EP2370342A1 - Procédé de nettoyage et de rinçage d'un système de distribution de boisson - Google Patents

Procédé de nettoyage et de rinçage d'un système de distribution de boisson

Info

Publication number
EP2370342A1
EP2370342A1 EP09759948A EP09759948A EP2370342A1 EP 2370342 A1 EP2370342 A1 EP 2370342A1 EP 09759948 A EP09759948 A EP 09759948A EP 09759948 A EP09759948 A EP 09759948A EP 2370342 A1 EP2370342 A1 EP 2370342A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
fluid
cartridge
cleaning
flushing
beverage
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP09759948A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2370342B1 (fr
Inventor
Jan Nørager RASMUSSEN
Steen Vesborg
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Carlsberg Breweries AS
Original Assignee
Carlsberg Breweries AS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Carlsberg Breweries AS filed Critical Carlsberg Breweries AS
Priority to EP09759948A priority Critical patent/EP2370342B1/fr
Publication of EP2370342A1 publication Critical patent/EP2370342A1/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2370342B1 publication Critical patent/EP2370342B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/07—Cleaning beverage-dispensing apparatus
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/032—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing
    • B08B9/0321—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing using pressurised, pulsating or purging fluid

Definitions

  • the force of the pressure causes the beverage to flow out of the beverage container and into a tapping line
  • the tapping line leads to a tapping device typically having a tapping valve and a tapping handle for allowing an operator to control the tapping valve and thereby the beverage dispensing operation
  • the operator such as a bartender or barmaid, uses the tapping device to control the rate of beverage dispensing After each beverage dispensing operation, residual beverage will inevitably be left in the tapping line and in the tapping device. After a certain amount of time a layer of residual beverage may be formed inside the tapping line and tapping device.
  • a method of cleaning and flushing a beverage dispensing system comprising providing. a sealable pressure chamber containing a beverage, a sealable multi-chambered cartridge located outside the pressure chamber comprising a first cartridge containing a cleaning fluid and a second cartridge containing a flushing fluid, a fluid pressure source connected to the pressure chamber and to the multi- chambered cartridge for pressurizing the pressure chamber and the multi-chambered cartridge by the use of a pressure fluid, a tapping device for dispensing the beverage, the cleaning fluid and the flushing fluid, a tapping line for de ⁇ vering the beverage, the cleaning fluid and the flushing fluid to the tapping device, a discharge valve connected to the multi-chambered cartridge, the pressure chamber and the tapping line, the discharge valve having a beverage dispensing position, a rinsing position and a closed position, the beverage dispensing position allowing the beverage
  • the sealable multi-chamber cartridge is located outside the pressure chamber for allowing rinsing of the tapping line or tapping device while beverage remains still in the pressure chamber
  • the sealable multi-chamber cartridge is preferably reusable and refiliable by the user and it may preferably be made of metal or rigid plastic.
  • the first and second cartridges, containing the cleaning and flushing fluid, respectively, may typically be made significantly smaller than the beverage keg, since the typically needed volume of cleaning and flushing fluid is less than the volume that the typical beverage keg may hold
  • the first cartridge containing the cleaning fluid is preferably marked to distinguish it from the second cartridge containing the flushing fluid Such markings may include a yellow and black ribbon, which constitutes a warning indicator
  • Both the first and second cartridges should each have an outlet connector, which should be put in fluid communication with the first connector of the pressure chamber such that the outlet connector is sealed to the first connector.
  • the outlet connector of the cartridge and the first connector of the pressure chamber are preferably placed at the bottom end of the cartridge and pressure chamber, respectively.
  • the pressure fluid may preferably be allowed to interact with the cleaning and flushing fluid at a fluid to fluid surface located at an opposite top end of the cartridge ensuring the cleaning and flushing cartridges to be empty before pressure fluid enters the tapping line
  • the first and second cartridge of the multi-chambered cartridge should be configured to allow the first cartridge to be emptied before allowing the second cartridge to be emptied This may be achieved by providing a controlling valve for switching between the first and second cartridges-
  • the controlling valve may comprise a 3-way valve being operated either manually or automatically
  • the cleaning fluid should be chosen among fluids being efficient for removing solid or liquid residual beverage in the tapping line or in the tapping device.
  • the cleaning fluid has no toxic or low toxic properties to avoid any health risks.
  • the cleaning fluid preferably has no or low corrosive properties to avoid any damage or excessive wear on the beverage dispensing system.
  • the cleaning fluid is preferably dyed to distinguish it from the flushing fluid
  • the cleaning fluid may also be dyed in a color to distinguish it from the dispensed beverage, e g. when dispensing beer, which has a yellowish color, the dye may preferably be any of the colors red, green or blue such that it may be visually observed when the cleaning fluid is dispensed.
  • Suitable cleaning fluids may include alcohol, soap, alkali or sour chemicals or the like
  • the cleaning fiuid may comprise a gas, such as steam
  • the tapping line and the tap valve must be flushed by introducing a flushing fluid before beverage dispensing operations may begin
  • the flushing fluid should be cheap, non-toxic, and neutral in taste
  • Preferably pure water is used as flushing fluid
  • the flushing fluid is introduced from the second cartridge into the tapping line after the first cartridge has been emptied
  • the tapping line may constitute a pipe of plastic or metal which is fixated to the establishment.
  • the tapping line connects the discharge valve with the tapping device for transporting the beverage cleaning fluid and flushing fluid from the discharge valve to the tapping device.
