EP2292321B1 - Facility for producing a homogeneous gas mixture using liquid and gaseous ingredients - Google Patents

Facility for producing a homogeneous gas mixture using liquid and gaseous ingredients Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2292321B1
EP2292321B1 EP10172361A EP10172361A EP2292321B1 EP 2292321 B1 EP2292321 B1 EP 2292321B1 EP 10172361 A EP10172361 A EP 10172361A EP 10172361 A EP10172361 A EP 10172361A EP 2292321 B1 EP2292321 B1 EP 2292321B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
loop
liquid
mixer
gas
upstream
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EP10172361A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2292321A1 (en
Inventor
Georges Ollier
Jean-Pierre Kuntz
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SDEL Alsace
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SDEL Alsace
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Priority to EP11194936A priority Critical patent/EP2433706A1/en
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Classifications

    • 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
    • B01F23/232—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using flow-mixing means for introducing the gases, e.g. baffles
    • B01F23/2323—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using flow-mixing means for introducing the gases, e.g. baffles by circulating the flow in guiding constructions or conduits
    • 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
    • B01F23/2362—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids specially adapted for aerating or carbonating beverages for aerating or carbonating within receptacles or tanks, e.g. distribution machines
    • 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
    • B01F25/00—Flow mixers; Mixers for falling materials, e.g. solid particles
    • B01F25/20—Jet mixers, i.e. mixers using high-speed fluid streams
    • B01F25/21—Jet mixers, i.e. mixers using high-speed fluid streams with submerged injectors, e.g. nozzles, for injecting high-pressure jets into a large volume or into mixing chambers
    • B01F25/211—Jet mixers, i.e. mixers using high-speed fluid streams with submerged injectors, e.g. nozzles, for injecting high-pressure jets into a large volume or into mixing chambers the injectors being surrounded by guiding tubes
    • 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
    • B01F25/313—Injector mixers in conduits or tubes through which the main component flows wherein additional components are introduced in the centre of the conduit
    • B01F25/3131—Injector mixers in conduits or tubes through which the main component flows wherein additional components are introduced in the centre of the conduit with additional mixing means other than injector mixers, e.g. screens, baffles or rotating elements
    • 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
    • B01F25/40—Static mixers
    • B01F25/44—Mixers in which the components are pressed through slits
    • B01F25/441—Mixers in which the components are pressed through slits characterised by the configuration of the surfaces forming the slits
    • B01F25/4416—Mixers in which the components are pressed through slits characterised by the configuration of the surfaces forming the slits the opposed surfaces being provided with grooves
    • B01F25/44162—Circumferential grooves formed on opposed surfaces, e.g. on planar surfaces or on cylinders or cones
    • 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
    • B01F25/40—Static mixers
    • B01F25/44—Mixers in which the components are pressed through slits
    • B01F25/442—Mixers in which the components are pressed through slits characterised by the relative position of the surfaces during operation
    • B01F25/4422—Mixers in which the components are pressed through slits characterised by the relative position of the surfaces during operation the surfaces being maintained in a fixed but adjustable position, spaced from each other, therefore allowing the slit spacing to be varied
    • 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
    • B01F25/50—Circulation mixers, e.g. wherein at least part of the mixture is discharged from and reintroduced into a receptacle
    • B01F25/51—Circulation mixers, e.g. wherein at least part of the mixture is discharged from and reintroduced into a receptacle in which the mixture is circulated through a set of tubes, e.g. with gradual introduction of a component into the circulating flow
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F33/00—Other mixers; Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
    • B01F33/80—Mixing plants; Combinations of mixers
    • B01F33/82—Combinations of dissimilar mixers
    • B01F33/821—Combinations of dissimilar mixers with consecutive receptacles
    • 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

