EP3523237B1 - Method for drawing a carbonated drink, dispenser system for carbonated drinks, and a cartridge unit for same - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for tapping a carbonated beverage, a dispensing system for carbonated beverages and a cartridge unit for a dispensing system for carbonated beverages.

Classic table water devices with mechanical or electromechanical tap are known from the prior art, such as beer dispensing systems in which the flow rate is set by means of a compensator. For example, this is based on what is regarded as generic EP 1926548 shows that the flow rate can also be set using a commercially available volume regulator. However, it has been shown that the sudden expansion to ambient pressure in the flow regulator results in a significant loss of CO ₂ .

The JP 2015 182061 A shows a generic method and the U.S. 2,540,564 A shows a generic dispensing system. Z

The use of filters or terminal filters, which can also be designed as membrane filters, is also known. These filters are used to prevent retrograde contamination of dispensing systems. Since the pressure loss increases with the service life of the filters and thus the flow rate decreases, such filters are now always oversized in such a way that there is no significant reduction in the flow rate during the recommended service life. Compensators are always used for the actual volume control. The pressure loss of the filter and membrane filters used in the prior art approaches zero at the set flow rate and is significantly less than 1 bar.

The object of the present invention is to provide an improved variant of a dispensing system with which both carbonated drinks can be tapped and retrograde contamination of the system is prevented. This object is achieved with a method for tapping a carbonated beverage with the features of claim 1, a dispensing system for carbonated beverages with the features of claim 8 and a cartridge unit for a dispensing system for carbonated beverages with the features of claim 15 solved.

Advantageous further refinements are given in the subclaims. All combinations, including only individual combinations, can be used between the process, the dispensing system and the cartridge unit.

Furthermore, it is also provided and possible to combine individual or several features of the method, the dispensing system or the cartridge unit as desired.

According to the invention, a method for tapping a carbonated beverage from a dispensing system according to claim 1 is proposed.

Carbonated drinks are under pressure before they are poured. For example, they are pre-carbonized and stored under pressure in special containers so that the CO ₂ does not escape before the tap. Optionally, carbonated drinks are mixed and carbonated just before they are poured. In order for the CO ₂ to dissolve in the drink, however, a specific pressure is necessary - depending on the conditions of temperature, CO ₂ content and type of drink. In any case, a carbonated drink within a dispensing system is under a specific pressure that exceeds the ambient pressure. At or shortly before the tap, the drink must be let down to ambient pressure.

In the context of the generic method, the carbonated beverage is relaxed essentially in the volume regulator and thus suddenly.

This can have the consequence that the CO ₂ content of the carbonated drink suddenly drops to ambient pressure when it passes through the volume regulator and thus released CO ₂ to a relevant extent, since the equilibrium pressure of CO ₂ in water is above ambient pressure.

The invention is now based on the knowledge that, due to the filter arranged downstream of the flow regulator, a dynamic pressure results downstream of the flow regulator, which means that the carbonated beverage is not relaxed to ambient pressure when it passes through the flow regulator, but to the sum of ambient pressure and dynamic pressure . The invention makes use of this in that the filter is specifically dimensioned in such a way that when it flows through the filter there is always such a dynamic pressure that the sum of the ambient pressure and the dynamic pressure is above the equilibrium pressure of the CO ₂ in the carbonated drink at its given temperature. The equilibrium pressure of CO ₂ dissolved in water is about 1.6 bar at 8 ° C. At an ambient pressure of 1 bar, a back pressure of over 0.6 bar, which occurs when passing through the filter, is therefore required in order to prevent the carbonized liquid in the flow regulator from being suddenly released to a pressure below the equilibrium pressure of that dissolved in the carbonized liquid CO ₂ lies. This can be achieved in a simple manner by selecting the filter and dimensioning it appropriately.

The filter can coincide directly with the tap or lie directly upstream of the tap.

A filter which is suitable for disinfection or for sterile filtration is advantageously provided as the filter in order to prevent retrograde contamination of the dispensing system.

So-called "dead-end" filters are particularly preferably used in connection with the present invention. With dead-end filtration, an inlet is pumped against the filter, on the back of which the so-called permeate runs off. The use of "dead-end" filters is advantageous since these filters can be designed in a simple manner in such a way that they are suitable for sterilizing the filtered liquid. The use of such filters makes it possible to prevent retrograde contamination of the dispensing system with a high degree of security.

Dead-end filtration is to be distinguished from so-called tangential flow filtration, which can, however, also be used in connection with the present invention.

