendung der vorbeschriebenen bisherigen Vorrichtung erläutert.A method according to the invention is explained as the first exemplary embodiment when using the previously described device.

Erfindungsgemäße Verfahren als weitere Ausführungsbeispiele sowie Vorrichtungen zur Durchführung dieser Verfahren werden anhand von in Fig. 2 bis 5 dargestellten Ausführungsbeispielen erläutert.Methods according to the invention as further exemplary embodiments and devices for carrying out these methods are explained with reference to exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 5.

Gemäß der Erfindung wird die im Restraum 17 befindliche Luft durch ein neutrales Gas, insbesondere Kohlendioxid (CO₂), ersetzt oder mit dem neutralen Gas in so starkem Maße gemischt, daß der durch die Luft bedingte Sauerstoff in dem Gemisch unterhalb eines vorgeschriebenen Mindestwertes liegt. Hierzu gibt es mehrere Möglichkeiten.According to the invention, the air in the residual space 17 is replaced by a neutral gas, in particular carbon dioxide (CO₂), or mixed with the neutral gas to such an extent that the oxygen in the mixture is below a prescribed minimum value. There are several ways to do this.

Ein erstes Verfahren, die im Restraum 17 befindliche Luft durch ein neutrales Gas zu ersetzen besteht darin, den Restraum 17 mit neutralem Gas wie CO₂ zu spülen, bei zur Umgebung des Tanks 1 offenem Restraum 17. Das Spülen kann vorzugsweise in einem Arbeitsgang solange erfolgen, bis keine Luft im Restraum 17 mehr vorhanden ist oder der Luftanteil unterhalb des vorgeschriebenen Mindestwertes liegt. Dies kann dadurch erfolgen, daß am Tank 1 oder an der oberen Anschlußarmatur 3 eine weitere verschließbare Auslaßöffnung geschaffen wird, durch die hindurch bei am Anschluß 12 angeschlossener CO₂-Leitung 14 der Restraum 17 gespült wird. Wenn im Restraum 17 keine Luft mehr oder nur noch Luft unterhalb des vorgeschriebenen Mindestwertes vorhanden ist, wird diese Auslaßöffnung wieder geschlossen. Da beim Spülen auch CO₂-Anteile mit der Luft in die Umgebung des Tanks 1 gelangen und in dem den Tank 1 aufnehmenden Keller 10 bleiben könnten, was für das Bedienungspersonal gefährlich wäre, ist es vorteilhaft, eine Auslaßleitung an die Auslaßöffnung anzuschließen, die entweder in die Außenatmosphäre, d.h. in die freie Atmosphäre außerhalb des Kellerraums, mündet, oder zu einem im Keller angeordneten Behälter führt, in dem zumindest der CO₂-Anteil der Luft sicher aufgenommen wird. Eine hierfür geeignete Vorrichtung ist in der Figur 2 dargestellt, wobei der oberen Anschlußarmatur 3 eine durch ein zweites Sperrventil 21 verschließbare Auslaßöffnung 22 vorgesehen ist, von der eine Auslaßleitung 23 zur freien Atmosphäre bzw. Außenatmosphäre oder zu dem nicht dargestellten Behälter im Keller führt.A first method of replacing the air in the residual space 17 with a neutral gas is to flush the residual space 17 with neutral gas such as CO₂, with the residual space 17 open to the surroundings of the tank 1. The flushing can preferably be carried out in one operation as long as until there is no more air in the residual space 17 or the air content is below the prescribed minimum value. This can be done by creating a further closable outlet opening on the tank 1 or on the upper connection fitting 3, through which the residual space 17 is flushed through with the CO₂ line 14 connected to the connection 12. If there is no more air in the residual space 17 or only air below the prescribed minimum value, this outlet opening is closed again. Since when flushing CO₂ share with the air in the vicinity of the tank 1 and could stay in the tank 1 receiving basement 10, which would be dangerous for the operating personnel, it is advantageous to connect an outlet line to the outlet opening, which either in the outside atmosphere, ie into the free atmosphere outside the basement, opens out, or leads to a container arranged in the basement, in which at least the CO₂ portion the air is safely absorbed. A device suitable for this is shown in FIG. 2, the upper connection fitting 3 being provided with an outlet opening 22 which can be closed by a second shut-off valve 21 and from which an outlet line 23 leads to the free atmosphere or outside atmosphere or to the container (not shown) in the basement.