  • the first position constitutes a beverage dispensing position in which the pressure chamber is connected to the tapping tine and the multi-chamber cartridge is disconnected from the tapping line.
  • the beverage dispensing position allows beverage located in the pressure chamber to be transported to the tapping device and be selectively dispensed by operating the handle of the tapping device. In the beverage dispensing position cleaning and flushing fluids are not allowed to enter the tapping line or tapping device
  • the second position of the discharge valve constitutes a rinsing position where the multi- chamber cartridge is connected to the tapping line and the pressure chamber is disconnected from the tapping line, In the rinsing position cleaning fluid and flushing fluid is transported through the tapping line and may be dispensed by operating the tapping device. In the rinsing position beverage is not allowed to enter the tapping line or tapping device
  • the discharge valve should further be designed to prevent cleaning and flushing fluids to mix with the beverage
  • the pressure chamber should be sealed from the tapping line and the multi-chamber cartridge Consequently, when in the beverage dispensing position, the multi-chamber cartridge should be sealed from the pressure chamber and the tapping line.
  • the third position constitutes a closed position in which beverage, cleaning and flushing fluids are prevented to enter the tapping line
  • the multi-chamber cartridge should be designed to first dispense the cleaning fluid and subsequently, when all the cleaning fluid has been dispensed, to dispense the flushing fluid
  • the cleaning fluid and the flushing should therefore be stored in two separate cartridges within the multi-charnber cartridge.
  • the multi-chamber cartridge may e g include a valve, which automatically switches from dispensing cleaning fiuid to dispensing flushing fluid when the cleaning fluid has been dispensed It is further contemplated that the multi- chamber cartridge should be oriented in a specific position for accommodating and dispensing the cleaning and flushing fluids
  • the first and second cartridges are not mixed up If the first and second cartridges were mixed up, i e if cleaning fluid was introduced into the beverage dispensing system after the flushing, cleaning fluid would stil! be present in the beverage dispensing system when the beverage dispensing operations are initiated This constitutes a problem since cleaning fluid may contaminate the beverage and cause the beverage to have an undesirable taste In some cases the cleaning fluid may also be hazardous to the health of the beverage consumer
  • the multi- chambered cartridge defines an emptying position for dispensing the cleaning and flushing fluids, in which emptying position the first cartridge defines a first upper and a first lower end, and the second cartridge defines a second upper and a second lower end, the fluid inlet being located at the second upper end of the second cartridge, the cartridge connection providing fluid communication between the second lower end of the second cartridge, the first upper end of the first cartridge, and the fluid outlet being connected to the first lower end of the first cartridge
  • the fluid pressure source generates pressurized gas when pressurizing the multi-chambered cartridge
  • the first cartridge of the multi-chambered cartridge further comprising a float valve located at the first lower end of the first cartridge and preventing the pressurized gas from entering the tapping line after emptying the cleaning and flushing fluids from the multi- chambered cartridge.
  • pressure fluid will enter the tapping line.
  • the pressure fluid being typically high-pressurized gas, will flow out of the tapping device with a high velocity, which may cause damage and possibly persona! injury
  • a float valve comprising a valve body having a density lower than the cleaning and flushing fluids, but higher than the pressure fluid, will prevent the pressure fluid from entering the tapping line after the cleaning and flushing fluids have left the first and second cartridges
  • the flushing fluid is prevented to leave through the flushing fluid valve and connector until the piston acts to open the flushing fluid valve when the first cartridge has been emptied
  • the flushing fluid may flow out from the flushing fluid valve via the connector towards the tapping line and tapping device
  • the multi-chambered cartridge may be depressurized and removed and the piston and flushing fluid valve may be restored to their initial positions.
  • the second cartridge defines a second volume and a second direction, along which the cross-section of the second volume is substantially constant
  • the multi-chambered cartridge further comprising a second piston sealing against the second cartridge and dividing the flushing fluid from the multi-chambered cartridge, the second piston allowing the pressure fluid in the muitf-charnbered cartridge to act on the flushing fluid, and the second piston moving along the first direction when dispensing the flushing fluid
  • the first cartridge is collapsible and further comprises a piercing element for creating an opening in the first cartridge at the completion of the emptying of the cleaning fluid, thereby enabling the subsequent dispensing of the flushing fluid through the fluid outlet
  • the multi- chambered cartridge defines an emptying position for dispensing the cleaning and flushing fluids, and prior to the dispensing of the cleaning fluid the volume of the cleaning fluid defines a first centre of gravity, the volume of the flushing fluid defines a second centre of gravity, and when the multi-chambered cartridge is in the emptying position, the first centre of gravity is located below the second centre of gravity.
