EP2070587B1 - Réfrigérateur comportant un distributeur de boissons, et procédé de distribution d'un boisson refroidi - Google Patents

Réfrigérateur comportant un distributeur de boissons, et procédé de distribution d'un boisson refroidi Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2070587B1
EP2070587B1 EP07023987.6A EP07023987A EP2070587B1 EP 2070587 B1 EP2070587 B1 EP 2070587B1 EP 07023987 A EP07023987 A EP 07023987A EP 2070587 B1 EP2070587 B1 EP 2070587B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
gas
supply line
liquid beverage
inlet port
water
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.)
Not-in-force
Application number
EP07023987.6A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2070587A1 (fr
Inventor
Daniel L. Johansson
Susanne Hedblom
Giuseppe Pol
Thomas Volker
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Electrolux Home Products Corp NV
Original Assignee
Electrolux Home Products Corp NV
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Electrolux Home Products Corp NV filed Critical Electrolux Home Products Corp NV
Priority to EP07023987.6A priority Critical patent/EP2070587B1/fr
Priority to ES07023987T priority patent/ES2426347T3/es
Priority to PL07023987T priority patent/PL2070587T3/pl
Publication of EP2070587A1 publication Critical patent/EP2070587A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2070587B1 publication Critical patent/EP2070587B1/fr
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • 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
    • B67D1/0042—Details of specific parts of the dispensers
    • B67D1/0057—Carbonators
    • B67D1/0058—In-line carbonators
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
    • B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
    • B01F23/236—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids specially adapted for aerating or carbonating beverages
    • B01F23/2363—Mixing systems, i.e. flow charts or diagrams; Arrangements, e.g. comprising controlling means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
    • B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
    • B01F23/237—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids characterised by the physical or chemical properties of gases or vapours introduced in the liquid media
    • B01F23/2376—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids characterised by the physical or chemical properties of gases or vapours introduced in the liquid media characterised by the gas being introduced
    • B01F23/23762—Carbon dioxide
    • B01F23/237621—Carbon dioxide in beverages
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/70—Pre-treatment of the materials to be mixed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/70—Pre-treatment of the materials to be mixed
    • B01F23/702—Cooling materials
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F25/00—Flow mixers; Mixers for falling materials, e.g. solid particles
    • B01F25/20—Jet mixers, i.e. mixers using high-speed fluid streams
    • B01F25/23—Mixing by intersecting jets
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F25/00—Flow mixers; Mixers for falling materials, e.g. solid particles
    • B01F25/30—Injector mixers
    • B01F25/31—Injector mixers in conduits or tubes through which the main component flows
    • B01F25/314—Injector mixers in conduits or tubes through which the main component flows wherein additional components are introduced at the circumference of the conduit
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F25/00—Flow mixers; Mixers for falling materials, e.g. solid particles
    • B01F2025/91—Direction of flow or arrangement of feed and discharge openings
    • B01F2025/918—Counter current flow, i.e. flows moving in opposite direction and colliding
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F25/00—Flow mixers; Mixers for falling materials, e.g. solid particles
    • B01F2025/91—Direction of flow or arrangement of feed and discharge openings
    • B01F2025/919—Direction of flow or arrangement of feed and discharge openings characterised by the disposition of the feed and discharge openings
    • B01F2025/9191—Direction of flow or arrangement of feed and discharge openings characterised by the disposition of the feed and discharge openings characterised by the arrangement of the feed openings for one or more flows, e.g. for the mainflow and the flow of an additional component
    • B01F2025/91913—Direction of flow or arrangement of feed and discharge openings characterised by the disposition of the feed and discharge openings characterised by the arrangement of the feed openings for one or more flows, e.g. for the mainflow and the flow of an additional component with feed openings facing each other, e.g. for creating counter flows, for creating a series of vortex flows
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F2101/00—Mixing characterised by the nature of the mixed materials or by the application field
    • B01F2101/06—Mixing of food ingredients
    • B01F2101/14—Mixing of ingredients for non-alcoholic beverages; Dissolving sugar in water
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F2215/00—Auxiliary or complementary information in relation with mixing
    • B01F2215/04—Technical information in relation with mixing
    • B01F2215/0413—Numerical information
    • B01F2215/0418—Geometrical information
    • B01F2215/0422—Numerical values of angles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F2215/00—Auxiliary or complementary information in relation with mixing
    • B01F2215/04—Technical information in relation with mixing
    • B01F2215/0413—Numerical information
    • B01F2215/0418—Geometrical information
    • B01F2215/0431—Numerical size values, e.g. diameter of a hole or conduit, area, volume, length, width, or ratios thereof

Definitions

  • the present invention concerns a refrigerator provided with a water/liquid beverage carbonation system and a method for dispensing a refrigerated beverage.