Beim zweiten erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren wird der aus Sicherheitsgründen vorgeschriebene Restraum 17 nach dem Befüllen des Foliensackes 5 (vorzugsweise bei geschlossener unterer Anschlußarmatur 4 und abgekoppelter Fülleitung 7) mit der Umgebung des Tanks 1 verbunden. Dies kann im Rahmen der Erfindung dadurch geschehen, daß man das Sperrventil 8 öffnet, und das Druckbegrenzungsventil 16 löst oder öffnet, bevor die CO₂-Leitung 14 an die obere Anschlußarmatur 3 angeschlossen wird. Der Foliensack 5 dehnt sich dann durch den inneren Druck des Bieres aus, wodurch der Restraum 17 verringert wird und ein Teil des darin befindlichen CO₂-Luft-Gemisches durch den offenen Anschluß 12 in die Umgebung des Tanks 1 (Keller 10) strömt. Wenn das Bier jedoch kalt ist, wird der Restraum 17 nicht vollständig von dem sich ausdehnenden Bier im Foliensack 5 ausgefüllt, sondern es bleibt noch ein Teil des Restraumes 17 übrig, der mit Luft bzw. Luftanteilen gefüllt ist. Nunmehr wird die CO₂-Leitung 14 an die obere Anschlußarmatur 3 angeschlossen und das Ventil 24 des CO₂-Behälters 15 geöffnet, so daß CO₂ mit Solldruck (etwa 2 bar) in den Restraum 17 des Tanks 1 strömt und das Ausgangsvolumen des Restraumes 17 wieder herstellt. Auf diese Weise wird der Luftanteil in den Luft-CO₂-Gemisch des Restraumes 17 vermindert. Dieser Vorgang kann wiederholt werden, indem das Ventil 24 des CO₂-Behälters 15 geschlossen und die CO₂-Leitung wieder von der oberen Anschlußarmatur 3 abgekoppelt wird. Der innere Druck des Bieres im Foliensack 5 vermindert den Restraum 17 dann wieder auf einen Teil seiner vorbeschriebenen Größe. Nunmehr wird die CO₂-Leitung 14 wieder an die obere Anschlußarmatur 3 angeschlossen und das Ventil 24 des CO₂-Behälters geöffnet, so daß sich das Ausgangsvolumen des mit einem CO₂-Luft-Gemisch gefüllten Restraumes 17 zwischen den Foliensack 5 und der Tankwandung 18 wieder ausbildet. Durch Wiederholung dieses Vorganges kann sukzessive der Sauerstoffanteil im Restraum 17 auf einen vernachlässigbaren Wert vermindert werden.In the second method according to the invention, the residual space 17 prescribed for safety reasons is connected to the surroundings of the tank 1 after the film bag 5 has been filled (preferably with the lower connection fitting 4 closed and the filling line 7 disconnected). This can be done in the context of the invention by opening the shut-off valve 8, and the pressure relief valve 16 is released or opened before the CO₂ line 14 is connected to the upper connection fitting 3. The film bag 5 then expands by the internal pressure of the beer, whereby the residual space 17 is reduced and part of the CO₂-air mixture therein flows through the open connection 12 into the vicinity of the tank 1 (cellar 10). However, when the beer is cold, the residual space 17 is not completely filled by the expanding beer in the film bag 5, but a portion of the residual space 17 remains, which is filled with air or air components. Now the CO₂ line 14 is connected to the upper connection fitting 3 and the valve 24 of the CO₂ container 15 is opened, so that CO₂ flows with the desired pressure (about 2 bar) into the residual space 17 of the tank 1 and restores the initial volume of the residual space 17 . In this way, the proportion of air in the air-CO₂ mixture of the residual space 17 is reduced. This process can be repeated by closing the valve 24 of the CO₂ container 15 and the CO₂ line again from the upper connection fitting 3 is uncoupled. The internal pressure of the beer in the film bag 5 then reduces the residual space 17 to a part of its size described above. Now the CO₂ line 14 is connected again to the upper connection fitting 3 and the valve 24 of the CO₂ container is opened, so that the initial volume of the residual space 17 filled with a CO₂-air mixture between the film bag 5 and the tank wall 18 is formed again . By repeating this process, the oxygen content in the residual space 17 can be successively reduced to a negligible value.

