EP2370342B1 - 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 Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2370342B1
EP2370342B1 EP09759948A EP09759948A EP2370342B1 EP 2370342 B1 EP2370342 B1 EP 2370342B1 EP 09759948 A EP09759948 A EP 09759948A EP 09759948 A EP09759948 A EP 09759948A EP 2370342 B1 EP2370342 B1 EP 2370342B1
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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.)
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Application number
EP09759948A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP2370342A1 (fr
Inventor
Jan Nørager RASMUSSEN
Steen Vesborg
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Carlsberg Breweries AS
Original Assignee
Carlsberg Breweries AS
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Priority to EP09759948A priority Critical patent/EP2370342B1/fr
Publication of EP2370342A1 publication Critical patent/EP2370342A1/fr
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/07—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

  • Beverage dispensing systems are typically used in beverage dispensing establishments for efficiently dispensing large quantities of beverage.
  • beverage dispensing systems are used to dispense carbonated alcoholic beverages such as draught beer and cider.
  • non-alcoholic beverages such as soft drinks and non-carbonated beverages such as wine and fruit juice may be dispensed using a beverage dispensing system.
  • Beverage dispensing systems are mostly for professional users such as in establishments like bars, restaurants and hotels, however, increasingly also for private users such as in private homes.
  • beverage kegs typically dispense beverage provided in large beverage kegs. Such beverage kegs may hold 20-50 litres of beverage for a professional beverage dispensing system for allowing typically 50-100 beverage dispensing operations before needing to exchange the beverage keg.
  • beverage kegs are made of solid materials such as steel and re-filled a number of times. In between each filling the beverage kegs are carefully cleaned. Insufficient cleaning may lead to unhygienic beverage kegs, which may in turn lead to health problems for the beverage consumer.
  • beverage kegs are made collapsible for single use only due to the above hygiene concern.
  • beverage dispensing system using collapsible beverage kegs is the DraughtMasterTM system provided by the applicant company.
  • Such beverage dispensing systems using collapsible beverage kegs typically have the beverage keg installed in a pressure chamber.
  • a pressure fluid is allowed to enter the beverage keg in case of using a metal keg, or the pressure chamber in case of using a collapsible keg.
  • the keg itself may be considered to be the pressure chamber.
  • the pressure fluid acts on the beverage and forces the beverage out of the pressure chamber. If a collapsible beverage keg is used, the beverage keg collapses while dispensing the beverage, and the volume of the beverage keg is reduced corresponding to the amount of dispensed beverage.
  • the collapsible beverage kegs are preferably made of flexible and disposable material such as plastic.
  • 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.
  • residual beverage will inevitably be left in the tapping line and in the tapping device.
  • a layer of residual beverage may be formed inside the tapping line and tapping device. Such layers of residual beverage may solidify and eventually clog the tapping line and/or the tapping device, which will impair the beverage dispensing operation.
  • the residual beverage will pose a hygienic problem.
  • the tapping line and the tapping device constitute areas where bacterial growth may be accelerated due to the presence of beverage, the large surface area in comparison to the beverage volume, the lack of sufficient cooling and the close proximity to the outside. Bacterial growth due to lack of hygiene in the tapping line and the tapping device may constitute a quality problem for the beverage consumer. Additionally, crust formation of solidified beverage within the tapping line may occur. Therefore there is a need for technologies for cleaning the tapping line and the tapping device after a certain period of time or alternatively after a certain number of beverage dispensing operations.
  • a disposable tapping line and tapping device intended for single use only.
  • a single use tapping line and tapping device would mean that the operator would have to reinstall the tapping line and tapping device regularly. Frequent installation would require considerably more time compared to having the tapping line and tapping device permanently installed in the establishment.
  • Some establishments may have the pressure chamber in a different location, such as in the basement below the actual tapping location, which would require an even larger effort for changing the tapping line.
  • the tapping device itself will typically be made of non-disposable materials for the reason of good appearance
  • EP-A-2 163 509 a cleaning and flushing cartridge for internal use is described.
  • the cleaning and flushing cartridge is installed in the pressure chamber similar to a beverage keg and dispensed similar to a beverage.