  • a water/liquid beverage carbonation system and a method for dispensing a refrigerated beverage.
  • carbonation systems known in the art, which permits the production of carbonate water on a demand basis.
  • on demand systems utilize specialized apparatus, so called in-line carbonators (where the carbonation is carried out at the time of dispensing the beverage), for combining water and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) (or any other gas, for example oxygen, or to enhance the mixing and/or area of contact there between.
  • CO 2 carbon dioxide
  • US 6,060,092 discloses a device for carbonation of drinking water in a continuous in-line process comprising a water supply line provided with a pressurizing pump adapted to feed an injector nozzle which projects into a mixing tube fluidly connected to a CO 2 supply line having a predetermined low working pressure, into which CO 2 is sucked and then mixed with the water. Because of the high intake pressure of the injector the flow velocity of the water in the injector nozzle is increased so greatly that CO 2 is sucked in by the reduced pressure that results at the end of the nozzle and is delivered under turbulence conditions into the mixing tube. This in-line carbonator is extremely complex.
  • WO 98/47812 discloses a water carbonation system comprising a source of pressurized CO 2 connected to a gas line having a flow restrictor adapted to deliver CO 2 at a predetermined pressure above that of the water to a T-fitting.
  • a pump is connected to a source of potable water and serves to pump the water along the water line to the T-fitting.
  • the CO 2 and water are initially mixed at the T-fitting and flow therefrom through an in-line carbonator and along the carbonated water line to the dispenser point.
  • a drawback of these carbonation systems is that at the liquid/gas mixing point a predetermined and precise gas working pressure value is required with respect to the liquid working pressure value for effectively introducing the gas into the liquid.
  • the carbonation system has to supply the gas to the liquid/gas mixing point with a determined pressure value according to the pressure value of the liquid which is delivered to liquid/gas mixing point.
  • the CO 2 supply line of these carbonation systems includes check valve arranged upstream the liquid/gas mixing point for controlling and precisely adjusting the pressure value of the gas upon the installation of the carbonation system and for maintaining such a pressure value constant during usage of the latter. Therefore, these carbonation systems are poorly flexible and need a continuous adjustment.
  • a further drawback of these carbonation systems is that a high liquid pressure value is needed at the liquid/gas mixing point for achieving a satisfactory level of carbonation. Therefore, the liquid supply line must include a pressurizing or booster pump arranged upstream the liquid/gas mixing point in order to increase the pressure value of the liquid to be carbonated.
  • the document US-A-4 915 261 discloses a carbonated beverage dispensing system for dispensing a mixed beverage consisting of a flavoring constituent contained in an individual serving packet and a base liquid.
  • the dispensing system includes an actuating unit having a platen that is movable between a retracted position in which a flavoring constituent containing packet is positionable into the actuating unit with a rupturable discharge end thereof directed downwardly and an actuated position which progressively presses against a side of the packet for forcing the contents of the packet in a downward direction for rupturing the discharge end of the packet and for expelling the contents thereof into a discharge nozzle.
  • a carbonated water supply is provided for simultaneously dispensing a predetermined quantity of carbonated water into the nozzle for mixing with the expelled flavoring constituent prior to discharging therefrom.