Bei der vorbeschriebenen Maßnahme gelangt das CO₂ jedoch in den Kellerraum 10, was aus den vorbeschriebenen Gründen gefährlich ist. Es ist deshalb von Vorteil, das vorbeschriebene "Beatmen" des Restraums 17 bei Verwendung der Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 2 durchzuführen. Hierzu ist es erforderlich, bei geöffnetem Sperrventil 8 wechselseitig das Ventil 24 und das Sperrventil 21 zu öffnen und zu schließen, so daß bei der Verringerung des Restraumes 17 das vorhandene CO₂-Luft-Gemisch durch die Auslaßleitung 23 zur Außenatmosphäre oder in den erwähnten Behälter gelangt. Dabei braucht die CO₂-Leitung 14 nicht wechselweise abgekoppelt zu werden.In the measure described above, however, the CO₂ gets into the basement 10, which is dangerous for the reasons described above. It is therefore advantageous to carry out the above-described "ventilation" of the residual space 17 when using the device according to FIG. 2. For this purpose, it is necessary to alternately open and close the valve 24 and the check valve 21 when the shut-off valve 8 is open, so that when the residual space 17 is reduced, the existing CO₂-air mixture passes through the outlet line 23 to the outside atmosphere or into the container mentioned . The CO₂ line 14 does not need to be uncoupled alternately.

Die beiden vorbeschriebenen Verfahren können somit bei der baulich unveränderten bisherigen Vorrichtung gemäß Fig. 1 oder bei der Ausgestaltung gemäß Fig. 2 durchgeführt werden.The two methods described above can thus be carried out in the structurally unchanged previous device according to FIG. 1 or in the embodiment according to FIG. 2.

Bei den Ausführungsbeispielen gemäß Figur 3 und 4 läßt sich die Verringerung des Sauerstoff-Anteiles im Restraum 17 durch einen geringeren Handhabungs- oder Steuerungsaufwand durchführen.In the exemplary embodiments according to FIGS. 3 and 4, the reduction in the oxygen content in the residual space 17 can be carried out by means of less handling or control effort.

Beim Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Figur 3 ist eine von einem dem Tankfahrzeug 6, 1 zugeordneten CO₂-Behälter 25 kommende CO₂-Leitung 26 an die Luftleitung 13 angeschlossen, so daß eskeines Austausches der Luftleitung 13 durch die CO₂-Leitung 26 nach dem Befüllen des Tanks 1 bedarf. Der Durchgang entweder der Luft oder des CO₂ wird durch ein Steuerventil 27 gesteuert, bei dem es sich um ein Wegeventil handeln kann. Dabei ist es von Vorteil, die CO₂-Leitung 26 und die Luftleitung 13 in einer in Figur 4 im Querschnitt vereinfacht dargestellten Doppelleitung zusammenzufassen, die sich von der dem Tankfahrzeug 6, 1 zugeordneten (nicht dargestellten) Aufwickelrolle abwickeln und auch wieder aufwickeln läßt. Das Steuerventil 27 kann von Hand oder auch automatisch in die jeweils erforderliche Steuerstellung verstellt werden.In the embodiment of Figure 3 is one of a tanker 6, 1 assigned CO₂ container 25 coming CO₂ line 26 connected to the air line 13, so that it does not require replacement of the air line 13 through the CO₂ line 26 after filling the tank 1. The passage of either the air or the CO₂ is controlled by a control valve 27, which can be a directional control valve. It is advantageous to combine the CO₂ line 26 and the air line 13 in a double line shown in simplified cross-section in FIG. 4, which can be unwound from the take-up reel assigned to the tanker 6, 1 (not shown) and also rewound. The control valve 27 can be adjusted manually or automatically into the required control position.