  • the centre of gravity of the first cartridge is preferably located below the centre of gravity of the second cartridge
  • the cleaning fluid is provided in the form of a solid cleaning tablet, which is dissolved in flushing fluid either prior to or during dispensing of the cleaning fluid
  • a cleaning and flushing system for a beverage dispensing system comprising: a sealabie pressure chamber containing a beverage, a sealabie multi-chambered cartridge located outside the pressure chamber comprising a first cartridge containing a first and a second cartridge containing a flushing fluid, a fluid pressure source connected to the pressure chamber and to the multi- chambered cartridge for pressurizing the pressure chamber and the multi-chambered cartridge by the use of a pressure fluid, a tapping device for dispensing the beverage, the cleaning fluid and the flushing fluid, a tapping line for delivering the beverage, the cleaning fluid and the flushing fluid to the tapping device, a discharge valve connected to the multi-chambered cartridge, the pressure chamber and the tapping line, the discharge valve having a beverage dispensing position, a rinsing position and a closed position, the beverage dispensing position allowing the beverage to be
  • a third aspect of the present invention obtained by a method of filling a cleaning and flushing system for a beverage dispensing system comprising providing: a seaiabie pressure chamber containing a beverage, a seaiabie multi-chambered cartridge located outside the pressure chamber comprising a first cartridge containing a first and a second cartridge containing a flushing fluid, a fluid pressure source connected to the pressure chamber and to the multi- chambered cartridge for pressurizing the pressure chamber and the multi-chambered cartridge by the use of a pressure fluid, a tapping device for dispensing the beverage, the cleaning fluid and the flushing fluid, a tapping line for delivering the beverage, the cleaning fluid and the flushing fluid to the tapping device, a discharge valve connected to the multi-chambered cartridge, the pressure chamber and the tapping line, the discharge valve having a beverage dispensing position, a rinsing position and a dosed position, the beverage
  • the cleaning and flushing system By filling the cleaning and flushing system according to method according to the third aspect of the present invention it can be ensured that a sufficient amount of cleaning fluid and flushing fluid is used.
  • differently sized cleaning and flushing cartridges may be used.
  • the amount of cleaning fluid is specified for achieving a good cleaning result. Consequently, the amount of flushing fluid is specified as well to allow all cleaning fluid to be flushed out of the beverage dispensing system.
  • the filling procedure makes the cleaning and flushing procedure safe for avoiding both residual beverage and residual cleaning fluid within the beverage dispensing system when the cleaning and flushing procedure is finished.
  • the method according to the third aspect of the present invention is preferably used together with the methods and systems according to the first and second aspect of the present invention
  • Fig. 1 is a series of figures showing an external cleaning and flushing cartridge
  • Fig, 3 is a series of figures showing a pre-filled cleaning cartridge
  • Fig. 4 is a series of figures showing a dissolving cleaning tablet
  • Fig. 5 is a series of figures showing a piston-controlled external cleaning and flushing cartridge
  • Fig- 6 is a top and close-up view of an external cleaning and flushing cartridge
  • Fig. 7 is an external cleaning and flushing cartridge installed on a pressure chamber
  • Fig. 8 is a set of interconnected pressure chambers for a centralized external cleaning and flushing unit
  • Fig. 1A shows a most preferred embodiment of an external cleaning and flushing unit 20
  • the cleaning and flushing unit 20 comprises an outer chamber constituting a flushing fluid cartridge 36 having a volume of about four litres and an inner chamber constituting a cleaning fluid cartridge 46 having a volume of about one litre.
  • the volumes of one and four litres respectively are typical values suitable for most beverage dispensing systems.
  • a rinsing fluid outlet 24 is provided at the bottom of the cleaning fluid cartridge 46.
  • Rinsing fluid is in the present context understood to comprise any of the cleaning fluids and flushing fluids
  • a rinsing line 25 connects the rinsing fluid outlet 24 to a rinsing connector 27 located at the side of the cleaning and flushing unit 20.
  • a float valve 50 is provided inside the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 for avoiding pressure fluid in the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 to escape into the rinsing fluid outlet 24 The float valve 50 will permit liquids, i.e. flushing and cleaning fluid, to flow out through the rinsing fluid outlet 24 and prevent gas, i e.
  • a pressure fluid pipe 29 provides pressure fluid from the side of the cleaning and flushing unit to the upper interior part of the flushing fluid cartridge 36 to avoid any flushing fluid entering the pressure fluid pipe 29 when the flushing fluid cartridge 36 is filled
  • the cleaning and flushing unit 20 may be prepared by filling flushing fluid, i e water, into the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 and the flushing fluid cartridge 36
  • the flushing fluid cartridge 36 is subsequently sealed from the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 by a flushing fluid cap 56
  • the flushing fluid cap 56 seals the flushing fluid cartridge but allows access to the cleaning fluid cartridge through an opening 54
  • a cleaning tablet 59 is dissolved in the cleaning fluid cartridge 46, transforming the flushing fluid accommodated in the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 to cleaning fluid.
  • the cleaning constituent may be provided as a powder, liquid or paste, or a combination thereof, preferably in a specific metered amount or unit dose Afterwards, the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 is sealed by a cleaning fluid cap 58.
  • Fig. 1 B shows the cleaning and flushing unit 20 of Fig IA when it has been installed in a beverage dispensing system (not shown).
  • pressure fluid e g. pressurized air
  • the pressure fluid causes the flushing fluid in the flushing fluid cartridge 36 to enter the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 via the cartridge interconnection 40
  • the flushing fluid leaves the flushing fluid cartridge 36 through the flushing fluid outlet 38 and enters the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 through the flushing fluid inlet 42, thereby causing the cleaning fluid in the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 to be expelled through the rinsing fluid outlet 24 and further via the rinsing line 25 and the rinsing connector 27,
  • the fluid flow directions are indicated in the figure by arrows.
  • the rinsing connector 27 should be connected to the tapping line and the beverage tap of the beverage dispensing system, which it is desired to dean (not shown)
  • the beverage tap (not shown) is located on the opposite end of the tapping line and typically located on a bar counter
  • the cleaning fluid is distinguished from the flushing fluid in the figure by small bubbles
  • Fig 1 C shows the cleaning and flushing unit 20 of Fig 1A when the flushing fluid cartridge
  • Fig. 2A shows another embodiment of an external cleaning and flushing unit 20'.