  • the carbonated water supply is adapted for substantially instantaneously carbonating fresh water as it is being dispensed to the mixing nozzle.
  • the document GB-A-1 441 658 discloses a water carbonator comprising, in the direction of water flow, a first stage in which CO2 is drawn from a source at lower pressure than that of the water by aspiration into the water and partly absorbed therein, and a second stage in which the water with partly absorbed CO2 is accelerated, to decrease static pressure and increase turbulence, so that the surface area of the water exposed to the CO2 is increased to achieve substantially complete CO2 absorption.
  • the water pressure is 90-95 psi
  • the CO2 is 2-5 psi less than the water pressure
  • the water temperature is between 32-40 F.
  • a stage comprising an annular chamber receiving CO2 through an entry port, an inner chamber receiving CO2 from a chamber through radial ports, and axial water flow passages communicating with a water inlet port and each intersecting at least one radial CO2 aspiration passage.
  • the stage comprises a conical chamber having a wall tapering to a throat which communicates with a collection chamber.
  • the taper angle of the wall is preferably less than 45.
  • the cross sectional area of the water inlet port exceeds the total cross sectional area of the passages which in turn exceeds the cross sectional area of the throat.
  • water passing through the passages draws CO2 radial inwards and outwards respectively from the chambers the entrainment of CO2 molecules causing water flow turbulence and part CO2 absorption.
  • Water streams ejected from the passages are impinged against the chamber wall and are then combined at the throat to enter the collection chamber, the acceleration towards the throat causing decreased static pressure and increased turbulence.
  • water from a tank is pumped through a cooler to a line having carbonators disposed in parallel. Pressure in the line is determined by a pressure regulating valve relieving to atmospheric pressure.
  • the pump may be disposed downstream of the cooler, and the latter may cool the water whilst in the tank.
  • the valve and a CO2 pressure regulating valve are operatively interconnected.
  • the outlet from each distributor comprises a push button opened faucet which may be fixed directly to the carbonator body.
  • the cooled water and CO2 may be fed to the carbonators through flexible lines. Cooled pressurised water for the carbonator may be provided from a coil in, or in the wall of, a conventional refrigerator.
  • the document US-A-3 761 066 discloses an inline water carbonator which introduces CO2 and fresh water into a conduit leading to a carbonated water dispensing valve each time the valve is opened.
  • the CO2 and water are thoroughly mixed in the conduit as the carbonated water is dispensed through the valve so that the water is charged with CO2 when it is dispensed.
  • the document EP-A-1 614 986 discloses a refrigerator door with a carbonator installed therein includes a heating device provided at an inner portion of the refrigerator door, for supplying heat to the carbonator.
  • the refrigerator door further includes a temperature detecting device for measuring a temperature of the carbonator and then generating a signal indicating the measured temperature; and a controller for controlling the heating device according to the signal from the temperature detecting device. If the temperature of the carbonator is lower than or equal to a preset operation temperature, the controller controls the heating device to generate heat.
  • the document EP-A-1 580 502 discloses a refrigerator capable of fabricating a carbonated water including a water vessel, a mounting area for mounting therein the water vessel, and a dispenser unit for carbonising the water in the water vessel, the water area having a changeable vertical distance. Further, the mounting area has a first area with a specific height and a second area a predetermined height formed under the first area, the second area being selectively opened to communicate with the first area.
  • the carbonation inlet port 7 has reduced flow cross-section for generating frictional resistance adapted to reduce the velocity of the carbon dioxide flow entering into the liquid beverage supply line 2 or into the mixing device 6 to a predetermined value.
  • the liquid beverage supply line 2 of the beverage dispenser can be connected directly to the water supply mains (for example the municipal water supply mains) through a suitable connection or alternatively the water source 3 can be in the form of a pressurized tank. Normal building water pressure is sufficient
  • the liquid beverage supply line 2 connects the water source 3 to a water pressure reducer 9 which is adapted to reduce the water pressure to a specified working pressure value, for example of 2 to 3 bar, in order to have the same starting conditions for the processing procedure independent of the pressure value of the water supply mains.