Beim Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Figur 5 ist ebenfalls zusätzlich zu dem im Keller 10 angeordneten, an die obere Anschlußarmatur 3 anschließbaren CO₂-Behälter 15 ein zusätzlicher CO₂-Behälter 25 am vereinfacht dargestellten Tankfahrzeug 6, 1 vorhanden. Mit dem Fahrzeugtank 28 ist eine Fülleitung 7, 1 verbunden, mit einem gegebenenfalls starren Fülleitungsabschnitt 31, der sich vom Fahrzeugtank 28 bis zur Achse 32 einer Wickelrolle 33 erstreckt, und einem flexiblen Flülleitungsabschnitt 34, der von der Wickelrolle 33 abwickelbar und wieder aufwickelbar ist. Dem flexiblen Flülleitungsabschnitt 34 ist eine Hilfsleitung 35 zugeordnet, die als Doppel- oder Zweifachleitung mit dem flexiblen Fülleitungsabschnitt 34 ausgebildet ist, jedoch im Bereich dessen freien Endes von diesem selbständig abzweigt, um den Anschluß dieser flexiblen Leitungsabschnitte (34, 35) an den hier mit 1.1 bezeichneten Tank zu erleichtern. Die Leitungsverbindung zwischen dem starren Fülleitungsabschnitt 31 und dem flexiblen Fülleitungsabschnitt 34 erfolgt durch die Achse 32 der Wickelrolle 33, die entsprechend ausgebildete Durchgänge zwecks Durchfluß in jeder Drehstellung der Wickelrolle 33 aufweist. Die Hilfsleitung 35 kann wahlweise mit CO₂ oder Druckluft gespeist werden und zwar ebenfalls über die Achse 32, an die an ihrem dem starren Fülleitungsabschnitt 31 gegenüberliegenden Ende eine Druck-Luftleitung 37 und die mit 38 bezeichnete CO₂-Leitung angeschlossen sind. Letzere erstreckt sich zwischen dem dem Tankfahrzeug 6.1 zugeordneten CO₂-Behälter 25 und der Achse 32, wobei ein Abzweig 39 der CO₂-Leitung 38 zum vorhandenen Fahrzeugtank 28 führt, um auch diesen mit CO₂ zu versorgen. Die in der Luftleitung 37 vorhandene Druckluft wird von einem wie schon bei den vorigen Beispielen dem Tankfahrzeug 6.1 zugeordneten Kompressor K erzeugt, von dem die Luftleitung 37 ausgeht. Der Kompressor K wird durch einen Druckwächter 41 gesteuert, dessen Schalter die Stromzuführung zum Kompressor K ein- oder ausschaltet. Der Luftleitung 37 sind auch noch zwei Druckluft-Speicherbehälter 42 zugeordnet. Die Hilfsleitung 35 ist an den Anschluß 12.1 der oberen Anschlußarmatur 3.1 des Tanks 1.1 anschließbar. Hinter dem Anschluß 12.1 sind das Sperrventil 8.1 das Überdruckventil 9 und das Manometer 11 an der oberen Anschlußarmatur 3.1. abgeordnet.In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG. 5, in addition to the CO₂ container 15 arranged in the basement 10 and connectable to the upper connection fitting 3, an additional CO₂ container 25 is also present on the tanker vehicle 6, 1 shown in simplified form. A fill line 7, 1 is connected to the vehicle tank 28, with an optionally rigid fill line section 31, which extends from the vehicle tank 28 to the axis 32 of a winding roller 33, and a flexible waste line section 34, which can be unwound and rewound from the winding roller 33. The flexible filling line section 34 is assigned an auxiliary line 35, which is designed as a double or double line with the flexible filling line section 34, but branches off independently in the region of its free end in order to connect these flexible line sections (34, 35) to the here 1.1 to facilitate the designated tank. The line connection between the rigid filling line section 31 and the flexible filling line section 34 is established by the axis 32 the winding roller 33, which has appropriately designed passages for the purpose of flow in each rotational position of the winding roller 33. The auxiliary line 35 can optionally be fed with CO₂ or compressed air and also via the axis 32, to which at its end opposite the rigid filling line section 31 a compressed air line 37 and the CO₂ line designated 38 are connected. The latter extends between the CO₂ container 25 assigned to the tanker 6.1 and the axle 32, a branch 39 of the CO₂ line 38 leading to the existing vehicle tank 28 in order to also supply it with CO₂. The compressed air present in the air line 37 is generated by a compressor K which, as in the previous examples, is assigned to the tanker vehicle 6.1 and from which the air line 37 originates. The compressor K is controlled by a pressure switch 41, the switch of which switches the power supply to the compressor K on or off. The air line 37 is also assigned two compressed air storage containers 42. The auxiliary line 35 can be connected to the connection 12.1 of the upper connection fitting 3.1 of the tank 1.1. After the connection 12.1, the check valve 8.1, the pressure relief valve 9 and the manometer 11 on the upper connection fitting 3.1. seconded.

Zur Steuerung der CO₂- und Luftdurchgänge in der Hilfsleitung 35 sind an Bord des Tankfahrzeuges 6.1 angeordnete Steuerventile vorgesehen, die in Figur 5 als Steuervorrichtungsteil St gekennzeichnet und schematisch dargestellt sind.To control the CO₂ and air passages in the auxiliary line 35, control valves are provided on board the tank vehicle 6.1, which are identified in FIG. 5 as the control device part St and shown schematically.