  • the beverage dispensing system may preferably constitute a professional system, which is preferably fixated in an establishment such as a bar or a restaurant or the like.
  • the method according to the first aspect of the present invention is preferably employed in connection with the exchange of the beverage keg, i.e. after removing an empty beverage keg and before installing a new beverage keg.
  • the method according to the first aspect of the present invention may alternatively be employed in-between changing the beverage keg, e..g. if a long period of time has passed since the last cleaning, since it does not require the pressure chamber to be opened for performing a cleaning and flushing operation.
  • the sealable pressure chamber may itself constitute a beverage keg, or alternatively a collapsible keg is installed in the pressure chamber.
  • 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 refillable 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 fluid 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 flushing fluid is propelled via the tapping line and the dispensing device to the outside.
  • the flushing fluid is preferably transparent for an operator to be able to visually detect any traces of cleaning fluid remaining inside the beverage dispensing system.
  • the amount of flushing fluid in the flushing fluid container should be chosen such that it ensures that no cleaning fluid remains in the tapping line. If cleaning fluid still appears at the end of the flushing, the flushing must be resumed until the cleaning fluid is completely removed from the beverage dispensing system. The cleaning fluid may otherwise influence the taste of the beverage and possibly be unhealthy to the beverage consumer.
  • the cleaning and flushing system may be removed.
  • the fluid pressure source may constitute a compressor or the like for supplying pressure fluid, in particular air, to the pressure chamber when using a collapsible keg containing a pre-carbonised beverage.
  • the fluid pressure source may preferably constitute a bottle of pressurized carbon dioxide and the pressure fluid may constitute CO 2 for pressurizing the beverage.
  • the cleaning and flushing fluid may be forced out of the multi-chambered cartridge.
  • the pressure fluid may preferably be any gas such as e.g. pressurized air.
  • the pressure source may be e.g. a compressor.
  • a liquid pressure fluid such as water may be used as an alternative to a gaseous pressure fluid.
  • the membrane prevents the cleaning fluid from mixing with the pressure fluid.
  • the membrane may e.g. constitute a collapsible cartridge or a liner.
  • the pressure fluid may preferably act directly on the cleaning fluid such that when the discharge valve is opened the cleaning fluid is propelled via the tapping line and the tapping device to the outside.
  • the tapping device may constitute a valve and a handle for selectively dispensing beverage into a glass or the like.
  • the tapping device is additionally used for dispensing the cleaning fluid and the flushing fluid when rinsing the beverage dispensing system.
  • the cleaning fluid cleans and rinses the tapping line and the discharge valve while passing through the beverage dispensing system.
  • the cleaning fluid may flow into a drain system, which is typically provided below the dispensing device for collecting beverage which has been excessively dispensed. If a highly toxic cleaning fluid is used, it may be required to collect it separately for proper disposal.
  • 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 discharge valve is preferably located in close connection with the pressure chamber or is alternatively part of the pressure chamber.
  • the discharge valve constitutes a three-port valve connected to the tapping line, the pressure chamber and the multi-chamber cartridge.
  • the discharge valve may assume three different positions.
  • the first position constitutes a beverage dispensing position in which the pressure chamber is connected to the tapping line 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.
  • cleaning fluid and flushing fluid is transported through the tapping line and may be dispensed by operating the tapping device.
  • 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-chamber cartridge.
  • the multi-chamber cartridge may e.g. include a valve, which automatically switches from dispensing cleaning fluid 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 still 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 a fluid inlet for connecting the fluid pressure source to the second cartridge for enabling the pressure fluid to flow from the fluid pressure source to the second cartridge, and further providing:
  • the flushing may start automatically when the cleaning is finished.
  • the pressure fluid may enter the second cartridge through the fluid inlet and thus act on the flushing fluid, which in turn acts on the cleaning fluid propelling the cleaning fluid via the fluid outlet into the tapping line and through the tapping device.
  • the flushing fluid which has then advanced into the first cartridge, will be allowed to flow into the fluid outlet and further through the tapping line to the tapping device.
  • 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 emptying position is understood to mean the position when the multi-chambered cartridge is installed and ready for use.