  • a water pressure reducer 9 which is adapted to reduce the water pressure to a specified working pressure value, for example of 2 to 3 bar, in order to have the same starting conditions for the processing procedure independent of the pressure value of the water supply mains.
  • the water pressure reducer 9 renders the pressure value of the incoming water constant so as to avoid the problems connected to the pressure value fluctuations which normally affect the municipal water supply mains.
  • a cooling unit 10 is provided to cool down the liquid beverage to be carbonated or the carbonated beverage to be dispended.
  • the cooling unit 10 is fluidly connected to the water source 3 via the liquid beverage supply line 2 and it is provided upstream the carbonation inlet port 7 in order to decrease the temperature of the liquid beverage in order to enhance the amount of carbon dioxide that can be dissolved in the liquid beverage.
  • lower temperature enhance the ability of water to absorb carbon dioxide.
  • the cooling unit 10 can be a compression cooling system operating in a known manner, namely with compressor, evaporator, and condenser, Alternatively a Peltier cooling system or other known cooling system can be used.
  • liquid beverage supply line 2 can comprise at least one filter device for filtering the liquid beverage to be delivered to the carbonation inlet port 7.
  • a non-return valve 11 in provided in the liquid beverage supply line 2 just upstream the carbonation inlet port 7, where the carbon dioxide is introduced into the liquid beverage, in order to prevent liquid beverage flowing back towards the cooling unit 10,
  • the carbon dioxide supply line 4 extends from the pressurized CO 2 source 5 to the carbonation inlet port 7 and it comprises a CO 2 pressure reducer 12 for reducing the pressure of the gas flowing through the carbon dioxide supply line 4 below an upper limit, for example 7 bar in order to ensure safety working conditions of the beverage dispenser according to the present invention.
  • the carbon dioxide supply line 4 comprises an electro-valve 13 arranged downstream the CO 2 pressure reducer 12 and adapted to fluidly connects, selectively, the CO 2 pressurized source 5 to the carbonation inlet port 7 in order to produce carbonated liquid beverage when it is required.
  • the electro-valve 13 is adapted to control and adjust the amount of CO 2 to be supplied to the carbonation inlet port 7 so that the CO 2 content of the liquid beverage to be dispensed can be varied according to the desired level selected by the user.
  • a non-return valve 14 is provided in the carbon dioxide supply line 4 between the electro-valve 13 and the carbonation inlet port 7 for preventing CO 2 flowing back to the electro-valve 13.
  • the water working pressure, downstream the water pressure reducer 9, has a value of 1.5 to 3 bar depending on the intake pressure available from of the urban water supply mains, which in some country can be particularly low, around 2 bar.
  • the pressurized tank simply ensures that slightly pressurized water at 1.5 to 3 bar, as in the case the liquid beverage supply line 4 is directly connected to the water supply mains, is delivered to the liquid/mixing point wherein carbonation takes place.
  • a water pressure value slightly higher than the atmospheric pressure value would be preferable.
  • the working pressure value of the CO 2 gas can vary in a range of 2 to 7 bar.
  • the refrigerator according to the present invention includes at least one liquid/gas mixing section 15 wherein the carbon dioxide is mixed with the liquid beverage.
  • the carbon dioxide supply line 4 comprises a carbonation inlet port 7 which is adapted to supply the CO 2 flow to the liquid/gas mixing section 15 for the carbonation to be carried out.
  • the liquid/gas mixing section 15 comprises a junction point where the carbon dioxide supply line 4 fluidly intercepts or joints into the liquid beverage supply line 2 via the carbonation inlet port 7 in order to enable the CO 2 to be introduced into the liquid beverage supply line 2 and thereby to be mixed with the liquid beverage. Further, the liquid/gas mixing section 15 comprises a mixing device 6 to be fed with the liquid/gas mixture emerging from the junction point in order to complete the absorption of CO 2 and then increases the final carbonation level.