In der Luftleitung 37 ist in Einlaß-Strömungsrichtung vor der Leitungsverbindung 43 für die CO₂-leitung 38 ein Sperrventil 44 angeordnet. Zwischen letzterer und der Leitungsverbindung 43 zweigen ein erster und ein zweiter Auslaßleitungsabschnitt 45.1, 45.2 ab, in denen jeweils ein Sperrventil 46, 47 angeordnet ist. In Einlaß-Strömungsrichtung vor dem Sperrventil 44 befindet sich in der Luftleitung 47 ein Überström- bzw. Druckbegrenzungsventil 48, das vorzugsweise auf einem Druck von etwa 0,8 bar eingestellt ist.In the air line 37, a check valve 44 is arranged in the inlet flow direction before the line connection 43 for the CO₂ line 38. Between the latter and the line connection 43 branch off a first and a second outlet line section 45.1, 45.2, in which in each case a check valve 46, 47 is arranged. In the inlet flow direction upstream of the shut-off valve 44 there is an overflow or pressure limiting valve 48 in the air line 47, which is preferably set to a pressure of approximately 0.8 bar.

Vor der Leitungsverbindung 43, an der die CO₂-Leitung 38 und die Luftleitung 37 zusammengeführt sind, befindet sich in der CO₂-Leitung 38 ein Sperrventil 49, hinter dem ein CO₂-Messer 50 in der CO₂-Leitung 38 angeordnet ist. Dazwischen zweigt ein Auslaßleitungsabschnitt 45.3 von der CO₂-Leitung 38 ab. Im Auslaßleitungsabschnitt 45.3 ist in Auslaß-Strömungsrichtung zunächst ein Sperrventil 56 und dann ein auf einen niedrigen Druck von etwa 0,2 bis 0,4 bar eingestelltes Überdruck- bzw. Druckbegrenzungsventil 57 angeordnet.Die gegebenenfalls zu einer gemeinsamen Auslaßleitung vereinigten Auslaßleitungsabschnitte 45.1, 45.2, 45.3 führen zur freien Atmosphäre bzw. zur Außenatmosphäre (außerhalb des Kellers 10) und sind mit der Auslaßleitung 23 des Ausführungsbeispiels gemäß Figuren 2 und 3 vergleichbar. Die Sperrventile 44,46,47,49,56 sind zwecks Schließung und Öffnung manuell verstellbar oder vorzugsweise elektrisch oder pneumatisch durch eine im vorhandenen Schaltschrank 58 des Tankfahrzeuges 6.1 vorhandene Steuereinrichtung ansteuerbar.Before the line connection 43, on which the CO₂ line 38 and the air line 37 are merged, there is a check valve 49 in the CO₂ line 38, behind which a CO₂ meter 50 is arranged in the CO₂ line 38. In between, an outlet line section 45.3 branches off from the CO₂ line 38. In the outlet line section 45.3, a shut-off valve 56 is first arranged in the outlet flow direction and then an overpressure or pressure relief valve 57 set to a low pressure of approximately 0.2 to 0.4 bar. The outlet line sections 45.1, 45.2, which may be combined to form a common outlet line 45.3 lead to the free atmosphere or to the outside atmosphere (outside the basement 10) and are comparable to the outlet line 23 of the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 2 and 3. The blocking valves 44, 46, 47, 49, 56 can be manually adjusted for the purpose of closing and opening, or can preferably be controlled electrically or pneumatically by means of a control device provided in the control cabinet 58 of the tanker vehicle 6.1.