  • the external cleaning and flushing unit 20' comprises a flushing fluid cartridge 36 constituting most of the interior of the cleaning and flushing unit 20'.
  • a cleaning fluid cartridge 46' is provided in the form of a flexible container pre-filled with cleaning fluid
  • the cleaning fluid cartridge 46" comprises a piercing element and connector 60 constituting a sharp knife of needle or a similar rupturing element.
  • the connector 60 is connected to the rinsing fluid outlet 24, providing fluid communication between the cleaning fluid cartridge 46' and the rinsing line 25.
  • Fig. 2B shows the cleaning and flushing unit 20' of Fig. 2A when it has been installed in a beverage dispensing system (not shown)
  • the pressure fluid entering the flushing fluid cartridge 36 via the pressure fluid pipe 29 causes the flushing fluid to subject the cleaning fluid cartridge 46' to a pressure force
  • the cleaning fluid is thereby expelled through the connector 60 towards the rinsing line 25 while the cleaning fluid cartridge 46' collapses
  • the cleaning fluid cartridge 46' will collapse onto the connector 60 and the cleaning fluid cartridge 46' will be pierced or ruptured by the connector 60.
  • Fig 2C shows the cleaning and flushing unit 20 of Fig, 1A when the flushing fluid cartridge 36 is empty and ruptured or alternatively pierced, allowing the flushing fluid to be expelled through the rinsing fluid outlet 24.
  • Fig. 3A shows another embodiment of an externa! cleaning and flushing unit 20"
  • the cleaning and flushing unit 20" comprises a flushing fluid cartridge 36 constituting most of the interior of the cleaning and flushing unit 20"
  • a cleaning fluid cartridge 46'" is provided at the bottom of the flushing fluid cartridge 36.
  • the cleaning fluid cartridge 46"' is pre-filled with cleaning fluid and connected to the rinsing fluid outlet 24
  • the flushing fluid inlet 42' of the cleaning fluid cartridge 46'" is located opposite the rinsing fluid outlet 24-
  • the flushing fluid cartridge 36 is provided with a float valve 50.
  • Fig. 3B shows the cleaning and flushing unit 20" of Fig. 2A when it has been installed in a beverage dispensing system (not shown)
  • the pressure fluid entering the flushing fluid cartridge 36 via the pressure fluid pipe 29 causes the flushing fluid to enter the cleaning fluid cartridge 46"' through the flushing fluid inlet 42'
  • the cleaning fluid is thereby expelled through the rinsing fluid outlet 24 towards the rinsing line 25
  • Fig 3C shows the cleaning and flushing unit 20" of Fig. 3A when the cleaning fluid cartridge 46'" is filled with flushing fluid
  • the pressure fluid is causing flushing fluid to be expelled through the rinsing fluid outlet 24.
  • the floating valve 50 has reached the bottom of the flushing fluid cartridge 46'" and prevents any pressure fiuid from being expelled though the rinsing fluid outlet 24
  • Fig 4A-C shows a further embodiment of an externa! cleaning and flushing unit 20'" very similar to Fig. 3A-C, with the exception that the cleaning fluid cartridge 46'" comprises a cleaning tablet 59, which dissolves and creates cleaning fluid as the flushing fluid flows into the cleaning fluid cartridge 46'" as described above in connection with Fig. 3B.
  • the cleaning tablet 59 is completely dissolved and the remaining flushing fluid continues to flow out through the rinsing fluid outlet 24.
  • Fig. 5A shows a further embodiment of an external cleaning and flushing unit 20""
  • the cleaning and flushing unit 20"" comprises an outer flushing fluid cartridge 36' and an inner cleaning fluid cartridge 46"" similar to Fig 1 and Fig 2
  • an auxiliary pressure fluid pipe 29' is provided to supply pressure fluid to the top of the cleaning fluid cartridge 46"" at the pressure fluid inlets 44', 44".
  • Both the cleaning fluid cartridge 46"" and the flushing fluid cartridge 36' is filled with flushing fluid, and a cleaning tablet 59 is dissolved in the cleaning fluid cartridge to create cleaning fluid.
  • Fig. 5B shows the flushing fiuid cartridge 36' and the cleaning fluid cartridge 46"" being divided into a respective upper space and lower space by an inner piston 53 and an outer piston 55, respectively
  • the respective flushing and cleaning fluids are accommodated in the respective lower spaces below the respective inner and outer piston 53, 55.
  • Pressure fiuid is allowed to enter the upper space of the cleaning fluid cartridge 46"" and act on the inner piston 53 which in turn acts to press out the cleaning fluid through the rinsing fluid outlet 24"
  • a flushing fluid valve 57 is located at the bottom and inside of the cleaning fluid cartridge 46"" and prevents flushing fluid from entering the cleaning fluid cartridge 46"" from the flushing fluid cartridge 36'
  • the flushing fluid valve 57 defines a plurality of holes which are sealed to the wall between the flushing and cleaning fluid cartridges 36', 46""
  • Fig. 5C shows the flushing fluid being pressed out of the rinsing fluid outlet 24' by the outer piston 55 while pressure fluid is allowed to enter the upper space of the flushing fluid cartridge 36' through the pressure fluid inlet 44'.
