EP3019438B1 - Système de distribution de boissons refroidies avec gazéificateur, et méthode - Google Patents

Système de distribution de boissons refroidies avec gazéificateur, et méthode Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3019438B1
EP3019438B1 EP14750598.6A EP14750598A EP3019438B1 EP 3019438 B1 EP3019438 B1 EP 3019438B1 EP 14750598 A EP14750598 A EP 14750598A EP 3019438 B1 EP3019438 B1 EP 3019438B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
temperature
fluid
dispense
predetermined
beverage
Prior art date
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Application number
EP14750598.6A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP3019438A1 (fr
Inventor
Barry JOHN
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Britvic Soft Drinks Ltd
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Britvic Soft Drinks Ltd
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Publication of EP3019438A1 publication Critical patent/EP3019438A1/fr
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/0015—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components
    • B67D1/0021—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers
    • B67D1/0022—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed
    • B67D1/0034—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed for controlling the amount of each component
    • B67D1/0035—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed for controlling the amount of each component the controls being based on the same metering technics
    • B67D1/0037—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed for controlling the amount of each component the controls being based on the same metering technics based on volumetric dosing
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/0015—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components
    • B67D1/0021—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers
    • B67D1/0022—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed
    • B67D1/0027—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed control of the amount of one component, the amount of the other components(s) being dependent on that control
    • B67D1/0029—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed control of the amount of one component, the amount of the other components(s) being dependent on that control based on volumetric dosing
    • B67D1/003—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed control of the amount of one component, the amount of the other components(s) being dependent on that control based on volumetric dosing by means of a dosing chamber
    • B67D1/0031—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught the beverage being prepared by mixing at least two liquid components the components being mixed at the time of dispensing, i.e. post-mix dispensers the apparatus comprising means for automatically controlling the amount to be dispensed control of the amount of one component, the amount of the other components(s) being dependent on that control based on volumetric dosing by means of a dosing chamber in the form of a metering pump
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/0042—Details of specific parts of the dispensers
    • B67D1/0057—Carbonators
    • B67D1/0061—Carbonators with cooling means
    • B67D1/0066—Carbonators with cooling means outside the carbonator
    • B67D1/0067—Cooling coil
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0857—Cooling arrangements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0857—Cooling arrangements
    • B67D1/0858—Cooling arrangements using compression systems
    • B67D1/0861—Cooling arrangements using compression systems the evaporator acting through an intermediate heat transfer means
    • B67D1/0865—Cooling arrangements using compression systems the evaporator acting through an intermediate heat transfer means by circulating a cooling fluid along beverage supply lines, e.g. pythons
    • B67D1/0867—Cooling arrangements using compression systems the evaporator acting through an intermediate heat transfer means by circulating a cooling fluid along beverage supply lines, e.g. pythons the cooling fluid being a liquid
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0857—Cooling arrangements
    • B67D1/0869—Cooling arrangements using solid state elements, e.g. Peltier cells
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/0878—Safety, warning or controlling devices
    • B67D1/0882—Devices for controlling the dispensing conditions
    • B67D1/0884—Means for controlling the parameters of the state of the liquid to be dispensed, e.g. temperature, pressure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
    • B67D1/1284—Ratio control
    • B67D1/1286—Ratio control by mechanical construction
    • B67D1/1288—Multi-chamber piston pumps
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
    • B67D2210/00028—Constructional details
    • B67D2210/00099—Temperature control
    • B67D2210/00104—Cooling only

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to beverage dispense systems and methods.
  • the invention relates to systems and methods for mixing two or more fluids in a predetermined ratio and dispensing a beverage.
  • the invention has particular application to the dispense of carbonated, non-frozen beverages, in particular soft drinks, e.g. colas, lemonades or the like, formed by mixing a diluent with a concentrate.