  • junction point acts as a three-way connector where the carbon dioxide flow and the liquid beverage flow joint into and the resulting mixing flow is delivered to the mixing device 6.
  • the liquid/gas mixing section 15 comprises a mixing device 6 fluidly connected to the liquid beverage supply line 2 via a suitable connection fitting and to the carbon dioxide supply line 4 via the carbonation inlet port 7, which is adapted to introduce carbon dioxide directly into the mixing device 6.
  • the flow cross-section of the carbonation inlet port 7 has a diameter dimension chosen, after exhaustive test runs, so that fluid frictional resistance is generated (when the CO 2 flows) which is adapted to reduce the velocity of the carbon dioxide flow passing through the carbonation inlet port 7 and entering into the liquid beverage supply line 2 or into the mixing device 7.
  • the fluid frictional force tends to lower the speed of the CO 2 flow to a reduced predetermined value, which is a value substantially constant, quite independently of the pressure value of the carbon dioxide passing through the carbonation inlet port 7.
  • the carbon dioxide working pressure value can vary widely during the operation of the beverage dispenser without affecting the velocity of the CO 2 flow entering into the liquid beverage supply line 2 or into the mixing device 6.
  • the reduced velocity of the CO 2 flow enables the gas to effectively mix with the liquid beverage so as to maximize the carbon dioxide absorption inside the mixing device. In this way it is possible to achieve a high carbonation level in spite of carbon dioxide working pressure value does not remain constant during the usage or operation of the beverage dispenser or even if it varies in a wide, broad range and further even if the carbon dioxide working pressure has not been set correctly during the installation of the refrigerator according to the present invention or due to component variation or change.
  • fluid frictional resistance adapted to lower the velocity of the carbon dioxide flow is generated by using a carbonation inlet port having a flow cross-section diameter comprised between .
  • the carbon dioxide supply line 4 is comprised of a conduit having an internal diameter less than 20 mm and a preferred diameter range of 6 to 8 mm. It can however be most readily appreciated that the above diameter dimensions of the carbon dioxide supply line 4 upstream the carbon inlet port 7 serves only to optimize and maximize the fluid frictional resistance effect determined by the restriction of the carbonation inlet port 7.
  • the carbon dioxide supply line 4 and the liquid beverage supply line 2 are reciprocally arranged so that the gas flow, entering into the liquid beverage supply line 2 through the carbonation inlet port 7, has at least a vectorial component of the velocity vector oriented in the opposite direction of the liquid flow in order to enhance the turbulence and thereby the liquid/gas contact surface.
  • the carbon dioxide supply line 4 and the liquid beverage supply line 2 form an angle V of 90° to 180° and preferably of about 135°.
  • the liquid/gas mixture emerging upstream from the carbonation inlet port 7 is then supplied to the mixing device 6 via a suitable fitting 15.
  • a carbonated beverage supply line 17 fluidly connects the mixing device 6 to the dispenser point 8.
  • the dispenser point 8 includes an outlet valve 18 for dispensing the carbonated beverage. Operation of the outlet valve 18 causes the simultaneous opening of the electro-valve 13.
  • a compensator can be provided in correspondence to the dispenser point 8 so that the carbonated beverage can be issued with a pleasant jet.
  • the carbon dioxide supply line 4 is fluidly connected directly to the mixing device 6 through the carbonation inlet port 7, which is adapted to introduce carbon dioxide directly into the mixing device
  • a series of tests has been performed leading to the graph shown in fig. 6 where the Y-axis depicts the CO 2 concentration of the dispensed beverage in gram per liter and further the flow rate of the dispensed liquid in liter per minute
  • the X-axis depicts the CO 2 working pressure value in bar (the experimental points of the graph are obtained for a working water pressure of 2 bar).
  • the CO 2 concentration remains above 5.5 g/l for a CO 2 working pressure of 3.7 to 4.7 bar.
  • the flow rate of the dispensed liquid rapidly decreases when the CO 2 working pressure exceeds 4 bar and above 4.7 bar the flow rate is extremely low.