  • the flow direction of the flushing fluid is indicated in the figure by arrows
  • the outer piston 55 When the outer piston 55 has reached its final position, the outer piston 55 will prevent pressure fluid from entering the rinsing fluid outlet 24', thereby eliminating the need for a ball valve for this purpose
  • the present embodiment has the advantage of physically separating the pressure fluid from the flushing and cleaning fluids and it may therefore preferably be used in connection with a liquid pressure fluid.
  • Such liquid pressure fluids may comprise water.
  • Fig. 6A shows a top view of the embodiment of an externa! cleaning and flushing unit 20 as shown in Fig, 1.
  • Cleaning and flushing fluid is expelled from the cleaning and flushing unit 20 through the rinsing connector 27
  • the rinsing connector 27 may be connected to a pressure chamber or beverage dispensing system (not shown).
  • Two pressure fluid connectors 28 are located on each side of the rinsing connector 27 for providing pressure fluid to the cleaning and flushing unit 20 through the pressure fluid pipe 29 ⁇ not shown in the present view)
  • the pressure fluid connectors 28 are interconnected as a part of a safety system, which will be further explained in connection with Figs, 13-15.
  • Fig 6B shows a close up view of the embodiment of an externa! cleaning and flushing unit 20 as shown in Fig. 1.
  • the float valve 50 seals the rinsing fluid outlet 24 and prevents any pressure fluid from leaving the cleaning and flushing unit 20 through the rinsing connector 27 In the present view, the pressure fluid connectors 28 are not visible.
  • Fig 7 shows a cleaning and flushing unit 20 being installed outside a pressure chamber 10
  • the pressure chamber 10 may preferably accommodate a collapsible beverage container
  • the pressure chamber is accommodated in a housing 1 14
  • the beverage container ⁇ not shown) may be accessed by swinging or pivoting the pressure chamber from its current vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation and subsequently removing the upper part constituting a lid 14 of the pressure chamber 10 by using the grips 12
  • the cleaning and flushing unit 20 is preferably made of rigid plastics or alternatively metal
  • the cleaning and flushing unit 20 may preferably be at least partially transparent to allow an externa!
  • the cleaning and flushing unit 20 preferably has a cylindrical shape
  • Fig, 9 shows a set of beverage dispensing base parts 66 for use with any of the above embodiments of the pressure chamber (not shown here but described in Figs 7-8 and to be described below in Figs, 10-15 and designated reference numeral 10)
  • a tapping line 68 is provided at the rear of the base part 66
  • a beverage container (not shown) may be installed on top of the base part 66 and connected to a beverage outlet 70
  • the tapping line 68 delivers beverage as well as cleaning and flushing fluid to the beverage tap (not shown)
  • the base part 66 includes a discharge valve 72 for selectively aliowing either beverage from the beverage outlet 70 or cleaning/flushing fluid from the first rinsing fluid supply 128 to be dispensed via the tapping line 68
  • the pressure chamber is pressurized via a pressure fluid pipeline 74 and a pressure fluid inlet 76 It is contemplated that the above embodiment of a base part 66 may also be used with the local cleaning and flushing units as described above in connection with Fig 7
  • Figs 10 -15 show two specific embodiments of a centralized and local rinsing system 1 10, 1 16, respectively, having a safety system for controlling the rinsing and beverage dispensing
  • the safety system prevents rinsing from commencing if the pressure chamber 10 is not pressurized or if the discharge valve 72 is not in the rinsing position
  • Figs 10-12 show a centralized rinsing system for a plurality of pressure chambers
  • Figs 13-15 show a local rinsing system for one pressure chamber only
  • the centralized and local rinsing system 1 10, 1 16 each comprises two identical pressure chambers 10, 10'
  • Fig. 10 shows a centralized rinsing system 110 in rinsing mode
  • the centralized rinsing system comprises an air compressor 112, a first pressure chamber 10, a second pressure chamber 10', and a centralized cleaning and flushing unit 118
  • the air compressor 112 is by a first pressure tube 136 connected to the first pressure chamber 10 via a primary safety valve 120 and a secondary safety valve 122.
  • the primary safety valve 120 allows compressed air to flow from the air compressor 1 12 towards the secondary safety valve 122
  • the secondary safety valve 122 allows compressed air to pressurize the pressure chamber 10 when the pressure chamber assumes the vertical orientation shown in Fig 7, which indicates that the first pressure chamber 10 is ready for beverage dispensing.
  • the secondary safety valve 122 prevents compressed air from pressurizing the first pressure chamber 10 when the pressure chamber 10 has assumed the horizontal orientation. Any of the pressure chambers 10, 10' may be swung into their horizontal orientation when a new beverage keg is to be installed, e g when the original beverage keg is empty In the horizontal orientation, compressed air is allowed to leave the pressure chamber 10, thereby allowing the lid of the pressure chamber 10 to be safely removed and the beverage keg to be changed When the first pressure chamber 10 is pressurized, the pressure will also act on a control valve 124 via a second pressure tube 138 The control valve 124 will be further described below The first and second pressure chambers 10, 10' are accommodated in a first and second housing 1 14, 1 14', respectively
  • the air compressor 1 12 is further by a third pressure tube 140 connected to the centralized cleaning and flushing unit 118
  • the cleaning and flushing unit 1 18 is further by a fourth pressure tube 142 connected to the control valve 124 so that a pressure will act on the control valve 124 when the rinsing unit 118 is pressurized
  • the control valve 124 When the control valve 124 is subjected to pressure from both the cieaning and flushing unit 118 and the first pressure chamber 10, it will allow pressure fluid to act on a discharge valve 72 and cause it to assume the rinsing and flushing position
  • the discharge valve 72 is of the same type as the discharge valve 72 described above in connection with Fig 9
  • the same type of discharge valve is further described in Figs 16-17 under the same reference.