  • US2007/0114243 , GB2404371 and EP1 876 137 A1 disclose a beverage dispensing system comprising a source of a first fluid, a source of a second fluid, a control unit for measuring and mixing the first and second fluids in a predetermined ratio to produce a beverage for dispense, the control unit including measuring means for delivering the first and second fluids to blending means for mixing the first and second fluids in the predetermined ratio, and supply means for supplying the beverage to dispense means for dispensing the beverage.
  • a first aspect of the invention provides a beverage dispense system for dispensing a carbonated non-frozen beverage comprising:
  • Mixing the first fluid and the second fluid at ambient temperature may generally result in good mixing being achieved. Also, by carbonating the mixed fluid, the carbonation level of the dispensed beverage may be enhanced by absorption of carbon dioxide in both the first fluid and the second fluid.
  • the applicant has found that at ambient temperature, in particular at high ambient temperatures, there can be problems with carbonation.
  • the carbon dioxide may not be taken in to solution and/or can come out of solution at typical system pressures (around 3.4 to 3.8 Bar (50 to 55 psi)), which can adversely affect the quality of the dispensed beverage.
  • Such problems may not occur if/when carbonation is carried out in a relatively cool environment such as a cellar or an air-conditioned room, but will be encountered in warmer locations.
  • the present invention may allow for the dispense of a consistently high quality carbonated non-frozen beverage even in locations where the ambient temperature is high (e.g. above 20°C) and/or variable. Typically, it is found that more carbon dioxide breaks out of solution at higher temperatures.
  • the ambient temperature may be above 20°C.
  • the ambient temperature may be 24°C, 25°C or more or 30°C or more.
  • the predetermined carbonation temperature may be selected for efficient take-up of carbon dioxide and/or to minimise the possibility of carbon dioxide coming out of solution, which can cause problems.
  • the predetermined carbonation temperature may be from 8°C to 15°C, e.g. from 10°C to 12°C.
  • the predetermined dispense temperature may be more than 0°C and no more than 5°C. Typically, the predetermined dispense temperature may be around 3°C.
  • the carbonated non-frozen beverage may be a soft drink.
  • the carbonated non-frozen beverage may be a cola, a lemonade or a carbonated fruit-flavoured drink.
  • the first fluid may be water, e.g. from a mains water supply.
  • the second fluid may be a concentrate, e.g. a syrup.
  • the predetermined ratio of the first fluid to the second fluid may be from no less than 2:1 and/or up to 15:1 by volume, e.g. from 2:1 to 12:1 by volume or from 3:1 to 7:1 by volume or from 4:1 to 6:1 by volume. In an embodiment, the predetermined ratio may be no less than 4:1 and/or no more than 6:1.
  • the predetermined ratio of the first fluid to the second fluid may be 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, 9:1, 10:1, 11:1 or 12:1. Alternatively, the predetermined ratio may be 5.7:1 or 7.5:1.
  • the metering and mixing module may comprise a volumetric pump configured to meter the first fluid and the second fluid into the blending device in the predetermined ratio.
  • the volumetric pump may comprise a fluid powered proportioning pump.
  • the carbonation module may comprise one or more carbonation bowls.
  • the or each carbonation bowl may be made from stainless steel.
  • the mixed fluid may be carbonated to 3.5 to 4.5 volumes.
  • the first temperature regulating device and/or the second temperature regulating device may comprise a fluid recirculation cooler.
  • the first temperature regulating device may be linked to the second temperature regulating device.
  • the first temperature regulating device and the second temperature regulating device may receive coolant from a common source of coolant.
  • the first temperature regulating device and the second temperature regulating device may be arranged such that at least a portion of a coolant stream passes, in use, through the first temperature regulating device and through the second temperature regulating device.
  • the first temperature regulating device may be controllable in response to changes in the ambient temperature, in order to ensure that carbonation is carried out at or close to the predetermined carbonation temperature.
  • a second aspect of the invention provides a method of dispensing a carbonated non-frozen beverage comprising:
  • the carbonated non-frozen beverage may be a soft drink.
  • the carbonated non-frozen beverage may be a cola, a lemonade or a carbonated fruit-flavoured drink.
  • the first fluid may be water, e.g. from a mains water supply.