Definitions

  • the operation of the device is not optimal.
  • the object of the invention is, above all, to propose an installation improving the homogeneity of the mixture and the stability of the gas saturation, and reducing or eliminating the problems of cavitation in the mixer.
  • an installation of the kind defined above is characterized in that the mixer is a static mixer with turbulence rings, comprising one or more stages as a function of the overall pressure drop to be obtained, with adjustment of the manual pressure losses. or automatic.
  • the mixer comprises a body and a movable core (and has at least two rings of turbulence.
  • the inner wall of the body of the mixer is provided with at least two grooves and two seats, while the wall of the core comprises at least two flanges in the form of movable flaps and at least two grooves complementary to those of the body, each body / core groove assembly comprising a valve and a seat reducing the passage section followed by a ring of turbulence itself, the groove shapes being provided to create the minimum pressure drop with a rapid rotation of the fluid in all core positions, creating less cavitation at the exit of the seat.
  • the turbulence rings can be made to obtain in each ring a cycle of fluid velocity variation having an acceleration and a reduction as regular as possible, the entry into the conical seat being effected radially from the outside towards the inside. to reach the ring of turbulence.
  • the mixer comprises an adjustment means, in particular screw, or with a pneumatic jack with scrolling membrane, to allow to adjust manually or by an automatism the position of the core relative to the body.
  • a multi-stage mixer may be provided with a common adjustment means for adjusting the pressure losses of the downstream stage.
  • Different cores can be provided for each stage so that the pressure losses of each stage are decreasing, from upstream to downstream, so as not to destabilize the product at the mixer outlet in the zone of lower pressure.
  • the installation comprises a 3-way valve with three ports (two inputs and one output), the inputs being connected to the mixer output loop and upstream of the output connection, the other on arrival of product in the loop input connection, while the output of the 3-way valve is connected to the loop in the direction of the loop pump.
  • the installation comprises a 4-way valve with four orifices (two inputs respectively aligned with two outputs), the inputs being connected to the loop upstream of the output branch, the other to the arrival of product in the input branch of the loop, while an output of the 4-way valve is connected to the loop in the direction of the loop pump, the other output is connected to the supply line of the loop.
  • extraction machine the valve moving in a right-angled bore of the inlet / outlet alignments and being provided with V-slots at its periphery to ensure a pressure drop depending on, in particular proportional to, its opening.
  • the 3-way or 4-way valve is intended to ensure: a mixture of the recycled product in the loop and the raw product entering; a pressure as constant as possible in output; a non-return function to prevent the direct passage from the inlet to the outlet in certain phases of operation.
  • the 3-way or 4-way valve can be equipped, depending on the type of loop, with manual or pneumatic control.
  • the 3-way or 4-way valve may be provided with a piston cylinder with a scrolling diaphragm for its adjustment, the active membrane section being preferably substantially equal to the active section of the valve to instantly ensure a substantially constant pressure on the outgoing liquid. of the loop.
  • the saturator is disposed upstream of the suction of the pump and connected thereto by a short straight pipe section.
  • the installation comprises a dynamic capacity to adapt the loop volume to the needs in order to smooth the slight dosing variations due to the regulation and to obtain a homogeneous product for the live feed of a bottling machine .
  • the dynamic capacity may comprise a cylindrical envelope of greater diameter than that of the rest of the pipe of the loop, at least one mixing nozzle in inner form of venturi and cylindrical outer, disposed in the envelope, the dynamic capacity being equipped with one or more mixing nozzles arranged to create a suction effect and to ensure intensive stirring of the liquid by rapid convection with liquid return to the sides of the nozzle (s).
  • the installation may comprise a modulating output valve controlled by a regulation to regulate the outflow necessary to supply the extraction machine, according to its level according to the feeding mode of the extraction machine (alternatively see 4-way valve ARV-E).
  • a regulation controls the flow rate of the injected gas, measured by a mass flow meter, in proportion to the flow rate used, measured by a precision precision flowmeter in order to ensure an accurate metering of the gas at all times.
  • the installation may comprise one or more modulating valves depending on the number of additives to be injected and one or more corresponding flowmeters for proportional dosing to the useful flow rate.
  • the dynamic loop is located in a vertical plane.
  • the internal volume of the dynamic loop corresponds to the volume necessary to ensure regular dosing of the components.
  • the pump is characterized by a high suction capacity and a high discharge pressure, especially from 5 to 15 bar (possibility of multistage or volumetric pump).
  • the pump or pumps can be volumetric pumps controlled by frequency variation.
  • the base product 1 consisting for example of a mixture of the driving product, such as water, and additives, in particular sweeteners
  • the base product is supplied to the INS facility using a feed pump 2 which delivers the base product according to a pressure determined by an automaton 3 for the type of draw or pulling machine (not shown) and conditioned liquid.
  • the final product flow is withdrawn into line 4 connected to the printer.
  • the pressure in line 4 is supplied as an adjustment parameter to PLC 3.
  • the ARV-D 3-way valve is equipped, depending on the type of loop, with a pneumatic control 10 illustrated on Fig.1 and 2 , or manual steering.
  • the 3-way valve ARV-D comprises a valve 11.
  • the body containing the valve 11 is made in two parts 13a, 13b assembled to allow mounting.
  • the upper part 13a forms a seat on which the valve 11 will close the flow in the high position.
  • the valve 11 is pushed upwards by a vertical rod 14 transmitting the thrust of the control.
  • the 3-way valve is provided with the piston cylinder 15 connected to the lower end of the rod 14.
  • the piston 15 is covered by a pull-down membrane 15m which receives the pilot pressure for its adjustment.
  • the periphery of the membrane 15m is sealed between the cover 10a and cylinder 10b of the cylinder.
  • the active section of the membrane 15m is substantially equal to the active section of the valve (that is to say maximum section of the head 11a) to instantly ensure a substantially constant pressure on the liquid exiting the loop.
  • a variant of the ARV-D 3-way valve has been developed as a 4-way ARV-E valve, visible on Fig.3 four ports: two inputs 7.8 respectively aligned with two outputs 9, 9a.
  • the inputs 7, 8 are connected one to the loop 5 upstream of the output branch BS, the other 8 to the arrival of product in the input branch BE of the loop.
  • An outlet 9 of the 4-way valve is connected to the loop 5 in the direction of the loop pump, the other outlet 9a is connected to the supply line 4 of the draw-off machine, or printer.
  • the valve 11a moves in a right angle bore of the inlet 8, 7 / outlet 9, 9a alignments and is provided with V-slots at its periphery to provide a pressure drop depending on, in particular proportional to, its opening.
  • the ARV-E 4-way valve allows, for installations that require it, a better result for regulating the outlet pressure Ps (or the flow rate sent to the printer by managing the additional recycling flow rate).
  • the portion 13a of the body allows the passage of the liquid from the inlet port 7, connected to the output of the mixer MEV, to the outlet port 9a connected to the printer.
  • Part 13b of the body allows the passage of the raw liquid entering the loop through the orifice 8 to exit through the orifice 9 to the saturator CAH and the pump Pb.
  • the recycling of the loop is ensured and modulated by the valve 11 has V-shaped slots at the periphery to ensure a loss of load proportional to its opening.
  • the pressures Ps and Pab are exerted directly on both sides of the valve 11a - section Sc.
  • the section Sp of the piston 15 of the cylinder 10 is equal to Sc.
  • the saturator CAH is disposed at the downstream outlet of the 3-way valve ARV, and upstream of the suction of the pump PB.
  • Section 25 ( Fig.1 ) of the pipe connecting the output of the saturator CAH to the suction of the pump PB is rectilinear.
  • the pump PB delivers at its outlet the liquid mixture under high pressure, in particular from 5 to 15 bar. High pressure favors gas saturation of the liquid mixture. However, it is then necessary to lower the pressure to the output without destabilizing the gas mixture.
  • One of the branches of the loop has a dynamic capacity CDY to calibrate the total volume of the loop under a limited height depending on the dosage accuracy required. The higher the accuracy required, the greater the loop capacity will be.
  • the CDY dynamic capacity makes it possible to adapt the loop volume to the needs in order to smooth the slight variations of dosage due to the regulation and to obtain a homogeneous product for the direct supply of a bottling machine.
  • CDY dynamic capacity ( Fig 1 ) comprises a cylindrical envelope 26 of greater diameter than the rest of the pipe of the loop. At least one mixing nozzle 27, in the form of a venturi inside, having upstream-downstream a convergent, a neck and a divergent, on the outside, it is cylindrical so that the downward convection speed is constant. It is arranged in the envelope 26.
  • the dynamic capacity CDY is equipped with one or more mixing nozzles 27 arranged in a suitable manner so that the product is always homogeneous in the entire volume.
  • An injector 28 is provided at the inlet of the mixing nozzle 27.
  • Each injector 28 is oriented in the axis of the venturi, at the inlet of the convergent of the venturi to create a suction effect and ensure an intense mixing of the liquid with liquid return by the downward convection between the outside of the venturi 27 and the envelope 26, as illustrated by arrows.
  • the dynamic capacity CDY can be placed before or after the mixer according to the desired characteristics and the beverage to be produced.
  • the mixing provided by the mixing nozzle (s) 27 makes it possible to give the diameter of the tubular portion 26 a diameter greater than that of the piping or pipe, without creating unstirred zones. The capacity of the loop can thus be increased without prejudice to the homogeneity of the product.
  • the speed of the liquid at the injector 28 can be of the order of 10-12 m / s, while at the output 29 of the dynamic capacity CDY, this speed becomes that of the pipe, in particular the order of 2 m / s.
  • the loop 5 may have a volume corresponding to the volume of liquid dispensed for a certain time, for example from 15 seconds to a few minutes.
  • An MEV mixer is installed on the loop, upstream of the outlet.
  • This MEV mixer is a static mixer with turbulence rings 31 ( Fig.6- Fig.9 ) mono or multi-stage depending on the overall pressure drop to obtain and allows the adjustment of the pressure losses.
  • the mixer is provided with annular baffles to allow the passage of a liquid loaded pulp without retaining them.
  • each stage of the mixer comprises a body 32 and a movable core 33 and has at least two turbulence rings 31.
  • the inner wall of the body 32 of the mixer is provided with at least two grooves 34 and two seats 35.
  • the wall of the core comprises at least two flanges 36 in the form of movable flaps and at least two grooves 37 complementary to those of the body.
  • the core 33 receives the thrust of a rod 33a ( Fig.6 and 7 ) whose axial position is adjustable, and is guided by fixed guides 33b.
  • Each body groove assembly 34 / core groove 37 includes a valve 36 and a seat 35 reducing the passage section, followed by one (or more) turbulence ring 31 itself.
  • the shapes of the grooves 34, 37, visible in the drawings, concavities facing, are provided to create a ring by a minimum pressure drop with a rapid rotation of the fluid in all positions of the core, creating less cavitation output of seat.
  • the turbulence rings 31 are made to obtain in each ring a cycle of fluid velocity variation having an acceleration and a reduction as regular as possible.
  • the entrance to the conical seat is effected in the direction of the arrows on Fig.8 and 9 , radially from the outside inwards to reach the turbulence ring.
  • the body / core assemblies are connected in series, and their number is chosen so that the total pressure drop has the desired value.
  • the mixer MEV may comprise an axial adjustment means 38 with screw 39 ( Fig.6 ) to allow manual adjustment of the core 33 relative to the body 32.
  • the axial adjustment means 38 comprises a pneumatic cylinder 40 to enable the position of the core 33 relative to the body 32 to be automatically adjusted.
  • the jack 40 is of the pull-down type, so as not to affect the sensitivity.
  • the mixer When the mixer is multi-stage MEV, including three stages as illustrated on Fig.6 and 7 , it is provided with a common adjustment means 38 for adjusting the pressure losses of the downstream stage.
  • Different cores in particular of different lengths, are provided for each stage so that the pressure drops of each stage are decreasing, from upstream to downstream, so as not to destabilize the product at the mixer outlet in the zone of weaker pressure.
  • the cores of each stage are supported against each other, so that the axial displacement of the downstream core is transmitted to the upstream nuclei.
  • the mixer MEV is disposed downstream of the pump PB and upstream of the loop output connection BS.
  • the installation preferably comprises an output modulating valve (not shown) controlled by a regulation to regulate the outflow necessary to supply the printer, according to its level according to the power supply mode of the printer (see adaptation as an alternative ARV-E 4-way valve with modulating valve).
  • an output modulating valve (not shown) controlled by a regulation to regulate the outflow necessary to supply the printer, according to its level according to the power supply mode of the printer (see adaptation as an alternative ARV-E 4-way valve with modulating valve).
  • the control controls the flow rate of the injected gas, measured by the mass flowmeter DB2m, in proportion to the flow rate used, measured by a precision flowmeter 6 compatible to ensure a continuous accurate dosage of the gas.
  • the installation may comprise one or more positive pumps (not shown) depending on the number of additives to be injected and one or more corresponding flow meters for proportional dosing at the useful rate.
  • the dynamic loop 5 is located in a vertical plane.
  • the PB pump is characterized by a high suction capacity and a high discharge pressure, in particular from 5 to 15 bar (possibility of multistage or volumetric pump).
  • the saturator CAH is traversed horizontally by the liquids and ensures a first dissolution of the gas? in order to avoid any cavitation of the pump PB.
  • the part of the loop 5 extending between the output of the pump PB and the branch BS of the feed line 4 of the printer constitutes a so-called chambering loop.
  • This chambering loop has a capacity (dynamic capacity CDY) adapted to the flow and the product manufactured.
  • the chambering loop in particular to facilitate the dosing of the product in the liquid, without reaching too high heights, it can increase the outer diameter of the CDY capacity.
  • the greater capacity of the loop makes it possible to smooth the small variations of dosage during flow variations.
  • the dynamic loop makes it possible to obtain a constant flow rate in the injection zone of the liquid and gaseous components, irrespective of the variations in the flow rate used between the zero flow rate and the nominal flow rate of the device.
  • the specific accessories used make it possible to obtain a stable pressure at the various points of the dynamic loop independently of the outflow.
  • the pressure scheme of the loop can be adjusted according to the desired products and results.
  • the pressure variations in the loop have a strong influence on the stability of the product.
  • the higher the pressure in the loop the more stable the saturation. The interest of obtaining stable pressures is therefore clear.
  • the mixture of product products, led products (additives) and gas, constant in proportion, is delivered, according to the flow drawn by the printer, the dynamic loop in which it circulates continuously and at constant speed even in case of stoppage of the speed of the printer.
  • the function of the dynamic loop 5 is to ensure a constant proportionality as well as a homogeneity of the mixture, despite the small variations due to stopping and restarting the flow resulting from the stops of the printer.
  • the very low buffer capacity of the installation according to the invention allows cleaning and sterilization "online" of the installation. Product changes can be much faster.
  • the lines (not shown) delivering the products to be mixed with the product leading into the dynamic loop may comprise a positive displacement pump (for example piston or gear example) controlled by a frequency converter, so that the setting is less sensitive to pressure variations.
  • the installation is completed by manometers or pressure sensors Pab, Pap, Pr, Pr1, Ps provided at different points of the installation and the dynamic loop.
  • the mixture is injected into the dynamic loop 5 via the feed pump 2.
  • CO2 gas is injected via the flowmeter DB2m and the saturator CAH.
  • the mixture via the pump PB, then arrives in the mixing nozzle 27 of the CDY dynamic capacity where an intense stirring improves its homogeneity.
  • the MEV mixer perfect homogeneity while reducing pressure, with decreasing pressure drops from upstream to downstream to avoid destabilizing the gaseous liquid.
  • a sample can then be taken to the printer through line 4.
  • the untapped portion of the mixture is recirculated back into loop 5.
  • the bottled mixture is homogeneous, the saturation of gas is stable, the gas is dissolved and perfectly bonded.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Accessories For Mixers (AREA)
  • Gas Separation By Absorption (AREA)