  • the second pressure chamber 10' is by a second rinsing fluid supply 130 connected to the cleaning and flushing unit 1 18, separately in relation to the first pressure chamber 10
  • both of the discharge valves 72, 72' of the pressure chambers 10, 10' will assume the rinsing position if they are pressurized This is to avoid beverage dispensing and rinsing from different taps at the same time, which would be a safety hazard since cleaning fluid may accidentally be confused with beverage
  • a switch may be provided on the cleaning and flushing unit 1 18 for selectively providing cieaning and flushing fluids to one of the first or second pressure chambers 10, 10'
  • both tapping lines 68 of the pressure chambers 10, 10' may be provided with cleaning and flushing fluids simultaneously
  • Fig 11 shows the centralized rinsing system 110 in the beverage dispensing mode.
  • the air compressor 112 may deliver pressurized air to the cleaning and flushing unit 1 18.
  • the pressurized air is prevented from acting on the control valve 124 via the fourth pressure tube 142 as the fourth pressure tube 142 is vented to the atmosphere in the beverage dispensing mode through a venting valve not shown in the drawings
  • the control valve 124 When the control valve 124 is not subjected to pressure from both the first pressure chamber 10 and the cleaning and flushing unit 1 18, the control valve 124 will prevent air pressure from acting on the discharge valve 72, This causes the discharge valve
  • Fig. 12 shows the centralized rinsing system 1 10 in a closed mode
  • the closed mode implies that either the primary safety valve 120 and/or the secondary safety valve 122 is closed, i e that either the pressure chamber 10 is swung into the horizontal position or a beverage keg is not present inside the first pressure chamber 10 Pressurized air is prevented from pressurising the first pressure chamber 10 and consequently, the control valve 124 will not supply any pressure fluid to the discharge valve 72 In the closed mode both beverage and rinsing fluid is prevented from entering the discharge valve and flow out towards the tapping line 68,
  • the first and second rinsing cartridges 132 and 132' may be of the type described above in connection with Figs 1-7
  • the first pressure chamber 10 is connected to the first rinsing cartridge 132 via the second pressure tube 138 so that when the first pressure chamber 10 is pressurized, the first rinsing cartridge 132 is pressurized as well
  • the first rinsing cartridge 132 is further connected to the discharge valve 72 so that when the first rinsing cartridge is pressurized, the pressure acts on the discharge valve 72 via the fourth pressure tube 142 so that the discharge valve 72 assumes the rinsing position In the rinsing position, rinsing fluid is allowed to flow from the first rinsing cartridge 132 through the discharge valve 72 towards the tapping line 68'
  • Fig 14 shows a local rinsing system 116 in a beverage dispensing mode
  • the first rinsing cartridge 132 is simply removed from the first pressure chamber 10
  • a check vaive (not shown) prevents pressurized air from leaving the first pressure chamber 10 via the second pressure tube 138. Consequently, no pressurized air will act on the discharge valve 72, which causes the discharge valve 72 to assume the beverage dispensing position
  • the beverage dispensing position allows the beverage to flow through the discharge valve 72' towards the tapping line 68'.
  • Fig, 15 shows a local rinsing system 1 16 in a closed mode.
  • the closed mode for the iocai rinsing system 1 16 corresponds to the closed mode of the centralized rinsing system 1 10 and will therefore not be further discussed
  • Fig.16 is a schematic cut-through, close-up view of a discharge valve 72, as illustrated in the above drawings
  • the discharge vaive 72 comprises a rod 174, which is located inside the coupling housing 192 and which is adapted to act on a ball-seal 176.
  • the ball-seal 176 is in the present embodiment not a part of the coupling housing 192, but part of the beverage container 168.
  • the ball-seal 176 is received in the base part 186
  • the discharge valve 72 is operable between three possible positions, which constitute a first position, and opposite second position and an intermediate position, As will be described in greater detail videow, the intermediate position constitutes the beverage dispensing position whereas the first and second positions constitute the rinsing position and the closed position, respectively
  • the ball-seai 176 is located in the base part 186 in a defined space between an inlet constriction 178 and an outlet constriction 180
  • the inlet constriction 178 and the outlet constriction 180 both include an opening or aperture for allowing beverage to flow from the beverage container 168 via the Net and outlet constrictions 178, 180 and further through the coupling housing 192 towards a beverage outlet 182.
  • Both the iniet constriction 178 and the outlet constriction 180 constitute valve seats, which the ball-seai 176 may seal against
  • the ball-seal 176 will either establish a seal against the inlet constriction 178 or the outlet constriction 180, or remain in the intermediate position, shown in Fig 16, which constitutes the beverage dispensing position.
  • the coupling housing 192 accommodates the rod 174 and fits to the base part 186,
  • the coupling housing 192 is fixated to the floor such that when the pressure chamber 10 and the beverage container 168 are swung or pivoted into the horizonta! orientation, the coupling housing 192 including the rod 174 remains with the bottom wall, and the discharge valve 72 including the ball-seal 176 remains with the beverage container 168
  • the rod 174 and the coupling housing 192 may thus be made of rigid and non-disposable materials such as rnetal.