  • the second fluid may be a concentrate, e.g. a syrup.
  • the predetermined ratio of the first fluid to the second fluid may be from no less than 2:1 and/or up to 15:1 by volume, e.g. from 2:1 to 12:1 by volume or from 3:1 to 7:1 by volume or from 4:1 to 6:1 by volume. In an embodiment, the predetermined ratio may be no less than 4:1 and/or no more than 6:1.
  • the predetermined ratio of the first fluid to the second fluid may be 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, 9:1, 10:1, 11:1 or 12:1. Alternatively, the predetermined ratio may be 5.7:1 or 7.5:1.
  • the ambient temperature may be above 20°C.
  • the ambient temperature may be 24°C, 25°C or more or 30°C or more.
  • the predetermined carbonation temperature may be selected for efficient take-up of carbon dioxide and/or to minimise the possibility of carbon dioxide coming out of solution, which can cause problems.
  • the predetermined carbonation temperature may be from 8°C to 15°C, e.g. from 10°C to 12°C.
  • the predetermined dispense temperature may be more than 0°C and no more than 5°C. Typically, the predetermined dispense temperature may be around 3°C.
  • the carbonated mixed stream may be delivered to the dispense head along a beverage delivery line.
  • the beverage delivery line may be incorporated in a so-called "python" containing a bundle of fluid lines including one or more fluid delivery lines for dispense of beverages and a coolant recirculation line for maintaining the beverage(s) at the desired temperature.
  • the container or vessel may comprise a glass, a cup, a beaker, a mug, a jug or a pitcher.
  • a third aspect of the invention provides use of a beverage dispense system according to the first aspect of the invention to dispense a carbonated non-frozen beverage.
  • a fourth aspect of the invention provides a method of installing a beverage dispense system for dispensing a carbonated non-frozen beverage at a site of use comprising:
  • the site of use may comprise a bar, a pub, a nightclub, a café or a restaurant.
  • a beverage dispense system 1 is shown for dispensing carbonated, non-frozen soft drinks.
  • a source of water 2 which conveniently may be provided by a mains water supply, supplies water to a metering and mixing module 7 via a water line 4.
  • the metering and mixing module 7 comprises a volumetric pump and a blending device.
  • the volumetric pump is configured to meter the water and the concentrate into the blending device in a predetermined ratio, where the water and the concentrate are mixed thoroughly at ambient temperature to form a substantially homogenous mixed fluid.
  • volumetric pump may comprise a fluid powered proportioning pump, e.g. a water powered proportioning pump.
  • the volumetric pump may be configured to meter the water and the concentrate in a 5:1 ratio by volume.
  • Mixing the water and the concentrate at ambient temperature may generally result in good mixing being achieved.
  • the mixed fluid is then supplied at ambient temperature to a carbonation module 8 via a mixed fluid line 9.
  • the carbonation module is connected to a regulated supply of carbon dioxide 10.
  • Carbon dioxide is supplied to the carbonation module 8 via a carbon dioxide supply line 11.
  • the carbonation module 8 contains one or more carbonation bowls, typically made from stainless steel.
  • the carbonation module 8 is cooled by heat exchange with a coolant, e.g. water, circulated through the carbonation module 8, in order to bring the mixed fluid to a predetermined carbonation temperature of 8°C to 15°C, e.g. from 10°C to 12°C.
  • the circulation of coolant to and from the carbonation module 8 is indicated by arrows 12 and 13 respectively.
  • Carbon dioxide is injected in to the mixed fluid at the predetermined carbonation temperature, e.g. via a nozzle (not shown), within the carbonation bowl(s).
  • the mixed fluid is carbonated to 3.5 to 4.5 volumes.
  • the carbonation level of the dispensed beverage may be enhanced by absorption of carbon dioxide in both the water and the concentrate.
  • a carbonated mixed fluid is then supplied to a cooling module 15 via a carbonated mixed fluid supply line 14.
  • the cooling module 15 is configured to cool the carbonated mixed fluid to a predetermined dispense temperature, typically of more than 0°C and no more than 5°C.