Das Befüllen des Tanks 1.1 mit Bier erfolgt folgendermaßen. Nach dem Austausch des Foliensackes 5 werden die Fülleitung 7.1 (flexibler Fülleitungsabschnitt 34) und die Hilfsleitung 35 an die untere und obere Anschlußarmatur 3.1, 4.1 angekoppelt. Bei geschlossenen Sperrventilen 46, 47, 49 und 56 und geöffnetem Sperrventil 44 wird Druckluft aus der Luftleitung 37 in den Tank 1.1 oberhalb des Foliensackes 5 eingeleitet, deren Druck durch hier dem Tankfahrzeug 6.1 zugeordnete Druckbegrenzungsventil 48 auf etwa 0,8 bar begrenzt ist. Gegen diesen Gegendruck wird durch die Fülleitung 7.1 Bier in den Tank 1.1 eingefüllt, bis das vorgeschriebene Volumen des Restraums 17 erreicht ist. Dann wird der Restraum 17 nach Schließen des Sperrventiles 44 und Öffnen des Sperrventiles 49 mit CO₂ höheren Drucks aus der CO₂-Leitung 38 beaufschlagt, beim vorliegenden Ausführungsbeispiel mit einem Druck von etwa 2,0 bis 2,5 bar, was in der schon beschriebenen Weise zu einer Vergrößerung des Restraumes 17 führt. Durch Schließen des Sperrventils 49 und Öffnen des Sperrventils 56 kann sich der Restraum 17 in der ebenfalls schon beschriebenen Weise über den Auslaßleitungsabschnitt 45.3 zur Außenatmosphäre hin entspannen, wobei sich sein Volumen verringert. Durch mehrmaliges Wiederholen dieses Vorganges, was mit "Beatmung" schon beim ersten Ausführungsbeispiel beschrieben worden ist und bei dem CO₂ stufenweise vermehrt in den Restraum 17 eingeleitet wird, wird der Sauerstoffanteil im Restraum 17 auf den vorgeschriebenen Mindestwert reduziert.The tank 1.1 is filled with beer as follows. After replacing the film bag 5, the filling line 7.1 (flexible filling line section 34) and the auxiliary line 35 are coupled to the lower and upper connection fittings 3.1, 4.1. When the shut-off valves 46, 47, 49 and 56 are closed and the shut-off valve 44 is open, compressed air is introduced from the air line 37 into the tank 1.1 above the film bag 5, the pressure of which is brought about by the pressure relief valve assigned to the tanker vehicle 6.1 48 is limited to about 0.8 bar. Against this counterpressure, beer is filled into the tank 1.1 through the filling line 7.1 until the prescribed volume of the residual space 17 is reached. Then the residual space 17 is applied after closing the check valve 44 and opening the check valve 49 with CO₂ higher pressure from the CO₂ line 38, in the present embodiment with a pressure of about 2.0 to 2.5 bar, which in the manner already described leads to an enlargement of the residual space 17. By closing the shutoff valve 49 and opening the shutoff valve 56, the residual space 17 can relax in the manner also described above via the outlet line section 45.3 to the outside atmosphere, whereby its volume decreases. By repeating this process several times, which has already been described with "ventilation" in the first embodiment and in which CO₂ is gradually introduced into the residual space 17, the oxygen content in the residual space 17 is reduced to the prescribed minimum value.

Diese wechselseitige Beaufschlagung des Restraumes 17 mit CO₂ und Entspannung kann auch automatisch mit einer entsprechenden Folgesteuerung durchgeführt werden, wobei der jeweilige CO₂-Gehalt im Restraum 17 bzw. in dem dem Abzweig des Auslaßleitungsabschnitts 45.3 in Auslaß-Strömungsrichtung vorgeordneten Leitungsabschnitt der CO₂-Leitung 38 durch den CO₂-Messer 50 ermittelt und dieser automatische Steuerungsvorgang erst dann abgeschaltet wird, wenn der CO₂-Anteil unterhalb des vorgechriebenen Wertes liegt.This mutual application of the residual space 17 with CO₂ and relaxation can also be carried out automatically with a corresponding sequence control, the respective CO₂ content in the residual space 17 or in the branch of the outlet line section 45.3 upstream in the outlet flow direction line section of the CO₂ line 38 through the CO₂ meter 50 determined and this automatic control process is only switched off when the CO₂ content is below the prescribed value.

Im Rahmen der Erfindung ist es möglich, auch oder anstelle des Auslaßleitungsabschnitts 45.3 die Auslaßleitungsabschnitte 45.1 und/oder 45.2 zum vorbeschriebenen Auslassen der im Restraum 17 vorhandenen Luft bzw.Luft-Gas-Gemisches zu benutzen. Hierzu bedarf es einer entsprechenden Betätigung der Sperrventile 46,47.Within the scope of the invention, it is also possible, or instead of the outlet line section 45.3, to use the outlet line sections 45.1 and / or 45.2 for the above-described outlet of the air or air-gas mixture present in the residual space 17. A corresponding one is required for this Actuation of the shut-off valves 46.47.