Abstract

The installation for producing a homogenous gaseous mixture such as soft drinks from liquid and gas constituents for directly supplying to a withdrawing machine without inserting a buffer, comprises a dynamic saturation and mixing loop (5) with a circulating product (1). The loop comprises an inlet connection, a loop pump (PB) that derives, in upstream, constituents to be mixed and flowed on a rising branch of the loop, a saturator (CAH) for injecting gas in the liquid, a gas mass flowmeter, and a static mixer (MEV) with two turbulence rings for homogenizing the mixture. The installation for producing a homogenous gaseous mixture such as soft drinks from liquid and gas constituents for directly supplying to a withdrawing machine without inserting a buffer, comprises a dynamic saturation and mixing loop (5) with a circulating product (1). The loop comprises an inlet connection, a loop pump (PB) that derives, in upstream, constituents to be mixed and flowed on a rising branch of the loop, a saturator (CAH) for injecting gas in the liquid, a gas mass flowmeter, a static mixer (MEV) with two turbulence rings for homogenizing the mixture and driving back to outlet pressure of the loop, an outlet connection for removing the mixture by the withdrawing machine, a valve between the inlet and the outlet, and a liquid flowmeter on the inlet or outlet connection. The pump ensures a minimum constant flow at the upper part of the withdrawing machine. The static mixer comprises a body and a movable core. An inner wall of the mixer body is equipped with two channels and sills. A wall of the core comprises two flanges in the form of movable valves and two channels in addition to the body. Each assembly of the channel body or core comprises a valve and a sill reducing the passage section of the turbulence ring. The shape of the grooves is such that to create a minimum pressure drop with rapid rotation of the fluid in all positions of the core creating a lower cavitation outlet sill. The turbulence ring is produced to obtain a cycle of variation in speed of the fluid with regular acceleration and reduction. The inlet in the conical sill is radially connected from the outside to the inside to reach the turbulence ring. The mixer further includes an adjustment such as a screw or a pneumatic actuator with a rolling membrane to allow manual or automatic adjustment of core position relative to the body. A three-way valve with two inputs and one output is arranged in the installation, where one of the input is connected to the loop in upstream of the output connection and the other to the inlet connection of the loop, and the output of the three-way valve is connected to the loop in a direction of the loop pump. A four-way valve with two inlets respectively aligned with two outputs is arranged in the installation, where the inputs are connected in upstream of the output connection of the loop and the one output is connected to the inlet connection of the loop. The four-way valve is connected to the loop in a direction of the loop pump, where the other output is connected to the supply line of the withdrawing machine. The three-way of for-way valves are provided for assuring: a blend of recycled product in the loop and the raw product; a constant pressure in the output; and a non-return function to prevent the direct passage of the inlet towards the outlet in some phases of operation, and are equipped with a manual or pneumatic control according to the loop type and an actuator with a piston and a rolling membrane. The active section of the membrane is equal to the active section of the valve for assuring a constant pressure on the liquid outlet of the loop. The saturator comprises a transverse horizontal body with a gas injection device at its upper part, a non-return device with a membrane for regular injection of gas and mounted in the circulation zone from top to bottom, a mixer stage with a pre-adjustment device for incorporating the liquid gas, and an upstream outlet cone for reducing the flow speed without cavitation. The liquid flow is partially or totally oriented from top to bottom. The saturator is disposed in upstream of the aspiration of the pump and assembled by a rectilinear pipe section, and further comprises a cylindrical casing of larger diameter according to piping of the loop and a venturi nozzle disposed in the casing. The annular section between an outer cylindrical wall of the venturi nozzle and inner surface of the casing is constant.

Description

La présente invention concerne une installation pour élaborer un mélange homogène gazeux à partir de constituants liquides et gazeux, notamment en vue de la fabrication de boissons gazeuses, pour alimenter en direct une machine de soutirage sans intercaler une capacité tampon, comportant une boucle dynamique de saturation et de mélange dans laquelle du produit circule à un débit supérieur au débit utilisé, cette boucle comprenant :

  • un branchement d'entrée,
  • une pompe de boucle qui reçoit, en amont, des constituants devant être mélangés et débite sur une branche montante de la boucle, la pompe assurant un débit minimal, sensiblement constant, supérieur au débit maximum de la machine de soutirage,
  • un saturateur pour injecter le gaz dans le liquide,
  • un débitmètre massique de gaz
  • un mélangeur pour homogénéiser le mélange, et le ramener à la pression de sortie de boucle,
  • un branchement de sortie, pour un prélèvement de mélange par la machine de soutirage,
  • une vanne entre branchement d'entrée et de sortie,
  • un débitmètre liquide, sur le branchement d'entrée ou de sortie,
The present invention relates to an installation for producing a homogeneous gaseous mixture from liquid and gaseous constituents, in particular for the production of carbonated beverages, for directly feeding a tapping machine without interposing a buffer capacity, comprising a dynamic saturation loop. and mixing in which product flows at a rate higher than the flow rate used, this loop comprising:
  • an input connection,
  • a loop pump which receives, upstream, constituents to be mixed and flows on a rising branch of the loop, the pump providing a minimum flow, substantially constant, greater than the maximum flow rate of the extraction machine,
  • a saturator for injecting the gas into the liquid,
  • a mass flow meter of gas
  • a mixer to homogenize the mixture, and bring it back to the loop outlet pressure,
  • an outlet connection, for a mixture sampling by the extraction machine,
  • a valve between inlet and outlet connection,
  • a liquid flow meter, on the inlet or outlet connection,

Il est connu que, pour mélanger efficacement des composants pouvant présenter des viscosités différentes, il est nécessaire de réaliser un brassage énergique du mélange. Dans le cas contraire, ou si le brassage est trop faible, le produit fini n'est pas homogène.It is known that, in order to effectively mix components which may have different viscosities, it is necessary to perform an energetic stirring of the mixture. In the opposite case, or if the brewing is too weak, the finished product is not homogeneous.

Un problème important, pour les boissons gazeuses, est d'améliorer la stabilité du gaz dans le liquide. Dans le cas d'une faible stabilité du gaz, une bouteille de liquide gazeux donne un fort bullage à l'ouverture, ce qu'il est souhaitable d'éviter. En outre si la bouteille reste ouverte, le gaz contenu dans le liquide diminue rapidement et la fin du liquide ne comporte pratiquement plus de gaz.An important problem for soft drinks is to improve the stability of the gas in the liquid. In the case of low stability of the gas, a bottle of gaseous liquid gives a strong bubbling at the opening, which it is desirable to avoid. In addition, if the bottle remains open, the gas contained in the liquid decreases rapidly and the end of the liquid has practically no gas.

Actuellement l'état de la technique peut être illustré par US 6 439 437 et FR 2 772 367 qui montrent une installation du genre défini précédemment.Currently the state of the art can be illustrated by US 6,439,437 and FR 2,772,367 which show an installation of the kind defined previously.

Néanmoins, des problèmes de stabilité du mélange persistent. De plus, on constate l'apparition de phénomènes de cavitation au niveau de la pompe de la boucle et, en particulier dans le cas des boissons utilisant des édulcorants, des phénomènes de moussage apparaissent au conditionnement.Nevertheless, problems of stability of the mixture persist. In addition, there is the appearance of cavitation phenomena at the pump of the loop and, in particular in the case of beverages using sweeteners, foaming phenomena appear packaging.

Par ailleurs, dans le cas où la boisson à produire doit contenir des pulpes de fruit, le fonctionnement du dispositif n'est pas optimal.Moreover, in the case where the drink to be produced must contain fruit pulps, the operation of the device is not optimal.

L'invention a pour but, surtout, de proposer une installation améliorant l'homogénéité du mélange et la stabilité de la saturation gazeuse, et réduisant ou supprimant les problèmes de cavitation dans le mélangeur.The object of the invention is, above all, to propose an installation improving the homogeneity of the mixture and the stability of the gas saturation, and reducing or eliminating the problems of cavitation in the mixer.

Selon l'invention, une installation du genre défini précédemment est caractérisée en ce que le mélangeur est un mélangeur statique à anneaux de turbulence, comprenant un ou plusieurs étages en fonction de la perte de charge globale à obtenir, avec réglage des pertes de charge manuel ou automatique.According to the invention, an installation of the kind defined above is characterized in that the mixer is a static mixer with turbulence rings, comprising one or more stages as a function of the overall pressure drop to be obtained, with adjustment of the manual pressure losses. or automatic.

De préférence, le mélangeur comporte un corps et un noyau mobile (et présente au moins deux anneaux de turbulence.Preferably, the mixer comprises a body and a movable core (and has at least two rings of turbulence.

Avantageusement, la paroi interne du corps du mélangeur est munie d'au moins deux gorges et de deux sièges, tandis que la paroi du noyau comporte au moins deux collerettes en forme de clapets mobiles et au moins deux gorges complémentaires de celles du corps, chaque ensemble de gorge corps/noyau comportant un clapet et un siège réduisant la section de passage suivi d'un anneau de turbulence proprement dit, les formes des gorges étant prévues pour créer le minimum de perte de charge avec une rotation rapide du fluide dans toutes les positions du noyau, créant une moindre cavitation en sortie de siège.Advantageously, the inner wall of the body of the mixer is provided with at least two grooves and two seats, while the wall of the core comprises at least two flanges in the form of movable flaps and at least two grooves complementary to those of the body, each body / core groove assembly comprising a valve and a seat reducing the passage section followed by a ring of turbulence itself, the groove shapes being provided to create the minimum pressure drop with a rapid rotation of the fluid in all core positions, creating less cavitation at the exit of the seat.

Les anneaux de turbulence peuvent être réalisés pour obtenir dans chaque anneau un cycle de variation de vitesse de fluide présentant une accélération et une réduction le plus régulière possible, l'entrée dans le siège conique s'effectuant radialement de l'extérieur vers l'intérieur pour atteindre l'anneau de turbulence.The turbulence rings can be made to obtain in each ring a cycle of fluid velocity variation having an acceleration and a reduction as regular as possible, the entry into the conical seat being effected radially from the outside towards the inside. to reach the ring of turbulence.

De préférence, le mélangeur comporte un moyen de réglage, notamment à vis, ou avec un vérin pneumatique à membrane déroulante, pour permettre de régler manuellement ou par un automatisme la position du noyau relativement au corps.Preferably, the mixer comprises an adjustment means, in particular screw, or with a pneumatic jack with scrolling membrane, to allow to adjust manually or by an automatism the position of the core relative to the body.

Un mélangeur multi-étagé peut être pourvu d'un moyen de réglage commun permettant le réglage des pertes de charge de l'étage aval. Des noyaux différents peuvent être prévus pour chaque étage de façon que les pertes de charge de chaque étage soient décroissantes, d'amont en aval, afin de ne pas déstabiliser le produit, en sortie de mélangeur, dans la zone de plus faible pression.A multi-stage mixer may be provided with a common adjustment means for adjusting the pressure losses of the downstream stage. Different cores can be provided for each stage so that the pressure losses of each stage are decreasing, from upstream to downstream, so as not to destabilize the product at the mixer outlet in the zone of lower pressure.