Filters based on fiber membranes have proven to be particularly suitable dead-end filters. Such filters can be designed as flat filters, but filters are preferably used in connection with the present invention which are based on hollow fiber membranes. Filters based on fiber membranes are commercially available in a wide variety of designs at low cost.

In a preferred embodiment, the filter provided according to the invention has pores whose size is between 100 and 300 nanometers, preferably between 150 and 200 nanometers.

A carbonated drink is fed through the line, the volume regulator and the filter within the dispensing system during the tapping process. It is provided that the line guides the carbonated beverage through the volume regulator and the filter. It can be provided that these components are either formed integrally with the line. Alternatively, the flow regulator and / or the filter can be designed as separate components and connected separately to the line.

Furthermore, it can also be provided that the flow regulator and the filter are formed integrally and are connected to the line as an integral component.

The carbonated drink has an equilibrium pressure for the dissolved CO ₂ . In order to tap a carbonated drink, it is necessary that the tapping process or the relaxation of the carbonated drink to ambient pressure take place relatively slowly. Furthermore, it is necessary that during the tapping process, the pressure loss that the drink experiences when it is from the compressed state in the Dispensing system is transferred to an uncompressed state under normal conditions, above the equilibrium pressure of the carbonated beverage. Therefore, this pressure loss must be above the equilibrium pressure of the carbonated beverage.

The flow rate of the carbonated beverage through the line is adjusted to approx. 1 to 3 l / min using the volume regulator. set. The flow rate is preferably about 2 L / min. set. Under the indication "approx." in this context, a deviation of ± 10% of the flow rate is to be understood. The flow rate can be kept constant by means of the flow regulator. In a further embodiment of the method, the carbonated beverage has, for example, a temperature between 1 and 12 ° C. when it is passed through the filter. A carbonated drink preferably has between 4 and 10 ° C.

In principle, all temperatures are possible at which a carbonated drink can be passed through the filter and relaxed there. Experience has shown that chilled drinks are served between 6 and 8 ° C. Deviations of ± 10 ° are common here.

In a further embodiment, however, it is also possible to pour a drink at ambient temperature.

In the case of the method, the pressure loss can be more than 1 bar for a beverage which has 10 ° C. and a CO ₂ content of 6 g / l CO ₂ .

In a further embodiment of the method, the carbonated beverage is cooled before it is passed through the volume regulator and the filter. For this purpose, cooling can be provided in a dispensing system.

In a further embodiment, the quantity regulator and the filter are arranged in a cartridge unit. The cartridge unit can optionally be designed in one piece and the quantity regulator and the filter could be an integral part of the cartridge unit.

In a further embodiment it is provided that the carbonated drink is passed through a fitting to close the line. Preferably through a low-turbulence valve.

Additionally or separately, the fitting can have a cone valve or a ball valve with or without drip protection. Furthermore, the valve can be arranged on the line or on the tap. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that a valve for closing the line is arranged upstream of the flow regulator and a valve, for example with a drip protection, is arranged at the end of the tap.

In a further embodiment, it can be provided that a fitting with a safety valve or pressure holding valve is connected downstream of the filter and is attached to the line or the tap.

In addition to and separately from the method explained above, a dispensing system for carbonated beverages according to claim 8 is proposed according to a further concept of the invention.

A dispensing system can have a storage container for carbonated beverages. Such a storage container is then provided with a line through which the carbonated drink is directed to a tap of the dispensing system. Before the carbonated drink reaches the tap, it is passed through the volume regulator and the filter. The flow rate is set in the volume regulator, and the carbonated beverage is relaxed and filtered in a sterile manner in the filter, so that retrograde contamination of the dispensing system is prevented.

The flow rate of the carbonated drink can be adjusted to approx. 1 to 3 l / min using the volume regulator. adjustable, preferably to approx. 2 l / min. With approximately." this means deviations in the range of ± 10% of the flow rate.

In a further embodiment, the dispensing system has a cooling system for the carbonated beverage.

Cooling is not absolutely necessary. However, carbonated beverages are preferably consumed by a consumer at a temperature between 6 and 8 ° C.

It is also possible to tap carbonated beverages at ambient temperature.

The filter can be set up in such a way that the pressure loss of the carbonated beverage at 10 ° C. when it is passed through the filter is over 1 bar. The CO ₂ content of the carbonated drink is 6g CO ₂ / l.

In a further embodiment, the dispensing system has a cartridge unit which comprises the quantity regulator and the filter.

The flow regulator and the filter can be individual components. These can either be formed integrally with the line or individually connected to the line.

Furthermore, it is possible for the cartridge unit to have the components of the volume regulator and filter individually, or else for the cartridge unit, the volume regulator and the filter to be designed integrally as one component.