  • the first and second cartridge is oriented such that the pressure fluid acts on the upper end surface of the flushing fluid in the second cartridge and allows the flushing fluid to exit at the lower end of the second cartridge.
  • the flushing fluid is lead to the upper end of the first cartridge for acting onto the upper end surface of the cleaning fluid. Thereby the cleaning fluid is propelled towards the discharge valve and the tapping line via the outlet, which is positioned at the bottom 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 personal injury.
  • Providing 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 first cartridge defines a first volume and a first direction, along which the cross-section of the first volume is substantially constant
  • the multi-chambered cartridge further comprising a first piston sealing against the multi-chambered cartridge and dividing the cleaning fluid from the pressure fluid, the first piston allowing the pressure fluid in the multi-chambered cartridge to act on the cleaning fluid in the first cartridge, and by further providing a connector connected to the first cartridge for providing fluid communication with the discharge valve, a flushing fluid valve connected to the first and second cartridges and having a cleaning position and a flushing position, the flushing fluid valve being in its cleaning position when dispensing the cleaning fluid and the first piston moves along the first direction, and the first piston changing the flushing fluid valve at the completion of the emptying of the cleaning fluid from its cleaning to its flushing position for allowing the flushing fluid to be dispensed through the flushing fluid valve and the connector.
  • the flushing fluid valve will prevent any mixing of the cleaning fluid in the first cartridge and the flushing fluid in the second cartridge.
  • the pressure fluid may apply a force on both the flushing fluid directly and the cleaning fluid via the piston.
  • the piston is typically located opposite the flushing fluid valve and connector such that when the discharge valve is opened, the piston propagates towards the flushing fluid valve and the connector and allows the cleaning fluid to leave through the connector and towards the tapping line.
  • 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. After the flushing fluid has left the multi-chambered cartridge, 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 multi-chambered cartridge to act on the flushing fluid, and the second piston moving along the first direction when dispensing the flushing fluid.
  • the second cartridge may be provided with a second piston.
  • the pressure fluid will act on the second piston in the second cartridge, which will act on the flushing fluid.
  • the second piston is preferably located opposite the flushing fluid valve and the connector as well.
  • the first piston has reached the flushing fluid valve and the flushing fluid is allowed to leave through the flushing fluid valve and connector, the second piston will propagate towards the flushing fluid valve.
  • the flushing fluid has left through the first connector and the second piston will stop and prevent any pressure fluid from leaving through the second connector.
  • the present embodiment is preferably used in connection with a liquid pressure fluid to prevent mixing of pressure fluid and flushing fluid/cleaning 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 first cartridge may constitute a pre-filled flexible container filled with cleaning fluid, which is installed at the fluid outlet of the multi-chambered cartridge.
  • the space between the first cartridge and the outer wall of the multi-chambered cartridge then defines the second cartridge.
  • the second cartridge may be filled with flushing fluid and the cleaning and flushing process may be started by allowing the cleaning fluid to flow through the fluid outlet towards the dispensing device.
  • the cleaning fluid cartridge When the cleaning fluid cartridge has been emptied, it will be pierced or ruptured by the piercing element and the flushing fluid will be allowed to enter 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 mufti-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.
  • the cleaning tablet may either be dissolved prior to starting the cleaning operation, or it may be dissolved in flushing fluid as the cleaning process is ongoing. If the cleaning tablet is dissolved as the cleaning process is ongoing it must be ensured that enough flushing fluid is left when the cleaning tablet has been completely dissolved to completely flush the tapping line such that no residual cleaning fluid or cleaning tablet leftovers remain in the tapping line.
  • a cleaning and flushing system for a beverage dispensing system comprising:
  • 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. 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.
  • the flushing fluid cartridge 36 is in fluid communication with the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 via a cartridge interconnection 40, which interconnects the lower part of the flushing fluid cartridge 36 and the upper part of the cleaning fluid cartridge 46.
  • Flushing fluid may flow into the cartridge interconnection 40 at a flushing fluid outlet 38 located at the bottom of the flushing fluid cartridge 36 and flow via the cartridge interconnection 40 into the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 and enter the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 via a flushing fluid inlet 42 located at the top of the cleaning fluid cartridge 46.
