EP2504084B1 - Method for producing a mixed product, particularly a beverage - Google Patents

Method for producing a mixed product, particularly a beverage Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2504084B1
EP2504084B1 EP10754688.9A EP10754688A EP2504084B1 EP 2504084 B1 EP2504084 B1 EP 2504084B1 EP 10754688 A EP10754688 A EP 10754688A EP 2504084 B1 EP2504084 B1 EP 2504084B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
base component
mixing
chamber
mixed product
component
Prior art date
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Application number
EP10754688.9A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2504084A2 (en
Inventor
Klaus Ehrlinger
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.)
KHS GmbH
Original Assignee
KHS GmbH
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Publication date
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Priority to PL10754688T priority Critical patent/PL2504084T3/en
Priority to SI201031530T priority patent/SI2504084T1/en
Publication of EP2504084A2 publication Critical patent/EP2504084A2/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2504084B1 publication Critical patent/EP2504084B1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
    • B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
    • B01F23/236—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids specially adapted for aerating or carbonating beverages
    • B01F23/2363—Mixing systems, i.e. flow charts or diagrams; Arrangements, e.g. comprising controlling means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
    • B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
    • B01F23/232—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using flow-mixing means for introducing the gases, e.g. baffles
    • B01F23/2321—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using flow-mixing means for introducing the gases, e.g. baffles by moving liquid and gas in counter current
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
    • B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
    • B01F23/234—Surface aerating
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
    • B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
    • B01F23/234—Surface aerating
    • B01F23/2341—Surface aerating by cascading, spraying or projecting a liquid into a gaseous atmosphere
    • B01F23/23412—Surface aerating by cascading, spraying or projecting a liquid into a gaseous atmosphere using liquid falling from orifices in a gaseous atmosphere, the orifices being exits from perforations, tubes or chimneys
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
    • B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
    • B01F23/236—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids specially adapted for aerating or carbonating beverages
    • B01F23/2362—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids specially adapted for aerating or carbonating beverages for aerating or carbonating within receptacles or tanks, e.g. distribution machines
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
    • B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
    • B01F23/237—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids characterised by the physical or chemical properties of gases or vapours introduced in the liquid media
    • B01F23/2376—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids characterised by the physical or chemical properties of gases or vapours introduced in the liquid media characterised by the gas being introduced
    • B01F23/23762—Carbon dioxide
    • B01F23/237621—Carbon dioxide in beverages
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/70—Pre-treatment of the materials to be mixed
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/70—Pre-treatment of the materials to be mixed
    • B01F23/703—Degassing or de-aerating materials; Replacing one gas within the materials by another gas
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
    • B01F35/20—Measuring; Control or regulation
    • B01F35/22—Control or regulation
    • B01F35/2201—Control or regulation characterised by the type of control technique used
    • B01F35/2202—Controlling the mixing process by feed-back, i.e. a measured parameter of the mixture is measured, compared with the set-value and the feed values are corrected
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
    • B01F35/20—Measuring; Control or regulation
    • B01F35/22—Control or regulation
    • B01F35/2201—Control or regulation characterised by the type of control technique used
    • B01F35/2209—Controlling the mixing process as a whole, i.e. involving a complete monitoring and controlling of the mixing process during the whole mixing cycle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F35/00—Accessories for mixers; Auxiliary operations or auxiliary devices; Parts or details of general application
    • B01F35/20—Measuring; Control or regulation
    • B01F35/22—Control or regulation
    • B01F35/221—Control or regulation of operational parameters, e.g. level of material in the mixer, temperature or pressure
    • B01F35/2212—Level of the material in the mixer