  • the cooling module 15 comprises a water recirculation cooler.
  • a coolant e.g. water
  • the circulation of coolant to and from the carbonation module 8 is indicated by arrows 16 and 17 respectively.
  • the carbonated mixed fluid is then delivered at the predetermined dispense temperature to a dispense head 19 via a beverage delivery line 18.
  • the temperature of the fluid within the beverage delivery line is regulated or controlled, e.g. cooled, so that it is maintained at or around the predetermined dispense temperature.
  • beverage delivery line 18 may be incorporated in a so-called "python" containing a bundle of fluid lines including one or more beverage delivery lines for dispense of beverages and a coolant recirculation line for maintaining the beverage(s) at the desired temperature.
  • the dispense head 19 is operable to dispense the carbonated mixed fluid stream as the carbonated non-frozen beverage into a container or vessel, e.g. a glass, cup, beaker, jug or pitcher.
  • the dispense head 19 may comprise a premix tap.
  • the metering and mixing module 7 and the carbonation module 8 may be housed within a control unit 6.
  • the control unit 6 may include means for monitoring throughput of concentrate.
  • the monitoring means may record the throughput for inspection/collection of data for stock control. Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring means may transmit the data for remote monitoring of the unit.
  • the system may be arranged such that the dispense head 19 is located front-of-house at a site of use such as a bar, pub, cafe or restaurant, where it may be seen by potential customers.
  • the dispense head 19 may be shaped to look like a beer tap and may be located on a counter.
  • the other components of the system may generally be located back-of-house, e.g. in non-public areas and/or out of sight from potential customers.
  • the control unit 6 and the carbonation unit 15 may be located behind a bar, under a bar counter or in a backroom or cellar.
  • the source of concentrate 3 may conveniently be located in a backroom or cellar.
  • control unit 6 may house the metering and mixing module 7, the carbonation module 8 and the cooling module 15.
  • the metering and mixing module 7, the carbonation module 8 and the cooling module 15 may each be housed in a separate unit.
  • control unit 6, the metering and mixing module 7, the carbonation module 8 and the cooling module 15 may be powered by mains electricity or by electricity generated on-site, e.g. by a battery or a generator and/or using local and/or renewable energy sources, e.g. solar power or wind power.
  • the beverage dispense system 1 may be configured to deliver more than one type of carbonated, non-frozen soft drink. Accordingly, for example, the beverage dispense system 1 may comprise more than one source of concentrate.
  • beverage dispense system 1 may be configured to deliver a carbonated, non-frozen soft drink to more than one dispense head.
  • a single dispense head may be configured to dispense more than one type of carbonated, non-frozen soft drink.
  • the metering and mixing module 7 may be of any suitable type for measuring and supplying volumes of a diluent, typically water, and concentrate to the blending device in the required ratio for the beverage to-be-dispensed.
  • the metering and mixing module may 7 comprise a ratio pump for both fluids or separate control valves for each fluid.
  • the two fluids may be a diluent and a concentrate for mixing to produce any desired beverage, preferably a carbonated, non-frozen soft drink. In some applications, more than two fluids may be metered and mixed to produce a desired beverage.
  • the concentrate may be supplied as a 12-litre bag-in-a-box. Based on a 5:1 ratio by volume of diluent to concentrate, this could produce 72 litres of non-frozen carbonated beverage.
  • a carbonation module 8' is shown next to a separate cooling module 15'.
  • the cooling module 15' is located downstream of the carbonation module 8' within the beverage dispense system.
  • Figure 2 is intended to illustrate an example of a fluid circulation cooling system for use in a beverage dispense system according to the invention.
  • the carbonation module 8' contains four carbonation bowls 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d, in which, in use, a mixed fluid stream is carbonated at a predetermined carbonation temperature.
  • the four carbonation bowls 21a, 21b, 21c, 21d are located in and surrounded by an insulating block 22.
  • the insulating block 22 has a serpentine heat exchange channel 23 running through it.
  • the cooling module 15' comprises a fluid re-circulation cooler.
