EP3584216A1 - Cooled foam on beer detector - Google Patents
Cooled foam on beer detector Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3584216A1 EP3584216A1 EP19191348.2A EP19191348A EP3584216A1 EP 3584216 A1 EP3584216 A1 EP 3584216A1 EP 19191348 A EP19191348 A EP 19191348A EP 3584216 A1 EP3584216 A1 EP 3584216A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- fluid
- chamber
- flow path
- detection device
- cooling
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 98
- 235000013405 beer Nutrition 0.000 title abstract description 62
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 200
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 69
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 76
- 239000002826 coolant Substances 0.000 claims description 62
- 239000012809 cooling fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 26
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 26
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 10
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000010521 absorption reaction Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000009413 insulation Methods 0.000 description 6
- 230000000813 microbial effect Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000002829 reductive effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000013011 mating Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000011176 pooling Methods 0.000 description 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001627 detrimental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035622 drinking Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005764 inhibitory process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000036961 partial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/08—Details
- B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
- B67D1/1247—Means for detecting the presence or absence of 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
-
- 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
-
- 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
- B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
- B67D1/127—Froth control
- B67D1/1272—Froth control preventing froth
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a foam on beer (“FOB”) detector.
- FOB foam on beer
- the present invention relates to a FOB detector configured to allow for reduced maintenance operations.
- Beer dispensing systems are used in the commercial food and beverage industry to provide on demand dispensing of beer.
- One known beer dispensing system includes a tap, a beer line, and a bulk container of beer which is known in the art as a keg.
- a user becomes aware that the keg is almost empty when, upon moving the tap to an open position, beer foam is dispensed from the tap instead of beer.
- the keg will need to be replaced, the tap will need to be opened and the foam in the line will need to be replaced by beer before beer can then be dispensed from the tap instead of foam.
- Replacing foam in the beer line with beer can take time, and can result in beer being wasted.
- Foam on beer (“FOB”) detectors have been developed in the past to overcome this problem of replacing foam in the line.
- a FOB detector is inserted into the line between the keg and the tap in a further known beer dispensing system.
- the FOB detector acts as a valve to stop fluid passing from the keg to the tap when foam reaches the FOB detector.
- a drawback of both of these known beer dispensing systems is that all equipment in contact with the beer (e.g. beer lines; FOB detector) requires regular cleaning to prevent microbial growth and avoid contamination. Regular cleaning can take time and can result in the beer dispensing system being out of use for significant periods of time. This operation also takes up time and related human and chemical resources in the cleaning operation. There is therefore a need for improvement in beverage dispensing systems.
- a foam on beer (FOB) detector which provides a first novel aspect relating to the provision of a double walled chamber to the FOB detector to keep the FOB detector and any fluid inside it at a low temperature, i.e. by inhibiting the fluid inside the FOB detector from absorbing heat from its surroundings.
- a second aspect relates to active cooling of the internal chamber of the FOB detector by providing a cooling flow channel within the chamber to directly cool the fluid inside the FOB detector.
- the invention can therefore provide a Foam on Beer (FOB) detector with improved performance.
- the FoB detector has a double walled chamber to provide improved heat insulation. This reduces heat absorption from the surroundings by a beverage temporarily residing in the chamber.
- the FOB detector has a cooling flow channel, configured to carry a cooling fluid through the chamber. This results in the fluid in the chamber remaining at a low temperature.
- Both the double-walled chamber and the cooling flow channel have the advantage of reducing microbial growth in the foam detection device by virtue of the lower temperatures which are maintained. This has the advantage of providing a system in which less frequent cleaning is required.
- the double-walled chamber has the additional or alternative advantage of reducing or preventing condensation gathering on the outside of the foam detection device since less heat is absorbed from the surroundings. This reduces issues relating to pooling or gathering of water in unwanted places.
- a foam detection device for a beverage dispensing system comprising any or all of the following features: a chamber comprising:
- the flow path interrupter may be a float, the float preferably being disposed in the chamber and configured to translate in the fluid chamber to open and close the fluid flow path.
- the inner and outer walls of the chamber may be arranged such that the void defined between the inner wall and the outer wall is a sealed enclosed space.
- the sealed enclosed space may comprise a gas or a vacuum.
- the void between the inner wall and the outer wall may have a lower coefficient of thermal conductivity than the inner wall and/or outer wall.
- the void between the inner wall and the outer wall may be a filled void and may comprise a material having a lower coefficient of thermal conductivity than the inner and/or outer wall.
- the inner wall and the outer wall may be configured such that a lateral dimension of the void defined between the inner wall and the outer wall is less than 1/10th of a lateral dimension of the chamber.
- the void may extend over at least 1 ⁇ 4 of the fluid flow path through the chamber in an axial direction of the chamber, more preferably the void extends over at least 1 ⁇ 2 of the length of the fluid flow path through the chamber in an axial direction of the chamber.
- the void may extend over substantially all of the fluid flow path through the chamber, preferably in an axial direction of the chamber.
- the inner wall and/or the outer wall may comprise a substantially transparent material.
- the inner wall may be configured to have a greater structural strength than the outer wall, or vice versa.
- the inner wall and the outer wall may each have a thickness, the inner wall may have a greater thickness than the outer wall.
- the chamber may comprise at least one end wall. At least one of the inner and outer walls may abut an inner face of the end wall of the chamber.
- An inner face of the outer wall may mate with an outer face of the at least one end wall.
- the chamber may comprise a first end wall at a first longitudinal end of the chamber and may comprise a second end wall at a second longitudinal end of the chamber.
- At least one of the inner and outer walls may abut an inner face of the first end wall and/or an inner face of the second end wall.
- At least one inner surface of the outer wall may mate with an outer face of the first end wall and an outer face of the second end wall.
- a seal may be provided between the end of the abutting wall and the first and/or second end wall.
- a seal may be provided between the end of the outer wall and the first and/or second end wall.
- the first end wall and the second end wall may each comprise an internal face and a side face.
- the inner wall may be attachable to the internal face of the first end wall and/or the internal face of the second end wall.
- the outer wall may be attachable to the side face of the first end wall and/or the side face of the second end wall.
- the invention provides a foam detection device for a beverage dispensing system comprising and or all of the following features:
- the flow path interrupter may be a float, the float preferably being disposed in the chamber and configured to translate in the chamber to open and close the fluid flow path.
- the cooling flow channel may enter the chamber via an end wall of the chamber.
- the cooling flow channel may exit the chamber via an end wall of the chamber.