It is also possible and conceivable that the flow regulator and the filter are designed together as an integral component.

In a further embodiment, it is provided that the cartridge unit is exchangeable.

Optionally, it can also be provided that both the quantity regulator and the filter are designed to be exchangeable. Furthermore, it can be provided that the flow regulator and filter are designed to be exchangeable as an integral component.

In a further embodiment, the dispensing system has a fitting for closing the line, preferably a low-turbulence fitting.

Furthermore, the dispensing system can have a ball valve or a cone valve, optionally with a drip protection. Such a cone valve with or without drip protection can be arranged at the end of the tap.

A valve can be attached to the line upstream of a volume regulator, for example.

In a further embodiment, it is also possible that a fitting in combination with a safety / pressure valve is connected downstream of a filter and is attached to the line downstream of the filter.

According to a further idea of the invention, a cartridge unit for a dispensing system for carbonated beverages according to claim 15 is proposed additionally or separately.

The filter can be set up to relax the carbonated beverage in such a way that it experiences a pressure loss that is above the equilibrium pressure of the carbonated beverage when it flows through the filter.

The volume regulator can be set up to maintain a constant flow rate of the carbonated beverage of approx. 1 to 3 l / min. set, in particular from approx. 2 l / min. With approx. A deviation of ± 10% of the flow rate is meant.

The filter can be set up in such a way that the pressure loss of the carbonated beverage when flowing through the filter at a flow rate of 2 l / min and a CO ₂ content of 6 g CO ₂ / l at 10 ° is greater than 1 bar.

With regard to the method described above, the dispensing system and the cartridge unit, carbonated beverages with a higher or lower carbonic acid content than approx. 6 g CO ₂ / l can also be tapped. For example, for beverages that are designated as "medium", such as table water or other slightly carbonated beverages, CO ₂ contents of approx. 3 g CO ₂ / l are common. However, it is also possible to serve drinks with a higher CO ₂ content. For example, for heavily carbonated lemonades, soft drinks or cola, a CO ₂ content of approx. 7 to 8 g CO ₂ / l is usual. Fluctuations in the CO ₂ content of 20% based on the CO ₂ content are common here.

Further advantageous refinements and developments are specified in the following exemplary embodiments, which are explained with reference to the accompanying figures. However, the features emerging from the exemplary embodiments are not limited to the configuration shown in the respective exemplary embodiment. Rather, one or more features of the above description can be combined with individual or more features of the exemplary embodiments below to form advantageous developments.

Show it:

Fig. 1:

a first embodiment of a dispensing system and

Fig. 2:

another embodiment of a dispensing system.

The same reference symbols in the two exemplary embodiments indicate components of the same design.

From the Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a dispensing system 1 according to the invention. The dispensing system 1 has a line 3 and a quantity regulator 5 and a filter 7. The line 3 of the dispensing system 1 is connected to a storage container 17 for a carbonated beverage 19. The carbonated beverage 19 is under pressure in the storage container. The storage container 17 also has a feed line 21 for water and a feed line 23 for CO ₂ .

The filter 7 is designed as a dead-end filter and is based on a bundle of several hollow fiber membranes, the pores of which have a size between 150 and 200 nanometers. Such filters allow sterile filtration and thus prevent retrograde contamination of the dispensing system from a tap 27.

The carbonated beverage 19 is passed through the line 3 through the volume regulator 5 and the filter 7 and can then be withdrawn at a tap 27. In order to monitor the pressure regulation and the flow rate, the dispensing system 1 also has a pressure indicator 9. This is only optional and can e.g. not applicable to end customer devices for cost reasons.

In order to close the dispensing system 1, for example, for maintenance or while it is not in operation, a fitting 11 is also provided upstream of the brand regulator 5. The line 3 can be closed and opened through this valve 11. A cartridge unit 25 in which the quantity regulator 5 and the filter 7 are arranged is provided here in dashed lines. Furthermore, the pressure indicator 9 is also arranged in the cartridge unit 25. Optionally, however, a cartridge unit 25 without a pressure indicator 9 can also be provided. The dispensing system 1 also has a cone valve 13 as a drip protection.

Furthermore, it is optionally also possible for the storage container 17 for carbonated beverages 19 to be integrated directly into the dispensing system 1. Furthermore, it is also possible that here, for example, new containers are connected to the line 3, as is the case, for example, with drinks in barrels during operation.