  • a check valve 43 is provided at the flushing fluid inlet 42 to avoid cleaning fluid flowing into the flushing fluid cartridge 36.
  • 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. pressure fluid from flowing out through the rinsing fluid outlet 24.
  • a set of flanges constituting a float valve support 52 will ensure that the float valve 50 is positioned in a secure closed state in the cleaning fluid cartridge 46 when no cleaning fluid is present in the cleaning fluid cartridge 46.
  • 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. 1B shows the cleaning and flushing unit 20 of Fig. 1A 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 clean (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. 1C shows the cleaning and flushing unit 20 of Fig. 1A when the flushing fluid cartridge 36 is empty and 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 cleaning fluid cartridge 46 and prevents any pressure fluid from being expelled though the rinsing fluid outlet 24.
  • 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 external 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 fluid from being expelled though the rinsing fluid outlet 24.
  • Fig. 4A-C shows a further embodiment of an external 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 fluid 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 fluid 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'.
  • the lower spaces of the flushing fluid cartridge 36' and the cleaning fluid cartridge 46"" are interconnected by a flushing fluid inlet 42'.
  • 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 external 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 external 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.
  • 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 114.
  • 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 external observer to determine the level of cleaning and flushing fluid accommodated inside the cleaning and flushing unit 20. In order to distinguish between the cleaning and flushing fluids the cleaning fluid may be dyed a specific colour, such as green, red or blue.
  • the cleaning and flushing unit 20 preferably has a cylindrical shape.
  • Fig. 8 shows a plurality of pressure chambers 10, 10', 10".
  • the pressure chambers 1 0, 10', 10" are connected individually to a centralized cleaning and flushing unit by a set of rinsing fluid supplies 128 and commonly to a fourth pressure tube 142.
  • a control valve 124 controls pressure fluid flow from the fourth pressure tube 142 to a discharge valve (not shown here but to be described below in Figs. 9-18 and designated reference numeral 72) constituting a keg coupler of the pressure chamber 10.
  • the control valve 124 will be further described in connection with Figs. 10-12 .
  • the cleaning and flushing fluid is provided from a centralized cleaning and flushing unit (not shown here but to be described below in Figs.
  • the centralized cleaning and flushing unit (not shown here but to be described below) may comprise a cleaning and flushing unit 20 as described above in connection with any of the figures 1-6 , however it may be significantly larger, depending on the number of pressure chambers 10 and/or tapping lines/beverage taps it is intended to serve.
  • 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 allowing 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 110, 116, 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 110, 116 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 112 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 114, 114', respectively.
  • the air compressor 112 is further by a third pressure tube 140 connected to the centralized cleaning and flushing unit 118.
  • the cleaning and flushing unit 118 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 cleaning 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 118, separately in relation to the first pressure chamber 10.
  • a second rinsing fluid supply 130 connected to the cleaning and flushing unit 118, 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 118 for selectively providing cleaning 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 118.
  • 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 118, the control valve 124 will prevent air pressure from acting on the discharge valve 72. This causes the discharge valve 72 to assume the beverage dispensing position.
  • beverage is allowed to flow from the first pressure chamber 10 towards the tapping line 68.
  • rinsing fluid is prevented from entering the discharge valve 72.
  • Fig. 12 shows the centralized rinsing system 110 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.
  • the closed mode both beverage and rinsing fluid is prevented from entering the discharge valve and flow out towards the tapping line 68.
  • Fig. 13 shows a local rinsing system 116 in the rinsing mode. Similar to the central rinsing system 110 described above, the local rinsing system 116 comprises a compressor 112, a first pressure chamber 10 and a second pressure chamber 10'.
  • the cleaning and flushing unit 118 described above in connection with Figs. 10-12 has been replaced by a first rinsing cartridge 132 mounted in connection with the first pressure chamber 10 and a second rinsing cartridge 132' mounted in connection with the second pressure chamber 10'.
  • the first and second rinsing cartridges 132 and 132' respectively, 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 valve (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 116 in a closed mode.