- the cooling flow channel may enter the chamber via a secondary end wall of the chamber and may exit the chamber via a primary end wall of the chamber.
- the cooling flow channel may both enter and exit the chamber via the same end wall of the chamber.
- the cooling flow channel may enter the chamber via a side wall of the chamber.
- the cooling flow channel may be a cooling pipe.
- the cooling pipe may be substantially U-shaped such that it defines a curved end and two substantially parallel arms.
- the float of the flow interrupter and the cooling pipe may be configured such that the float can be located between the two substantially parallel.
- the float may be moveable towards or away from the curved end of the cooling pipe between the two-parallel arms.
- the chamber may further comprise a first end wall and a second end wall, and at least one tie rod, the tie rod being configured to connect, and preferably retain, the first end wall to the second end wall.
- the chamber may comprise two tie rods, the two tie rods being arranged to each side, or on opposite sides, of a plane defined by the cooling pipe, such that the float is located between the two tie rods.
- beverage dispensing system comprising any or all of the following features:
- the fluid dispensing line may comprise a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being attached to the foam detection device and arranged such that fluid passes from the fluid source, through the first part of the fluid dispensing line, then through the foam detection device, then through the second part of the fluid dispensing line, to the fluid dispensing means.
- the fluid dispensing system may further comprise a first coolant source and a first coolant line, the first coolant source being configured to deliver coolant fluid, and the first coolant line being connectable to the first coolant source to allow coolant fluid to leave the first coolant source through the first coolant line, the first coolant line being arranged such that it is in thermal contact with the first part and/or the second part of the line.
- the fluid dispensing system may further comprise a second coolant line, the second coolant line being connectable to the cooling flow channel of the foam detection device such that the second coolant line and the cooling flow channel are in fluid communication with each other.
- the second coolant line may be connected to a second coolant source.
- the invention further provides a kit of parts for the device of the first aspect disclosed herein, the kit comprising any or all of the following features:
- the invention further provides a kit of parts for the device according to the second aspect described herein comprising any or all of the following features:
- FIG. 1 shows a known beer dispensing system 100.
- the system comprises a tap 10 for dispensing beer into a drinking vessel such as a glass.
- the tap 10 is commonly disposed at a delivery position such as on a bar top 11.
- the tap 10 is fluidly connected to other elements of the beer dispensing system 100 via a fluid delivery line 20.
- the fluid delivery line 20 may comprise at least a first part 21 and a second part 22.
- the first part can be disposed between the tap 10 and a foam on beer (FOB) detector 30.
- the second portion 22 of the fluid delivery line 20 may be disposed between the FOB detector 30 and a beer source such as a keg 40.
- a pressure source 50 may be connected to the keg 40 via a pressure line 51.
- This pressure source 50 can be configured to deliver pressure to the keg 40 to drive beer under pressure out of keg 40 and to the tap 10 through the delivery line 20 and the FOB detector 30.
- the FOB detector is equipped with flow interruption means, which are configured to interrupt the flow of beer through the FOB detector when the FOB detector detects foam in the beer flowing through it. This is commonly achieved using a float configured to drop when density of the fluid is sufficiently reduced by the presence of bubbles of gas in the fluid passing through it. The dropping of the float them blocks an exit to the chamber of the FOB detector, preventing further flow through the system until the keg is changed and the FOB detector refilled with fluid by an operator.
- Beer is commonly cooled between the keg 40 and the tap 10 and so a coolant source 60 may be provided.
- the coolant source 60 is commonly connected to some form of heat exchanger 61 for extracting heat from the beer in the delivery line 20 in order to cool the beer once it arrives at the tap 10.
- One such means of achieving this is as shown in figure 1 , in which the flow path of the coolant along an outward 62 and return 63 flow path is kept in thermal contact with the delivery line 20 over a portion of its length to cool the beer along that portion of its length.
- a drawback of known beer dispensing systems is that they require regular cleaning in order to avoid microbial growth in all parts of the system.
- Such microbial growth can be detrimental to the quality, flavour and aroma of the beverage dispensed through the system and therefore generally detracts from the user experience. Cleaning operations are generally carried out regularly and must be thorough.
- One element which requires such cleaning and which can be more difficult to clean thoroughly than mere pipework is the FOB detector 30.
- the FOB detector of the invention provides two principal novel aspects.
- the first aspect relates to the provision of a double walled chamber to the FOB detector to keep the FOB detector and any fluid inside it at a low temperature, i.e. by avoiding fluid inside the FOB detector absorbing heat from its surroundings.
- the second aspect relates to the active cooling of the internal chamber of the FOB detector by providing a cooling flow channel within the chamber to directly cool the fluid inside the FOB detector.
- Figure 2 illustrates a system 200 according to an aspect of the invention.
- the system 200 is similar to the system 100 of figure 1 and so similar numerals are used for similar components, but prefixed with a 2 in the system of figure 2 .
- the system is configured similarly to the system of figure 1 , but as can be seen in figure 2 , a coolant line 270 is connected to the FOB detector 300 of the system of figure 2 , to deliver coolant to an interior space of the chamber of the FOB detector 300.
- the system comprises a coolant delivery line 271 for delivering a coolant to the FOB detector 300 and a coolant return line 272 for the coolant fluid in the coolant delivery line 270 to return to the coolant source 260 for subsequent recooling to remove heat extracted from the FOB detector.
- This configuration is different to compared to systems in which the beer in the fluid delivery lines 220 is only cooled either before the FOB detector 30 of figure 1 , or after the FOB detector 30 of figure 1 .
- the cooling line 61 could be applied to the delivery line 22 before the FOB detector 30.
- the FOB detector 30 has a relatively large external surface area to enable the chamber to have a sufficient size and to enable the user to see inside the chamber to check for the presence of foam in the FOB detector.
- the FOB detector in this instance is cooler than its surrounding environment and this causes it to absorb heat, thus re-heating the already cooled beer in the FOB detector. This can result in problems of condensation forming on the FOB detector. This can both hinder the user from seeing inside the FOB detector, and can also cause undesirable liquid deposits on and around the area of the FOB detector. Therefore, providing a coolant fluid flow to the interior space of the new FOB detector 300 can counter all of these effects.
- the coolant supply 270 to the FOB detector 300 can come from the same coolant source 260 as that provided for the fluid delivery lines 220, or from a different source. Indeed, coolant may only be applied to the FOB detector 300 and the cooling of the fluid delivery line 220 is optional in the novel configurations described. Insulation may be applied to the lines in place of active cooling.
- Figure 3 shows a cross section through an example of an FOB detector according to certain embodiments of the invention.