  • the fluid may be water.
  • the cooling module 15' is configured to bring, in use, the carbonated mixed fluid stream to the predetermined dispense temperature. Coolant is supplied to the cooling module 15' along coolant supply line 16' and leaves the cooling module 15', following heat exchange within the cooling module 15', along coolant return line 17'.
  • a carbonation coolant supply line 12' branches off from the coolant supply line 16' and leads to the serpentine heat exchange channel 23 located in the insulating block 22. After having passed through the serpentine heat exchange channel 23, coolant returns, in use, to coolant supply channel 16' via a carbonation coolant return line 13'.
  • the carbonation coolant return line 13' rejoins the coolant supply channel 16' downstream of where the carbonation coolant supply line 12' branches off from the coolant supply line 16' and upstream of the cooling module 15'.
  • a flow regulator 20 is provided in the carbonation coolant supply line 12' to regulate the flow of coolant to the carbonation module.
  • the temperature of the mixed fluid being carbonated may be maintained at or close to the predetermined carbonation stream.
  • the amount of cooling required in order to reach the predetermined carbonation temperature will depend on the ambient temperature. The greater the difference between the ambient temperature and the predetermined carbonation temperature, the greater the cooling required.
  • the flow of coolant to the carbonation module may be varied in response to changes in the ambient temperature, in order to ensure that carbonation is carried out at or close to the predetermined carbonation temperature.
  • the fluid circulation cooling system shown in Figure 2 may be thought of as an integrated cooling system, since the system for bringing the fluid stream to the predetermined carbonation temperature is linked to the system for bringing the fluid stream to the predetermined dispense temperature.
  • An advantage of an integrated fluid circulation cooling system is that only one source of coolant may be required.
  • the cooling system need not be integrated, i.e. the cooling system configured to bring the mixed fluid to the predetermined carbonation temperature may be separate from the cooling system configured to bring the carbonated mixed fluid to the predetermined dispense temperature.
  • an integrated cooling system may sometimes be preferred, since it may be more efficient and/or may take up less space at a site-of-use.
  • a beverage dispense system may comprise one or more other cooling systems, e.g. a peltier device, in addition to or instead of the fluid circulation cooling system(s) described above.
  • the invention may have particular application in places where the ambient temperature is high and/or variable.
  • the system according to the invention may dispense consistently good quality beverages independently of where it is installed. In particular, it need not be installed in a temperature controlled environment such as a chilled cellar.
  • the temperature may be controlled such that it is between around 8°C and 12°C. At such temperatures, good absorption of carbon dioxide into the mixed fluid is typically obtained when carbon dioxide is supplied to the carbonator at a pressure of around 50 psi. At higher temperatures, it may be necessary to increase the carbon dioxide pressure to 3.8 Bar (55 psi) or more, in order to realise good carbon dioxide absorption in the mixed fluid. Also, break out of carbon dioxide from solution is more likely to occur at higher temperatures. By bringing the mixed fluid to a predetermined carbonation temperature, the consistency and quality of beverages dispensed may be improved, since the carbon dioxide pressure and the carbonation temperature will be well matched, even in places where the ambient temperature is high and/or variable.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)

Claims (20)

  1. Un système de distribution de boissons (1) servant à distribuer une boisson non-congelée gazeuse, comprenant :
    • un module de mesure et de mélange (7) conçu pour mesurer un premier fluide et un second fluide dans un rapport prédéterminé dans un dispositif de mélange à l'intérieur du module de mesure et de mélange (7), le dispositif de mélange étant conçu pour mélanger le premier fluide et le second fluide ensemble à une température ambiante pour former un fluide mélangé ;
    • un premier dispositif de régulation de température (12, 12', 13, 13') configuré pour amener le fluide mélangé de la température ambiante à une température de carbonatation prédéterminée ;
    • un module de carbonatation (8) conçu pour gazéifier le fluide mélangé à la température de carbonatation prédéterminée pour former un fluide mélangé gazeux ;
    • un second dispositif de régulation de température (15) configuré pour amener le fluide mélangé gazeux à une température de distribution prédéterminée ; et
    • et une tête de distribution (19) conçue pour distribuer le fluide mélangé gazeux à la température de distribution prédéterminée sous forme de boisson non-congelée gazeuse dans un récipient ou réceptacle ;
    dans lequel la température de carbonatation prédéterminée est inférieure à la température ambiante et supérieure à la température de distribution prédéterminée.