  • the closed mode for the local rinsing system 116 corresponds to the closed mode of the centralized rinsing system 110 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 valve 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 below, 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-seal 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 inlet and outlet constrictions 178, 180 and further through the coupling housing 192 towards a beverage outlet 182.
  • Both the inlet constriction 178 and the outlet constriction 180 constitute valve seats, which the ball-seal 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 horizontal 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 metal.
  • 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 flow 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 beverage When the coupling housing 192, and thereby also the rod 174, is separated from the beverage container 168, the beverage, indicated by a shading in the figure, will exert a force on the ball-seal 176 pushing the ball-seal 176 against the outlet constriction 180 defining the closed position, i.e. the second passive position, thereby sealing off 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-seal 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 ball-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. 16 .
  • the rod 174 moves towards the beverage container 168 into the rinsing position further described in Fig. 17 .
  • Fig. 17 is a schematic cut-through, close-up view of the same assembly shown in Fig. 16 , with the discharge valve 72 slightly rotated around the vertical axis for disclosing a rinsing fluid inlet 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. 16 .
  • 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 establish a seal preventing rinsing fluid from entering the beverage container 168, however, allowing 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 valve 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 110'.
  • pressure fluid may be selectively provided to one of the control valves 124, 124'.
  • pressure fluid is supplied only to the control valve 124' belonging 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' will assume the rinsing mode. Thus, cleaning and flushing fluid may be supplied to the discharge valves 72, 72' of both pressure chambers 10, 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.
  • Cleaning fluid cartridge 138 Second pressure tube 50. Float valve 140. Third pressure tube 51. Valve recess 142. Fourth pressure tube 52. Float valve support 168. Beverage container 53. Inner piston 174. Rod 54. Opening 176. Ball-seal 55. Outer piston 178. Inlet constriction 56. Flushing fluid cap 180. Outlet constriction 57. Flushing fluid valve 182. Beverage outlet 58. Cleaning fluid cap 184. Spring 59. Cleaning tablet 186. Base part 60. Connector (piercing element) 190. Rinsing fluid inlet 65. Valve 192. Coupling housing 66. Base part 194. Rinsing valve element 68. Tapping line 196. Rinsing valve seat 70. Beverage outlet 198. Fitting

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

Claims (12)

  1. Procédé de nettoyage et de rinçage d'un système de distribution de boisson, comprenant la fourniture:
    d'une chambre de pression hermétique (10) contenant une boisson,
    d'une cartouche multi chambre hermétique (20) localisée à l'extérieur de ladite chambre de pression (10) comprenant une première cartouche (46) contenant un liquide de nettoyage et une deuxième cartouche (36) contenant un liquide de rinçage,
    d'une source de pression liquide (112) raccordée à ladite chambre de pression (10) et à ladite cartouche multi chambre (20) pour pressuriser ladite chambre de pression (10) et ladite cartouche multi chambre (20) par l'utilisation d'un liquide de pression,
    d'un dispositif de distribution pour distribuer ladite boisson, ledit liquide de nettoyage et ledit liquide de rinçage,
    d'un tuyau de distribution (68) pour débiter ladite boisson, ledit liquide de nettoyage et ledit liquide de rinçage audit dispositif de distribution,
    d'une soupape de décharge (72) raccordée à ladite cartouche multi chambre (20), ladite chambre de pression (10) et ledit tuyau de distribution (68), ladite soupape de décharge (72) ayant une position de distribution de boisson, une position de rinçage et une position fermée, ladite position de distribution de boisson permettant à ladite boisson d'être distribuée à partir dudit dispositif de distribution lorsque ladite chambre de pression (10) est pressurisée en empêchant que lesdits liquides de nettoyage et de rinçage sont distribués dudit dispositif de distribution, ladite position de rinçage permettant auxdits liquides de nettoyage et de rinçage d'être distribués dudit dispositif de distribution lorsque ladite cartouche multi chambre (20) est pressurisée tout en empêchant à ladite boisson d'être distribuée dudit dispositif de distribution, et ladite position fermée empêchant n'importe lesquelles desdits boisson, liquide de nettoyage ou liquide de rinçage d'être distribués dudit dispositif de distribution,
    le procédé comprenant en outre le positionnement de ladite soupape de décharge (72) dans ladite position de rinçage et la distribution dudit liquide de nettoyage dudit dispositif de distribution, et causant ledit liquide de nettoyage de couler de ladite première cartouche (46) en passant par ladite soupape de décharge (72) à travers ledit tuyau de distribution (68) et étant distribué à partir dudit dispositif de distribution, et séquentiellement distribuant ledit liquide de rinçage dudit dispositif de distribution, et causant ledit liquide de rinçage de couler de ladite deuxième cartouche (36) en passant par ladite soupape de décharge (72) à travers ledit tuyau de distribution (68) et étant distribué à partir dudit dispositif de distribution.