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method according to claim 1 for the production of mixed products, for example, as mixed drinks from at least one liquid base or base component and at least one of the base component metered admixed additional component, which latter is a liquid additive component.
  • Mixed products for example, as mixed drinks from at least one liquid base or base component and at least one of the base component metered admixed additional component, which latter is a liquid additive component.
  • Processes and devices for producing mixed products in the form of mixed drinks and in particular also of carbonated or carbonated mixed drinks are known.
  • the liquid base or base component which is formed, for example, by beverage water
  • at least one preferably taste-forming additive component eg syrup
  • the mixed beverage is a carbonated beverage
  • carbonation and buffering of the mixed beverage with CO2 gas are also carried out until it is filled into containers or bottles.
  • the preparation of such mixed products takes place in multi-component mixing plants, which are often referred to as a mixer.
  • the degassing of the at least one base component can be carried out in different ways, for example by a single or multi-stage vacuum degassing and / or by a single or multi-stage pressure degassing.
  • vacuum degassing the partial pressure gradient, which is necessary for the release of foreign gases dissolved in the at least one base component, is achieved by vacuum or pressure reduction.
  • the release of the foreign gases from the respective base component is achieved by diffusion into an oxygen- and / or nitrogen-free carrier gas, for example CO2 gas.
  • the mixing of the base component with the at least one additive component (e.g., syrup) to the finished or mixed product has heretofore been governed by a ratio control, i. by controlling the volume flows of the base component and the additional component to one setpoint in each case. Both setpoints are set in relation to the preselected or desired recipe.
  • a ratio control i. by controlling the volume flows of the base component and the additional component to one setpoint in each case. Both setpoints are set in relation to the preselected or desired recipe.
  • the carbonation or addition of the CO2 gas also takes place in known methods and mixing plants via a ratio metering or via a spray carbonization.
  • the mixed product is sprayed into a container pressurized with CO2 gas.
  • the gas pressure is according to the u.a. set by the dosing rate and the temperature-dependent saturation pressure.
  • the CO2 gas dissolves in the mixed product until a balance between the pressure of the CO2 gas atmosphere and the CO2 gas partial pressure or saturation pressure of the carbonated mixed beverage is achieved.
  • the carbonated mixed product or mixed beverage produced with the mixing plant is usually filled into containers or bottles with the aid of a filler.
  • the latter like the mixing plant, is part of a complete filling line. Due to disturbances in the environment and / or in the system and / or by disruptions of the packaging material (eg bottle breakage, etc.), stops or reduced performance often occur.
  • known systems for decoupling or buffering between mixing plant and filler require a buffer tank or tank which, in known mixing plants, must have a relatively large volume, for example a volume of up to 1000 liters.
  • Such buffer tanks are usually operated with a highly fluctuating level, so that the mixed product in the buffer tank must be superimposed with a CO2 gas cushion, the pressure of which is higher than the CO2 saturation pressure in the mixed product. With changing filling level it is necessary to replenish or discharge the CO2 gas in the buffer tank concerned, which leads to a high consumption of CO2 gas.
  • An apparatus and a method for producing mixed products have been characterized by DE 1 213 212 presented. For this purpose, this document provides that the base component, for example water and the additional component, for example syrup, are simultaneously fed to a dosing device, the components arriving in a pre-set, precisely measured quantitative ratio to one another in a mixing vessel.
  • a disadvantage of this approach is that known dosing for the simultaneous feeding of multiple components are complex and expensive, and also generally have only a limited accuracy. Also known was a system for mixing drinks after the GB 2 404 271 A , This document is concerned with a system for blending soft drinks immediately prior to dispensing of these juice drinks to the end user, which then consumes these drinks usually within a very short time. To this end, this specification provides more detail that a base component, for example, water, and a syrup in a fixed ratio to each other are promoted and mixed exactly when a portion of the mixed beverage to be removed or sold. The disadvantage of this approach is that it is not suitable for systems with large quantities [m 3 / h].
  • the object of the invention is to provide a method for producing mixed products of at least one base component and at least one additional component, which can be carried out while maintaining a high dosing accuracy with a reduced control effort and / or mechanical complexity. To solve this problem, a method according to claim 1 is formed.
  • the metered mixing of the at least one preferably liquid additive component to the at least one liquid base component in the mixing chamber takes place in such a way that the addition or metering of the at least one additional component is controlled or regulated as a function of the amount of the mixed product, the (amount) the mixing chamber is removed.
  • means are preferably provided for a height-level or volume-controlled tracking or refilling of the at least one base component to the mixing space, in such a way that by this tracking or refilling of the at least one base component of the at least one base component and the at least one additional component formed total volume is constant in the mixing room.
  • the metered addition of at least one additional component in the mixing chamber is carried out continuously.
  • the mixing chamber also forms the buffer memory, from which the mixed product is fed to the following in the overall systems filler;
  • the mixing chamber and thus also the buffer tank or buffer tank formed by this mixing chamber can be designed with reduced volume, for example with a volume of only 100 liters at a rated output of the device or mixing plant of 30 m 3 / h.
  • Alone by the reduced volume of serving as a buffer tank mixing chamber results in a significant reduction in the size of a mixing plant or apparatus for producing mixed products.
  • at least two functions of conventional mixing plants are combined in a common functional container 2, for example the functions of degassing and the subsequent carbonizing of the at least one base component.
  • the functional container 2 or a functional space 2.3 formed in it then serves according to the invention as a combined mixing chamber and buffer tank.
  • the height-level or volume-controlled tracking of the at least one base component into the mixing chamber is effected in the simplest case by virtue of the mixing chamber having at least one mixing chamber inlet for the at least one base component a filling level determining element, for example in the form of an overflow, and means being provided, to constantly overflow the mixing chamber inlet during operation of the mixing plant or device with the at least one base component.
  • the mixing plant or device generally designated 1 in the figure is used to produce a carbonated, ie mixed with carbon dioxide or CO2 gas liquid mixed product, mixed beverage by mixing a liquid main or base component, for example water, with at least one liquid additive component, for example with a flavoring additive component, eg syrup.
  • a liquid main or base component for example water
  • at least one liquid additive component for example with a flavoring additive component, eg syrup.
  • the single functional container 2 which usually has a mixing plant, namely the degassing or liberation of the base component (eg water) of unwanted, dissolved in this base component
  • Franntgas possibly influences the metered addition of CO2 gas to the base component, for example, with an amount corresponding to the CO2 saturation pressure of the mixed product, the metered feeding the at least one additional component as well as the function of the buffer memory.
  • the interior of the functional container 2 is divided by two horizontal or substantially horizontal partitions 3 and 4 in three functional spaces 2.1 - 23, which adjoin one another in the direction of the vertical axis of the functional container 2 and of which in the manner described in more detail below, the uppermost functional space 2.1 substantially for pressure degassing and for at least partial carbonation of the base component (eg water), the lowest functional space 2.3 essentially as a mixing space for mixing the base component with the at least one additional component and at the same time as a buffer memory and the functional space between the functional spaces 2.1 and 2.3 2.2 among others for complete carbonization of the base component on the CO2 concentration and also for the controlled feeding of the base component to the functional space 2.3 serve.
  • the base component eg water
  • the lowest functional space 2.3 essentially as a mixing space for mixing the base component with the at least one additional component and at the same time as a buffer memory and the functional space between the functional spaces 2.1 and 2.3 2.2 among others for complete carbonization of the base component on the CO2 concentration and also for the controlled feeding
  • the partition wall 4 is provided in the illustrated embodiment with a central passage 5 which connects the functional spaces 2.2 and 2.3 with each other and in the illustrated embodiment in the manner of extending into the functional space 2.3 and dip tube is executed.
  • the passage 5 is enclosed by an annular overflow weir 6, so that at the bottom of the functional space 2.2, i. on the partition wall 4 two subspaces are formed, namely an outer annular subspace 2.2.1 between the inner surface of the wall of the functional container 2 and the overflow weir 6 and an inner subspace 2.2.2, which communicates via the passage 5 with the functional space 2.3 ,
  • the nozzles 7 are arranged and designed that when the control valve 9 is open, the base component from the nozzles 7 exudes fine sprayed upward in the vertical direction and then falls back on the partition wall 3, which in the illustrated embodiment at the edge region 3.1, ie in the vicinity of the wall of the functional container 2 as a perforated plate or bottom is formed with a plurality of openings and in its central region 3.2 as a closed wall or as a closed bottom.
  • a line 10 which is provided in the interior of the functional space 2.2 with at least one nozzle 11, which at a distance above the overflow weir 6 and above the subspace 2.2.2 and at a distance below the formed as a baffle section 3.2 of the partition 3 is located.
  • the nozzle 11 is formed and arranged so that the nozzle jet issuing from this nozzle is directed vertically upwards, i. directed to the baffle serving section 3.2.
  • the line 10 is connected via a control valve 12 to a source, not shown, which provides the CO2 gas under pressure.
  • the control valve 12 is controlled so that the gas pressure within the functional container 2 and in particular also within the functional spaces 2.1 and 2.2 corresponds to the CO2 concentration in the produced mixed product, namely u.a.
  • control valve 12 is u.a. taking into account measurement signals which provide pressure sensors 12.1 provided on the functional spaces 2.1 and 2.2 and / or provided temperature sensors 12.2, controlled such that the CO 2 pressure in the functional tank 2 is set so high that the desired CO 2 content is achieved in the mixed product, It should be remembered that adding the CO2-free syrup will reduce the CO2 content in the finished product.
  • the output or the pressure side of a pump 13 is connected in the flow direction of the CO2 gas to the control valve 12, which is connected to its input via a line 14 to the subspace 2.2.1.
  • the additional component serving as a mixing chamber and at the same time as a buffer memory functional space 2.3 is connected to a line 15, in the ua a, controlled by a suitable meter, for example by a flow meter 16 metering valve 17 and a pump for supplying the additional component under pressure are provided.
  • the flow meter 16 is, for example, a magneto-inductive flow meter (MID).
  • MID magneto-inductive flow meter
  • a density measurement is preferably integrated into the flowmeter 16, so that a dosage is possible which is, inter alia, independent of temperature and / or pressure or at least largely temperature and / or pressure independent.
  • the measuring device may also be, for example, a mass flow meter (MDM), through which, although not directly the volume flow can be measured, but by which the mass flow, the density and the temperature can be determined.
  • MDM mass flow meter
  • vent tank 19 vent lantern
  • the input of the pump 18 is connected via a vent tank 19 (vent lantern) to a source, not shown, for providing the additional component.
  • the vent tank 19 is vented via a vent valve assembly 20, so that this container is then completely filled with the additional component and thus in particular a buffering of the additional component in the vent tank 19 by a pressurized inert gas buffer, such as CO2 gas buffer is not required, which contributes significantly to the reduction of inert gas or CO2 gas consumption.
  • a pressurized inert gas buffer such as CO2 gas buffer
  • a product line 21 with pump 22 and flow meter 23 is connected, via the (product line) the device 1 with a filling machine, not shown, for filling bottles or other containers associated with the mixed product.
  • a return line 24 is connected to the product line 21, so regardless of the current, to the filling machine promoted and detected by the flow meter 23 amount of the mixed product, the pump 22 can be operated, for example, with a constant flow rate.
  • the flow meter 23 is, for example, a magneto-inductive flow meter (MID) and, of course, is also designed so that phases with stop / go operation and / or with a reduced power of the filler are detected without errors.
  • MID magneto-inductive flow meter
  • the operation of the device 1 can be described as follows:
  • the functional space 2.1 takes place, as already stated, the degassing and at the same time at least partially carbonizing the base component with, for example, 80-90% of the CO2 concentration of the mixed product.
  • the functional space 2.1 is charged with the required CO2 gas pressure for this purpose, specifically controlled by the control valve 12.
  • the base component Via the nozzles 7, the base component is sprayed upwards in the direction of the ceiling or in the direction of the upper boundary of the functional container 2 and then rains back onto the bottom of the functional space 2.1 formed by the partition wall 3.
  • a pressure degassing of the base component takes place by diffusion and at the same time also the carbonization of the base component. This is in equilibrium with the CO2-gas pressure in the function room 2.1 (CO2 pressure equal to saturation pressure).
  • the height of the functional space 2.1 is used twice, resulting in an extension of the residence time of the sprayed base component in the functional space 2.1 and also to an increase in the exchange surface between the base component and the CO2 gas in the function room 2.1 leads.
  • the foreign gas content in the base component is still about 10% or less after the treatment.
  • the degassed and carbonized base component builds up on the partition wall 3 and then passes through the openings partition wall section 3.1 in the functional space 2.2, in the local there below the partition wall section 3.1 arranged subspace 2.2.1.
  • this subspace 2.2.1 at least one control valve 9 controlling filling level sensor 9.1 is provided, for example, is formed by a min / max probe and controls the liquid level in the subspace 2.2.1 such that the level of this liquid level is constantly well below the upper edge of the overflow weir 6 is located.
  • the base component from the subspace 2.2.1 is constantly conveyed via the line 10 to the nozzle 11 arranged above the subspace 2.2, ie the subspace 2.2. 2 and thus the inlet to the functional space 2.3 are constantly overflowed with the base component.
  • the base component in the line 10 is mixed with the CO2 gas supplied via the control valve 12 in such a way that the base component discharged from the at least one nozzle 11 upwards into the functional space 2.2 and against the partition wall section 3.2 serving as the baffle wall CO2 levels far above CO2 saturation, for example a CO2 concentration of 210% of the CO2 saturation concentration.
  • the greater part of the CO2 gas which has passed into the functional space 2.1 via the dividing wall section 3.1 is used in the manner described above for degassing and simultaneous carbonization of the base components discharged from the nozzles 7.
  • a smaller proportion, for example 10% of this CO 2 gas is discharged via a valve arrangement provided on the upper side of the functional container 2 or the functional space 2.1 - which is also referred to in practice as Fremdgasabschnüffelung 25, namely for discharging the removed from the base component lack gases.
  • the functional space 2.3 is always completely filled with the mixed product, in such a way that the liquid from the functional space 2.3 through the passage 5 in the subspace 2.2.2 up to the upper edge of the overflow weir 6.
  • the additional component is supplied via the metering valve 17 controlled by the flow meter 16 continuously, in response to the functional space 2.3 removed and fed to the filler via the product line 21 amount of the mixed product, i. as a function of the measuring signal of the flow meter 23 and as a function of the required dosage of the additional component in the mixed product.
  • the dosage of the additional component is thus ultimately in response to the amount of mixed product taken from the device 1 via the product line 21.
  • serving as a mixing chamber and buffer memory function space 2.3 is constantly filled with the base component, and in fact that at least the greater part of emerging from the at least one nozzle 11 base component reaches the top of the subspace 2.2.2.
  • the base component that has reached the subspace 2.2.2 passes via the passage 5 into the functional space 2.3.
  • the base component discharged from the nozzle 11 flows back over the edge of the overflow weir 6 into the subspace 2.1.1.
  • a direct mixing of the recorded in the subspace 2.2.1 base component with the component in the subspace 2.2.2 or with the mixed product in the functional space 2.3 is avoided by the partition wall 4 with the overflow weir 6.
  • the pump 13 has a delivery rate V13 which is greater than the delivery rate V22 of the pump 22. Regardless of the respective operating state of the pump 22nd the delivery rate V13 of the pump 13 is in any case greater than the maximum delivery rate V22 of the pump 22. This ensures the constant overflow of the subspace 2.2.2 or overflow weir 6 and also ensures that the subspace 2.3 constantly has a constant level and the base component removed with the finished mix via the product line 21 is constantly replaced immediately.
  • the entire mixing plant is summarized, for example, in a single functional container 2.
  • the functional space 2.3 forms both the mixing container and the buffer memory.
  • the inventive type of control or regulation of the dosage is within the apparatus 1 for the correct function of the mixing plant - in contrast to the prior art - a continuous flow is not required, so that in contrast to known mixing plants, a large volume buffer tank to ensure a continuous operation of the mixing plant is not required even in a stop / go operation of the filling machine.
  • Be a nominal capacity of the device 1 of 30 m 3 / h is a volume of only 100 I for the serving as a buffer memory function space 2.3 fully sufficient.
  • a further advantage of the invention consists in the fact that the functional space 2.3 serving as mixing vessel and buffer storage is constantly filled to the brim by the described design and control of the device 1 and thus a superimposition of the mixed product in the functional space 2.3 with a CO2 cushion and resulting CO2. Losses and any unwanted Nachkarbonmaschine are avoided.
  • a quality measurement (Brix or CO2 measurement, etc.) in the return line 24.
  • the degassing of the base component takes place by means of a one-stage or multistage pressure degassing.
  • a vacuum degassing is possible.
  • only one additional component is added to the base component.
  • the device according to the invention can also be designed for admixing two or more than two, also different additional components to at least one base component, but all versions have in common that the dosage of at least one additional liquid component to the at least one base component depending on the removed Amount of the mixed product is done.
  • the mixed product after its preparation does not have to be stored in a buffer tank, since it is now possible by the application of the teaching according to the invention to produce the mixed product continuously with varying amount per unit time.
  • Another essential advantage of the method according to the invention is that it is no longer necessary to pressurize the mixed product after its production with a CO2 gas cushion, the pressure of which is higher than the CO2 saturation pressure in the mixed product. This is due to the now made possible, continuously producing the mixed product even with fluctuating amount per unit time, whereby a buffering in a buffer tank is unnecessary. By this procedure according to the invention, the consumption of CO2 gas is significantly reduced.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Accessories For Mixers (AREA)
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Making Beverages (AREA)