Es ist außerdem möglich, einen der Hilfsleitung 35 entsprechenden Abschnitt der CO₂-Luftleitung 37,38 als Doppelleitung gemäß Figur 4 auszubilden. Hierzu sind für jede Leitung 37,38 Sperrventile 44 und 49 sowie 46,47 und/oder 56 erforderlich.It is also possible to form a section of the CO₂ air line 37, 38 corresponding to the auxiliary line 35 as a double line according to FIG. For this purpose 37.38 check valves 44 and 49 as well as 46.47 and / or 56 are required for each line.

Claims (14)

  1. A process for filling a tank (1, 1.1) for beverages containing carbonic acid, in particular beer, which contains a foil bag (5) to be filled with the beverage from below and is provided at the top with a connection fitting (3, 3.1) which allows inflow and outflow of gas, wherein when filling the foil bag (5) with the beverage the air present between the outside of the foil bag (5) and the tank wall (18) is expelled via the connection fitting (3, 3.1) through the expansion of the foil bag (5) until a space (17) prescribed for reasons of safety remains between the foil bag (5) and the tank wall (18), characterised in that the air in the space (17) is replaced by a gas, in particular carbon dioxide (CO₂), that is inert relative to the beverage, or is mixed with the inert gas to such an extent that the proportion of oxygen in the mixture due to the air is brought below a specified minimum value to reduce the proportion of oxygen to a proportion that is not harmful with regard to diffusion thereof into the beverage, in particular beer.
  2. A process according to claim 1, characterised in that in order to pressurize the space (17) with the inert gas it is connected to the gas supply (15; 25); after breaking this connection is connected to the surroundings of the tank (1) in order to relieve the pressure; and after breaking this connection is reconnected to the gas supply (15; 25).
  3. A process according to claim 2, characterised in that the pressure relief and pressurization of the space (17) is repeated, preferably 6 to 8 times.
  4. A process according to claim 3, characterised in that the pressure relief and pressurization of the space (17) is repeated a predetermined number of times, preferably by automatic control means.
  5. A process according to claim 3, characterised in that the proportion of CO₂ or oxygen in the space (17) or in a line connected thereto is measured and the alternate pressure relief and pressurization of the space (17) is continued until the proportion of oxygen falls below a specified value or the proportion of CO₂ exceeds a specified value.
  6. A process according to at least one of claims 2 to 5, characterised in that when relieving the pressure in the space (17) the air or gas mixture therein is vented through at least one outlet line (23; 45.3) to the outer atmosphere outside the cellar (10) accommodating the tank (1; 1.1).
  7. A process according to claim 6, characterised in that before filling the foil bag (5) with the beverage, compressed air is introduced into the tank (1.1) above the foil bag (5) and the air or gas mixture is vented from the space (17) into the outer atmosphere through at least one section of the inlet line (35, 37, 38) for the inert gas and/or for the air.
  8. An apparatus for carrying out the process according to claim 6 having
    a tank (1) arranged in a tank chamber (10) and having therein a foil bag (5) to receive the beverage, a lower connection fitting (4) to which a filling line (7) from a tanker (6) can be connected,
    an upper connection fitting (3) with a stop valve (8), to which fitting an inlet line (14) from a gas supply (15) containing the inert gas can be connected, to a connection (12) arranged before the stop valve (8) in the opposite direction to the tank (1),
    characterised in that the upper connection fitting (3) has associated with it an outlet line (23) which is connected to the connection fitting (3) before the stop valve (8) in the opposite direction to the tank (1) and extends to the outer atmosphere surrounding the cellar (10) and which has a second stop valve (21) associated with it.
  9. An apparatus according to claim 8, characterised in that the tanker (6) has associated with it compressed air supply means (K) and a gas supply (25) containing the inert gas which can each be connected by a separate line (13, 26, Fig. 2) or a common valve-controlled double line (13, 26, Fig. 4) to the connection (12) of the upper connection fitting (3).
  10. An apparatus for carrying out the process according to claim 7 having
    a tank (1.1) arranged in a tank chamber (10) and having therein a foil bag (5) to receive the beverage,
    a lower connection fitting (4.1) to which a filling line (7.1) from a tanker (6.1) can be connected, and
    an upper connection fitting (3.1) having a stop valve (8.3), to which fitting an inlet line (35, 38) from a gas supply (15) containing the inert gas can be connected, to a connection (12.1) arranged before the stop valve (8.3) in the opposite direction to the tank (1),
    characterised in that a compressed air supply means (K) and a gas supply (15) containing the inert gas which can each be connected by a separate or common gas and/or air line (35, 37, 38) to the upper connection fitting (3.1) are associated with the tanker (6.1), and in that at least one outlet line (45.1, 45.2, 45.3) including a stop valve (46, 47 and 56) branches off from the gas line (35, 38) and/or the air line (35, 37) in the region of the tanker (6.1), and in that at least one respective stop valve (44) and/or (49) is arranged in the gas line (35, 38) and/or the air line (35, 37) in the inlet direction of flow before the outlet line (45.1, 45.2, 45.3) branches off, for the purpose of connecting the gas line (35, 35) and/or the air line (35, 37) as desired to the upper connection fitting (3.1) or the connection fitting (3.1) to the outlet line (45.1, 45.2, 45.3).
  11. An apparatus according to claim 10, characterised in that the gas line (38) and the air line (37) are connected, before an axle (32) supporting a winding reel (33), to a common line (35) which can be wound on to the winding reel (33), and flow takes place via the axle (32).
  12. An apparatus according to claim 11, characterised in that the outlet line (45.1, 45.2, 45.3) branches off before the connection (43) between the gas line (38) and the air line (37).
  13. An apparatus according to claim 12, characterised in that a gas measuring device (53) is arranged in or connected to the gas line between the line connection (43) between the gas line (38) and the air line (37) and the branch-off of the outlet line (45.3).
  14. An apparatus according to claims 11 to 13, characterised in that arranged in the air line (37), in the inlet direction of flow before the stop valve (44), is a spill or pressure relief valve (48) which is adjusted to a pressure of preferably about 0.8 bar.
EP89101463A 1989-01-03 1989-01-27 Process for filling a tank with carbonated beverages, particularly beer, and device for carrying out the process Expired - Lifetime EP0377069B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT89101463T ATE79832T1 (en) 1989-01-03 1989-01-27 PROCESS FOR FILLING A TANK FOR CARBONATED BEVERAGES, ESPECIALLY BEER, AND DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT THE PROCESS.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE3900089A DE3900089A1 (en) 1989-01-03 1989-01-03 METHOD FOR FILLING A TANK FOR CARBONATED BEVERAGES, IN PARTICULAR BEER, AND DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT THE METHOD
DE3900089 1989-01-03