- the FOB detector 300 comprises a chamber 310 through which beer passes on its way from a beer source such as a keg (not shown) to a beer output device such as a tap (not shown).
- the beer flows into the FOB detector by a known fluid inlet (not shown) in figure 3 and flows out of the FOB detector through a fluid outlet 312.
- the flow path is such that the beer flows into the chamber 310, and then down and out of the outlet 312.
- the chamber 310 is substantially filled with the beer being dispensed.
- a flow path interrupter is provided.
- the function of the flow path interrupter is to interrupt the fluid flow through the FOB detector when foam is detected in the beer. In the example shown in figure 3 , this flow path interrupter is in the form of a float 320.
- the float is disposed in the chamber 310 such that it can translate in a substantially longitudinal direction as illustrated by arrows 321.
- a flow interrupting end 322 which may be provided with a flow interrupting seal 323, engages the fluid outlet 312 to prevent outward flow through the fluid outlet 312.
- the float will normally be retained at a sufficient height that beer can flow out of the outlet 312.
- the weight of foam displaced by the float 320 will be less than the weight of the float 320 itself.
- the float will cease to have net upward buoyancy in the chamber 310 and it will descend to the outlet 312. This operation is well known to the skilled person and so details of specifics of the design of such a float and dimensions required are not explained in any greater detail.
- the chamber and float is typically designed to function with aerated, carbonated or still liquids with a specific gravity greater than 0.95.
- a float is illustrated, it will be appreciated that the advantages of the novel features of the invention can be obtained with other kinds of flow interrupter, such as mechnically or electronically actuated valves, connected to suitable sensors to close off the flow path upon detection of foam in the FOB detector.
- the chamber 310 of the FOB detector is defined by first and second end walls 331 and 332 and by at least one side wall 341, 342, which side walls will be discussed in more detail later.
- the FOB detector comprises a cooling fluid flow path 350.
- the cooling fluid flow path passes at least partially through the internal space of the chamber 310, so as to guide cooling fluid through the chamber itself and to allow the cooling fluid to cool beer in or flowing through the chamber 310.
- the cooling fluid can be any fluid suitable for use in cooling systems as will be well known to one skilled in the art of beverage cooling systems.
- the cooling fluid flow path is provided within a pipe 351.
- the cooling flow channel 350 enters the chamber through an end wall 332 and exits the chamber through the same end wall 332.
- cooling flow channel 350 enters the chamber through a first end wall 331 and exits the chamber through a second end wall 332 or vice versa.
- Configurations can of course be envisaged in which the cooling flow channel enters and/or exits the chamber 310 via one or more side walls 341, 342 of the chamber 310, although these are not illustrated in the figures.
- the cooling fluid flow channel can be provided in any such manner as permits cooling fluid to flow through the internal space of the chamber 310 to enable the cooling fluid to cool the beer or other fluid residing in the chamber 310.
- the coolant fluid can flow into the chamber via a fluid inlet 352, and exits the fluid chamber via a cooling fluid outlet 353, and these can be connected to any known source of cooling fluid in a standard manner.
- a fluid inlet 352 As is generally known in FOB detectors, when the float 320 descends into the fluid outlet 312 it cannot be lifted again until pressure is duly equalised in the chamber 310 and the outlet 312.
- Pressure equalisation valves 40 and 41 are provided for this purpose in a standard manner as is already known for FOB detectors and so their function and operation is not described in detail, as this will already be known to the person skilled in the art of FOB detectors.
- the float 320 may have a form which is configured to sit at least partially between first 354 and second 355 portions of the cooling flow channel 350.
- the cooling channel may be substantially U-shaped, but any suitable form could also be employed, whilst configuring the float 320 to fit in and/or around the cooling flow channel as necessary.
- the cooling channel 350 may therefore pass at least partially through the spatial envelope of the float 320 and the float 320 may comprise one of more cut away portions to accommodate the cooling channel 350.
- a further novel aspect of the FOB detector is shown in both figures 3 and 4 , but will be described in particular in relation to figure 4 in the following.
- a problem which has been identified by the inventor in relation to existing FOB detectors is that the large surface area of the chamber 310 can cause heat absorption into the beer inside the FOB detector when that beer is cooler than the surrounding atmosphere. This is particularly relevant when the beer has been cooled and in these cases the heat absorption can reduce the overall cooling efficiency of the beverage delivery system. That is particularly relevant where the beer has been cooled before entry into the FOB detector, for example, if the FOB detector is located near to a beer tap of the dispensing system than the cooling system.
- the beer source is cooled in any way, such as a keg being stored in a cooled cellar or refrigerated area.
- the described heat absorption means that the chamber 310 of the FOB detector is not kept as cool as it might otherwise be.
- a further drawback of heat absorption by beer inside the FOB detector is that the relatively cool outer surfaces of the FOB detector may attract condensation from the surrounding air and that condensation has two main drawbacks. Firstly, the walls of the FOB detector must remain at least partially transparent to allow the user to identify whether there is indeed foam in the FOB detector or not, and whether it has been properly reset to remove that foam when a keg has been changed. Further, such condensation can cause pooling of water when it drips from the FOB detector to surfaces below the FOB detector and this can cause issues with moisture or dampness gathering in those areas.
- the FOB detector 300 is provided with a chamber which has a wall which is a double-wall comprising an inner wall 342 and an outer wall 341 and a void between the inner and outer walls, the void at least partially surrounding some or all of the fluid flow path through which the beer in the chamber flows.
- an outer wall 341 is provided at an outer side of an inner wall 342. Avoid 360 is formed in between those inner and outer walls.
- the void is preferably filled with either a gas, or is provided with a vacuum, or at least a partial vacuum relative to the surrounding atmosphere.
- any material which assists with thermal insulation can be provided in the void if necessary.
- a gas is used which does not reduce transparency of the overall wall structure.
- the first and second, inner and outer, walls, 341 and 342 are preferably transparent in order to allow the user to see inside the chamber 310 of the FOB detector. If transparency is not relevant in a particular installation, any material having a lower coefficient of thermal conductivity than the inner 342 and/or outer 341 walls can assist with improving the thermal insulation of the chamber 310 and so provides the benefits described in that regard. However, it is preferred that a transparent gas such as air is provided in the void to assist with thermal insulation.
- Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a particular construction of FOB detector which can provide this double-walled chamber.
- the void 360 is ideally a sealed and enclosed space in order to contain the gas provided within it. However, at least some of the thermal insulation benefit could be provided if the space 360 is not perfectly sealed from the surrounding environment.