  2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ladite cartouche multi chambre (20) définit une admission de liquide (28) pour raccorder ladite source de pression de liquide (112) à ladite deuxième cartouche (36) pour permettre audit liquide de pression de couler de ladite source de pression de liquide (112) à ladite deuxième cartouche (36), et fournissant en outre:
    un raccordement de cartouche (40) raccordant lesdites premières et deuxièmes cartouches (36, 46) et permettant audit liquide de nettoyage et audit liquide de pression de couler de ladite deuxième cartouche (36) à ladite première cartouche (46), et
    un écoulement de liquide (27) pour fournir la communication liquide entre ladite première cartouche (46) et ladite soupape de décharge (72).
  3. Procédé selon la revendication 2, dans lequel ladite cartouche multi chambre (20) définit une positon de vidange pour distribuer lesdits liquides de nettoyage et de rinçage, dans laquelle position de vidange ladite première cartouche (46) définit une première extrémité supérieure et une première extrémité inférieure, et ladite deuxième cartouche (36) définit une deuxième extrémité supérieure et une deuxième extrémité inférieure, ladite admission de liquide (28) étant localisée à ladite deuxième extrémité supérieure de ladite deuxième cartouche (36), ledit raccordement de cartouche (40) fournissant la communication liquide entre ladite deuxième extrémité inférieure de ladite deuxième cartouche (36) et ladite première extrémité supérieure de ladite première cartouche (46) et ledit écoulement de liquide (27) étant raccordé à ladite première extrémité inférieure de ladite première cartouche (46).
  4. Procédé selon la revendication 3, dans lequel ladite source de pression liquide (112) génère du gaz pressurisé lors de la pressurisation de ladite cartouche multi chambre (20), ladite première cartouche (46) de ladite cartouche multi chambre (20) comprenant en outre une vanne à flotteur (50) localisée à ladite première extrémité inférieure de ladite première cartouche (46) et empêchant audit gaz pressurisé d'entrer dans ledit tuyau de distribution (68) après la vidange desdits liquides de nettoyage et de rinçage de ladite cartouche multi chambre (20).
  5. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ladite première cartouche (46) définit un premier volume et une première direction, le long de laquelle la section transversale dudit premier volume est substantiellement constante, ladite cartouche multi chambre (20) comprenant en outre un premier piston (53) assurant l'étanchéité contre ladite cartouche multi chambre (20) et divisant ledit liquide de nettoyage dudit liquide de pression, ledit premier piston (53) permettant ledit liquide de pression dans ladite cartouche multi chambre (20) d'agir sur ledit liquide de nettoyage dans ladite première cartouche (46), et en outre fournissant un raccord (24) raccordé à ladite première cartouche (46) pour fournir ladite communication liquide avec ladite soupape de décharge (72), une vanne de liquide de rinçage (43) raccordée auxdites premières et deuxièmes cartouches (46, 36) et ayant une position de nettoyage et une position de rinçage, ladite vanne de liquide de rinçage étant dans sa position de nettoyage lors de la distribution dudit liquide de nettoyage et ledit premier piston (53) se déplace le long de ladite première direction, et ledit premier piston (53) changeant ladite vanne de liquide de rinçage lors de l'achèvement de la vidange dudit liquide de nettoyage de sa position de nettoyage à sa position de rinçage pour permettre ledit liquide de rinçage d'être distribué à travers ladite vanne de liquide de rinçage (43) et ledit raccord (24).