  2. Un système de distribution de boissons (1) selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la température de carbonatation prédéterminée est comprise entre 8°C et 15°C.
  3. Un système de distribution de boissons (1) selon la revendication 1 ou la revendication 2, dans lequel la température de distribution prédéterminée est supérieure à 0°C et inférieure à 5°C.
  4. Un système de distribution de boissons (1) selon la revendication 1, la revendication 2 ou la revendication 3, dans lequel le rapport prédéterminé du premier fluide par rapport au second fluide est de 2:1 à 10:1 par volume.
  5. Un dispositif de distribution de boissons (1) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le module de mesure et de mélange comprend une pompe volumétrique.
  6. Un système de distribution de boissons (1) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le premier dispositif de régulation de température (12, 12', 13, 13') et/ou le second dispositif de régulation de température (15) comprend un refroidisseur à recirculation de fluide.
  7. Un système de distribution de boissons (1) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le premier dispositif de régulation de température (12, 12', 13, 13') est lié au second dispositif de régulation de température (15).
  8. Un système de distribution de boissons (1) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le premier dispositif de régulation de température (12, 12', 13, 13') et le second dispositif de régulation de température (15) reçoivent un fluide de refroidissement d'une source commune de fluide de refroidissement.
  9. Un système de distribution de boissons (1) selon la revendication 8, dans lequel le premier dispositif de régulation de température et le second dispositif de régulation de température (15) sont agencés de façon à ce qu'au moins une partie d'un flux de fluide de refroidissement traverse, en cas d'utilisation, le premier dispositif de régulation de température (12, 12', 13, 13') et le second dispositif de régulation de température (15).
  10. Un système de distribution de boissons (1) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le premier dispositif de régulation de température (12, 12', 13, 13') peut être commandé en fonction des changements de température ambiante, de façon à veiller à ce que la carbonatation soit réalisée à une température égale ou proche de la température de carbonatation prédéterminée.
  11. Une méthode de distribution d'une boisson non-congelée gazeuse, comprenant :
    • Le mélange d'un premier fluide et d'un second fluide dans un rapport prédéterminé à température ambiante pour former un flux de fluide mélangé ;
    • La régulation de la température du flux de fluide mélangé de façon à ce que le flux de fluide mélangé soit amené à une température de carbonatation prédéterminée ;
    • La carbonatation du flux de fluide mélangé à la température de carbonatation prédéterminée, de façon à fournir un flux de fluide mélangé gazeux ;
    • La régulation de la température du flux de fluide gazeux de façon à ce que le flux de fluide mélangé gazeux soit amené à une température de distribution prédéterminée ; et
    • la fourniture du flux de fluide mélangé gazeux à la température de distribution prédéterminée à une tête de distribution conçue pour distribuer le flux de fluide mélangé gazeux sous forme de boisson non-congelée gazeuse dans un récipient ou réceptacle ;
    dans laquelle la température de carbonatation prédéterminée est inférieure à la température ambiante et supérieure à la température de distribution prédéterminée.
  12. Une méthode selon la revendication 11, dans laquelle la boisson non-congelée gazeuse est une boisson non alcoolisée.
  13. Une méthode selon la revendication 11 ou la revendication 12, dans laquelle le premier fluide est de l'eau et/ou le second fluide est un concentré.
  14. Une méthode selon la revendication 11, la revendication 12 ou la revendication 13, dans lequel le rapport prédéterminé du premier fluide par rapport au second fluide est de 2:1 à 10:1 par volume.