- the inner wall 342 is configured to abut against at least one of the end walls 331 and 332.
- One or more seals 333 and 334 may be provided at a region where the inner wall abuts or otherwise engages with either or both of the end walls 331 and 332.
- Outer wall 341 can also be provided with a means of engagement with the end walls 331 and/or 332. As illustrated, it can beneficial for the outer wall 341 to have one or more of its inner surfaces engage with an outer surface 335 or 336 of one or more of the end walls 331 and 332. Again, a seal 337 or 338 may be provided between the outer wall and one or more of the end walls 331 and 332. The engagement of an outer wall 341 with the any of the one or more end walls may be via radially facing mating faces of the respective components. As will be appreciated from figure 4 and figure 3 , this construction can enable the walls to be assembled in a substantially longitudinal or axial direction of the substantially cylindrically shaped FOB detector, in the direction as illustrated by arrows 321.
- one or more tie bars 371, 372 may be provided to retain one or more of the end walls 331, 332 in contact with the one or more chamber walls 341 and 342.
- the tie bars 371 and/or 372 is/are generally arranged to retain the assembly together by longitudinal tension.
- the abutting of the end walls on the inner wall in the arrangement illustrated provides a reaction force so that the end wall is retained between the inner wall 342 and a retaining means located on the tie bars.
- a first end wall, 332 may be retained between an abutting end of inner wall 342 and one or more fixing means 372 and 373.
- end wall 341 may be retained between fixing means 374 and 375 and the inner wall 342.
- the end wall may abut both of the inner 342 and outer 341 walls.
- the tie bars may be formed as threaded bars with separable engagement means at both ends, or may be in a form of a nut and bolt formation, or other fixing means such as rivets or circlips could of course be incorporated.
- the tie bars act to provide a longitudinal tension force holding the assembly together in the longitudinal direction.
- Lateral alignment of an end wall and a side wall of the device may be provided by the structure of the one or more end walls.
- Such alignment means can include the mating faces for the outer wall provided on the one or more end walls. These cause alignment with the outer wall 341.
- One or more lips 339A or 339B may also be provided to align one or more of the end walls 331 and 332 with the inner wall 342 or outer wall 341.
- one or more seals 381, 382, 383, 384 may be provided on one or more of the tie bars to prevent fluid egress along the longitudinal direction of the bores provided in the end walls which accommodate the tie bar or tie bars. Similar seals may be provided on the cooling pipe 351 for the same purpose.
- the fob detector 300 can of course be integrated into the system described in relation to Figure 2 .
- the internal cooling of the FOB detector can be implemented in the absence of the double walled chamber and vice versa.
- both of these aspects are implemented together, they provide a particularly advantageous arrangement.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a foam on beer ("FOB") detector. In particular, the present invention relates to a FOB detector configured to allow for reduced maintenance operations.
- Beer dispensing systems are used in the commercial food and beverage industry to provide on demand dispensing of beer. One known beer dispensing system includes a tap, a beer line, and a bulk container of beer which is known in the art as a keg. In this known beer dispensing system, a user becomes aware that the keg is almost empty when, upon moving the tap to an open position, beer foam is dispensed from the tap instead of beer. At this point, the keg will need to be replaced, the tap will need to be opened and the foam in the line will need to be replaced by beer before beer can then be dispensed from the tap instead of foam. Replacing foam in the beer line with beer can take time, and can result in beer being wasted.
- Foam on beer ("FOB") detectors have been developed in the past to overcome this problem of replacing foam in the line. A FOB detector is inserted into the line between the keg and the tap in a further known beer dispensing system. The FOB detector acts as a valve to stop fluid passing from the keg to the tap when foam reaches the FOB detector. With a FOB detector installed in the system, the user becomes aware that the keg is almost empty when foam reaches the FOB, and the line does not fill with foam because the FOB detector closes the line and prevents further low through the line until the operator has replaced the keg and resent the FOB detector.
- A drawback of both of these known beer dispensing systems is that all equipment in contact with the beer (e.g. beer lines; FOB detector) requires regular cleaning to prevent microbial growth and avoid contamination. Regular cleaning can take time and can result in the beer dispensing system being out of use for significant periods of time. This operation also takes up time and related human and chemical resources in the cleaning operation. There is therefore a need for improvement in beverage dispensing systems.
- A foam on beer (FOB) detector is disclosed which provides a first novel aspect relating to the provision of a double walled chamber to the FOB detector to keep the FOB detector and any fluid inside it at a low temperature, i.e. by inhibiting the fluid inside the FOB detector from absorbing heat from its surroundings. A second aspect relates to active cooling of the internal chamber of the FOB detector by providing a cooling flow channel within the chamber to directly cool the fluid inside the FOB detector. The combination of these aspects in a FOB detector can provide further additional advantages.
- The invention can therefore provide a Foam on Beer (FOB) detector with improved performance. In one aspect, the FoB detector has a double walled chamber to provide improved heat insulation. This reduces heat absorption from the surroundings by a beverage temporarily residing in the chamber.
- In the second aspect, the FOB detector has a cooling flow channel, configured to carry a cooling fluid through the chamber. This results in the fluid in the chamber remaining at a low temperature.
- Both the double-walled chamber and the cooling flow channel, either alone or in combination, have the advantage of reducing microbial growth in the foam detection device by virtue of the lower temperatures which are maintained. This has the advantage of providing a system in which less frequent cleaning is required.
- The double-walled chamber has the additional or alternative advantage of reducing or preventing condensation gathering on the outside of the foam detection device since less heat is absorbed from the surroundings. This reduces issues relating to pooling or gathering of water in unwanted places.
- The invention therefore provides, in a first aspect, a foam detection device for a beverage dispensing system comprising any or all of the following features:
a chamber comprising: - a chamber wall, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a fluid flow path passing from the fluid inlet, into and through the chamber, and out of the fluid outlet of the chamber;
- a flow path interrupter disposed in the fluid flow path within the chamber and configured to interrupt the flow path from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet of the chamber upon detection of foam in the chamber;
- wherein the chamber wall is a double-wall comprising an inner wall and an outer wall and a void between the inner and outer walls, wherein the void at least partially surrounds the fluid flow path through the chamber.
- The flow path interrupter may be a float, the float preferably being disposed in the chamber and configured to translate in the fluid chamber to open and close the fluid flow path.
- The inner and outer walls of the chamber may be arranged such that the void defined between the inner wall and the outer wall is a sealed enclosed space. The sealed enclosed space may comprise a gas or a vacuum.