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0377069A1 EP0377069A1 (en) 1990-07-11
EP0377069B1 true EP0377069B1 (en) 1992-08-26

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EP89101463A Expired - Lifetime EP0377069B1 (en) 1989-01-03 1989-01-27 Process for filling a tank with carbonated beverages, particularly beer, and device for carrying out the process

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EP (1) EP0377069B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH02258593A (en)
AT (1) ATE79832T1 (en)
DE (2) DE3900089A1 (en)

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4038977A1 (en) * 1990-12-06 1992-06-11 Kloeckner Wilhelmsburger Gmbh Double walled spherical tank for liquids or gases - has liner on inner wall, with outer pressurised container, and bridging sections over gaps
FI106019B (en) * 1996-02-21 2000-11-15 Jarmo Nissinen Method and apparatus for dispensing fluid to fluid reservoirs at various locations within the brewery
NL1032862C2 (en) * 2006-11-14 2008-05-15 Heineken Supply Chain Bv Vehicle, system and method for distributing hospitality products.
CN101830418B (en) * 2010-04-29 2012-03-21 庞尊贵 System device for storing, transporting and filling beer

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR1324104A (en) * 1962-06-01 1963-04-12 Chadburns Liverpool Ltd Method and apparatus for dispensing liquids
DE2736282A1 (en) * 1977-08-11 1979-02-22 Bier Drive Ag SYSTEM FOR TRANSPORTATION AND STORAGE OF CARBON BEVERAGES, IN PARTICULAR BEER
DE2736272C3 (en) * 1977-08-11 1982-03-04 Bier-Drive AG, Chur, Chur Method for filling a foil bag in a pressure tank with a carbonated drink, in particular beer
DE8709266U1 (en) * 1987-07-04 1987-10-08 Koenig-Brauerei Kg, 4100 Duisburg, De

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE79832T1 (en) 1992-09-15
DE58902152D1 (en) 1992-10-01
DE3900089A1 (en) 1990-07-05
JPH02258593A (en) 1990-10-19
EP0377069A1 (en) 1990-07-11

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