Description

Die Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren gemäß Patentanspruch 1 und zwar zum Herstellen von Mischprodukten, die z.B. als Mischgetränke aus wenigstens einer flüssigen Grund- oder Basiskomponente und aus wenigstens einer der Basiskomponente dosiert beigemischten Zusatzkomponente bestehen, welche letztere eine flüssige Zusatzkomponente ist. Verfahren sowie Vorrichtungen zum Herstellen von Mischprodukten in Form von Mischgetränken und dabei insbesondere auch von karbonisierten bzw. kohlesäurehaltigen Mischgetränken sind bekannt.
Generell ist es bei der Herstellung von Mischgetränken erforderlich, zunächst die flüssige Grund- oder Basiskomponente, die z.B. von Getränkewasser gebildet ist, zu entgasen und dann mit wenigstens einer vorzugsweise geschmacksbildenden Zusatzkomponente (z.B. Sirup) auf die erforderliche Endkonzentration auszumischen. Handelt es sich bei dem Mischgetränk um ein kohlensäurehaltiges Getränk, so erfolgen auch eine Karbonisierung und eine Pufferung des Mischgetränks mit CO2-Gas bis zum Abfüllen in Behälter oder Flaschen. Die Aufbereitung derartiger Mischprodukte erfolgt in aus mehreren Komponenten bestehenden Mischanlagen, die vielfach auch als Mixer bezeichnet werden.
Die Entgasung der wenigstens einen Basiskomponente kann auf unterschiedliche Weise erfolgen, beispielsweise durch eine ein- oder mehrstufige Vakuumentgasung und/oder aber durch eine ein- oder mehrstufige Druckentgasung. Bei der Vakuumentgasung wird das Partialdruckgefälle, welches zur Entbindung von in der wenigstens einen Basiskomponente gelösten Fremdgasen notwendig ist, durch Vakuum oder Druckabsenkung erreicht. Bei der Druckentgasung wird die Entbindung der Fremdgase aus der jeweiligen Basiskomponente durch Diffusion in ein sauerstoff- und/oder stickstofffreies Trägergas, z.B. CO2-Gas erzielt.The invention relates to a method according to claim 1 for the production of mixed products, for example, as mixed drinks from at least one liquid base or base component and at least one of the base component metered admixed additional component, which latter is a liquid additive component. Processes and devices for producing mixed products in the form of mixed drinks and in particular also of carbonated or carbonated mixed drinks are known.
In general, in the production of mixed drinks it is necessary first to degas the liquid base or base component, which is formed, for example, by beverage water, and then to mix it with at least one preferably taste-forming additive component (eg syrup) to the required final concentration. If the mixed beverage is a carbonated beverage, carbonation and buffering of the mixed beverage with CO2 gas are also carried out until it is filled into containers or bottles. The preparation of such mixed products takes place in multi-component mixing plants, which are often referred to as a mixer.
The degassing of the at least one base component can be carried out in different ways, for example by a single or multi-stage vacuum degassing and / or by a single or multi-stage pressure degassing. In vacuum degassing, the partial pressure gradient, which is necessary for the release of foreign gases dissolved in the at least one base component, is achieved by vacuum or pressure reduction. During pressure degassing, the release of the foreign gases from the respective base component is achieved by diffusion into an oxygen- and / or nitrogen-free carrier gas, for example CO2 gas.

Das Mischen der Basiskomponente mit der wenigstens einen Zusatzkomponente (z.B. Sirup) zu dem Fertig- oder Mischprodukt erfolgt bisher über eine Verhältnisregelung, d.h. durch Regelung der Volumenströme der Basiskomponente und der Zusatzkomponente auf jeweils einen Sollwert. Beide Sollwerte werden entsprechend der vorgewählten oder gewünschten Rezeptur ins Verhältnis gesetzt. Um die geforderten Dosiergenauigkeiten zu erreichen sind eine kontinuierliche Regelung der Volumenströme, insbesondere aber kontinuierliche Volumenströme durch den jeweiligen Mischraum erforderlich.The mixing of the base component with the at least one additive component (e.g., syrup) to the finished or mixed product has heretofore been governed by a ratio control, i. by controlling the volume flows of the base component and the additional component to one setpoint in each case. Both setpoints are set in relation to the preselected or desired recipe. In order to achieve the required metering accuracies, continuous regulation of the volume flows, but in particular continuous volume flows through the respective mixing space, are required.

Die Karbonisierung oder Zudosierung des CO2-Gases erfolgt bei bekannten Verfahren und Mischanlagen ebenfalls über eine Verhältnisdosierung oder über eine Sprühkarbonisierung. Im letzten Fall wird das Mischprodukt in einen mit CO2-Gas unter Druck stehenden Behälter eingesprüht. Der Gasdruck ist entsprechend dem u.a. von der Dosierrate und der Temperaturabhängigen Sättigungsdruck eingestellt. Das CO2-Gas löst sich im Mischprodukt, bis ein Gleichgewicht zwischen dem Druck der CO2-Gas-Atmosphäre und dem CO2-Gas-Partialdruck oder -Sättigungsdruck des karbonisierten Mischgetränks erreicht ist.The carbonation or addition of the CO2 gas also takes place in known methods and mixing plants via a ratio metering or via a spray carbonization. In the latter case, the mixed product is sprayed into a container pressurized with CO2 gas. The gas pressure is according to the u.a. set by the dosing rate and the temperature-dependent saturation pressure. The CO2 gas dissolves in the mixed product until a balance between the pressure of the CO2 gas atmosphere and the CO2 gas partial pressure or saturation pressure of the carbonated mixed beverage is achieved.

Das mit der Mischanlage hergestellte karbonisierte Mischprodukt oder Mischgetränk wird in der Regel mit Hilfe eines Füllers in Behälter oder Flaschen abgefüllt. Letzterer ist ebenso wie die Mischanlage Bestandteil einer kompletten Abfülllinie. Durch Störungen im Umfeld und/oder in der Anlage und/oder durch Störungen des Vespackungsmaterials (z.B. Flaschenbruch usw.) kommt es häufig zu Stopps oder Minderleistung. Da aber für die Dosiergenauigkeit von Mischung und Karbonisierung ein kontinuierlicher Betrieb erforderlich ist, benötigen bekannte Anlagen zur Abkupplung oder Pufferung zwischen Mischanlage und Füller einen Pufferspeicher oder - tank, der bei bekannten Mischanlagen ein relativ großes Volumen, beispielsweise ein Volumen bis 1000 Liter aufweisen muss. Derartige Puffertanks werden in der Regel mit einem stark schwankenden Füllstand betrieben, sodass das Mischprodukt im Puffertank mit einem CO2-Gaspolster überlagert werden muss, dessen Druck höher ist als der CO2-Sättigungsdruck im Mischprodukt. Bei wechselndem Füllstand ist es erforderlich, das CO2-Gas in dem betreffenden Puffertank nachzuspeisen oder abzulassen, was zu einem hohen Verbrauch an CO2-Gas führt.
Eine Vorrichtung und ein Verfahren zur Herstellung von Mischprodukten wurden durch die DE 1 213 212 vorgestellt. Dazu sieht diese Schrift vor, dass die Basiskomponente, beispielsweise Wasser und die Zusatzkomponente, beispielsweise Sirup, gleichzeitig einem Dosiergerät zugeführt werden, wobei die Komponenten in einem voreingestellten, genau abgemessenen Mengenverhältnis zueinander in ein Mischgefäß gelangen. Nachteilig an dieser Vorgehensweise ist, dass bekannte Dosiergeräte für die gleichzeitige Zuführung mehrerer Komponenten aufwändig und teuer sind, und darüber hinaus in der Regel lediglich über eine eingeschränkte Genauigkeit verfügen.
Ebenfalls bekannt wurde ein System zum Ausmischen von Getränken nach der GB 2 404 271 A . Diese Schrift befasst sich mit einem System zum Ausmischen von Softdrinks unmittelbar vor der Abgabe dieser Saftdrinks an den Endverbraucher, welche diese Getränke dann in der Regel innerhalb kürzester Zeit verkonsumiert. Dazu sieht diese Schrift mehr im Detail vor, dass eine Basiskomponente, beispielsweise Wasser, und ein Sirup in einem festen Verhältnis zueinander genau dann gefördert und vermischt werden, wenn eine Portion des Mischgetränkes abgenommen oder verkauft werden soll. Nachteilig an dieser Vorgehensweise ist, dass sie sich nicht für Anlagen mit großer Mengenleistung [m3/h] eignet. Ebenfalls bekannt wurde ein Verfahren gemäß der EP 1 356 742 A1 . Diese Schrift betrifft eine Vorrichtung zur Herstellung von gekühlten Getränken oder von "Slush", d.h. einer Mischung aus einem Getränk und Crush-Speiseeis. Zur Herstellung des Getränks aus Wasser und einer Zusatzkomponente sieht diese Schrift mehr im Detail vor, dass die Zusatzkomponente dann zugegeben wird, wenn der Pegel innerhalb des vorgesehenen Mischbehälters einen bestimmten Pegelstand unterschreitet. Diese Vorgehensweise hat u.a. die Nachteile, dass das vorgestellte Verfahren nicht für große Mengenleistungen und/oder eine kontinuierliche Arbeitsweise geeignet ist.The carbonated mixed product or mixed beverage produced with the mixing plant is usually filled into containers or bottles with the aid of a filler. The latter, like the mixing plant, is part of a complete filling line. Due to disturbances in the environment and / or in the system and / or by disruptions of the packaging material (eg bottle breakage, etc.), stops or reduced performance often occur. However, since continuous operation is required for the metering accuracy of mixing and carbonization, known systems for decoupling or buffering between mixing plant and filler require a buffer tank or tank which, in known mixing plants, must have a relatively large volume, for example a volume of up to 1000 liters. Such buffer tanks are usually operated with a highly fluctuating level, so that the mixed product in the buffer tank must be superimposed with a CO2 gas cushion, the pressure of which is higher than the CO2 saturation pressure in the mixed product. With changing filling level it is necessary to replenish or discharge the CO2 gas in the buffer tank concerned, which leads to a high consumption of CO2 gas.
An apparatus and a method for producing mixed products have been characterized by DE 1 213 212 presented. For this purpose, this document provides that the base component, for example water and the additional component, for example syrup, are simultaneously fed to a dosing device, the components arriving in a pre-set, precisely measured quantitative ratio to one another in a mixing vessel. A disadvantage of this approach is that known dosing for the simultaneous feeding of multiple components are complex and expensive, and also generally have only a limited accuracy.
Also known was a system for mixing drinks after the GB 2 404 271 A , This document is concerned with a system for blending soft drinks immediately prior to dispensing of these juice drinks to the end user, which then consumes these drinks usually within a very short time. To this end, this specification provides more detail that a base component, for example, water, and a syrup in a fixed ratio to each other are promoted and mixed exactly when a portion of the mixed beverage to be removed or sold. The disadvantage of this approach is that it is not suitable for systems with large quantities [m 3 / h]. Also known was a method according to the EP 1 356 742 A1 , This document relates to a device for making chilled drinks or "slush", ie a mixture of a drink and crushed ice cream. For the preparation of the drink from water and an additional component, this document provides more detail that the additional component is added when the level falls below a certain water level within the proposed mixing container. This approach has, among other things, the disadvantages that the process presented is not suitable for large quantities and / or a continuous operation.