De préférence, l'installation comporte une vanne 3 voies à trois orifices (deux entrées et une sortie), les entrées étant raccordées l'une à la boucle sortie de mélangeur et en amont du branchement de sortie, l'autre à l'arrivée de produit dans le branchement d'entrée de la boucle, tandis que la sortie de la vanne 3 voies est reliée à la boucle en direction de la pompe de boucle.Preferably, the installation comprises a 3-way valve with three ports (two inputs and one output), the inputs being connected to the mixer output loop and upstream of the output connection, the other on arrival of product in the loop input connection, while the output of the 3-way valve is connected to the loop in the direction of the loop pump.

Selon une variante avantageuse, l'installation en comporte une vanne 4 voies à quatre orifices (deux entrées alignées respectivement avec deux sorties), les entrées étant raccordées l'une à la boucle en amont du branchement de sortie, l'autre à l'arrivée de produit dans le branchement d'entrée de la boucle, tandis qu'une sortie de la vanne 4 voies est reliée à la boucle en direction de la pompe de boucle, l'autre sortie est reliée à la canalisation d'alimentation de la machine de soutirage, le clapet se déplaçant dans un alésage à angle droit des alignements entrée / sortie et étant pourvu de fentes en V à sa périphérie pour assurer une perte de charge dépendant de, en particulier proportionnelle à, son ouverture.According to an advantageous variant, the installation comprises a 4-way valve with four orifices (two inputs respectively aligned with two outputs), the inputs being connected to the loop upstream of the output branch, the other to the arrival of product in the input branch of the loop, while an output of the 4-way valve is connected to the loop in the direction of the loop pump, the other output is connected to the supply line of the loop. extraction machine, the valve moving in a right-angled bore of the inlet / outlet alignments and being provided with V-slots at its periphery to ensure a pressure drop depending on, in particular proportional to, its opening.

La vanne 3 voies ou 4 voies est prévue pour assurer : un mélange du produit recyclé dans la boucle et du produit brut entrant ; une pression aussi constante que possible en sortie ; une fonction anti-retour pour éviter le passage direct de l'entrée vers la sortie dans certaines phases du fonctionnement.The 3-way or 4-way valve is intended to ensure: a mixture of the recycled product in the loop and the raw product entering; a pressure as constant as possible in output; a non-return function to prevent the direct passage from the inlet to the outlet in certain phases of operation.

La vanne 3 voies ou 4 voies peut être équipée, selon le type de boucle, d'un pilotage manuel ou d'un pilotage pneumatique. La vanne 3 voies ou 4 voies peut être pourvue d'un vérin à piston à membrane déroulante pour son réglage, la section active de membrane étant de préférence sensiblement égale à la section active du clapet pour assurer instantanément une pression sensiblement constante sur le liquide sortant de la boucle.The 3-way or 4-way valve can be equipped, depending on the type of loop, with manual or pneumatic control. The 3-way or 4-way valve may be provided with a piston cylinder with a scrolling diaphragm for its adjustment, the active membrane section being preferably substantially equal to the active section of the valve to instantly ensure a substantially constant pressure on the outgoing liquid. of the loop.

Avantageusement, le saturateur de l'installation comporte :

  • un corps traversé horizontalement par le liquide avec dispositif d'injection du gaz à la partie supérieure, à l'intérieur du corps, le flux de liquide étant partiellement ou totalement orienté du haut vers le bas, et ressortant horizontalement,
  • un dispositif anti-retour à membrane inclus dans le dispositif d'injection assurant une injection régulière du gaz, notamment lors des arrêts et redémarrages du débit d'utilisation, lequel dispositif anti-retour est monté dans la zone de circulation du haut vers le bas pour entraîner le gaz injecté,
  • un étage de mélangeur avec dispositif de pré-réglage pour incorporer le gaz au liquide,
  • un cône de sortie aval pour réduire la vitesse sans cavitation.
Advantageously, the saturator of the installation comprises:
  • a body traversed horizontally by the liquid with a gas injection device at the upper part, inside the body, the liquid flow being partially or totally oriented from top to bottom, and emerging horizontally,
  • a membrane anti-return device included in the injection device ensuring a regular injection of gas, especially during stops and restarting the operating flow, which non-return device is mounted in the circulation zone from top to bottom to drive the injected gas,
  • a mixer stage with a presetting device for incorporating the gas into the liquid,
  • a downstream exit cone to reduce speed without cavitation.

Généralement, le saturateur est disposé en amont de l'aspiration de la pompe et relié à cette dernière par une courte section de canalisation rectiligne.Generally, the saturator is disposed upstream of the suction of the pump and connected thereto by a short straight pipe section.

De préférence, l'installation comporte une capacité dynamique permettant d'adapter le volume de boucle aux besoins afin de lisser les légères variations de dosage dues à la régulation et d'obtenir un produit homogène pour l'alimentation en direct dune machine d'embouteillage.Preferably, the installation comprises a dynamic capacity to adapt the loop volume to the needs in order to smooth the slight dosing variations due to the regulation and to obtain a homogeneous product for the live feed of a bottling machine .

La capacité dynamique peut comprendre une enveloppe cylindrique de diamètre supérieur à celui du reste de la canalisation de la boucle, au moins une buse de mélange en forme intérieure de venturi et extérieure cylindrique, disposée dans l'enveloppe, la capacité dynamique étant équipée d'une, ou plusieurs, buses de mélange disposées pour créer un effet d'aspiration et assurer un brassage intense du liquide par une convection rapide avec retour de liquide sur les côtés de la (ou des) buse (s).The dynamic capacity may comprise a cylindrical envelope of greater diameter than that of the rest of the pipe of the loop, at least one mixing nozzle in inner form of venturi and cylindrical outer, disposed in the envelope, the dynamic capacity being equipped with one or more mixing nozzles arranged to create a suction effect and to ensure intensive stirring of the liquid by rapid convection with liquid return to the sides of the nozzle (s).

L'installation peut comprendre une vanne modulante de sortie commandée par une régulation pour régler le débit sortant nécessaire à l'alimentation de la machine de soutirage, en fonction de son niveau selon le mode d'alimentation de la machine de soutirage (en variante voir vanne 4 voies ARV-E).The installation may comprise a modulating output valve controlled by a regulation to regulate the outflow necessary to supply the extraction machine, according to its level according to the feeding mode of the extraction machine (alternatively see 4-way valve ARV-E).

Une régulation commande le débit du gaz injecté, mesuré par un débitmètre massique, en proportion du débit utilisé, mesuré par un débitmètre de précision compatible en vue d'assurer en permanence un dosage précis du gaz.A regulation controls the flow rate of the injected gas, measured by a mass flow meter, in proportion to the flow rate used, measured by a precision precision flowmeter in order to ensure an accurate metering of the gas at all times.

L'installation peut comporter une ou plusieurs vannes modulantes en fonction du nombre d'additifs à injecter et un ou plusieurs débitmètres correspondants pour le dosage proportionnel au débit utile.The installation may comprise one or more modulating valves depending on the number of additives to be injected and one or more corresponding flowmeters for proportional dosing to the useful flow rate.

Avantageusement, la boucle dynamique est située dans un plan vertical. Le volume intérieur de la boucle dynamique correspond au volume nécessaire pour assurer la régularité de dosage des composants.Advantageously, the dynamic loop is located in a vertical plane. The internal volume of the dynamic loop corresponds to the volume necessary to ensure regular dosing of the components.

La pompe est caractérisée par une capacité d'aspiration élevée et une pression de refoulement élevée, notamment de 5 à 15 bars (possibilité de pompe multi- étagée ou volumétrique).The pump is characterized by a high suction capacity and a high discharge pressure, especially from 5 to 15 bar (possibility of multistage or volumetric pump).

La ou les pompes, notamment pour les additifs, peuvent être des pompes volumétriques commandées par variation de fréquence.The pump or pumps, especially for additives, can be volumetric pumps controlled by frequency variation.

D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront dans la description qui suit avec référence aux dessins annexés mais qui n'a aucun caractère limitatif. Sur ces dessins :

  • Fig. 1 est une vue schématique d'ensemble représentant l'installation selon l'invention.
  • Fig. 2 est une coupe verticale, à plus grande échelle, de la vanne 3 voies.
  • Fig. 3 est une coupe verticale, à plus grande échelle, d'une vanne 4 voies.
  • Fig. 4 est une coupe verticale, à plus grande échelle, du saturateur.
  • Fig.5 est une coupe verticale agrandie du dispositif d'injection du saturateur de Fig.4.
  • Fig.6 est une coupe verticale, à plus grande échelle, du mélangeur avec réglage à vis.
  • Fig.7 est une coupe verticale, semblable à Fig.6, du mélangeur avec réglage à piston et membrane.
  • . Fig.8 est une coupe verticale agrandie d'un étage du mélangeur de Fig.5, dans une position ouverte, et
  • . Fig.9 est une coupe verticale agrandie semblable à Fig.8 d'un étage du mélangeur dans une position plus fermée que sur Fig.8
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear in the description which follows with reference to the accompanying drawings but which has no limiting character. On these drawings:
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic overview of the installation according to the invention.
  • Fig. 2 is a vertical section, on a larger scale, of the 3-way valve.
  • Fig. 3 is a vertical section, on a larger scale, of a 4-way valve.
  • Fig. 4 is a vertical section, on a larger scale, of the saturator.
  • Fig.5 is an enlarged vertical section of the injection device of the saturator of Fig.4 .
  • Fig.6 is a vertical section, on a larger scale, of the mixer with screw adjustment.
  • Fig.7 is a vertical section, similar to Fig.6 , mixer with piston adjustment and diaphragm.
  • . Fig.8 is an enlarged vertical section of a mixer stage of Fig.5 , in an open position, and
  • . Fig.9 is an enlarged vertical section similar to Fig.8 of one stage of the mixer in a more closed position than on Fig.8

En se référant à Fig. 1, on peut voir que le produit de base 1, constitué par exemple d'un mélange de produit menant, tel que de l'eau, et d'additifs, en particulier des édulcorants, est fourni à l'installation INS à l'aide d'une pompe d'alimentation 2 qui délivre le produit de base selon une pression déterminée par un automate 3 pour le type considéré de machine de soutirage ou tireuse (non représentée) et de liquide conditionné. Le débit de produit final est soutiré dans la canalisation 4 reliée à la tireuse. La pression dans la canalisation 4 est fournie comme paramètre de réglage à l'automate 3.To refer at Fig. 1 it can be seen that the base product 1, consisting for example of a mixture of the driving product, such as water, and additives, in particular sweeteners, is supplied to the INS facility using a feed pump 2 which delivers the base product according to a pressure determined by an automaton 3 for the type of draw or pulling machine (not shown) and conditioned liquid. The final product flow is withdrawn into line 4 connected to the printer. The pressure in line 4 is supplied as an adjustment parameter to PLC 3.