- The void between the inner wall and the outer wall may have a lower coefficient of thermal conductivity than the inner wall and/or outer wall.
- The void between the inner wall and the outer wall may be a filled void and may comprise a material having a lower coefficient of thermal conductivity than the inner and/or outer wall.
- The inner wall and the outer wall may be configured such that a lateral dimension of the void defined between the inner wall and the outer wall is less than 1/10th of a lateral dimension of the chamber.
- The void may extend over at least ¼ of the fluid flow path through the chamber in an axial direction of the chamber, more preferably the void extends over at least ½ of the length of the fluid flow path through the chamber in an axial direction of the chamber.
- The void may extend over substantially all of the fluid flow path through the chamber, preferably in an axial direction of the chamber.
- The inner wall and/or the outer wall may comprise a substantially transparent material.
- The inner wall may be configured to have a greater structural strength than the outer wall, or vice versa.
- The inner wall and the outer wall may each have a thickness, the inner wall may have a greater thickness than the outer wall.
- The chamber may comprise at least one end wall. At least one of the inner and outer walls may abut an inner face of the end wall of the chamber.
- An inner face of the outer wall may mate with an outer face of the at least one end wall.
- The chamber may comprise a first end wall at a first longitudinal end of the chamber and may comprise a second end wall at a second longitudinal end of the chamber.
- At least one of the inner and outer walls may abut an inner face of the first end wall and/or an inner face of the second end wall.
- At least one inner surface of the outer wall may mate with an outer face of the first end wall and an outer face of the second end wall.
- A seal may be provided between the end of the abutting wall and the first and/or second end wall.
- A seal may be provided between the end of the outer wall and the first and/or second end wall.
- The first end wall and the second end wall may each comprise an internal face and a side face. The inner wall may be attachable to the internal face of the first end wall and/or the internal face of the second end wall. The outer wall may be attachable to the side face of the first end wall and/or the side face of the second end wall.
- In a second aspect, the invention provides a foam detection device for a beverage dispensing system comprising and or all of the following features:
- a chamber comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid flow path passing from the fluid inlet, into and through the chamber, and out of the fluid outlet of the chamber;
- a flow path interrupter disposed in the fluid flow path within the chamber and configured to interrupt the flow path from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet of the chamber upon detection of foam in the chamber;
- a cooling fluid flow path passing at least partially through the chamber and configured to permit heat transfer between the fluid flow path and the cooling fluid flow path.
- The flow path interrupter may be a float, the float preferably being disposed in the chamber and configured to translate in the chamber to open and close the fluid flow path.
- The cooling flow channel may enter the chamber via an end wall of the chamber.
- The cooling flow channel may exit the chamber via an end wall of the chamber.
- The cooling flow channel may enter the chamber via a secondary end wall of the chamber and may exit the chamber via a primary end wall of the chamber. The cooling flow channel may both enter and exit the chamber via the same end wall of the chamber. The cooling flow channel may enter the chamber via a side wall of the chamber.
- The cooling flow channel may be a cooling pipe. The cooling pipe may be substantially U-shaped such that it defines a curved end and two substantially parallel arms.
- The float of the flow interrupter and the cooling pipe may be configured such that the float can be located between the two substantially parallel. The float may be moveable towards or away from the curved end of the cooling pipe between the two-parallel arms.
- The chamber may further comprise a first end wall and a second end wall, and at least one tie rod, the tie rod being configured to connect, and preferably retain, the first end wall to the second end wall.
- The chamber may comprise two tie rods, the two tie rods being arranged to each side, or on opposite sides, of a plane defined by the cooling pipe, such that the float is located between the two tie rods.
- There is further provided a beverage dispensing system comprising any or all of the following features:
- a fluid source, the fluid source being configured to contain fluid;
- a fluid dispensing line, the fluid dispensing line being connectable to the fluid source to allow fluid to leave the fluid source through the fluid dispensing line;
- a fluid dispensing means, the fluid dispensing means being connectable to the fluid dispensing line and being operable to restrict or allow fluid to pass through the fluid dispensing means;
- a foam detection device as claimed in any preceding claim, the foam detection device being arranged in the fluid dispensing line, such that fluid passing from the fluid source passes through the foam detection device before passing to the fluid dispensing means.
- The fluid dispensing line may comprise a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being attached to the foam detection device and arranged such that fluid passes from the fluid source, through the first part of the fluid dispensing line, then through the foam detection device, then through the second part of the fluid dispensing line, to the fluid dispensing means.
- The fluid dispensing system may further comprise a first coolant source and a first coolant line, the first coolant source being configured to deliver coolant fluid, and the first coolant line being connectable to the first coolant source to allow coolant fluid to leave the first coolant source through the first coolant line, the first coolant line being arranged such that it is in thermal contact with the first part and/or the second part of the line.
- The fluid dispensing system may further comprise a second coolant line, the second coolant line being connectable to the cooling flow channel of the foam detection device such that the second coolant line and the cooling flow channel are in fluid communication with each other. The second coolant line may be connected to a second coolant source.
- The invention further provides a kit of parts for the device of the first aspect disclosed herein, the kit comprising any or all of the following features:
- an inner wall;
- an outer wall;
- a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet;
- a flow interrupter;
- The invention further provides a kit of parts for the device according to the second aspect described herein comprising any or all of the following features:
- a chamber part; and
- a cooling flow channel part
- the kit of parts being configured such that, when assembled, the chamber and cooling flow channel provide the device of the second aspect described herein.