Eine weiteres, durch die DE 30 24 493 A1 vorgestelltes Verfahren weist im hier interessierenden Rahmen dieselbe Vorgehensweise und somit auch dieselben Nachteile auf.Another, through the DE 30 24 493 A1 The method presented here has the same procedure and thus the same disadvantages in the frame of interest here.

Ebenfalls bekannt wurde ein Verfahren entsprechend der DE 32 24 706 A1 . Diese Schrift sieht vor, dass das fertig ausgemischte Mischprodukt einem Vorratsbehälter zugeführt wird und aus diesem zu einem späteren Zeitpunkt wieder entnommen wird. Diese Vorgehensweise erfordert zwingend einen Mischbehälter, was hohe Kosten verursacht.Also known was a method according to the DE 32 24 706 A1 , This document provides that the ready blended mixed product is supplied to a reservoir and is removed from this at a later date again. This procedure necessarily requires a mixing container, which causes high costs.

Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, ein Verfahren zum Herstellen von Mischprodukten aus wenigstens einer Basiskomponente und aus wenigstens einer Zusatzkomponente aufzuzeigen, welches unter Einhaltung einer hohen Dosiergenauigkeit mit einem reduzierten Steuerungsaufwand und/oder maschinentechnischen Aufwand durchführbar ist. Zur Lösung dieser Aufgabe ist ein Verfahren entsprechend dem Patentanspruch 1 ausgebildet.The object of the invention is to provide a method for producing mixed products of at least one base component and at least one additional component, which can be carried out while maintaining a high dosing accuracy with a reduced control effort and / or mechanical complexity. To solve this problem, a method according to claim 1 is formed.

Das dosierte Zumischen der wenigstens einen vorzugsweise flüssigen Zusatzkomponente zu der wenigstens einen flüssigen Basiskomponente im Mischraum erfolgt in der Weise, dass die Zugabe bzw. Dosierung der wenigstens einen Zusatzkomponente in Abhängigkeit von der Menge des Mischproduktes gesteuert oder geregelt wird, die (Menge) dem Mischraum entnommen wird. Hierbei sind dann bevorzugt Mittel für ein höhenniveau- oder volumengesteuertes Nachführen oder Nachfüllen der wenigstens einen Basiskomponente an den Mischraum vorgesehen, und zwar derart, dass durch dieses Nachführen oder Nachfüllen der wenigstens einen Basiskomponente das von der wenigstens einen Basiskomponente und der wenigstens einen Zusatzkomponente gebildete Gesamtvolumen im Mischraum konstant ist.
Die dosierte Zugabe der wenigstens einen Zusatzkomponente in den Mischraum erfolgt kontinuierlich. Der Mischraum bildet zugleich den Pufferspeicher, aus dem das Mischprodukt dem in der Gesamtanlagen nachfolgenden Füller zugeführt wird; dadurch können der Mischraum und damit auch der von diesem Mischraum gebildete Pufferspeicher oder Puffertank mit reduziertem Volumen ausgeführt werden, beispielsweise mit einem Volumen von lediglich 100 Litern bei einer Nennleistung der Vorrichtung bzw. Mischanlage von 30 m3/h. Allein schon durch das reduzierte Volumen des auch als Puffertank dienenden Mischraumes ergibt sich eine erhebliche Reduzierung der Baugröße einer Mischanlage bzw. Vorrichtung zum Herstellen von Mischprodukten. Somit sind wenigstens zwei Funktionen herkömmlicher Mischanlagen in einem gemeinsamen Funktionsbehälter 2 zusammengefasst, beispielsweise die Funktionen des Entgasens und des anschließenden Karbonisierens der wenigstens einen Basiskomponente. Der Funktionsbehälter 2 bzw. ein in diesem gebildeter Funktionsraum 2.3 dient dann erfindungsgemäss als kombinierter Mischraum und Puffertank.The metered mixing of the at least one preferably liquid additive component to the at least one liquid base component in the mixing chamber takes place in such a way that the addition or metering of the at least one additional component is controlled or regulated as a function of the amount of the mixed product, the (amount) the mixing chamber is removed. In this case, means are preferably provided for a height-level or volume-controlled tracking or refilling of the at least one base component to the mixing space, in such a way that by this tracking or refilling of the at least one base component of the at least one base component and the at least one additional component formed total volume is constant in the mixing room.
The metered addition of at least one additional component in the mixing chamber is carried out continuously. The mixing chamber also forms the buffer memory, from which the mixed product is fed to the following in the overall systems filler; As a result, the mixing chamber and thus also the buffer tank or buffer tank formed by this mixing chamber can be designed with reduced volume, for example with a volume of only 100 liters at a rated output of the device or mixing plant of 30 m 3 / h. Alone by the reduced volume of serving as a buffer tank mixing chamber results in a significant reduction in the size of a mixing plant or apparatus for producing mixed products. Thus, at least two functions of conventional mixing plants are combined in a common functional container 2, for example the functions of degassing and the subsequent carbonizing of the at least one base component. The functional container 2 or a functional space 2.3 formed in it then serves according to the invention as a combined mixing chamber and buffer tank.

Das höhenniveau- oder volumengesteuerte Nachführen der wenigstens einen Basiskomponente in den Mischraum erfolgt im einfachsten Fall dadurch, dass der Mischraum an wenigstens einem Mischraumeinlass für die wenigstens eine Basiskomponente ein füllhöhen-bestimmendes Element aufweist, beispielsweise in Form eines Überlaufs, und dass Mittel vorgesehen sind, um den Mischraumeinlass während des Betriebes der Mischanlage oder Vorrichtung ständig mit der wenigstens einen Basiskomponente zu überströmen.The height-level or volume-controlled tracking of the at least one base component into the mixing chamber is effected in the simplest case by virtue of the mixing chamber having at least one mixing chamber inlet for the at least one base component a filling level determining element, for example in the form of an overflow, and means being provided, to constantly overflow the mixing chamber inlet during operation of the mixing plant or device with the at least one base component.

Die Erfindung wird im Folgenden anhand der Figur, die in einer schematischen Funktionsdarstellung eine Mischanlage gemäß der Erfindung zeigt, näher erläutert.
Die in der Figur allgemein mit 1 bezeichnete Mischanlage oder Vorrichtung dient zum Herstellen eines karbonisierten, d.h. mit Kohlensäure oder CO2-Gas versetzten flüssigen Mischproduktes, Mischgetränks durch Mischen einer flüssigen Haupt- oder Basiskomponente, beispielsweise Wasser, mit wenigstens einer flüssigen Zusatzkomponente, beispielsweise mit einer geschmacksgebenden Zusatzkomponente, z.B. Sirup.
Bei der Vorrichtung 1 sind in dem einzigen Funktionsbehälter 2 sämtliche Funktionen und Komponenten zusammengefasst, die eine Mischanlage üblicherweise aufweist, nämlich die Entgasung bzw. Befreiung der Basiskomponente (z.B. Wasser) von unerwünschten, in dieser Basiskomponente gelösten Frerndgasbestandteilen, die dosierte Zugabe von CO2-Gas an die Basiskomponente, beispielsweise mit einem dem CO2-Sättigungsdruck des Mischproduktes entsprechenden Menge, das dosierte Zuführen der wenigstens einen Zusatzkomponente sowie die Funktion des Pufferspeichers.The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figure, which shows a schematic diagram of a mixing plant according to the invention.
The mixing plant or device generally designated 1 in the figure is used to produce a carbonated, ie mixed with carbon dioxide or CO2 gas liquid mixed product, mixed beverage by mixing a liquid main or base component, for example water, with at least one liquid additive component, for example with a flavoring additive component, eg syrup.
In the device 1, all the functions and components are summarized in the single functional container 2, which usually has a mixing plant, namely the degassing or liberation of the base component (eg water) of unwanted, dissolved in this base component Franntgasbestandteilen, the metered addition of CO2 gas to the base component, for example, with an amount corresponding to the CO2 saturation pressure of the mixed product, the metered feeding the at least one additional component as well as the function of the buffer memory.

Hierfür ist der Innenraum des Funktionsbehälters 2 durch zwei horizontale oder im Wesentlichen horizontale Trennwände 3 und 4 in drei Funktionsräume 2.1 - 23 unterteilt, die in Richtung der vertikalen Achse des Funktionsbehälters 2 aneinander anschließen und von denen in der nachstehend noch näher beschriebenen Weise der oberste Funktionsraum 2.1 im Wesentlichen zur Druckentgasung und zur zumindest teilweisen Karbonisierung der Basiskomponente (z.B. Wasser), der unterste Funktionsraum 2.3 im Wesentlichen als Mischraum zum Mischen der Basiskomponente mit der wenigstens einen Zusatzkomponente sowie zugleich auch als Pufferspeicher und der zwischen den Funktionsräumen 2.1 und 2.3 angeordnete Funktionsraum 2.2 u.a. zur vollständigen Karbonisierung der Basiskomponente auf die CO2-Entkonzentration sowie auch zum gesteuerten Zuführen der Basiskomponente an den Funktionsraum 2.3 dienen.For this purpose, the interior of the functional container 2 is divided by two horizontal or substantially horizontal partitions 3 and 4 in three functional spaces 2.1 - 23, which adjoin one another in the direction of the vertical axis of the functional container 2 and of which in the manner described in more detail below, the uppermost functional space 2.1 substantially for pressure degassing and for at least partial carbonation of the base component (eg water), the lowest functional space 2.3 essentially as a mixing space for mixing the base component with the at least one additional component and at the same time as a buffer memory and the functional space between the functional spaces 2.1 and 2.3 2.2 among others for complete carbonization of the base component on the CO2 concentration and also for the controlled feeding of the base component to the functional space 2.3 serve.