  • a fitting 198 seals between the base part 186 and the coupling housing 192.
  • the fitting 198 is shifted downwards to allow the pressure chamber 10 to swing into the horizontal orientation
  • beverage may fiow from the beverage container 168 past the ball-seal 176 and through the beverage outlet 182.
  • the beverage outlet 182 is in fluid communication with the tapping line.
  • the base part 186 is sealed off by a laminate sealing at the outlet constriction 180.
  • the laminate sealing is broken by the rod 174 when installing the beverage container 168. This allows beverage to be dispensed from the beverage container 168.
  • the ball-seal 176 is positioned between the inlet constriction 178 and the outlet constriction 180, allowing beverage to flow from the beverage container 168 past the ball- sea! 176 and further through the beverage outlet 182 to the tapping line.
  • the beverage container 168 is fitted with the base part 186, wherein the top part of the discharge valve 72 is received
  • the bali-seal 176, the inlet constriction 178 and the outlet constriction 180 are components of the base part 186.
  • the rod 174 may be shifted towards the beverage container 168 or towards the beverage outlet 182 and tapping line 68 A spring 184 presses the rod 174 in the direction away from the beverage container 168 into the closed position.
  • the discharge valve 72 is preferably used together with the safety system described in Figs. 10-15
  • the pressure chamber may be pressurized only when beverage dispensing is allowed, i.e when a beverage keg 168 has been installed and the pressure chamber has been swung into vertical orientation. Consequently, the pressure inside the pressure chamber may be used for applying an intermediate force onto the spring 184, holding the rod 174 in the beverage dispensing position shown in Fig.
  • Fig. 17 is a schematic cut-through, close-up view of the same assembly shown in Fig 16, with the discharge vaive 72 slightly rotated around the vertical axis for disclosing a rinsing fluid iniet 190 and a rinsing fluid supply 128, which is not shown in Fig 16, and the rod 174 in the rinsing position instead of the beverage dispensing position shown in Fig.
  • the rinsing fluid inlet 190 is located at the coupling housing 192,
  • the rinsing fluid inlet 190 is used for performing rinsing of the discharge valve 72 and the tapping line
  • a rinsing fluid may be introduced via the rinsing fluid inlet 190 and rinses the space within the discharge valve 72.
  • the ball-seal 176 and the inlet constriction 178 estabiish a seal preventing rinsing fluid from entering the beverage container 168, however, aliowing the rinsing fluid to flush and rinse the discharge valve 72 and the tapping line.
  • rinsing fluid By opening the beverage tap when the rod 174 is in the rinsing position, rinsing fluid will flow out of the beverage tap and flush and rinse the discharge valve 72 as well as the tapping line and beverage tap (not shown).
  • the coupling housing 192 interconnects the outlet constriction 180 of the discharge valve 72 and the beverage outlet 182,
  • the rinsing fluid inlet 190 is attached to the coupling housing 192 as well, but in a position below a rinsing valve seat 196,
  • a corresponding rinsing vaive element 194 allows fluid communication between the rinsing fluid inlet 190 and the coupling housing 192,
  • the rinsing valve element 194 contacts the rinsing valve seat 196 and prevents fluid communication between the coupling housing 192 and the rinsing fluid inlet 190 This is to prevent beverage and rinsing fluid from mixing when the rod 174 is in the dispensing position.
  • flushing fluid i e, tap water
  • rinsing fluid inlet 190 is introduced through the rinsing fluid inlet 190 to flush the discharge valve 72 and the tapping line so that residual cleaning fluid is not dispensed with the beverage in the first beverage dispensing operation after rinsing.
  • Fig 18 shows an alternative embodiment of the centralized rinsing system 1 10'
  • pressure fluid may be selectively provided to one of the control valves 124, 124'
  • pressure fluid is supplied only to the control valve 124' beionging to the second pressure chamber 10'
  • a switch may be used for this purpose Since both pressure chambers 10, 10' are pressurized, the discharge valve 72 belonging to the first pressure chamber 10 will assume the beverage dispensing position, and the discharge valve 72' of the second pressure chamber 10' wiil assume the rinsing mode.
  • cleaning and flushing fluid may be supplied to the discharge valves 72, 72' of both pressure chambers 10, 10'
  • the discharge valve 72' of the second pressure chamber 10' since only the discharge valve 72' of the second pressure chamber 10' is in the rinsing position, it will allow cleaning and flushing fluid to propagate through the second rinsing fluid supply 130 and tapping line 68' of the second pressure chamber 10', and rinsing and flushing fluid will be prevented from entering the tapping line 68 belonging to the first pressure chamber 10
  • beverage and cleaning fluid may be dispensed simultaneously in the present embodiment and thus the present embodiment does not fulfil the highest level of safety since beverage and rinsing fluid may be accidentally mixed up by a careless operator
  • the present embodiment does, however, bring slightly more flexibility to the rinsing operation and at the same time provides some basic safety requirements such as preventing the rinsing operation when the pressure chamber is opened and not pressurized
  • Pressure fluid connector 1 18 Centralized cleaning / flushing unit 29.