From the Figure 2 shows a further embodiment of a dispensing system 1 according to the invention. This has a storage container 17 for carbonated beverages 19 and a connection 21 for water and a connection 23 for CO ₂ . The carbonated beverage 19 is passed through the line 3 through a flow regulator 5 and a filter 7. In the filter 7, the carbonated beverage 19 is relaxed to ambient pressure and experiences a pressure loss here which is above the equilibrium pressure of the carbonated beverage 19. The quantity regulator 5 and the filter 7 are together with a pressure indicator 9 in a cartridge unit 25 arranged. The cartridge unit 25 or the filter 7 is followed by a fitting 15 with a safety / pressure valve downstream. With this fitting 15 with a safety / pressure valve, the line 3 of the dispensing system 1 'can be opened and closed.

List of reference symbols

1 ', 1

Dispensing system

3

management

5

Flow regulator

7th

filter

9

Pressure indicator

11

Fitting

13

Cone valve

15th

Armature with safety / pressure valve

17th

Reservoir f. carbonated drink

19th

carbonated drink

21st

Water connection

23

CO ₂ connection

25th

Cartridge unit

27

Tap

Claims (15)

1. A method for drawing a carbonated drink (19) from a dispensing system (1, 1'), wherein the carbonated drink (19) is conducted by way of a line (3) through a flow regulator (5), which is configured to keep the flow rate of the carbonated drink constant, and a filter (7) arranged downstream of the flow regulator (5), to a tap (27) arranged downstream of the filter (7), wherein the filter (7) generates a back pressure, so that the carbonated drink (19) is relaxed to the sum of ambient pressure and back pressure when passing through the flow regulator (5), and wherein the sum of the ambient pressure and back pressure is above the equilibrium pressure of the CO₂ in the carbonated drink at its actual temperature.
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow rate is set by means of the flow regulator (5) to 1 - 3 L/min, preferably to about 2 L/min.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the carbonated drink (19) has a CO₂ content of 3-8 g CO₂/L, preferably of about 6 g CO₂/L.
4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carbonated drink (19) has a temperature between 1°C and 12°C when conducted through the filter (7), preferably of 4°C to 10°C.
5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flow regulator (5) and the filter (7) are arranged in a cartridge unit (25).
6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carbonated drink (19) is conducted through a valve (15, 11) for closing the line (3), preferably through a low-turbulence valve (11).
7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the valve (15, 11) is arranged downstream of the filter (7).
8. A dispensing system (1, 1') for carbonated drinks (19), comprising a line (3) with a flow regulator (5), which is configured to keep the flow rate of the carbonated drink constant, a filter (7) arranged downstream of the flow regulator (5), and a tap (27) arranged downstream of the filter (7), wherein a carbonated drink (19) can be conducted via the line (3) through the flow regulator (5) and the filter (7) to the tap (27), wherein the filter (7) generates a back pressure, so that the carbonated drink (19) is relaxed to the sum of ambient pressure and back pressure when passing through the flow regulator (5), and wherein the sum of the ambient pressure and back pressure is above the equilibrium pressure of the CO₂ in the carbonated drink at its actual temperature.
9. The dispensing system (1, 1') according to claim 8, characterized in that the dispensing system (1, 1') comprises a cooling system.
10. The dispensing system (1, 1') according to any one of the claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the dispensing system (1, 1') comprises a cartridge unit (25) which includes the flow regulator (5) and the filter (7), the cartridge unit (25) preferably being exchangeable.
11. The dispensing system (1, 1') according to any one of the claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the dispensing system (1, 1') includes a valve (15, 11), which is preferably arranged downstream of the filter (7), for closing the line (3), preferably a low-turbulence valve (11).
12. The dispensing system (1, 1') according to claim 11, characterized in that the valve (15, 11) comprises a safety/pressure-sustaining valve (15).
13. The dispensing system (1, 1') according to claim 11, characterized in that the valve (15, 11) is arranged upstream of the flow regulator (5).
14. The dispensing system (1, 1') according to claim 13, characterized in that the dispensing system (1, 1') includes a ball cock or a cone valve (13), which is arranged on the line (3) downstream of the filter (7).
15. A cartridge unit (25) for a dispensing system (1, 1') with a tap (27) for carbonated drinks (19), comprising a flow regulator (5), which is configured to keep the flow rate of the carbonated drink constant, and a filter (7) arranged downstream of the flow regulator (5), wherein the carbonated drink (19) can be conducted through the flow regulator (5) and the filter (7), wherein the filter (7) generates a back pressure, so that the carbonated drink (19) is relaxed to the sum of ambient pressure and back pressure when passing through the flow regulator (5), and wherein the sum of the ambient pressure and back pressure is above the equilibrium pressure of the CO₂ in the carbonated drink at its actual temperature.

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