Die Trennwand 4 ist bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform mit einem mittigen Durchlass 5 versehen, der die Funktionsräume 2.2 und 2.3 mit einander verbindet und bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform nach Art eines in den Funktionsraum 2.3 hineinreichenden und Tauchrohres ausgeführt ist. Im Bereich des Funktionsraumes 2.2 ist der Durchlass 5 von einem ringförmigen Überlaufwehr 6 umschlossen, sodass an der Unterseite des Funktionsraumes 2.2, d.h. an der Trennwand 4 zwei Teilräume gebildet sind, und zwar ein äußere ringförmiger Teilraum 2.2.1 zwischen der Innenfläche der Wandung des Funktionsbehälters 2 und dem Überlaufwehr 6 und ein innerer Teilraum 2.2.2, der über den Durchlass 5 mit dem Funktionsraum 2.3 in Verbindung steht.The partition wall 4 is provided in the illustrated embodiment with a central passage 5 which connects the functional spaces 2.2 and 2.3 with each other and in the illustrated embodiment in the manner of extending into the functional space 2.3 and dip tube is executed. In the area of the functional space 2.2, the passage 5 is enclosed by an annular overflow weir 6, so that at the bottom of the functional space 2.2, i. on the partition wall 4 two subspaces are formed, namely an outer annular subspace 2.2.1 between the inner surface of the wall of the functional container 2 and the overflow weir 6 and an inner subspace 2.2.2, which communicates via the passage 5 with the functional space 2.3 ,

Im Funktionsraum 2.1 sind mit Abstand sowohl von der diesen Funktionsraum 2.1 unten begrenzenden Trennwand 3 als auch mit Abstand von der Oberseite des Funktionsbehälters 2 mehrere Düsen 7 angeordnet, die über eine Leitung 8 mit Steuerventil 9 an eine nicht dargestellte Quelle zum Bereitstellen der flüssigen Basiskomponente angeschlossen sind. Die Düsen 7 sind so angeordnet und ausgebildet, dass bei geöffnetem Steuerventil 9 die Basiskomponente aus den Düsen 7 fein versprüht in vertikaler Richtung nach oben austritt und dann auf die Trennwand 3 zurückfällt, die bei der dargestellten Ausführungsform am Randbereich 3.1, d.h. in der Nähe der Wandung des Funktionsbehälters 2 als Lochblech oder -boden mit einer Vielzahl von Öffnungen und in ihrem mittleren Bereich 3.2 als geschlossene Wandung bzw. als geschlossener Boden ausgebildet ist.In the functional space 2.1, a plurality of nozzles 7, which are connected via a line 8 with a control valve 9 to a source (not shown) for providing the liquid base component, are arranged both at a distance from the partition wall 3 delimiting the functional space 2.1 below and at a distance from the top side of the functional tank 2 are. The nozzles 7 are arranged and designed that when the control valve 9 is open, the base component from the nozzles 7 exudes fine sprayed upward in the vertical direction and then falls back on the partition wall 3, which in the illustrated embodiment at the edge region 3.1, ie in the vicinity of the wall of the functional container 2 as a perforated plate or bottom is formed with a plurality of openings and in its central region 3.2 as a closed wall or as a closed bottom.

In den Funktionsraum 2.2 mündet eine Leitung 10, die im Inneren des Funktionsraumes 2.2 mit wenigstens einer Düse 11 versehen ist, welche sich mit Abstand Oberhalb des Überlaufwehres 6 und oberhalb des Teilraumes 2.2.2 sowie mit Abstand unterhalb des als Prallblech ausgebildeten Abschnittes 3.2 der Trennwand 3 befindet. Die Düse 11 ist so ausgebildet und angeordnet, dass der aus dieser Düse austretenden Düsenstrahl in vertikaler Richtung nach oben, d.h. auf den als Prallwand dienenden Abschnitt 3.2 gerichtet ist. Die Leitung 10 ist über ein Steuerventil 12 mit einer nicht dargestellten Quelle verbunden, die das CO2-Gas unter Druck bereitstellt. Das Steuerventil 12 wird so gesteuert, dass der Gasdruck innerhalb des Funktionsbehälters 2 und dabei insbesondere auch innerhalb der Funktionsräume 2.1 und 2.2 der CO2-Konzentration im hergestellten Mischprodukt entspricht und zwar u.a. auch unter Berücksichtigung weiterer Parameter, wie z.B. der Temperatur des Mischproduktes, Dosierung oder Rezeptur des Mischproduktes usw. Bevorzugt wird das Steuerventil 12 u.a. unter Berücksichtigung von Messsignalen, die an den Funktionsräumen 2.1 und 2.2 vorgesehene Drucksensoren 12.1 und/oder vorgesehene Temperatursensoren 12.2 liefern, so gesteuert, dass der CO2-Druck im Funktionsbehälter 2 so hoch eingestellt ist, dass der gewünschte CO2-Gehalt im Mischprodukt erreicht wird, wobei zu berücksichtigen ist, dass durch das hinzufügen des CO2-freien Sirups eine Reduzierung des CO2-Gehaltes im Fertigprodukt erfolgt.In the functional space 2.2 opens a line 10, which is provided in the interior of the functional space 2.2 with at least one nozzle 11, which at a distance above the overflow weir 6 and above the subspace 2.2.2 and at a distance below the formed as a baffle section 3.2 of the partition 3 is located. The nozzle 11 is formed and arranged so that the nozzle jet issuing from this nozzle is directed vertically upwards, i. directed to the baffle serving section 3.2. The line 10 is connected via a control valve 12 to a source, not shown, which provides the CO2 gas under pressure. The control valve 12 is controlled so that the gas pressure within the functional container 2 and in particular also within the functional spaces 2.1 and 2.2 corresponds to the CO2 concentration in the produced mixed product, namely u.a. also taking into account further parameters, e.g. the temperature of the mixed product, dosage or recipe of the mixed product, etc. Preferably, the control valve 12 is u.a. taking into account measurement signals which provide pressure sensors 12.1 provided on the functional spaces 2.1 and 2.2 and / or provided temperature sensors 12.2, controlled such that the CO 2 pressure in the functional tank 2 is set so high that the desired CO 2 content is achieved in the mixed product, It should be remembered that adding the CO2-free syrup will reduce the CO2 content in the finished product.

An die Leitung 10 ist in Strömungsrichtung des CO2-Gases auf das Steuerventil 12 folgend der Ausgang bzw. die Druckseite einer Pumpe 13 angeschlossen, die mit ihrem Eingang über eine Leitung 14 mit dem Teilraum 2.2.1 verbunden ist.To the line 10, the output or the pressure side of a pump 13 is connected in the flow direction of the CO2 gas to the control valve 12, which is connected to its input via a line 14 to the subspace 2.2.1.

Zur dosierten Zugabe der Zusatzkomponente ist der als Mischerraum und zugleich auch als Pufferspeicher dienende Funktionsraum 2.3 an eine Leitung 15 angeschlossen, in der u.a. ein, von einem geeigneten Messgerät, beispielsweise von einem Durchflussmesser 16 gesteuertes Dosierventil 17 und eine Pumpe zum Zuführen der Zusatzkomponente unter Druck vorgesehen sind. Der Durchflussmesser 16 ist beispielsweise ein magnetisch induktiver Durchflussmesser (MID). Zur Vereinfachung der Dosierung bzw. der Steuerung des Dosierventils 17 ist in den Durchflussmesser 16 bevorzugt eine Dichte-Messung integriert, sodass hierdurch eine Dosierung möglich ist, die u.a. temperatur- und/oder druckunabhängig oder zumindest weitestgehend temperatur- und/oder druckunabhängig ist.
Bei dem Messgerät kann es sich aber beispielsweise auch um einen Massedurchflussmesser (MDM) handeln, durch welchen zwar nicht direkt der Volumenstrom gemessen werden kann, doch durch welchen der Massedurchfluss, die Dichte und auch die Temperatur ermittelt werden können.For metered addition of the additional component serving as a mixing chamber and at the same time as a buffer memory functional space 2.3 is connected to a line 15, in the ua a, controlled by a suitable meter, for example by a flow meter 16 metering valve 17 and a pump for supplying the additional component under pressure are provided. The flow meter 16 is, for example, a magneto-inductive flow meter (MID). In order to simplify the metering or the control of the metering valve 17, a density measurement is preferably integrated into the flowmeter 16, so that a dosage is possible which is, inter alia, independent of temperature and / or pressure or at least largely temperature and / or pressure independent.
However, the measuring device may also be, for example, a mass flow meter (MDM), through which, although not directly the volume flow can be measured, but by which the mass flow, the density and the temperature can be determined.

Der Eingang der Pumpe 18 ist über einen Entlüftungsbehälter 19 (Entlüftungslaterne) mit einer nicht dargestellten Quelle zur Bereitstellung der Zusatzkomponente verbunden. Am Beginn einer jeden Produktionsphase wird der Entlüftungsbehälter 19 über eine Entlüftungsventilanordnung 20 entlüftet, sodass dieser Behälter dann vollständig mit der Zusatzkomponente gefüllt ist und damit insbesondere auch eine Pufferung der Zusatzkomponente in dem Entlüftungsbehälter 19 durch ein unter Druck stehendes Inertgas-Gaspuffer, beispielsweise CO2-Gaspuffer nicht erforderlich ist, was wesentlich zur Reduzierung des Inertgas- oder CO2-Gasverbrauchs beiträgt.The input of the pump 18 is connected via a vent tank 19 (vent lantern) to a source, not shown, for providing the additional component. At the beginning of each production phase, the vent tank 19 is vented via a vent valve assembly 20, so that this container is then completely filled with the additional component and thus in particular a buffering of the additional component in the vent tank 19 by a pressurized inert gas buffer, such as CO2 gas buffer is not required, which contributes significantly to the reduction of inert gas or CO2 gas consumption.

An den Boden des Funktionsraumes 2.3, in welchem auch wenigstens ein nicht dargestelltes Mischelement vorgesehen ist, ist eine Produktleitung 21 mit Pumpe 22 und Durchflussmesser 23 angeschlossen, über die (Produktleitung) die Vorrichtung 1 mit einer nicht dargestellten Füllmaschine zum Füllen von Flaschen oder anderen Behältern mit dem Mischprodukt verbunden ist. Zwischen dem Ausgang der Pumpe 22 und dem Durchflussmesser 23 ist an die Produktleitung 21 eine Rückführleitung 24 angeschlossen, sodass unabhängig von der jeweils aktuellen, an die Füllmaschine geförderten und von dem Durchflussmesser 23 erfassten Menge des Mischproduktes die Pumpe 22 beispielsweise mit konstanter Förderleistung betrieben werden kann. Der Durchflussmesser 23 ist beispielsweise ein magnetisch induktiver Durchflussmesser (MID) und ist selbstverständlich auch so ausgebildet, dass mit ihm Phasen mit Stop/Go-Betrieb und/oder mit einer Minderleistung des Füllers fehlerfrei erfasst werden.At the bottom of the functional space 2.3, in which at least one mixing element, not shown, is provided, a product line 21 with pump 22 and flow meter 23 is connected, via the (product line) the device 1 with a filling machine, not shown, for filling bottles or other containers associated with the mixed product. Between the output of the pump 22 and the flow meter 23, a return line 24 is connected to the product line 21, so regardless of the current, to the filling machine promoted and detected by the flow meter 23 amount of the mixed product, the pump 22 can be operated, for example, with a constant flow rate. The flow meter 23 is, for example, a magneto-inductive flow meter (MID) and, of course, is also designed so that phases with stop / go operation and / or with a reduced power of the filler are detected without errors.