L'installation INS est située en amont de la canalisation d'alimentation 4 de la tireuse et comporte une boucle dynamique 5 de saturation et de mélange dans laquelle du produit circule à un débit supérieur au débit utilisé soutiré par la canalisation 4. La boucle 5 comprend :

  • un branchement d'entrée BE,
  • une pompe de boucle PB qui reçoit, en amont, des constituants devant être mélangés et assure un débit minimal de boucle, sensiblement constant, supérieur au débit maximum de la machine de soutirage,
  • en amont ou en aval de la pompe PB, un saturateur CAH pour injecter le gaz dans le liquide,
  • un débitmètre massique DB2m du gaz injecté dans le saturateur ; le gaz est généralement du gaz carbonique CO2 ;
  • en aval de la pompe PB, une capacité dynamique CDY permettant d'adapter le volume de boucle aux besoins afin de lisser les légères variations de dosage dues à la régulation et d'obtenir un produit totalement homogène pour permettre l'alimentation en direct d'une machine d'embouteillage,
  • en aval de la capacité CDY, un mélangeur MEV à pertes de charges décroissantes, pour homogénéiser le mélange, et le ramener à la pression de sortie de boucle sans le déstabiliser,
  • un branchement de sortie BS de la canalisation 4, pour un prélèvement de mélange par la tireuse,
  • un débitmètre liquide 6 sur le branchement de sortie, étant entendu que le débitmètre pourrait, en variante, se trouver sur le branchement d'entrée,
  • une vanne 3 voies ARV-D à trois orifices, deux entrées 7, 8 et une sortie 9 ; l'entrée 7 est raccordée à la boucle 5 en amont du branchement de sortie BS, l'autre entrée 8 est raccordée à l'arrivée de produit dans le branchement d'entrée BE de la boucle. La sortie 9 de la vanne 3 voies est reliée à la boucle 5, en amont du saturateur CAH, en direction de la pompe de boucle PB.
The INS installation is located upstream of the supply line 4 of the printer and comprises a dynamic saturation and mixing loop 5 in which the product circulates at a flow rate greater than the flow rate used drawn by the pipe 4. The loop 5 comprises:
  • a BE input connection,
  • a loop pump PB which receives, upstream, constituents to be mixed and ensures a minimum loop flow rate, substantially constant, greater than the maximum flow rate of the extraction machine,
  • upstream or downstream of the pump PB, a saturator CAH for injecting the gas into the liquid,
  • a mass flowmeter DB2m of the gas injected into the saturator; the gas is usually carbon dioxide CO2;
  • downstream of the pump PB, a dynamic capacity CDY making it possible to adapt the volume of loop to the needs in order to smooth the slight variations of dosage due to the regulation and to obtain a totally homogeneous product to allow the live feed of a bottling machine,
  • downstream of the CDY capacity, a decreasing pressure drop mixer MEV, for homogenizing the mixture, and returning it to the loop outlet pressure without destabilizing it,
  • a branch outlet BS of the line 4, for a sampling of mixture by the printer,
  • a liquid flow meter 6 on the output connection, it being understood that the flowmeter could, alternatively, be on the input connection,
  • a three-way ARV-D three-port valve, two inlets 7, 8 and an outlet 9; the input 7 is connected to the loop 5 upstream of the output branch BS, the other input 8 is connected to the product inlet in the input branch BE of the loop. The outlet 9 of the 3-way valve is connected to the loop 5, upstream of the saturator CAH, towards the loop pump PB.

La vanne 3 voies ARV-D est équipée, selon le type de boucle, d'un pilotage pneumatique 10 illustré sur Fig.1 et 2, ou d'un pilotage manuel.The ARV-D 3-way valve is equipped, depending on the type of loop, with a pneumatic control 10 illustrated on Fig.1 and 2 , or manual steering.

La vanne 3 voies ARV-D est prévue pour assurer :

  • un mélange du produit recyclé dans la boucle, qui arrive par l'entrée 7, et du produit brut 1 arrivant par l'entrée 8,
  • une pression constante en sortie,
  • une fonction anti-retour pour éviter le passage direct de l'entrée 8 vers l'entrée 7 dans certaines phases du fonctionnement.
The ARV-D 3-way valve is designed to ensure:
  • a mixture of the recycled product in the loop, which arrives through the inlet 7, and the raw product 1 arriving through the inlet 8,
  • a constant pressure at the exit,
  • a non-return function to prevent the direct passage of the inlet 8 to the inlet 7 in certain phases of operation.

La vanne 3 voies ARV-D comporte un clapet 11. Le corps contenant le clapet 11 est réalisé en deux parties 13a, 13b assemblées pour permettre le montage. La partie supérieure 13a forme un siège sur lequel le clapet 11 viendra obturer le flux en position haute. Le clapet 11 est poussé vers le haut par une tige verticale 14 transmettant la poussée de la commande. La vanne 3 voies est pourvue du vérin 10 à piston 15 relié à l'extrémité inférieure de la tige 14. Le piston 15 est recouvert par une membrane déroulante 15m qui reçoit la pression de pilotage pour son réglage. La périphérie de la membrane 15m est fixée de manière étanche entre couvercle 10a et cylindre 10b du vérin. Avantageusement, la section active de la membrane 15m est sensiblement égale à la section active du clapet (c'est-à-dire section maximale de la tête 11 a) pour assurer instantanément une pression sensiblement constante sur le liquide sortant de la boucle.The 3-way valve ARV-D comprises a valve 11. The body containing the valve 11 is made in two parts 13a, 13b assembled to allow mounting. The upper part 13a forms a seat on which the valve 11 will close the flow in the high position. The valve 11 is pushed upwards by a vertical rod 14 transmitting the thrust of the control. The 3-way valve is provided with the piston cylinder 15 connected to the lower end of the rod 14. The piston 15 is covered by a pull-down membrane 15m which receives the pilot pressure for its adjustment. The periphery of the membrane 15m is sealed between the cover 10a and cylinder 10b of the cylinder. Advantageously, the active section of the membrane 15m is substantially equal to the active section of the valve (that is to say maximum section of the head 11a) to instantly ensure a substantially constant pressure on the liquid exiting the loop.

Une variante de la vanne 3 voies ARV-D a été développée sous forme d'une vanne 4 voies ARV-E, visible sur Fig.3, à quatre orifices : deux entrées 7,8 alignées respectivement avec deux sorties 9, 9a. Les entrées 7,8 sont raccordées l'une 7 à la boucle 5 en amont du branchement de sortie BS, l'autre 8 à l'arrivée de produit dans le branchement d'entrée BE de la boucle. Une sortie 9 de la vanne 4 voies est reliée à la boucle 5 en direction de la pompe de boucle, l'autre sortie 9a est reliée à la canalisation 4 d'alimentation de la machine de soutirage, ou tireuse. Le clapet 11 a se déplace dans un alésage à angle droit des alignements entrée 8 ,7 / sortie 9 ,9a et est pourvu de fentes en V à sa périphérie pour assurer une perte de charge dépendant de, en particulier proportionnelle à, son ouverture.A variant of the ARV-D 3-way valve has been developed as a 4-way ARV-E valve, visible on Fig.3 four ports: two inputs 7.8 respectively aligned with two outputs 9, 9a. The inputs 7, 8 are connected one to the loop 5 upstream of the output branch BS, the other 8 to the arrival of product in the input branch BE of the loop. An outlet 9 of the 4-way valve is connected to the loop 5 in the direction of the loop pump, the other outlet 9a is connected to the supply line 4 of the draw-off machine, or printer. The valve 11a moves in a right angle bore of the inlet 8, 7 / outlet 9, 9a alignments and is provided with V-slots at its periphery to provide a pressure drop depending on, in particular proportional to, its opening.

La vanne 4 voies ARV-E permet, pour les installations qui le nécessite, un meilleur résultat pour la régulation de la pression de sortie Ps (ou du débit envoyé vers la tireuse en gérant le débit complémentaire de recyclage). La partie 13a du corps permet le passage du liquide de l'orifice d'entrée 7, relié à la sortie du mélangeur MEV, vers l'orifice de sortie 9a relié à la tireuse. La partie 13b du corps permet le passage du liquide brut entrant dans la boucle par l'orifice 8 de sortir par l'orifice 9 vers le saturateur CAH et la pompe Pb.The ARV-E 4-way valve allows, for installations that require it, a better result for regulating the outlet pressure Ps (or the flow rate sent to the printer by managing the additional recycling flow rate). The portion 13a of the body allows the passage of the liquid from the inlet port 7, connected to the output of the mixer MEV, to the outlet port 9a connected to the printer. Part 13b of the body allows the passage of the raw liquid entering the loop through the orifice 8 to exit through the orifice 9 to the saturator CAH and the pump Pb.

Le recyclage de la boucle est assuré et modulé par le clapet 11 a pourvu de fentes en V à la périphérie pour assurer une perte de charge proportionnelle à son ouverture. Les pressions Ps et Pab s'exercent directement sur les deux faces du clapet 11 a - section Sc. La section Sp du piston 15 du vérin 10 est égale à Sc. En faisant varier la pression Pp sur le vérin 10 on maintiendra une pression constante en PsThe recycling of the loop is ensured and modulated by the valve 11 has V-shaped slots at the periphery to ensure a loss of load proportional to its opening. The pressures Ps and Pab are exerted directly on both sides of the valve 11a - section Sc. The section Sp of the piston 15 of the cylinder 10 is equal to Sc. By varying the pressure Pp on the cylinder 10 a constant pressure will be maintained in Ps

Pour compenser les variations de pertes de charge de l'ARV on maintiendra une pression constante en sortie de pompe Pb (Fig.1), en utilisant un mélangeur MEV selon Fig.7, tel que décrit plus loin, équipé d'un vérin 40 pilotable.To compensate for the variations in pressure drops of the ARV, a constant pressure will be maintained at the pump outlet Pb ( Fig.1 ), using a MEV mixer according to Fig.7 , as described below, equipped with a jack 40 controllable.