  • the CO 2 concentration remains above 5.5 g/l for a CO 2 working pressure of 4.2 to 7, whereas the flow rate starts to slightly decrease when the CO 2 working pressure is above 5.5 and up to 7 bar CO 2 working pressure the flow rate is still sufficiently high for the refrigerator to operate in an effective manner.
  • the present invention enables the CO 2 working pressure to vary within a broad range without adversely affecting the final CO 2 concentration of the dispensed beverage and hence, no adjustment of the CO 2 working pressure value is required.
  • the mixing device 6 can comprise any turbulating structures adapted to produce the largest possible CO 2 /liquid contact surface in order to facilitate the absorption of CO2.
  • the turbulating structures are adapted to mix the flow of carbonated liquid beverage and free CO2 to enhance further combination thereof.
  • the mixing device 6 comprises a rotor having a plurality of blades and adapted to rotate inside a chamber. According to the first or to the second configuration of the present invention, the liquid /gas mixture or the flat liquid beverage flow entering into the chamber causes the rotor to be driven into rotation in order to carry out carbonation.
  • the mixing device comprises a positive displacement pump and in particular a diaphragm pump or a gear pump which has been found to be adapted to effectively carry out the carbonation process. It can be easily appreciated that in case of the last described embodiment, operation of the outlet valve 17 causes the simultaneous opening of the electro-valve 13 and operating of the positive displacement pump.
  • the liquid beverage working pressure downstream the water pressure reducer 9 can also be higher than 3 bar, in some countries, in fact, the intake pressure available from the municipal water supply mains is around 4-5 bar and also near 6 bar.
  • the extreme values of the CO2 working pressure range are determined by the fact that below 2 bar, extremely low or no liquid/gas mixing at all occurs, whereas above 7 bar the liquid beverage is prevented to reach the liquid/gas section 15 and thereby the carbonation inlet port 7.
  • the water working pressure value can be higher or lower than the CO2 working pressure value in correspondence to the carbonation inlet port 7 depending on the nozzle dimensions, the hydraulic characteristic of the fluid circuit and of the in-line carbonator.
  • the beverage dispenser of the refrigerator according to the present invention can be in the form of a post-mix dispenser adapted to mix syrup or concentrate to the flat or carbonated water to produce beverage of different flavour wherein the mixing is carried out at the time of dispensing.
  • the beverage dispenser comprises a plurality of reservoirs containing syrups or concentrates to be mixed with water.
  • the concentrate reservoirs can be fluidly connected to the liquid beverage supply line 2 or to the carbonated beverage supply line 17 in order to introduce the concentrate into the flat water, i.e. upstream the liquid/gas section 15, or into the carbonated water, i.e. downstream the liquid/gas section 15.
  • the refrigerator according to the present invention provides a carbonation system utilizing few, simple and low cost components, which do not need particular requirements about adjustment, operation and maintenance. Conclusively, it can therefore be stated that the carbonation system provided in the refrigerator according to the present invention is fully effective in solving the drawbacks connected with prior-art systems in a simple manner.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)

Claims (14)

  1. Réfrigérateur comprenant un distributeur de boissons, le distributeur de boissons comprenant :
    une conduite d'alimentation en boisson liquide (2) raccordée de façon fluide à une source d'eau (3) et comprenant un réducteur de pression (9) configuré pour rendre la pression d'eau constante,
    une conduite d'alimentation en gaz (4) raccordée de façon fluide à une source de dioxyde de carbone sous pression (5),
    au moins un dispositif de mélange (6) pour mélanger le gaz à la boisson liquide,
    un orifice d'admission (7) raccordant de façon fluide la conduite d'alimentation en gaz (4) à la conduite d'alimentation en boisson liquide (2) ou au dispositif de mélange (6) pour introduire le gaz dans la boisson liquide, et
    un point de distribution (8) pour distribuer la boisson liquide mélangée au gaz, caractérisé en ce que ledit orifice d'admission (7) a un diamètre de flux en section transversale compris entre 0,3 et 0,5 mm, de sorte que la résistance aux fluides est générée pour réduire la vitesse du flux de gaz entrant dans la conduite d'alimentation en boisson liquide (2) ou dans le dispositif de mélange (6) à une valeur prédéterminée.