Die Arbeitsweise der Vorrichtung 1 lässt sich wie folgt beschreiben:The operation of the device 1 can be described as follows:

In dem Funktionsraum 2.1 erfolgt, wie bereits ausgeführt, das Entgasen sowie gleichzeitig das zumindest teilweise Karbonisieren der Basiskomponente mit beispielsweise 80 - 90 % der CO2-Entkonzentration des Mischproduktes. Ebenso wie der restliche Innenraum des Funktionsbehälters 2 ist hierfür auch der Funktionsraum 2.1 mit dem erforderlichen CO2-Gas-Druck beaufschlagt, und zwar gesteuert durch das Steuerventil 12.In the functional space 2.1 takes place, as already stated, the degassing and at the same time at least partially carbonizing the base component with, for example, 80-90% of the CO2 concentration of the mixed product. As well as the remaining interior of the functional container 2, the functional space 2.1 is charged with the required CO2 gas pressure for this purpose, specifically controlled by the control valve 12.

Über die Düsen 7 wird die Basiskomponente nach oben in Richtung zur Decke bzw. in Richtung zur oberen Begrenzung des Funktionsbehälters 2 hin ausgesprüht und regnet dann zurück auf den von der Trennwand 3 gebildeten Boden des Funktionsraumes 2.1. Hierbei erfolgt eine Druckentgasung der Basiskomponente durch Diffusion sowie zugleich auch die Karbonisierung der Basiskomponente. Diese steht dabei im Gleichgewicht mit dem CO2-Gas-Druck im Funktionsraum 2.1 (CO2-Druck gleich Sättigungsdruck). Durch das Versprühen der Basiskomponente aus den Düsen 7 nach oben und durch das Zuruckregnen der versprühten Basiskomponente von oben nach unten wird die Höhe des Funktionsraumes 2.1 doppelt genutzt, was zu einer Verlängerung der Verweilzeit der versprühten Basiskomponente im Funktionsraum 2.1 und auch zu einer Vergrößerung der Austauschoberfläche zwischen der Basiskomponente und dem CO2-Gas im Funktionsraum 2.1 führt. Der Fremdgasanteil in der Basiskomponente beträgt nach der Behandlung noch etwa 10 % oder weniger.Via the nozzles 7, the base component is sprayed upwards in the direction of the ceiling or in the direction of the upper boundary of the functional container 2 and then rains back onto the bottom of the functional space 2.1 formed by the partition wall 3. In this case, a pressure degassing of the base component takes place by diffusion and at the same time also the carbonization of the base component. This is in equilibrium with the CO2-gas pressure in the function room 2.1 (CO2 pressure equal to saturation pressure). By spraying the base component from the nozzles 7 upwards and by the back raining of the sprayed base component from top to bottom, the height of the functional space 2.1 is used twice, resulting in an extension of the residence time of the sprayed base component in the functional space 2.1 and also to an increase in the exchange surface between the base component and the CO2 gas in the function room 2.1 leads. The foreign gas content in the base component is still about 10% or less after the treatment.

Die entgaste und karbonisierte Basiskomponente staut sich auf der Trennwand 3 auf und gelangt dann durch die Öffnungen Trennwandabschnitts 3.1 in den Funktionsraum 2.2, und zwar in den dortigen unterhalb des Trennwandabschnitts 3.1 angeordneten Teilraum 2.2.1. In diesem Teilraum 2.2.1 ist wenigstens ein das Steuerventil 9 steuernder Füllhöhensensor 9.1 vorgesehen, der beispielsweise von einer Min/Max-Sonde gebildet ist und der den Flüssigkeitsspiegel im Teilraum 2.2.1 derart steuert, dass das Niveau dieses Flüssigkeitsspiegels sich ständig deutlich unterhalb des oberen Randes des Überlaufwehres 6 befindet.The degassed and carbonized base component builds up on the partition wall 3 and then passes through the openings partition wall section 3.1 in the functional space 2.2, in the local there below the partition wall section 3.1 arranged subspace 2.2.1. In this subspace 2.2.1 at least one control valve 9 controlling filling level sensor 9.1 is provided, for example, is formed by a min / max probe and controls the liquid level in the subspace 2.2.1 such that the level of this liquid level is constantly well below the upper edge of the overflow weir 6 is located.

Mit der Pumpe 13, die vorzugsweise während des Betriebes der Vorrichtung 1 mit konstanter Förderleistung V13 betrieben wird, wird ständig die Basiskomponente aus dem Teilraum 2.2.1 über die Leitung 10 an die über dem Teilraum 2.2 angeordnete Düse 11 gefördert, d.h. der Teilraum 2.2.2 und damit der Einlass zu dem Funktionsraum 2.3 werden ständig mit der Basiskomponente überströmt. Gleichzeitig wird die Basiskomponente in der Leitung 10 mit dem über das Steuerventil 12 zugeführten CO2-Gas vermischt, und zwar in der Weise, dass die aus der wenigstens einen Düse 11 nach oben in den Funktionsraum 2.2 und gegen den als Prallwand dienenden Trennwandabschnitt 3.2 ausgebrachte Basiskomponente einen weit über der CO2-Sättigung liegenden CO2-Anteile aufweist, beispielsweise eine CO2-Konzentration von 210 % der CO2-Sättigungskanzentration. Nach dem Austritt der Basiskomponente aus der wenigstens einen Düse 11 wird innerhalb des Funktionsraumes 2.2 überschüssiges CO2-Gas freigesetzt. Dieses freigesetzte bzw. durch "Flashen" frei werdende CO2-Gas des Funktionsraumes 2.2 strömt im Gegenstrom durch den als Lochboden ausgebildeten Trennwandabschnitt 3.1 in den Funktionsraum 2.1. Mit dem fremdgasfreien CO2-Gas-Strom wird also die durch den Trennwandabschnitt 3.1 hindurchtretende und im freien Fall nach unten in den Teilraum 2.2.1 fließende Basiskomponente durchperlt, was u.a. zu einer vollständigen Karbonisierung der Basiskomponente führt, sodass diese dann die gewünschte CO2-Entkonzentration, beispielsweise in Form einer 100%igen CO2-Sättigung aufweist. Weiterhin dient das im Funktionsraum 2.2 durch "Flashen" freigesetzte und den Trennwandabschnitt 3.1 durchströmende CO2-Gas selbstverständlich auch dazu, den Funktionsraum 2.1 mit dem erforderlichen CO2-Gas-Druck zu beaufschlagen.With the pump 13, which is preferably operated during operation of the device 1 with a constant delivery rate V13, the base component from the subspace 2.2.1 is constantly conveyed via the line 10 to the nozzle 11 arranged above the subspace 2.2, ie the subspace 2.2. 2 and thus the inlet to the functional space 2.3 are constantly overflowed with the base component. At the same time, the base component in the line 10 is mixed with the CO2 gas supplied via the control valve 12 in such a way that the base component discharged from the at least one nozzle 11 upwards into the functional space 2.2 and against the partition wall section 3.2 serving as the baffle wall CO2 levels far above CO2 saturation, for example a CO2 concentration of 210% of the CO2 saturation concentration. After the exit of the base component from the at least one nozzle 11, excess CO2 gas is released within the functional space 2.2. This released or "flashing" released CO2 gas of the functional space 2.2 flows in countercurrent through the formed as a hole bottom partition wall section 3.1 in the functional space 2.1. With the foreign gas-free CO2 gas stream thus passing through the partition wall section 3.1 and flowing downwards in the free space in the subspace 2.2.1 base component bubbled, which among other things leads to a complete carbonation of the base component, so then this the desired CO2 concentration , for example in the form of a 100% CO2 saturation. Furthermore, the CO2 gas released in the functional space 2.2 by "flashing" and flowing through the partition wall section 3.1 naturally also serves to pressurize the functional space 2.1 with the required CO2 gas pressure.

Hierbei wird der größere Teil des CO2-Gases, welches über den Trennwandabschnitt 3.1 in den Funktionsraum 2.1 gelangt ist, in der vorstehend beschriebenen Weise zur Entgasung und gleichzeitigen Karbonisierung der aus den Düsen 7 ausgebrachten Basiskomponenten verwendet. Ein kleinerer Anteil, beispielsweise 10% dieses CO2-Gases wird über eine an der Oberseite des Funktionsbehälters 2 bzw. des Funktionsraumes 2.1 vorgesehene Ventilanordnung - welche in der Praxis auch als Fremdgasabschnüffelung 25 bezeichnet wird - abgelassen, und zwar zum Abführen der aus der Basiskomponente entfernten Fehlgase.In this case, the greater part of the CO2 gas which has passed into the functional space 2.1 via the dividing wall section 3.1 is used in the manner described above for degassing and simultaneous carbonization of the base components discharged from the nozzles 7. A smaller proportion, for example 10% of this CO 2 gas is discharged via a valve arrangement provided on the upper side of the functional container 2 or the functional space 2.1 - which is also referred to in practice as Fremdgasabschnüffelung 25, namely for discharging the removed from the base component lack gases.

Während des gesamten Betriebes der Vorrichtung 1 ist der Funktionsraum 2.3 immer vollständig mit dem Mischprodukt gefüllt, und zwar derart, dass die Flüssigkeit aus dem Funktionsraum 2.3 durch den Durchlass 5 in den Teilraum 2.2.2 bis an den oberen Rand des Überlaufwehres 6 ansteht. Die Zusatzkomponente wird über das Dosierventil 17 gesteuert durch den Durchflussmesser 16 kontinuierlich zugeführt, und zwar in Abhängigkeit von der dem Funktionsraum 2.3 entnommenen und dem Füller über die Produktleitung 21 zugeführten Menge des Mischproduktes, d.h. in Abhängigkeit von dem Messsignal des Durchflussmessers 23 und in Abhängigkeit von der erforderlichen Dosierung der Zusatzkomponente im Mischprodukt.During the entire operation of the device 1, the functional space 2.3 is always completely filled with the mixed product, in such a way that the liquid from the functional space 2.3 through the passage 5 in the subspace 2.2.2 up to the upper edge of the overflow weir 6. The additional component is supplied via the metering valve 17 controlled by the flow meter 16 continuously, in response to the functional space 2.3 removed and fed to the filler via the product line 21 amount of the mixed product, i. as a function of the measuring signal of the flow meter 23 and as a function of the required dosage of the additional component in the mixed product.