Le saturateur CAH comporte :

  • un corps 16 (Fig.4) traversé horizontalement par le liquide avec dispositif d'injection 17 du gaz à la partie supérieure, à l'intérieur du corps ; le flux de liquide est partiellement ou totalement orienté du haut vers le bas, et ressort horizontalement ;
  • un dispositif anti-retour 18 à membrane 18a (Fig.5) de forme tubulaire entourant des orifices 19 répartis en couronne sur un diffuseur creux 20 sensiblement cylindrique fermé à son extrémité inférieure ; ce dispositif anti-retour est inclus dans le dispositif d'injection 17 assurant une injection régulière du gaz, notamment lors des arrêts et redémarrages du débit d'utilisation ; le dispositif anti-retour est monté dans la zone de circulation du haut vers le bas pour que le gaz injecté soit entrainé;
  • un étage 21 de mélangeur semblable aux étages décrits plus loin à propos du mélageur MEV, avec dispositif de pré-réglage 22 par téton fileté 23 vissé dans un trou taraudé d'un cône de sortie 24, pour incorporer le gaz au liquide ;
  • le cône de sortie aval 24 fixe pour réduire la vitesse sans cavitation.
The CAH saturator comprises:
  • a body 16 ( Fig.4 ) traversed horizontally by the liquid with injection device 17 of the gas at the upper part, inside the body; the flow of liquid is partially or totally oriented from top to bottom, and leaves horizontally;
  • a non-return device 18 with membrane 18a ( Fig.5 ) of tubular shape surrounding orifices 19 distributed in a ring on a substantially cylindrical hollow diffuser 20 closed at its lower end; this non-return device is included in the injection device 17 ensuring a regular injection of the gas, especially during stops and restarts of the flow of use; the non-return device is mounted in the circulation zone from top to bottom so that the injected gas is driven;
  • a mixer stage 21 similar to the stages described below in connection with the mixer MEV, with pre-adjustment device 22 by threaded stud 23 screwed into a threaded hole of an outlet cone 24, for incorporating the gas into the liquid;
  • the downstream outlet cone 24 fixed to reduce the speed without cavitation.

Le saturateur CAH est disposé en sortie aval de la vanne 3 voies ARV, et en amont de l'aspiration de la pompe PB. La section 25 (Fig.1) de canalisation reliant la sortie du saturateur CAH à l'aspiration de la pompe PB est rectiligne.The saturator CAH is disposed at the downstream outlet of the 3-way valve ARV, and upstream of the suction of the pump PB. Section 25 ( Fig.1 ) of the pipe connecting the output of the saturator CAH to the suction of the pump PB is rectilinear.

La pompe PB délivre à sa sortie le mélange liquide sous forte pression, notamment de 5 à 15 bars. Une pression élevée favorise la saturation en gaz du mélange liquide. Toutefois, il faut ensuite faire redescendre la pression jusqu'à celle de sortie sans déstabiliser le mélange gazeux.The pump PB delivers at its outlet the liquid mixture under high pressure, in particular from 5 to 15 bar. High pressure favors gas saturation of the liquid mixture. However, it is then necessary to lower the pressure to the output without destabilizing the gas mixture.

Une des branches de la boucle comporte une capacité dynamique CDY pour calibrer le volume total de la boucle sous une hauteur limitée en fonction de la précision de dosage demandé. Plus la précision demandée sera importante, plus la capacité de boucle sera importante.One of the branches of the loop has a dynamic capacity CDY to calibrate the total volume of the loop under a limited height depending on the dosage accuracy required. The higher the accuracy required, the greater the loop capacity will be.

La capacité dynamique CDY permet d'adapter le volume de boucle aux besoins afin de lisser les légères variations de dosage dues à la régulation et d'obtenir un produit homogène pour l'alimentation en direct d'une machine d'embouteillage.The CDY dynamic capacity makes it possible to adapt the loop volume to the needs in order to smooth the slight variations of dosage due to the regulation and to obtain a homogeneous product for the direct supply of a bottling machine.

La capacité dynamique CDY (Fig 1) comprend une enveloppe cylindrique 26 de diamètre supérieur à celui du reste de la canalisation de la boucle. Au moins une buse de mélange 27, en forme de venturi à l'intérieur, présentant d'amont en aval un convergent, un col et un divergent, à l'extérieur, elle est cylindrique pour que la vitesse descendante de convection soit constante. Elle est disposée dans l'enveloppe 26. La capacité dynamique CDY est équipée d'une ou plusieurs buses de mélange 27 disposées de façon convenable pour que le produit soit toujours homogène dans la totalité du volume.CDY dynamic capacity ( Fig 1 ) comprises a cylindrical envelope 26 of greater diameter than the rest of the pipe of the loop. At least one mixing nozzle 27, in the form of a venturi inside, having upstream-downstream a convergent, a neck and a divergent, on the outside, it is cylindrical so that the downward convection speed is constant. It is arranged in the envelope 26. The dynamic capacity CDY is equipped with one or more mixing nozzles 27 arranged in a suitable manner so that the product is always homogeneous in the entire volume.

Un injecteur 28 est prévue à l'entrée de la buse de mélange 27. Chaque injecteur 28 est orienté dans l'axe du venturi, à l'entrée du convergent du venturi pour créer un effet d'aspiration et assurer un brassage intense du liquide avec retour de liquide par la convection descendante entre l'extérieur du venturi 27 et l'enveloppe 26, comme illustré par des flèches. La capacité dynamique CDY peut être placée avant ou après le mélangeur suivant les caractéristiques recherchées et la boisson à produire. Le brassage assuré par la ou les buses de mélange 27 permet de donner au diamètre de la partie tubulaire 26 un diamètre supérieur à celui de la tuyauterie ou canalisation, sans créer de zones non agitées. La capacité de la boucle peut ainsi être augmentée sans préjudice pour l'homogénéité du produit.An injector 28 is provided at the inlet of the mixing nozzle 27. Each injector 28 is oriented in the axis of the venturi, at the inlet of the convergent of the venturi to create a suction effect and ensure an intense mixing of the liquid with liquid return by the downward convection between the outside of the venturi 27 and the envelope 26, as illustrated by arrows. The dynamic capacity CDY can be placed before or after the mixer according to the desired characteristics and the beverage to be produced. The mixing provided by the mixing nozzle (s) 27 makes it possible to give the diameter of the tubular portion 26 a diameter greater than that of the piping or pipe, without creating unstirred zones. The capacity of the loop can thus be increased without prejudice to the homogeneity of the product.

La vitesse du liquide au niveau de l'injecteur 28 peut être de l'ordre de 10-12 m/s, tandis qu'à la sortie 29 de la capacité dynamique CDY, cette vitesse devient celle de la canalisation, notamment de l'ordre de 2 m/s. La boucle 5 peut avoir un volume correspondant au volume de liquide débité pendant un certain temps, par exemple de 15 secondes à quelques minutes.The speed of the liquid at the injector 28 can be of the order of 10-12 m / s, while at the output 29 of the dynamic capacity CDY, this speed becomes that of the pipe, in particular the order of 2 m / s. The loop 5 may have a volume corresponding to the volume of liquid dispensed for a certain time, for example from 15 seconds to a few minutes.

Un mélangeur MEV est installé sur la boucle, en amont de la sortie. Ce mélangeur MEV est un mélangeur statique à anneaux de turbulence 31 (Fig.6- Fig.9) mono ou multi-étagé en fonction de la perte de charge globale à obtenir et permet le réglage des pertes de charge. Le mélangeur est pourvu de chicanes annulaires pour permettre le passage d'un liquide chargé de pulpes sans retenir ces dernières.An MEV mixer is installed on the loop, upstream of the outlet. This MEV mixer is a static mixer with turbulence rings 31 ( Fig.6- Fig.9 ) mono or multi-stage depending on the overall pressure drop to obtain and allows the adjustment of the pressure losses. The mixer is provided with annular baffles to allow the passage of a liquid loaded pulp without retaining them.

De préférence, chaque étage du mélangeur comporte un corps 32 et un noyau mobile 33 et présente au moins deux anneaux de turbulence 31. La paroi interne du corps 32 du mélangeur est munie d'au moins deux gorges 34 et de deux sièges 35. La paroi du noyau comporte au moins deux collerettes 36 en forme de clapets mobiles et au moins deux gorges 37 complémentaires de celles du corps. Le noyau 33 reçoit la poussée d'une tige 33a (Fig.6 et 7) dont la position axiale est réglable, et est guidé par des guides fixes 33b.Preferably, each stage of the mixer comprises a body 32 and a movable core 33 and has at least two turbulence rings 31. The inner wall of the body 32 of the mixer is provided with at least two grooves 34 and two seats 35. The wall of the core comprises at least two flanges 36 in the form of movable flaps and at least two grooves 37 complementary to those of the body. The core 33 receives the thrust of a rod 33a ( Fig.6 and 7 ) whose axial position is adjustable, and is guided by fixed guides 33b.

Chaque ensemble gorge du corps 34/ gorge du noyau 37 comporte un clapet 36 et un siège 35 réduisant la section de passage, suivi d'un (ou plusieurs) anneau de turbulence 31 proprement dit. Les formes des gorges 34, 37, visibles sur les dessins, à concavités en regard, sont prévues pour créer par anneau un minimum de perte de charge avec une rotation rapide du fluide dans toutes les positions du noyau, créant une moindre cavitation en sortie de siège.Each body groove assembly 34 / core groove 37 includes a valve 36 and a seat 35 reducing the passage section, followed by one (or more) turbulence ring 31 itself. The shapes of the grooves 34, 37, visible in the drawings, concavities facing, are provided to create a ring by a minimum pressure drop with a rapid rotation of the fluid in all positions of the core, creating less cavitation output of seat.

Les anneaux de turbulence 31 sont réalisés pour obtenir dans chaque anneau un cycle de variation de vitesse de fluide présentant une accélération et une réduction la plus régulière possible. L'entrée dans le siège conique s'effectue, dans le sens des flèches sur Fig.8 et 9, radialement de l'extérieur vers l'intérieur pour atteindre l'anneau de turbulence. Les ensembles corps/noyaux sont montés en série, et leur nombre est choisi pour que la perte de charge totale ait la valeur souhaitée.The turbulence rings 31 are made to obtain in each ring a cycle of fluid velocity variation having an acceleration and a reduction as regular as possible. The entrance to the conical seat is effected in the direction of the arrows on Fig.8 and 9 , radially from the outside inwards to reach the turbulence ring. The body / core assemblies are connected in series, and their number is chosen so that the total pressure drop has the desired value.