  • Pressure fluid pipe 120 Primary safety valve

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un procédé de nettoyage et de rinçage d’un système de distribution de boisson comprenant une chambre de pression pouvant être fermée de façon étanche contenant une boisson, une cartouche à plusieurs chambres fermable de façon étanche positionnée à l’extérieur de la chambre de pression comprenant une première cartouche contenant un liquide de nettoyage et une seconde cartouche contenant un liquide de rinçage, une source de pression fluide reliée à la chambre de pression et à la cartouche à plusieurs chambres, un dispositif de soutirage pour distribuer la boisson, le liquide de nettoyage et le liquide de rinçage, une canalisation de soutirage pour acheminer la boisson, le liquide de nettoyage et le liquide de rinçage jusqu’au dispositif de soutirage et une vanne de sortie reliée à la cartouche à plusieurs chambres, à la chambre de pression et à la canalisation de soutirage. Le procédé comprend en outre le positionnement de la vanne de sortie dans la position de rinçage et la distribution du liquide de nettoyage à partir du dispositif de soutirage.
EP09759948A 2008-11-27 2009-11-26 Procédé de nettoyage et de rinçage d'un système de distribution de boisson Active EP2370342B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09759948A EP2370342B1 (fr) 2008-11-27 2009-11-26 Procédé de nettoyage et de rinçage d'un système de distribution de boisson

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP08388044A EP2192077A1 (fr) 2008-11-27 2008-11-27 Système de nettoyage et de rinçage pour système distributeur de boissons
PCT/EP2009/065871 WO2010060946A1 (fr) 2008-11-27 2009-11-26 Procédé de nettoyage et de rinçage d’un système de distribution de boisson
EP09759948A EP2370342B1 (fr) 2008-11-27 2009-11-26 Procédé de nettoyage et de rinçage d'un système de distribution de boisson

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EP2370342A1 true EP2370342A1 (fr) 2011-10-05
EP2370342B1 EP2370342B1 (fr) 2013-03-27

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EP08388044A Withdrawn EP2192077A1 (fr) 2008-11-27 2008-11-27 Système de nettoyage et de rinçage pour système distributeur de boissons
EP09759948A Active EP2370342B1 (fr) 2008-11-27 2009-11-26 Procédé de nettoyage et de rinçage d'un système de distribution de boisson

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EP (2) EP2192077A1 (fr)
CN (1) CN102227370B (fr)
DK (1) DK2370342T3 (fr)
EA (1) EA019502B1 (fr)
PT (1) PT2370342E (fr)
WO (1) WO2010060946A1 (fr)

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US8973785B2 (en) * 2010-09-28 2015-03-10 The Coca-Cola Company Systems and methods for priming or purging a product dispenser
EP2511226A1 (fr) 2011-04-11 2012-10-17 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Procédé de prévention de croissance bactérienne dans un système de distribution de boissons
US9266708B2 (en) 2012-02-03 2016-02-23 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Method of dispensing carbonated beverage, a beverage dispensing system and a collapsible container
JP5980959B2 (ja) * 2013-01-09 2016-08-31 ジョン ハ パク ビールの泡噴出及びビールストーン生成防止装置
US9434594B2 (en) * 2013-12-16 2016-09-06 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Beverage dispenser
DE102016108361A1 (de) * 2016-05-04 2017-11-09 Airbus Operations Gmbh System zum Absaugen eines Fluids sowie ein Fahrzeug mit einem derartigen System
CN107470292B (zh) * 2016-12-01 2020-06-02 宝沃汽车（中国）有限公司 用于清洗黏度杯的自动清洗装置
ES2726725T3 (es) * 2017-01-09 2019-10-08 Cup&Cino Kaffeesystem Vertrieb Gmbh & Co Kg Sistema de limpieza
JP7201606B2 (ja) 2017-03-10 2023-01-10 カールスバーグ ブルワリーズ アグシャセルスガーブ 飲料分配システム、飲料分配アセンブリ、飲料分配システムの動作方法、および圧力チャンバ
PT3700854T (pt) * 2017-10-27 2022-03-03 Carlsberg Breweries As Unidade de limpeza para fornecer um líquido de limpeza a um sistema de distribuição de bebidas
CN111918833A (zh) 2018-03-28 2020-11-10 嘉士伯酿酒有限公司 远程控制的饮料分配系统
BE1027214B1 (nl) * 2019-04-19 2020-11-25 Aq Fer Bvpa Regelventiel voor een bij-doseerapparaat
KR20220005085A (ko) * 2019-06-07 2022-01-12 산토리 홀딩스 가부시키가이샤 음료 공급 시스템의 세정 장치 및 음료 공급 시스템의 세정 방법
CN111732062A (zh) * 2020-07-20 2020-10-02 宁波精酿谷科技有限公司 一种卫生型饮品输出分配器及用于该分配器的饮品输出阀
CN112317469B (zh) * 2020-10-16 2022-10-11 中国航发四川燃气涡轮研究院 一种冲压燃烧室整体式喷油总管反向清洗装置
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EP4234479A1 (fr) 2022-02-25 2023-08-30 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Applicateur interchangeable pour insérer un tuyau flexible avec une vanne de soutirage dans une tête de soutirage de boissons

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DK2370342T3 (da) 2013-06-24
PT2370342E (pt) 2013-06-12
CN102227370A (zh) 2011-10-26
EP2370342B1 (fr) 2013-03-27
EP2192077A1 (fr) 2010-06-02
EA019502B1 (ru) 2014-04-30
EA201190045A1 (ru) 2012-02-28
WO2010060946A1 (fr) 2010-06-03
CN102227370B (zh) 2013-07-17

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