  6. Procédé selon la revendication 5, dans lequel ladite deuxième cartouche (36) définit un deuxième volume et une deuxième direction, le long de laquelle la section transversale dudit deuxième volume est substantiellement constante, ladite cartouche multi chambre (20) comprenant en outre un deuxième piston (55) assurant l'étanchéité contre ladite deuxième cartouche (36) et divisant ledit liquide de rinçage de ladite cartouche multi chambre (20), ledit deuxième piston (55) permettant audit liquide de pression dans ladite cartouche multi chambre (20) d'agir sur ledit liquide de rinçage, et ledit deuxième piston (55) se déplaçant le long de ladite première direction lors de la distribution dudit liquide de rinçage.
  7. Procédé selon la revendication 5, dans lequel ladite cartouche multi chambre (20) comprend en outre une admission de liquide (29) accouplée à ladite deuxième cartouche (36), permettant à un liquide de couler de ladite cartouche multi chambre (20) à ladite première cartouche (46) et permettant un liquide de pression dans ladite cartouche multi chambre (20) d'agir sur ledit liquide de rinçage.
  8. Procédé selon la revendication 2, dans lequel ladite première cartouche (46) est compressible et comprend en outre un élément de perçage (60) pour créer une ouverture dans ladite première cartouche (46) lors de l'achèvement de la vidange dudit liquide de nettoyage, permettant ainsi la distribution suivante dudit liquide de rinçage à par ledit écoulement de liquide (24)
  9. Procédé selon la revendication 8, dans lequel ladite cartouche multi chambre (20) définit une position de vidange pour distribuer lesdits liquides de nettoyage et de rinçage, et préalablement à la distribution dudit liquide de nettoyage, le volume dudit liquide de nettoyage définit un premier centre de gravité, le volume dudit liquide de rinçage définit un deuxième centre de gravité et lorsque ladite cartouche multi chambre (20) se situe dans ladite position de vidange, ledit premier centre de gravité est localisé en dessous dudit deuxième centre de gravité.
  10. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ledit liquide de nettoyage est fourni dans la forme d'une pastille de nettoyage solide (59) qui est dissous dans du liquide de rinçage soit préalablement à la distribution dudit liquide de nettoyage ou pendant celle-ci.
  11. Système de nettoyage et de rinçage pour un système de distribution de boisson comprenant:
    une chambre de pression hermétique (10) contenant une boisson,
    une cartouche multi chambre hermétique (20) localisée à l'extérieur de ladite chambre de pression (10) comprenant une première cartouche (46) contenant un liquide de nettoyage et une deuxième cartouche (36) contenant un liquide de rinçage,
    une source de pression liquide (112) raccordée à ladite chambre de pression (10) et à ladite cartouche multi chambre (20) pour pressuriser ladite chambre de pression (10) et ladite cartouche multi chambre (20) par l'utilisation d'un liquide de pression,
    un dispositif de distribution pour distribuer ladite boisson, ledit liquide de nettoyage et ledit liquide de rinçage,
    un tuyau de distribution (68) pour débiter ladite boisson, ledit liquide de nettoyage et ledit liquide de rinçage audit dispositif de distribution,
    une soupape de décharge (72) raccordée à ladite cartouche multi chambre, ladite chambre de pression (10) et ledit tuyau de distribution (68), ladite soupape de décharge (72) ayant une position de distribution de boisson, une position de rinçage et une position fermée, ladite position de distribution de boisson permettant à ladite boisson d'être distribuée à partir dudit dispositif de distribution lorsque ladite chambre de pression (10) est pressurisée en empêchant que lesdits liquides de nettoyage et de rinçage sont distribués dudit dispositif de distribution, ladite position de rinçage permettant auxdits liquides de nettoyage et de rinçage d'être distribués dudit dispositif de distribution lorsque ladite cartouche multi chambre (20) est pressurisée tout en empêchant à ladite boisson d'être distribuée dudit dispositif de distribution, et ladite position fermée empêchant n'importe lesquelles desdits boisson, liquide de nettoyage ou liquide de rinçage d'être distribués dudit dispositif de distribution.