  15. Une méthode selon l'une des revendications 11 à 14, dans laquelle la température ambiante est supérieure à 20°C.
  16. Une méthode selon l'une des revendications 11 à 15, dans laquelle la température de carbonatation prédéterminée est comprise entre 8°C et 15°C.
  17. Une méthode selon l'une des revendications 11 à 16, dans laquelle la température de distribution prédéterminée est supérieure à 0°C et inférieure à 5°C.
  18. Une méthode selon l'une des revendications 11 à 17, dans laquelle le flux mélangé gazeux est fourni à la tête de distribution en suivant une ligne de distribution de la boisson, la ligne de distribution de la boisson étant optionnellement incorporée à un dispositif appelé " python " contenant un faisceau de lignes de fluide y compris une ou plusieurs lignes de fourniture du fluide pour la distribution des boissons et une ligne de recirculation du fluide de refroidissement pour maintenir la ou les boissons à la température requise.
  19. Utilisation d'un système de distribution des boissons selon l'une des revendications 1 à 10 pour assurer la distribution d'une boisson non-congelée gazeuse.
  20. Une méthode d'installation d'un système de distribution des boissons pour la distribution d'une boisson non-congelée gazeuse sur un site d'utilisation, comprenant :
    • la connexion d'un module de mesure et de mélange à une source d'un premier fluide et une source d'un second fluide, le module de mesure et de mélange étant conçu pour mesurer le premier fluide et le second fluide dans un rapport prédéterminé dans un dispositif de mélange à l'intérieur du module de mesure et de mélange, le dispositif de mélange étant conçu pour mélanger le premier fluide et le second fluide ensemble à une température ambiante pour former un fluide mélangé ;
    • la fourniture d'un premier dispositif de régulation de température en aval du module de mesure et de mélange, le premier dispositif de régulation de température étant configuré pour amener le fluide mélangé de la température ambiante à une température de carbonatation prédéterminée ;
    • la fourniture d'un module de carbonatation conçu pour gazéifier le fluide mélangé à la température de carbonatation prédéterminée pour former un fluide mélangé gazeux ;
    • la fourniture d'un second dispositif de régulation de température en aval du module de carbonatation, le second dispositif de régulation de température étant configuré pour amener le fluide mélangé gazeux à une température de distribution prédéterminée ; et
    • la connexion du second dispositif de régulation de température à une tête de distribution conçue pour distribuer le fluide mélangé gazeux à la température de distribution prédéterminée sous forme de boisson non-congelée gazeuse dans un récipient ou réceptacle ;
    dans laquelle la température de carbonatation prédéterminée est inférieure à la température ambiante et supérieure à la température de distribution prédéterminée.
EP14750598.6A 2013-07-12 2014-07-08 Système de distribution de boissons refroidies avec gazéificateur, et méthode Active EP3019438B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201361845600P 2013-07-12 2013-07-12
PCT/GB2014/052078 WO2015004443A1 (fr) 2013-07-12 2014-07-08 Système de distribution de boisson réfrigérée doté d'un carbonateur, et procédé correspondant

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EP3019438A1 EP3019438A1 (fr) 2016-05-18
EP3019438B1 true EP3019438B1 (fr) 2017-05-17

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CA3079433A1 (fr) * 2017-10-17 2019-04-25 The Coca-Cola Company Ligne de remplissage a grande vitesse flexible pour melanges de conditionnement de boisson personnalises

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GB2247848B (en) * 1990-08-17 1994-05-11 Whitlenge Drink Equipment Ltd Improvements relating to apparatus for dispensing drinks
GB0314651D0 (en) 2003-06-24 2003-07-30 Britvic Soft Drinks Ltd Beverage dispense
US20070114243A1 (en) 2005-11-22 2007-05-24 Britvic Soft Drinks Limited Beverage dispense
GB2446312B (en) * 2006-07-08 2009-02-11 Imi Cornelius Beverage dispense
WO2009043088A1 (fr) * 2007-10-01 2009-04-09 Dorjoviv Pty Ltd Procédé et installation permettant de produire de l'eau gazeuse

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EP3019438A1 (fr) 2016-05-18

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