- Further details of specific embodiments will be apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, in which:
-
Figure 1 is a schematic showing a known cooling system; -
Figure 2 is a schematic showing an embodiment of a beer dispensing system according to the present invention; -
Figure 3 is a first cross-sectional view a foam detection device according to the present invention; and -
Figure 4 is a second cross-sectional view of the foam detection device ofFigure 3 , taken at a different angle to the cross-section shown inFigure 3 . -
Figure 1 shows a knownbeer dispensing system 100. The system comprises atap 10 for dispensing beer into a drinking vessel such as a glass. Thetap 10 is commonly disposed at a delivery position such as on abar top 11. Thetap 10 is fluidly connected to other elements of thebeer dispensing system 100 via afluid delivery line 20. Thefluid delivery line 20 may comprise at least afirst part 21 and asecond part 22. The first part can be disposed between thetap 10 and a foam on beer (FOB)detector 30. Thesecond portion 22 of thefluid delivery line 20 may be disposed between theFOB detector 30 and a beer source such as akeg 40. Apressure source 50 may be connected to thekeg 40 via apressure line 51. Thispressure source 50 can be configured to deliver pressure to thekeg 40 to drive beer under pressure out ofkeg 40 and to thetap 10 through thedelivery line 20 and theFOB detector 30. The FOB detector is equipped with flow interruption means, which are configured to interrupt the flow of beer through the FOB detector when the FOB detector detects foam in the beer flowing through it. This is commonly achieved using a float configured to drop when density of the fluid is sufficiently reduced by the presence of bubbles of gas in the fluid passing through it. The dropping of the float them blocks an exit to the chamber of the FOB detector, preventing further flow through the system until the keg is changed and the FOB detector refilled with fluid by an operator. - Beer is commonly cooled between the
keg 40 and thetap 10 and so acoolant source 60 may be provided. Thecoolant source 60 is commonly connected to some form ofheat exchanger 61 for extracting heat from the beer in thedelivery line 20 in order to cool the beer once it arrives at thetap 10. One such means of achieving this is as shown infigure 1 , in which the flow path of the coolant along an outward 62 and return 63 flow path is kept in thermal contact with thedelivery line 20 over a portion of its length to cool the beer along that portion of its length. As has been mentioned above, a drawback of known beer dispensing systems is that they require regular cleaning in order to avoid microbial growth in all parts of the system. Such microbial growth can be detrimental to the quality, flavour and aroma of the beverage dispensed through the system and therefore generally detracts from the user experience. Cleaning operations are generally carried out regularly and must be thorough. One element which requires such cleaning and which can be more difficult to clean thoroughly than mere pipework is theFOB detector 30. - In the following, a number of aspects of a new FOB detector are described which can aid in reducing the amount of down-time and cleaning effort associated with cleaning operations of both the beverage delivery lines and the FOB detector itself.
- The FOB detector of the invention provides two principal novel aspects. The first aspect relates to the provision of a double walled chamber to the FOB detector to keep the FOB detector and any fluid inside it at a low temperature, i.e. by avoiding fluid inside the FOB detector absorbing heat from its surroundings.
- The second aspect relates to the active cooling of the internal chamber of the FOB detector by providing a cooling flow channel within the chamber to directly cool the fluid inside the FOB detector. As will become apparent from the following description, the combination of these aspects in a FOB detector can provide further additional advantages.
-
Figure 2 illustrates asystem 200 according to an aspect of the invention. Thesystem 200 is similar to thesystem 100 offigure 1 and so similar numerals are used for similar components, but prefixed with a 2 in the system offigure 2 . - The system is configured similarly to the system of
figure 1 , but as can be seen infigure 2 , acoolant line 270 is connected to theFOB detector 300 of the system offigure 2 , to deliver coolant to an interior space of the chamber of theFOB detector 300. - The system comprises a
coolant delivery line 271 for delivering a coolant to theFOB detector 300 and acoolant return line 272 for the coolant fluid in thecoolant delivery line 270 to return to thecoolant source 260 for subsequent recooling to remove heat extracted from the FOB detector. - This configuration is different to compared to systems in which the beer in the
fluid delivery lines 220 is only cooled either before theFOB detector 30 offigure 1 , or after theFOB detector 30 offigure 1 . - Either of those configurations have at least two drawbacks. Firstly, if the coolant is only delivered to the
fluid delivery line 20 offigure 1 after the FOB detector, then theFOB detector 30 remains at ambient temperature and thus there is no inhibition of microbial growth in theFOB detector 30 by any kind of cooling. - Alternatively, the cooling
line 61 could be applied to thedelivery line 22 before theFOB detector 30. However, theFOB detector 30 has a relatively large external surface area to enable the chamber to have a sufficient size and to enable the user to see inside the chamber to check for the presence of foam in the FOB detector. The FOB detector in this instance is cooler than its surrounding environment and this causes it to absorb heat, thus re-heating the already cooled beer in the FOB detector. This can result in problems of condensation forming on the FOB detector. This can both hinder the user from seeing inside the FOB detector, and can also cause undesirable liquid deposits on and around the area of the FOB detector. Therefore, providing a coolant fluid flow to the interior space of thenew FOB detector 300 can counter all of these effects. By cooling the interior of the FOB detector, the effect of heat absorption from its surroundings can be countered. Further, actively cooling the interior of the FOB detector allows the fluid inside the FOB detector and its internal surfaces to be kept at a lower temperature, which inhibits by microbial growth. This results in beer which passes through the FOB detector remaining fresh for longer and ultimately can result in a reduced requirement for such regular cleaning intervals as compared to the known systems. - As will be appreciated, the
coolant supply 270 to theFOB detector 300 can come from thesame coolant source 260 as that provided for thefluid delivery lines 220, or from a different source. Indeed, coolant may only be applied to theFOB detector 300 and the cooling of thefluid delivery line 220 is optional in the novel configurations described. Insulation may be applied to the lines in place of active cooling. -
Figure 3 shows a cross section through an example of an FOB detector according to certain embodiments of the invention. - The
FOB detector 300 comprises achamber 310 through which beer passes on its way from a beer source such as a keg (not shown) to a beer output device such as a tap (not shown). The beer flows into the FOB detector by a known fluid inlet (not shown) infigure 3 and flows out of the FOB detector through afluid outlet 312. The flow path is such that the beer flows into thechamber 310, and then down and out of theoutlet 312. In normal operation, thechamber 310 is substantially filled with the beer being dispensed. A flow path interrupter is provided. The function of the flow path interrupter is to interrupt the fluid flow through the FOB detector when foam is detected in the beer. In the example shown infigure 3 , this flow path interrupter is in the form of afloat 320. The float is disposed in thechamber 310 such that it can translate in a substantially longitudinal direction as illustrated byarrows 321. As will be understood from the figure, when thefloat 320 translates in a downward direction, i.e. towards thefluid outlet 312, aflow interrupting end 322, which may be provided with aflow interrupting seal 323, engages thefluid outlet 312 to prevent outward flow through thefluid outlet 312. When thechamber 310 is sufficiently full of beer during normal operation, then the float will normally be retained at a sufficient height that beer can flow out of theoutlet 312. As is known in FOB detectors, when foam substantially fills the chamber, then the weight of foam displaced by thefloat 320 will be less than the weight of thefloat 320 itself. The float will cease to have net upward buoyancy in thechamber 310 and it will descend to theoutlet 312. This operation is well known to the skilled person and so details of specifics of the design of such a float and dimensions required are not explained in any greater detail. The chamber and float is typically designed to function with aerated, carbonated or still liquids with a specific gravity greater than 0.95. Although a float is illustrated, it will be appreciated that the advantages of the novel features of the invention can be obtained with other kinds of flow interrupter, such as mechnically or electronically actuated valves, connected to suitable sensors to close off the flow path upon detection of foam in the FOB detector. - The