Bei gleichbleibender Rezeptur erfolgt die Dosierung der Zusatzkomponente somit letztlich in Abhängig von der der Vorrichtung 1 über die Produktleitung 21 entnommenen Menge an Mischprodukt.
Dabei wird der als Mischraum und Pufferspeicher dienende Funktionsraum 2.3 ständig mit der Basiskomponente aufgefüllt, und zwar dadurch, dass zumindest der größere Teil der aus der wenigstens einen Düse 11 austretenden Basiskomponente auf die Oberseite des Teilraumes 2.2.2 gelangt.With the same formulation, the dosage of the additional component is thus ultimately in response to the amount of mixed product taken from the device 1 via the product line 21.
In this case, serving as a mixing chamber and buffer memory function space 2.3 is constantly filled with the base component, and in fact that at least the greater part of emerging from the at least one nozzle 11 base component reaches the top of the subspace 2.2.2.

Ist der Flüssigkeitsspiegel im Teilraum 2.2.2 unter das Niveau des oberen Randes des Überlaufwehres 6 abgesunken und damit ein Nachfüllen des Funktionsraumes 2.3 mit der Basiskomponente notwendig, gelangt die in den Teilraum 2.2.2 gelangte Basiskomponente über den Durchlass 5 in den Funktionsraum 2.3.If the liquid level in the subspace 2.2.2 has dropped below the level of the upper edge of the overflow weir 6 and therefore a refilling of the functional space 2.3 with the base component is necessary, the base component that has reached the subspace 2.2.2 passes via the passage 5 into the functional space 2.3.

Ist hingegen der Teilraum 2.2.2 vollständig mit Basiskomponente gefüllt, so strömt die aus der Düse 11 ausgebrachte Basiskomponente über den Rand des Überlaufwehres 6 in den Teilraum 2.1.1 zurück. Ein direktes Vermischen der in den Teilraum 2.2.1 aufgenommenen Basiskomponente mit der Komponente im Teilraum 2.2.2 oder mit dem Mischprodukt im Funktionsraum 2.3 ist durch die Trennwand 4 mit dem Überlaufwehr 6 vermieden.If, on the other hand, the subspace 2.2.2 is completely filled with the base component, then the base component discharged from the nozzle 11 flows back over the edge of the overflow weir 6 into the subspace 2.1.1. A direct mixing of the recorded in the subspace 2.2.1 base component with the component in the subspace 2.2.2 or with the mixed product in the functional space 2.3 is avoided by the partition wall 4 with the overflow weir 6.

Im normalen Betriebszustand jedenfalls wird ein Teil der in den Teilraum 2.2.2 gelangenden Basiskomponente durch den Durchlass 5 in den Funktionsraum 2.3 gelangen, wobei der andere Teil der aus dem Teilraum 2.2.2 in den Teilraum 2.2.1 überströmen wird.In the normal operating state, in any case, a part of the basic component entering the subspace 2.2.2 will pass through the passage 5 into the functional space 2.3, the other part of which will overflow from the subspace 2.2.2 into the subspace 2.2.1.

Um diese Dosierung der Zusatzkomponente allein durch die Steuerung der Zusatzkomponente in Abhängigkeit von der entnommenen Menge des fertigen Mischproduktes zu ermöglichen, weist die Pumpe 13 eine Förderleistung V13 auf, die größer ist als die Förderleistung V22 der Pumpe 22. Unabhängig vom jeweiligen Betriebszustand der Pumpe 22 ist die Förderleistung V13 der Pumpe 13 auf jeden Fall größer als die maximale Förderleistung V22 der Pumpe 22. Hierdurch ist das ständige Überströmen des Teilraumes 2.2.2 bzw. des Überlaufwehres 6 gewährleistet und auch sichergestellt, dass der Teilraum 2.3 ständig einen konstanten Füllstand aufweist und die mit dem fertigen Mischgut über die Produktleitung 21 entnommene Basiskomponente ständig sofort wieder ersetzt wird.In order to enable this dosage of the additional component solely by controlling the additional component as a function of the withdrawn amount of the finished mixed product, the pump 13 has a delivery rate V13 which is greater than the delivery rate V22 of the pump 22. Regardless of the respective operating state of the pump 22nd the delivery rate V13 of the pump 13 is in any case greater than the maximum delivery rate V22 of the pump 22. This ensures the constant overflow of the subspace 2.2.2 or overflow weir 6 and also ensures that the subspace 2.3 constantly has a constant level and the base component removed with the finished mix via the product line 21 is constantly replaced immediately.

Die gesamte Mischanlage ist beispielsweise in einem einzigen Funktionsbehälter 2 zusammengefasst. Der Funktionsraum 2.3 bildet sowohl den Mischbehälter als auch den Pufferspeicher.The entire mixing plant is summarized, for example, in a single functional container 2. The functional space 2.3 forms both the mixing container and the buffer memory.

Durch die erfindungsgemäße Art der Steuerung oder Regelung der Dosierung ist innerhalb der Vorrichtung 1 für die fehlerfreie Funktion der Mischanlage - im Gegensatz zum Stand der Technik - ein kontinuierlicher Volumenstrom nicht erforderlich, sodass im Gegensatz zu bekannten Mischanlagen ein großvolumiger Puffertank zur Sicherstellung eines kontinuierlichen Betriebes der Mischanlage auch bei einem Stop/Go-Betrieb der Füllmaschine nicht erforderlich ist.The inventive type of control or regulation of the dosage is within the apparatus 1 for the correct function of the mixing plant - in contrast to the prior art - a continuous flow is not required, so that in contrast to known mixing plants, a large volume buffer tank to ensure a continuous operation of the mixing plant is not required even in a stop / go operation of the filling machine.

Be einer Nennleistung der Vorrichtung 1 von 30 m3/h ist ein Volumen von nur 100 I für den auch als Pufferspeicher dienenden Funktionsraum 2.3 voll ausreichend.
Ein weiterer Vorteil der Erfindung besteht auch darin, dass durch die beschriebene Ausbildung und Steuerung der Vorrichtung 1 der als Mischbehälter und Pufferspeicher dienende Funktionsraum 2.3 ständig randvoll gefüllt ist und somit eine Überlagerung des Mischprodukts im Funktionsraum 2.3 mit einem CO2-Polster und hieraus resultierende CO2-Verluste und eine eventuell unerwünschte Nachkarbonisierung vermieden sind. Weiterhin besteht die Möglichkeit einer Nachdosierung des im Funktionsraum 2.3 aufgenommenen Mischproduktes durch zusätzliches Einbringen wenigstens einer Zusatzkomponente in diesen Funktionsraum 2.3, um z.B. Fehldosierungen, beispielsweise bedingt durch eine fehlerhafte Konzentration der Zusatzkomponente usw. auszugleichen.Be a nominal capacity of the device 1 of 30 m 3 / h is a volume of only 100 I for the serving as a buffer memory function space 2.3 fully sufficient.
A further advantage of the invention consists in the fact that the functional space 2.3 serving as mixing vessel and buffer storage is constantly filled to the brim by the described design and control of the device 1 and thus a superimposition of the mixed product in the functional space 2.3 with a CO2 cushion and resulting CO2. Losses and any unwanted Nachkarbonisierung are avoided. Furthermore, there is the possibility of a subsequent dosing of recorded in the functional space 2.3 mixed product by additional introduction of at least one additional component in this functional space 2.3, for example, to compensate for incorrect dosing, for example, due to an incorrect concentration of the additional component.

Die Erfindung wurde voranstehend an einem Ausführungsbeispiel beschrieben. Es versteht sich, dass zahlreiche Änderungen sowie Abwandlungen möglich sind, ohne dass dadurch der der Erfindung zugrunde liegende Erfindungsgedanke verlassen wird.The invention has been described above by means of an embodiment. It is understood that numerous changes and modifications are possible without thereby departing from the inventive concept underlying the invention.

So ist es beispielsweise möglich, in der Rückführleitung 24 eine Qualitätsmessung (Brix- oder CO2-Messung usw.) zu integrieren. Weiterhin ist es möglich, die Entgasung und Karbonisierung der Basiskomponente in mehr als einer Stufe durchzuführen, beispielsweise auch in der Form, dass in dem gemeinsamen Funktionsbehälter 2 mehrere dem Funktionsraum 2.1 entsprechende Funktionsräume vorgesehen sind, und zwar hinsichtlich ihrer Funktion kaskadenartig aufeinander folgend derart, dass die in einem ersten Funktionsraum entgaste und zumindest teilkarbonisierte Basiskomponente in einem weiteren Funktionsraum nochmals entgast und nachkarbonisiert wird usw. Weiterhin ist es selbstverständlich auch möglich, zumindest die Entgasung, ggf. auch die Entgasung und Vorkarbonisierung der Basiskomponente in einer zusätzlichen Anlage vorzunehmen.For example, it is possible to integrate a quality measurement (Brix or CO2 measurement, etc.) in the return line 24. Furthermore, it is possible to carry out the degasification and carbonization of the base component in more than one stage, for example, in the form that in the common functional container 2 a plurality of the function space 2.1 corresponding functional spaces are provided, namely in terms of their function cascade successively such that The degassed in a first functional space and at least partially carbonated base component is degassed in a further functional space again and nachkarbonisiert etc. Furthermore, it is of course also possible to make at least the degassing, possibly also the degassing and Vorkarbonisierung the base component in an additional system.

Vorstehend wurde davon ausgegangen, dass die Entgasung der Basiskomponente durch eine ein- oder mehrstufige Druckentgasung erfolgt. Selbstverständlich ist bei der erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung oder Mischanlage auch eine Vakuumentgasung möglich.
Vorstehend wurde weiterhin davon ausgegangen, dass der Basiskomponente nur eine Zusatzkomponente beigemischt wird. Selbstverständlich kann die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung auch zur Beimischung von zwei oder mehr als zwei, auch unterschiedlichen Zusatzkomponenten zu wenigstens einer Basiskomponente ausgebildet sein, wobei aber allen Ausführungen gemeinsam ist, dass die Dosierung der wenigstens einen flüssigen Zusatzkomponente zu der wenigstens einen Basiskomponente in Abhängigkeit von der entnommenen Menge des Mischproduktes erfolgt.It was assumed above that the degassing of the base component takes place by means of a one-stage or multistage pressure degassing. Of course, in the apparatus or mixing apparatus according to the invention also a vacuum degassing is possible.
It was also assumed above that only one additional component is added to the base component. Of course, the device according to the invention can also be designed for admixing two or more than two, also different additional components to at least one base component, but all versions have in common that the dosage of at least one additional liquid component to the at least one base component depending on the removed Amount of the mixed product is done.