  2. Réfrigérateur selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit dispositif de mélange (6) est adapté pour être alimenté avec le mélange liquide/gaz émergeant d'un point de jonction où la conduite d'alimentation en gaz (4) s'emboîte dans ou intercepte de façon fluide la conduite d'alimentation en boisson liquide (2) par l'intermédiaire de l'orifice d'admission (7).
  3. Réfrigérateur selon la revendication 2, dans lequel la conduite d'alimentation en gaz (4) et la conduite d'alimentation en boisson liquide (2) sont agencées mutuellement de sorte que le flux de gaz, entrant dans la conduite d'alimentation en boisson liquide (2) au travers de l'orifice d'admission (7), a au moins une composante vectorielle du vecteur de vitesse orientée dans le sens opposé du flux de boisson liquide afin d'améliorer le tourbillonnement et ainsi la surface de contact liquide/gaz.
  4. Réfrigérateur selon la revendication 3, dans lequel à l'orifice d'admission (7) la conduite d'alimentation en gaz (4) et la conduite d'alimentation en boisson liquide (2) forment un angle V de 90° à 180° et de préférence de 135° environ.
  5. Réfrigérateur selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit dispositif de mélange (6) est raccordé de façon fluide à la conduite d'alimentation en boisson liquide (2) par l'intermédiaire d'une liaison de boisson liquide et à la conduite d'alimentation en gaz (4) par l'intermédiaire de l'orifice d'admission (7).
  6. Réfrigérateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit dispositif de mélange (6) comprend un rotor ayant une pluralité de pales.
  7. Réfrigérateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit dispositif de mélange (6) comprend une pompe volumétrique et, en particulier, une pompe à diaphragme ou une pompe à engrenages.
  8. Réfrigérateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite conduite d'alimentation en boisson liquide (2) est raccordée au réseau municipal d'alimentation en eau ou, selon une autre possibilité, la source d'eau (3) est un réservoir sous pression.
  9. Réfrigérateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la conduite d'alimentation en gaz (4) comprend une électrovanne (13) adaptée pour raccorder de façon fluide, sélectivement, la source sous pression de gaz (5) à l'orifice d'admission (7), pour commander et régler la quantité de gaz devant être alimenté à l'orifice d'admission (7).
  10. Réfrigérateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant un distributeur de mélange postérieur pour introduire du sirop ou du concentré dans l'eau plate en amont du dispositif de mélange (6), ou dans l'eau mélangée au gaz en aval du dispositif de mélange (6).
  11. Réfrigérateur selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel une unité de refroidissement (10) est prévue pour refroidir la boisson liquide dans laquelle le gaz doit être introduit ou la boisson liquide mélangée au gaz devant être distribuée.
  12. Procédé pour distribuer une boisson réfrigérée, comprenant :
    - l'alimentation en boisson liquide depuis une source d'eau à une pression constante,
    - l'alimentation en gaz depuis une source de gaz sous pression, dans laquelle le gaz est un dioxyde de carbone,
    - le mélange du gaz avec la boisson liquide,
    - la réduction de la section transversale de flux du gaz avant que le gaz soit mélangé avec la boisson liquide en faisant passer le flux de gaz au travers d'un orifice d'admission ayant un diamètre de flux en section transversale compris entre 0,3 et 0,5 mm, de sorte que la résistance du fluide est générée pour réduire la vitesse du flux de gaz à une valeur prédéterminée et
    - la distribution de la boisson liquide mélangée au gaz.
  13. Procédé selon la revendication 12, dans lequel la valeur de pression de service de la boisson liquide dans laquelle le gaz doit être introduit est de 1,5 à 7 bars.
  14. Procédé selon la revendication 12, dans lequel la valeur de la pression de service du gaz devant être alimenté à l'orifice d'admission est de 2 à 7 bars.