  12. Procédé de nettoyage et de rinçage pour un système de distribution de boisson comprenant:
    une chambre de pression hermétique (10) contenant une boisson,
    une cartouche multi chambre hermétique (20) localisée en dehors de ladite chambre de pression (10) comprenant une première cartouche (46) contenant un liquide de nettoyage et une deuxième cartouche (36) contenant un liquide de rinçage,
    une source de pression liquide (112) raccordée à ladite chambre de pression (10) et à ladite cartouche multi chambre (20) pour pressuriser ladite chambre de pression (10) et ladite cartouche multi chambre (20) par l'utilisation d'un liquide de pression,
    un dispositif de distribution pour distribuer ladite boisson, ledit liquide de nettoyage et ledit liquide de rinçage,
    un tuyau de distribution (68) pour débiter ladite boisson, ledit liquide de nettoyage et ledit liquide de rinçage audit dispositif de distribution,
    une soupape de décharge (72) raccordée à ladite cartouche multi chambre (20), ladite chambre de pression (10) et ledit tuyau de distribution (68), ladite soupape de décharge (72) ayant une position de distribution de boisson, une position de rinçage et une position fermée, ladite position de distribution de boisson permettant à ladite boisson d'être distribuée à partir dudit dispositif de distribution lorsque ladite chambre de pression (10) est pressurisée en empêchant que lesdits liquides de nettoyage et de rinçage sont distribués dudit dispositif de distribution, ladite position de rinçage permettant auxdits liquides de nettoyage et de rinçage d'être distribués dudit dispositif de distribution lorsque ladite cartouche multi chambre (20) est pressurisée tout en empêchant à ladite boisson d'être distribuée dudit dispositif de distribution, et ladite position fermée empêchant n'importe lesquelles desdits boisson, liquide de nettoyage ou liquide de rinçage d'être distribués dudit dispositif de distribution,
    le procédé comprenant en outre le positionnement de ladite cartouche multi chambre (20) dans une position substantiellement debout et le positionnement de ladite soupape de décharge (72) dans ladite position fermée, remplissant une quantité spécifique dudit liquide de nettoyage dans ladite première cartouche (46) et remplissant une quantité spécifique dudit liquide de rinçage dans ladite deuxième cartouche, ou alternativement remplissant une quantité spécifique dudit liquide de rinçage dans ladite deuxième cartouche (36) et ladite première cartouche (46) et de manière séquentielle dissolvant une pastille de nettoyage (59) dans ledit liquide de rinçage contenu dans ladite première cartouche (46).
EP09759948A 2008-11-27 2009-11-26 Procédé de nettoyage et de rinçage d'un système de distribution de boisson Active EP2370342B1 (fr)

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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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HUE053153T2 (hu) 2012-02-03 2021-06-28 Carlsberg Breweries As Szénsvavas italok adagolására alkalmas módszer, egy italadagoló rendszer és egy összecsukható italtartály
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
DK3345518T3 (en) * 2017-01-09 2019-04-08 Cup&Cino Kaffeesystem Vertrieb Gmbh & Co Kg CLEANING SYSTEM
EP3592691A1 (fr) 2017-03-10 2020-01-15 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Système de distribution de boisson, ensemble de distribution de boisson, procédé de fonctionnement d'un système de distribution de boisson, et logement sous pression
CN115010078A (zh) 2017-10-27 2022-09-06 嘉士伯酿酒有限公司 饮料分配系统及清洗饮料分配系统的方法
CA3095061A1 (fr) 2018-03-28 2019-10-03 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Systeme de distribution de boisson commande a distance
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
RU2770823C1 (ru) * 2021-10-04 2022-04-22 Федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего образования Костромская государственная сельскохозяйственная академия Устройство для получения рабочего раствора в напорном трубопроводе
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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EA019502B1 (ru) 2014-04-30
DK2370342T3 (da) 2013-06-24
CN102227370A (zh) 2011-10-26
EA201190045A1 (ru) 2012-02-28
PT2370342E (pt) 2013-06-12
EP2192077A1 (fr) 2010-06-02
CN102227370B (zh) 2013-07-17
EP2370342A1 (fr) 2011-10-05
WO2010060946A1 (fr) 2010-06-03

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