chamber 310 of the FOB detector is defined by first andsecond end walls side wall fluid flow path 350. The cooling fluid flow path passes at least partially through the internal space of thechamber 310, so as to guide cooling fluid through the chamber itself and to allow the cooling fluid to cool beer in or flowing through thechamber 310. The cooling fluid can be any fluid suitable for use in cooling systems as will be well known to one skilled in the art of beverage cooling systems. In the illustrated example, the cooling fluid flow path is provided within apipe 351. In the illustrated example, thecooling flow channel 350 enters the chamber through anend wall 332 and exits the chamber through thesame end wall 332. However, configurations can be envisaged in which thecooling flow channel 350 enters the chamber through afirst end wall 331 and exits the chamber through asecond end wall 332 or vice versa. Configurations can of course be envisaged in which the cooling flow channel enters and/or exits thechamber 310 via one ormore side walls chamber 310, although these are not illustrated in the figures. In a broad sense, the cooling fluid flow channel can be provided in any such manner as permits cooling fluid to flow through the internal space of thechamber 310 to enable the cooling fluid to cool the beer or other fluid residing in thechamber 310. The coolant fluid can flow into the chamber via afluid inlet 352, and exits the fluid chamber via a coolingfluid outlet 353, and these can be connected to any known source of cooling fluid in a standard manner. As is generally known in FOB detectors, when thefloat 320 descends into thefluid outlet 312 it cannot be lifted again until pressure is duly equalised in thechamber 310 and theoutlet 312.Pressure equalisation valves - As can be appreciated, it is necessary for the
float 320 to have sufficient volume to provide sufficient buoyancy to remain buoyant in thechamber 310 when filled with beer, but it is also necessary for thefloat 320 to move within and around anypipe 351 provided within thechamber 310. To descend, as illustrated, thefloat 320 may have a form which is configured to sit at least partially between first 354 and second 355 portions of thecooling flow channel 350. As shown, the cooling channel may be substantially U-shaped, but any suitable form could also be employed, whilst configuring thefloat 320 to fit in and/or around the cooling flow channel as necessary. The coolingchannel 350 may therefore pass at least partially through the spatial envelope of thefloat 320 and thefloat 320 may comprise one of more cut away portions to accommodate thecooling channel 350. - A further novel aspect of the FOB detector is shown in both
figures 3 and4 , but will be described in particular in relation tofigure 4 in the following. As described above, a problem which has been identified by the inventor in relation to existing FOB detectors is that the large surface area of thechamber 310 can cause heat absorption into the beer inside the FOB detector when that beer is cooler than the surrounding atmosphere. This is particularly relevant when the beer has been cooled and in these cases the heat absorption can reduce the overall cooling efficiency of the beverage delivery system. That is particularly relevant where the beer has been cooled before entry into the FOB detector, for example, if the FOB detector is located near to a beer tap of the dispensing system than the cooling system. It is also relevant of the beer source is cooled in any way, such as a keg being stored in a cooled cellar or refrigerated area. Further, the described heat absorption means that thechamber 310 of the FOB detector is not kept as cool as it might otherwise be. A further drawback of heat absorption by beer inside the FOB detector is that the relatively cool outer surfaces of the FOB detector may attract condensation from the surrounding air and that condensation has two main drawbacks. Firstly, the walls of the FOB detector must remain at least partially transparent to allow the user to identify whether there is indeed foam in the FOB detector or not, and whether it has been properly reset to remove that foam when a keg has been changed. Further, such condensation can cause pooling of water when it drips from the FOB detector to surfaces below the FOB detector and this can cause issues with moisture or dampness gathering in those areas. - Having identified these drawbacks of existing FOB detector designs, the inventor devised a double-walled chamber as shown in the figures. As such, the
FOB detector 300 is provided with a chamber which has a wall which is a double-wall comprising aninner wall 342 and anouter wall 341 and a void between the inner and outer walls, the void at least partially surrounding some or all of the fluid flow path through which the beer in the chamber flows. As shown infigure 4 , anouter wall 341 is provided at an outer side of aninner wall 342. Avoid 360 is formed in between those inner and outer walls. The void is preferably filled with either a gas, or is provided with a vacuum, or at least a partial vacuum relative to the surrounding atmosphere. Any material which assists with thermal insulation can be provided in the void if necessary. However, it is preferred that a gas is used which does not reduce transparency of the overall wall structure. For the reasons described above, the first and second, inner and outer, walls, 341 and 342 are preferably transparent in order to allow the user to see inside thechamber 310 of the FOB detector. If transparency is not relevant in a particular installation, any material having a lower coefficient of thermal conductivity than the inner 342 and/or outer 341 walls can assist with improving the thermal insulation of thechamber 310 and so provides the benefits described in that regard. However, it is preferred that a transparent gas such as air is provided in the void to assist with thermal insulation.Figures 3 and4 illustrate a particular construction of FOB detector which can provide this double-walled chamber. However, other constructions can be envisaged. Thevoid 360 is ideally a sealed and enclosed space in order to contain the gas provided within it. However, at least some of the thermal insulation benefit could be provided if thespace 360 is not perfectly sealed from the surrounding environment. In the FOB detector illustrated, theinner wall 342 is configured to abut against at least one of theend walls more seals end walls -
Outer wall 341 can also be provided with a means of engagement with theend walls 331 and/or 332. As illustrated, it can beneficial for theouter wall 341 to have one or more of its inner surfaces engage with anouter surface end walls seal end walls outer wall 341 with the any of the one or more end walls may be via radially facing mating faces of the respective components. As will be appreciated fromfigure 4 andfigure 3 , this construction can enable the walls to be assembled in a substantially longitudinal or axial direction of the substantially cylindrically shaped FOB detector, in the direction as illustrated byarrows 321. - As can be seen in
figure 4 , one or more tie bars 371, 372, may be provided to retain one or more of theend walls more chamber walls inner wall 342 and a retaining means located on the tie bars. For example, a first end wall, 332, may be retained between an abutting end ofinner wall 342 and one or more fixing means 372 and 373. Similarly,end wall 341 may be retained between fixing means 374 and 375 and theinner wall 342. As will be appreciated, other arrangements are possible, in which, for example, the end wall may abut both of the inner 342 and outer 341 walls. The tie bars may be formed as threaded bars with separable engagement means at both ends, or may be in a form of a nut and bolt formation, or other fixing means such as rivets or circlips could of course be incorporated. In general, the tie bars act to provide a longitudinal tension force holding the assembly together in the longitudinal direction. Lateral alignment of an end wall and a side wall of the device may be provided by the structure of the one or more end walls. Such alignment means can include the mating faces for the outer wall provided on the one or more end walls. These cause alignment with theouter wall 341. One or more lips 339A or 339B may also be provided to align one or more of theend walls inner wall 342 orouter wall 341. As will be appreciated, as illustrated infigure 4 , one ormore seals cooling pipe 351 for the same purpose. - The
fob detector 300 can of course be integrated into the system described in relation toFigure 2 . However, as will be appreciated, the internal cooling of the FOB detector can be implemented in the absence of the double walled chamber and vice versa. However, when both of these aspects are implemented together, they provide a particularly advantageous arrangement. - Although a specific form and arrangement of foam detection device and beer dispensing system is shown in the figures, it will be appreciated that various changes could be made to the device shown whilst still performing the function of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
-
- 1. A foam detection device for a beverage dispensing system comprising:
a chamber comprising:- a chamber wall, a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and a fluid flow path passing from the fluid inlet, into and through the chamber, and out of the fluid outlet of the chamber;
- a flow path interrupter disposed in the fluid flow path within the chamber and configured to interrupt the flow path from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet of the chamber upon detection of foam in the chamber;
- wherein the chamber wall is a double-wall comprising an inner wall and an outer wall and a void between the inner and outer walls, wherein the void at least partially surrounds the fluid flow path through the chamber.