Le mélangeur MEV peut comporter un moyen de réglage axial 38 à vis 39 (Fig.6) pour permettre un réglage manuel du noyau 33 relativement au corps 32. Selon la variante de Fig.7, le moyen de réglage axial 38 comporte un vérin pneumatique 40 pour permettre de régler par un automatisme la position du noyau 33 relativement au corps 32. De préférence, le vérin 40 est du type à membrane déroulante, pour ne pas affecter la sensibilité.The mixer MEV may comprise an axial adjustment means 38 with screw 39 ( Fig.6 ) to allow manual adjustment of the core 33 relative to the body 32. According to the variant of Fig.7 , the axial adjustment means 38 comprises a pneumatic cylinder 40 to enable the position of the core 33 relative to the body 32 to be automatically adjusted. Preferably, the jack 40 is of the pull-down type, so as not to affect the sensitivity.

Lorsque le mélangeur MEV est multi-étagé, notamment à trois étages comme illustré sur Fig.6 et 7, il est pourvu d'un moyen de réglage 38 commun permettant le réglage des pertes de charge de l'étage aval. Des noyaux différents, notamment de longueurs différentes, sont prévus pour chaque étage de façon que les pertes de charge de chaque étage soient décroissantes, d'amont en aval, afin de ne pas déstabiliser le produit en sortie de mélangeur dans la zone de plus faible pression. Les noyaux de chaque étage sont en appui les uns contre les autres, de sorte que le déplacement axial du noyau aval est transmis aux noyaux amont.When the mixer is multi-stage MEV, including three stages as illustrated on Fig.6 and 7 , it is provided with a common adjustment means 38 for adjusting the pressure losses of the downstream stage. Different cores, in particular of different lengths, are provided for each stage so that the pressure drops of each stage are decreasing, from upstream to downstream, so as not to destabilize the product at the mixer outlet in the zone of weaker pressure. The cores of each stage are supported against each other, so that the axial displacement of the downstream core is transmitted to the upstream nuclei.

Le mélangeur MEV est disposé en aval de la pompe PB et en amont du raccordement BS de sortie de boucle.The mixer MEV is disposed downstream of the pump PB and upstream of the loop output connection BS.

L'installation comprend de préférence une vanne modulante de sortie (non représentée) commandée par une régulation pour régler le débit sortant nécessaire à l'alimentation de la tireuse, en fonction de son niveau selon le mode d'alimentation de la tireuse (voir adaptation en variante vanne 4 voies ARV-E à clapet modulant).The installation preferably comprises an output modulating valve (not shown) controlled by a regulation to regulate the outflow necessary to supply the printer, according to its level according to the power supply mode of the printer (see adaptation as an alternative ARV-E 4-way valve with modulating valve).

La régulation commande le débit du gaz injecté, mesuré par le débitmètre massique DB2m, en proportion du débit utilisé, mesuré par un débitmètre de précision 6 compatible en vue d'assurer en permanence un dosage précis du gaz.The control controls the flow rate of the injected gas, measured by the mass flowmeter DB2m, in proportion to the flow rate used, measured by a precision flowmeter 6 compatible to ensure a continuous accurate dosage of the gas.

L'installation peut comporter une ou plusieurs pompes positives (non représentées) en fonction du nombre d'additifs à injecter et un ou plusieurs débitmètres correspondants pour le dosage proportionnel au débit utile.The installation may comprise one or more positive pumps (not shown) depending on the number of additives to be injected and one or more corresponding flow meters for proportional dosing at the useful rate.

Avantageusement, la boucle dynamique 5 est située dans un plan vertical. La pompe PB est caractérisée par une capacité d'aspiration élevée et une pression de refoulement élevée, notamment de 5 à 15 bars (possibilité de pompe multi-étagée ou volumétrique).Advantageously, the dynamic loop 5 is located in a vertical plane. The PB pump is characterized by a high suction capacity and a high discharge pressure, in particular from 5 to 15 bar (possibility of multistage or volumetric pump).

L'exemple de réalisation considéré concerne la fabrication de boissons gazeuses. Le saturateur CAH est traversé horizontalement par les liquides et assure une première dissolution du gaz ? de façon à éviter toute cavitation de la pompe PB.The embodiment considered concerns the manufacture of soft drinks. The saturator CAH is traversed horizontally by the liquids and ensures a first dissolution of the gas? in order to avoid any cavitation of the pump PB.

La partie de la boucle 5 s'étendant entre la sortie de la pompe PB et le branchement BS de la ligne d'alimentation 4 de la tireuse constitue une boucle dite de chambrage. Cette boucle de chambrage présente une capacité (capacité dynamique CDY) adaptée au débit et au produit fabriqué.The part of the loop 5 extending between the output of the pump PB and the branch BS of the feed line 4 of the printer constitutes a so-called chambering loop. This chambering loop has a capacity (dynamic capacity CDY) adapted to the flow and the product manufactured.

Pour augmenter la capacité de la boucle de chambrage, afin en particulier de faciliter le dosage du produit dans le liquide, sans arriver à des hauteurs trop importantes, on peut augmenter le diamètre extérieur de la capacité CDY. La capacité plus importante de la boucle permet de lisser les faibles variations de dosage, lors des variations de débit.To increase the capacity of the chambering loop, in particular to facilitate the dosing of the product in the liquid, without reaching too high heights, it can increase the outer diameter of the CDY capacity. The greater capacity of the loop makes it possible to smooth the small variations of dosage during flow variations.

La boucle dynamique permet d'obtenir un débit constant dans la zone d'injection des composants liquides et gazeux, quelles que soient les variations du débit utilisé entre débit nul et débit nominal du dispositif. Les accessoires spécifiques utilisés permettent d'obtenir une pression stable aux différents points de la boucle dynamique indépendamment du débit sortant. Le schéma de pression de la boucle peut être ajusté en fonction des produits et des résultats désirés.The dynamic loop makes it possible to obtain a constant flow rate in the injection zone of the liquid and gaseous components, irrespective of the variations in the flow rate used between the zero flow rate and the nominal flow rate of the device. The specific accessories used make it possible to obtain a stable pressure at the various points of the dynamic loop independently of the outflow. The pressure scheme of the loop can be adjusted according to the desired products and results.

Les variations de pression dans la boucle ont une forte influence sur la stabilité du produit. Pour régler la stabilité du CO2 dissous dans le liquide, et donc la finesse des bulles, plus la pression dans la boucle est forte et plus la saturation est stable. L'intérêt d'obtenir des pressions stables apparaît donc clairement.The pressure variations in the loop have a strong influence on the stability of the product. To regulate the stability of the dissolved CO2 in the liquid, and thus the fineness of the bubbles, the higher the pressure in the loop, the more stable the saturation. The interest of obtaining stable pressures is therefore clear.

Le mélange de produit menant, produits menés (additifs) et gaz, constant en proportion, est délivré, selon le débit soutiré par la tireuse, à la boucle dynamique dans laquelle il circule en continu et à vitesse constante même en cas d'arrêt du débit de la tireuse. La fonction de la boucle dynamique 5 est d'assurer une proportionnalité constante ainsi qu'une homogénéité du mélange, malgré les faibles variations dues aux arrêts et redémarrage du débit résultant des arrêts de la tireuse.The mixture of product products, led products (additives) and gas, constant in proportion, is delivered, according to the flow drawn by the printer, the dynamic loop in which it circulates continuously and at constant speed even in case of stoppage of the speed of the printer. The function of the dynamic loop 5 is to ensure a constant proportionality as well as a homogeneity of the mixture, despite the small variations due to stopping and restarting the flow resulting from the stops of the printer.

La capacité tampon très faible de l'installation selon l'invention, par rapport aux dispositifs existants, permet le nettoyage et la stérilisation « en ligne » de l'installation. Les changements de produits peuvent être beaucoup plus rapides. La suppression des systèmes tampons entre fabrication et tireuse, entre autres, réduit l'investissement nécessaire pour une ligne.The very low buffer capacity of the installation according to the invention, compared to existing devices, allows cleaning and sterilization "online" of the installation. Product changes can be much faster. The removal of buffer systems between manufacture and printer, among others, reduces the investment needed for a line.

Dans le présent exemple de réalisation, les lignes (non représentées) délivrant les produits menés devant être mélangés au produit menant dans la boucle dynamique peuvent comprendre une pompe positive volumétrique (par exemple à piston ou à engrenage) commandée par un variateur de fréquence, de sorte que le réglage est moins sensible aux variations de pression.In the present embodiment, the lines (not shown) delivering the products to be mixed with the product leading into the dynamic loop may comprise a positive displacement pump (for example piston or gear example) controlled by a frequency converter, so that the setting is less sensitive to pressure variations.

L'installation est complétée par des manomètres ou des capteurs de pression Pab, Pap, Pr, Pr1,Ps prévus en différents points de l'installation et de la boucle dynamique.The installation is completed by manometers or pressure sensors Pab, Pap, Pr, Pr1, Ps provided at different points of the installation and the dynamic loop.

En fonctionnement, le mélange est injecté dans la boucle dynamique 5 via la pompe d'alimentation 2. Du gaz CO2 est injecté par l'intermédiaire du débitmètre DB2m et du saturateur CAH.In operation, the mixture is injected into the dynamic loop 5 via the feed pump 2. CO2 gas is injected via the flowmeter DB2m and the saturator CAH.

Le mélange, via la pompe PB, arrive ensuite dans la buse de mélange 27 de la capacité dynamique CDY où un brassage intense améliore son homogénéité. Le mélangeur MEV parfait l'homogénéité tout en réduisant la pression, avec pertes de charge décroissantes de l'amont vers l'aval pour éviter de déstabiliser le liquide gazeux. Un prélèvement peut ensuite être effectué vers la tireuse à travers la ligne 4. La partie non prélevée du mélange est recirculée de nouveau dans la boucle 5.The mixture, via the pump PB, then arrives in the mixing nozzle 27 of the CDY dynamic capacity where an intense stirring improves its homogeneity. The MEV mixer perfect homogeneity while reducing pressure, with decreasing pressure drops from upstream to downstream to avoid destabilizing the gaseous liquid. A sample can then be taken to the printer through line 4. The untapped portion of the mixture is recirculated back into loop 5.