EP07023987.6A 2007-12-11 2007-12-11 Réfrigérateur comportant un distributeur de boissons, et procédé de distribution d'un boisson refroidi Not-in-force EP2070587B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP07023987.6A EP2070587B1 (fr) 2007-12-11 2007-12-11 Réfrigérateur comportant un distributeur de boissons, et procédé de distribution d'un boisson refroidi
ES07023987T ES2426347T3 (es) 2007-12-11 2007-12-11 Refrigerador que comprende un dispensador de bebidas, y método para dispensar una bebida refrigerada
PL07023987T PL2070587T3 (pl) 2007-12-11 2007-12-11 Chłodziarka zawierająca dozownik napojów, i sposób dozowania schłodzonego napoju

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP07023987.6A EP2070587B1 (fr) 2007-12-11 2007-12-11 Réfrigérateur comportant un distributeur de boissons, et procédé de distribution d'un boisson refroidi

Publications (2)

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EP2070587A1 EP2070587A1 (fr) 2009-06-17
EP2070587B1 true EP2070587B1 (fr) 2013-05-29

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ES (1) ES2426347T3 (fr)
PL (1) PL2070587T3 (fr)

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ITMI20110170U1 (it) * 2011-05-18 2012-11-19 Fluid O Tech Srl Dispositivo di saturazione dell'acqua potabile con anidride carbonica
WO2012177977A2 (fr) 2011-06-23 2012-12-27 Apiqe Inc. Compensateur de flux
WO2012178179A2 (fr) 2011-06-23 2012-12-27 Apiqe Inc. Cartouche filtrante jetable destinée à un distributeur d'eau
CN103946653A (zh) * 2011-06-23 2014-07-23 阿佩克股份有限公司 水分配系统
ES2603727T3 (es) 2011-10-11 2017-03-01 Flow Control Llc. Cámara de carbonatación bajo demanda en línea ajustable para aplicaciones de bebidas
BR112014010787B1 (pt) 2011-11-11 2020-10-06 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Dispositivo misturador, gaseificador, aparelho, e, método para produzir uma bebida gaseificada
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US20150314249A1 (en) * 2014-04-30 2015-11-05 Whirlpool Corporation Carbonation via a carbon filter media
US10785996B2 (en) 2015-08-25 2020-09-29 Cornelius, Inc. Apparatuses, systems, and methods for inline injection of gases into liquids
US10477883B2 (en) 2015-08-25 2019-11-19 Cornelius, Inc. Gas injection assemblies for batch beverages having spargers
WO2018023713A1 (fr) * 2016-08-05 2018-02-08 Cornelius, Inc. Appareils pour mélanger les gaz dans les liquides
EP3330216A1 (fr) * 2016-11-30 2018-06-06 Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. Procédé de production et de distribution de bière gazéifiée à partir de concentré de bière
EP3330215A1 (fr) * 2016-11-30 2018-06-06 Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. Procédé de production et de distribution de bière gazéifiée à partir de concentré de bière
EP3330214A1 (fr) * 2016-11-30 2018-06-06 Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. Procédé de production et distribution de bière carbonatée à base d'un concentré
EP3330218A1 (fr) * 2016-11-30 2018-06-06 Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. Procédé de production et de distribution de bière gazéifié à partir de concentré de bière
EP3330217A1 (fr) * 2016-11-30 2018-06-06 Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. Procédé de production et de distribution de bière gazéifiée à partir de concentré de bière
US11040314B2 (en) 2019-01-08 2021-06-22 Marmon Foodservice Technologies, Inc. Apparatuses, systems, and methods for injecting gasses into beverages
CN115175569A (zh) * 2020-02-28 2022-10-11 弗里斯兰康必奶荷兰有限公司 发泡产品分配系统、阀构件和产品容器

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Publication number Publication date
EP2070587A1 (fr) 2009-06-17
PL2070587T3 (pl) 2013-11-29
ES2426347T3 (es) 2013-10-22

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