Es stellt einen wesentlichen Vorteil des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens dar, dass das Mischprodukt nach seiner Herstellung nicht in einem Puffertank zwischen gespeichert werden muss, da es durch die Anwendung der Erfindungsgemäßen Lehre nunmehr ermöglicht wird, das Mischprodukt kontinuierlich auch mit schwankender Menge je Zeiteinheit herzustellen.
Ein weiterer wesentlicher Vorteil des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens besteht darin, dass es nunmehr nicht mehr notwendig ist, das Mischprodukt nach dessen Herstellung mit einem CO2-Gaspolster zu beaufschlagen, dessen Druck höher ist als der CO2-Sättigungsdruck im Mischprodukt. Dieses ist bedingt durch die nunmehr ermöglichte, kontinuierlich Herstellung des Mischproduktes auch mit schwankender Menge je Zeiteinheit, wodurch ein Puffern in einem Puffertank erübrigt wird. Durch diese erfindungsgemäße Vorgehensweise ergibt wird der Verbrauch an CO2-Gas erheblich gesenkt.It is a significant advantage of the method according to the invention that the mixed product after its preparation does not have to be stored in a buffer tank, since it is now possible by the application of the teaching according to the invention to produce the mixed product continuously with varying amount per unit time.
Another essential advantage of the method according to the invention is that it is no longer necessary to pressurize the mixed product after its production with a CO2 gas cushion, the pressure of which is higher than the CO2 saturation pressure in the mixed product. This is due to the now made possible, continuously producing the mixed product even with fluctuating amount per unit time, whereby a buffering in a buffer tank is unnecessary. By this procedure according to the invention, the consumption of CO2 gas is significantly reduced.

BezugszeichenlisteLIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
Mischanlagen oder VorrichtungMixing equipment or device
22
FunktionsbahälterFunktionsbahälter
2.1 - 2.32.1 - 2.3
Funktionsraumfunction room
2.2.1, 2.2.22.2.1, 2.2.2
Teilraumsubspace
3, 43, 4
Trennwandpartition wall
3.1, 3.23.1, 3.2
Trennwandabschnittpartition section
55
Durchlasspassage
66
ÜberlaufwehrOverflow weir
77
Düsejet
88th
Leitungmanagement
99
Steuerventilcontrol valve
9.19.1
Füllstandsensorlevel sensor
1010
Leitungmanagement
1111
Düsejet
1212
Steuerventilcontrol valve
12.112.1
Drucksensorpressure sensor
12.212.2
Temperatursensortemperature sensor
1313
Pumpepump
1414
Leitungmanagement
1515
Leitungmanagement
1616
DurchflussmesserFlowmeter
1717
Dosierventilmetering valve
1818
Pumpepump
1919
Entlüftungsbehälter oder -laterneVent tank or lantern
2020
Entlüftungseinrichtungvent
2121
Produktleitungproduct line
2222
Pumpepump
2323
DurchflussmesserFlowmeter
2424
Druckleitungpressure line
2525
FremdgasabschnüffelungFremdgasabschnüffelung

Claims (4)

  1. Method for the continuous production of a liquid mixed product from at least one liquid base component and at least one liquid additive component, which is added to the base component in a metered manner by means of a mixing system, wherein the mixed product is delivered by way of a product line (21), connected to the base of the function chamber (2.3), in which at least one mixing element is provided, with a pump (22) and a flowmeter (23), to a filling machine for the filling of bottles or other containers with this mixed product, wherein the function chamber (2.3) serves as a mixing chamber and simultaneously also as a buffer storage space, wherein the filling machine and the mixing system are constituent parts of a complete filling line, wherein the metered delivery of the at least one liquid additive component to the base component takes place depending on the amount of the mixed product removed from the mixing chamber of the function chamber (2.3), and wherein the metered delivery of the at least one liquid additive component into the mixing chamber of the function chamber (2.3) takes place continuously.
  2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one base component is delivered to the mixing chamber of the function chamber (2.3) in a volume-controlled and/or height level-controlled manner, in such a way that the volume of the base component and of the at least one additive component removed from the mixing chamber of the function chamber (2.3) is constant, and/or the quantity subsequently filled into the mixing chamber of the function chamber (2.3) of the at least one base component is equal to the portion of the at least one base component in the mixing product removed from the mixing chamber of the function chamber (2.3).
  3. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the subsequent filling of the at least one base component takes place by way of a mixing chamber inlet (2.2.2, 5), comprising an overflow (6), of the mixing chamber of the function chamber (2.3).
  4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the mixed product, after its production, is not subjected to a CO2 gas cushion, the pressure of which is higher than the CO2 saturation pressure in the mixed product.
EP10754688.9A 2009-11-24 2010-09-07 Method for producing a mixed product, particularly a beverage Active EP2504084B1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL10754688T PL2504084T3 (en) 2009-11-24 2010-09-07 Method for producing a mixed product, particularly a beverage
SI201031530T SI2504084T1 (en) 2009-11-24 2010-09-07 Method for producing a mixed product, particularly a beverage

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102009054313A DE102009054313A1 (en) 2009-11-24 2009-11-24 Method and device for producing a mixed product, in particular mixed beverage
PCT/EP2010/005477 WO2011063867A2 (en) 2009-11-24 2010-09-07 Method and device for producing a mixed product, in particular a mixed beverage

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2504084A2 EP2504084A2 (en) 2012-10-03
EP2504084B1 true EP2504084B1 (en) 2017-08-23

Family

ID=43216220

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10754688.9A Active EP2504084B1 (en) 2009-11-24 2010-09-07 Method for producing a mixed product, particularly a beverage

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US8968812B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2504084B1 (en)
DE (1) DE102009054313A1 (en)
PL (1) PL2504084T3 (en)
SI (1) SI2504084T1 (en)
WO (1) WO2011063867A2 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DK2537793T3 (en) 2011-06-22 2017-09-11 Skånemejerier Ab New method of filling and apparatus therefor

Citations (6)

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DE3024493A1 (en) * 1980-06-28 1982-02-04 Füllpack Dipl.Brauerei-Ing. Dieter Wieland, 4000 Düsseldorf Controlling addn. of gas or liq. to drink - by balancing double system responsive to property changes
DE3224706A1 (en) * 1982-07-02 1984-01-05 Füllpack Dipl.Brauerei-Ing. Dieter Wieland, 4000 Düsseldorf METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ALCOHOL-FREE, PARTICULARLY CARBONATED SOFT DRINKS, AND DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE METHOD
US5624182A (en) * 1989-08-02 1997-04-29 Stewart & Stevenson Services, Inc. Automatic cementing system with improved density control
EP1356742A1 (en) * 2002-04-24 2003-10-29 ALI S.p.A. Divisione GBG An autofill device applicable to the mixing bowl of a slush or chilled beverages dispenser
US7250464B2 (en) * 2000-02-18 2007-07-31 Rohm And Haas Company Distributed paint manufacturing system
US20090236007A1 (en) * 2006-09-27 2009-09-24 Ludwig Clusserath Method and apparatus for filling beverage bottles, in a beverage bottling plant, with a beverage material comprising a carbonated water component and a liquid flavoring component, and method and apparatus for filling containers, in a container filling plant, with a material comprising a first ingredient and a second ingredient

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US1373817A (en) * 1918-07-24 1921-04-05 Humphrey David Apparatus for bottling carbonated liquids
US2747782A (en) * 1951-06-09 1956-05-29 Jack J Booth Machine for vending beverage in cups
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DE1213212B (en) * 1960-06-09 1966-03-24 Enzinger Union Werke Ag Process and device for the continuous production of carbonated beverages
US4076145A (en) * 1976-08-09 1978-02-28 The Cornelius Company Method and apparatus for dispensing a beverage
DE9115831U1 (en) * 1991-12-17 1992-03-19 Mette, Manfred, Dr.-Ing., 2000 Hamburg Containers for deaeration and carbonation systems
US5564601A (en) * 1994-12-05 1996-10-15 Cleland; Robert K. Beverage dispensing machine with improved liquid chiller
IL119044A (en) * 1996-08-08 2004-09-27 Shemuel Amitai Water carbonating device
US6374845B1 (en) * 1999-05-03 2002-04-23 Texas Instruments Incorporated System and method for sensing and controlling beverage quality
GB0314651D0 (en) 2003-06-24 2003-07-30 Britvic Soft Drinks Ltd Beverage dispense
WO2010017280A1 (en) 2008-08-05 2010-02-11 Techni-Blend, Inc. Blending system

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3024493A1 (en) * 1980-06-28 1982-02-04 Füllpack Dipl.Brauerei-Ing. Dieter Wieland, 4000 Düsseldorf Controlling addn. of gas or liq. to drink - by balancing double system responsive to property changes
DE3224706A1 (en) * 1982-07-02 1984-01-05 Füllpack Dipl.Brauerei-Ing. Dieter Wieland, 4000 Düsseldorf METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ALCOHOL-FREE, PARTICULARLY CARBONATED SOFT DRINKS, AND DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING THE METHOD
US5624182A (en) * 1989-08-02 1997-04-29 Stewart & Stevenson Services, Inc. Automatic cementing system with improved density control
US7250464B2 (en) * 2000-02-18 2007-07-31 Rohm And Haas Company Distributed paint manufacturing system
EP1356742A1 (en) * 2002-04-24 2003-10-29 ALI S.p.A. Divisione GBG An autofill device applicable to the mixing bowl of a slush or chilled beverages dispenser
US20090236007A1 (en) * 2006-09-27 2009-09-24 Ludwig Clusserath Method and apparatus for filling beverage bottles, in a beverage bottling plant, with a beverage material comprising a carbonated water component and a liquid flavoring component, and method and apparatus for filling containers, in a container filling plant, with a material comprising a first ingredient and a second ingredient

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
PL2504084T3 (en) 2018-02-28
US20120174796A1 (en) 2012-07-12
WO2011063867A3 (en) 2011-07-21
DE102009054313A1 (en) 2011-05-26
EP2504084A2 (en) 2012-10-03
WO2011063867A2 (en) 2011-06-03
SI2504084T1 (en) 2017-10-30
US8968812B2 (en) 2015-03-03

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