Parmi les avantages apportés par l'invention, on peut citer notamment les suivants:

  • maintien d'une excellente homogénéité du mélange grâce à la présence de la boucle dynamique 5 dans laquelle le mélange circule en continu, même en cas d'arrêt court de la tireuse,
  • stabilité de la pression qui permet d'élaborer des boissons aux édulcorants en évitant sensiblement les problèmes de moussage au conditionnement et un embouteillage à des températures supérieures aux dispositifs classiques,
  • réduction considérable du volume du dispositif de production compte tenu de la suppression des habituels ballons tampons ;
  • faible quantité de produits finis maintenus dans le dispositif, compte tenu du faible volume relativement au débit de l'installation, que représente la boucle dynamique 5 et la capacité CDY;
  • réduction considérable des coûts d'entretien,
  • obtention d'une saturation constante en pourcentage quelles que soient les variations de débit,
  • possibilité d'un nettoyage en ligne de l'installation ce qui permet un gain de temps et l'obtention d'une meilleure qualité d'hygiène, et
  • possibilité de produire des boissons contenant des pulpes de fruits sans que le fonctionnement du dispositif ou son nettoyage ne soit altéré.
Among the advantages provided by the invention, mention may be made in particular of the following:
  • maintaining an excellent homogeneity of the mixture thanks to the presence of the dynamic loop 5 in which the mixture circulates continuously, even in the event of a short stop of the printer,
  • pressure stability which makes it possible to produce beverages with sweeteners, by substantially avoiding foaming problems in packaging and bottling at temperatures higher than conventional devices,
  • considerable reduction in the volume of the production device, in view of the suppression of the usual buffer balloons;
  • low quantity of finished products maintained in the device, given the small volume relative to the flow rate of the installation, represented by the dynamic loop 5 and the CDY capacity;
  • significant reduction in maintenance costs,
  • obtain a constant saturation in percentage whatever the flow variations,
  • possibility of an online cleaning of the installation which allows a saving of time and obtaining a better quality of hygiene, and
  • possibility of producing beverages containing fruit pulps without the device functioning or cleaning being altered.

Avec l'installation conforme à l'invention, le mélange mis en bouteille est bien homogène, la saturation de gaz est stable, le gaz est dissous et parfaitement lié.With the installation according to the invention, the bottled mixture is homogeneous, the saturation of gas is stable, the gas is dissolved and perfectly bonded.

Claims (16)

  1. Facility for producing a homogenous gas mixture using liquid and gaseous components, in particular for manufacturing carbonated soft drinks, in order to directly supply a filling machine without intercalating a buffer capacity, comprising a dynamic saturation and mixing loop, in which the product circulates at a flow higher than the used flow, said loop comprising:
    - an inflow branch,
    - a loop pump (PB) receiving, upstream, components to be mixed and flowing out on a upstream branch of the loop, the pump ensuring a minimum flow, substantially constant, higher than the maximum flow of the filling machine,
    - a saturator (CAH) for injecting the gas into the liquid,
    - a gas mass flow meter (DB2m),
    - a mixer (MEV) for homogenizing the mixture and returning it to the loop outflow pressure,
    - an outflow branch for sampling the mixture through the filling machine,
    - a valve between the inflow and outflow branch,
    - a liquid flow meter on the inflow and outflow branch,
    wherein said mixer (MEV) is a static mixer having turbulence rings (31), comprising one or several levels, depending on the total charge loss to be obtained, with manual or automatic adjustment of the total charge losses.
  2. Facility according to claim 1, wherein the mixer comprises a body (32) and a movable core (33) and has at least two turbulence rings (31).
  3. Facility according to claim 2, wherein the inner wall of the mixer body (32) is provided with at least two grooves (32) and two seats (35), while the wall of the core (33) comprises at least two collars (36) in the shape of movable valves and at least two grooves (37) complementary to those of the body, each set of body grooves/core comprising one valve (36) and one seat (35) reducing the flow area followed by a turbulence ring (31) itself, the shapes of the grooves being designed so as to create the minimum charge loss with a quick rotation of the liquid in all positions of the core, thus creating a minor cavitation at the exit of the seat.
  4. Facility according to claim 3, wherein the turbulence rings (31) are designed so as to obtain in each ring a liquid speed variation cycle having the most regular acceleration and reduction possible, the inflow into the conical seat occurring radially from the outside towards the inside for reaching the turbulence ring (31).
  5. Facility according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the mixer (MEV) comprises an adjustment means (38), namely with a screw (39), or with a rolling-membrane pneumatic jack (40), so as to permit to adjust manually or through an automatism the core position (33) with respect to the body (32).
  6. Facility according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a multistage mixer (MEV) is provided with a common adjustment means (38) allowing the adjustment of the downstream-stage charge losses.
  7. Facility according to claim 6, wherein different cores (33) are provided for each stage, so that the charge losses for each stage are decreasing, from upstream towards downstream, in order not to destabilize the product leaving the mixer (MEV) in the area with the lowest pressure.
  8. Facility according to any of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises a three-way valve (ARV-D) with three holes (two inflows 7, 8 and one outflow 9), the inflows (7, 8) being connected one (7) to the loop (5) upstream of the outflow branch (BS), the other one (8) to the arrival of product in the inflow branch (BE) of the loop, while the outflow (9) of the three-way valve is connected to the loop (5) in the direction of the loop pump.
  9. Facility according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 7, wherein it includes a four-way valve (ARV - E) with four holes (two inflows (7, 8) respectively aligned with two outflows 9, 9a), the inflows (7, 8) being connected one (7) to the loop (5) upstream of the outflow branch (BS), the other one (8) to the product arrival in the inflow branch (BE) of the loop, while an outflow (9) of the four-way valve is connected to the loop (5) in the direction of the loop pump, the other outflow (9a) is connected to the feed line (4) of the filling machine, the clapper being movable in a bore at right angles with respect to the inflow (8; 7)/outflow (9, 9a) alignments and being provided at its periphery with V-shaped slots in order to ensure a charge loss depending on, in particular proportional to, its opening.
  10. Facility according to claims 8 or 9, wherein the three- or four-way valve is designed to ensure: a mixing of the product recycled in the loop and the inflowing raw product; a constant pressure at the outflow; a non-return function in order to avoid the direct passing from the inflow towards the outflow in certain operating phases.
  11. Facility according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the three- (ARV-D) or four-way valve (ARV-E) is provided, depending on the type of loop, with a manual control or with a pneumatic control.
  12. Facility according to one of the claims 8 to 10, wherein the three- (ARV-D) or four-way valve (ARV-E) is provided with a jack (10) with a piston (15) with a rolling membrane (15m) for its adjustment, the active cross-section of the membrane being preferably substantially equal to the active cross-section of the clapper in order to instantly ensure a substantially constant pressure over the liquid flowing out of the loop.
  13. Facility according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the saturator (CAH) comprises:
    - a body (16) through which passes horizontally the liquid with the gas injection device (17) in the upper part, inside the body, the liquid flow being partially or totally oriented from the top to the bottom, and flowing out horizontally, a non-return device (18) with a membrane (18a) included in the injection device (17) ensuring a regular gas injection, namely during the service flow stops and restarts, said non-return device (18) is mounted in the area of circulation from the top to the bottom, in order to drive the injected gas,
    - a mixer stage (21) with a pre-adjustment device for incorporating the gas into the liquid,
    - an downstream outflow cone (24) for reducing the speed without cavitation.
  14. Facility according claim 13, wherein the saturator (CAH) is placed upstream of the pump suction (PB) and assembled by a rectilinear line segment (25).
  15. Facility according to any of the preceding claims, wherein it comprises a dynamic capacity (CDY) permitting to adapt the loop volume to the needs in order to smooth the slight dosing variations due to the adjustment and to obtain a homogenous product for a direct supply of a bottling machine.
  16. Facility according claim 15, wherein the dynamic capacity (CDY) comprises a cylindrical casing (26) with a diameter larger than that of the rest of the loop line, at least one mixing nozzle (27) with an internal Venturi shape and an external cylindrical shape, arranged in the casing (26), the annular cross-section (S1) between the external cylindrical Venturi part (27) and the internal surface of the casing (26) being preferably constant, the dynamic capacity (CDY) being provided with one, or several, mixing nozzle (27) arranged so as to create a suction effect and ensure an intense stirring of the liquid with a return of the liquid on the sides.
EP10172361A 2009-09-03 2010-08-10 Facility for producing a homogeneous gas mixture using liquid and gaseous ingredients Active EP2292321B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP11194936A EP2433706A1 (en) 2009-09-03 2010-08-10 Saturator for injecting a gas in a liquid

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR0904185A FR2949355B1 (en) 2009-09-03 2009-09-03 INSTALLATION FOR PRODUCING A HOMOGENEOUS GAS MIXTURE FROM LIQUID AND GASEOUS CONSTITUENTS

Related Child Applications (1)

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EP11194936.8 Division-Into 2011-12-21

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EP2292321B1 true EP2292321B1 (en) 2012-02-08

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EP11194936A Withdrawn EP2433706A1 (en) 2009-09-03 2010-08-10 Saturator for injecting a gas in a liquid

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AT (1) ATE544507T1 (en)
FR (1) FR2949355B1 (en)

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CN102321148B (en) * 2011-08-16 2013-08-07 甘肃华羚酪蛋白股份有限公司 Automatic pipeline acid adding apparatus
CN102606164B (en) * 2012-04-13 2014-02-19 大连华峰发展公司 Foam injection system for shield machine and operating method of foam injection system
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FR2996781B1 (en) 2012-10-12 2020-01-10 Sdel Alsace SATURATOR FOR INJECTING GAS INTO A LIQUID
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CN105890677B (en) * 2016-04-28 2021-11-02 山东省计量科学研究院 Small micro gas flow generator
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2292321A1 (en) 2011-03-09
ATE544507T1 (en) 2012-02-15
FR2949355B1 (en) 2011-09-09
FR2949355A1 (en) 2011-03-04
EP2433706A1 (en) 2012-03-28

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