- 2. A foam detection device according to clause 1, wherein the flow path interrupter is a float, the float being disposed in the chamber and configured to translate in the fluid chamber to open and close the fluid flow path.
- 3. A foam detection device according to clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the inner and outer walls of the chamber are arranged such that the void defined between the inner wall and the outer wall is a sealed enclosed space.
- 4. A foam detection device according to clause 3, wherein the sealed enclosed space comprises a gas or a vacuum.
- 5. A foam detection device according to any of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the void between the inner wall and the outer wall has a lower coefficient of thermal conductivity than the inner and/or outer wall.
- 6. A foam detection device according to any of clauses 1 to 3 or 5, wherein the void between the inner wall and the outer wall is a filled void and comprises a material having a lower coefficient of thermal conductivity than the inner and/or outer wall.
- 7. A foam detection device according to any preceding clause, wherein the inner wall and the outer wall are configured such that a lateral dimension of the void defined between the inner wall and the outer wall is less than 1/10 of a lateral dimension of the chamber.
- 8. A foam detection device according to any preceding clause, wherein the void extends over at least ¼ of the fluid flow path through the chamber in an axial direction of the chamber, more preferably the void extends over at least ½ of the length of the fluid flow path through the chamber in an axial direction of the chamber.
- 9. A foam detection device according to any preceding clause, wherein the void extends over substantially all of the fluid flow path through the chamber in an axial direction of the chamber.
- 10. A foam detection device according to any preceding clause, wherein the inner wall and/or the outer wall each comprise a substantially transparent material.
- 11. A foam detection device according to any preceding clause, wherein the inner wall is configured to have a greater structural strength than the outer wall.
- 12. A foam detection device according to any preceding clause, wherein the inner wall and the outer wall each have a thickness, the inner wall having a greater thickness than the outer wall.
- 13. A foam detection device according to any preceding clause, wherein the chamber comprises at least one end wall.
- 14. A foam detection device according to clause 13, wherein at least one of the inner and outer walls abuts an inner face of the end wall of the chamber.
- 15. A foam detection device according to clause 14, wherein an inner face of the outer wall mates with an outer face of the at least one end wall.
- 16. A foam detection device according to clause 13, wherein the chamber comprises a first end wall at a first longitudinal end of the chamber and a second end wall at a second longitudinal end of the chamber.
- 17. A foam detection device according to clause 16, wherein at least one of the inner and outer walls abuts an inner face of the first end wall and/or an inner face of the second end wall.
- 18. A foam detection device according to clause 17, wherein at least one inner surface of the outer wall mates with an outer face of the first end wall and an outer face of the second end wall.
- 19. A foam detection device according to clause 17 wherein a seal is provided between the end of the abutting wall and the first and/or second end wall.
- 20. A foam detection device according to clause 18, wherein a seal is provided between the end of the outer wall and the first and/or second end wall.
- 21. A foam detection device according to any preceding clause, wherein the first end wall and the second end wall each comprise an internal face and a side face, and wherein the inner wall is attachable to the internal face of the first end wall and the internal face of the second end wall, and wherein the outer wall is attachable to the side face of the first end wall and the side face of the second end wall.
- 22. A foam detection device for a beverage dispensing system comprising:
- a chamber comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid flow path passing from the fluid inlet, into and through the chamber, and out of the fluid outlet of the chamber;
- a flow path interrupter disposed in the fluid flow path within the chamber and configured to interrupt the flow path from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet of the chamber upon detection of foam in the chamber;
- a cooling fluid flow path passing at least partially through the chamber and configured to permit heat transfer between the fluid flow path and the cooling fluid flow path.
The fluid flow path maybe a fluid flow channel.
- 23. A foam detection device according to
clause 22, wherein the flow path interrupter is a float, the float being disposed in the chamber and configured to translate in the chamber to open and close the fluid flow path. - 24. A foam detection device according to
clause 22 or clause 23, wherein the cooling flow path enters the chamber via an end wall of the chamber. - 25. A foam detection device according to any of
clauses 22 to 24, wherein the cooling flow path exits the chamber via an end wall of the chamber. - 26. A foam detection device according to clause 25, wherein the cooling flow path enters the chamber via a secondary end wall of the chamber and exits the chamber via a primary end wall of the chamber.
- 27. A foam detection device according to clause 25, wherein the cooling flow path both enters and exits the chamber via the same end wall of the chamber.
- 28. A foam detection device according to any of
clauses 22 or 23, wherein the cooling flow path enters the chamber via a side wall of the chamber. - 29. A foam detection device according to any of
clauses 20 to 26, wherein the cooling flow path is a cooling pipe. - 30. A foam detection device according to clause 29, wherein the cooling pipe is substantially U-shaped such that it defines a curved end and two substantially parallel arms.
- 31. A foam detection device according to clause 29 when dependent on clause 23, wherein the float and the cooling pipe are configured such that the float can be located between the two substantially parallel arms of the cooling pipe, and the float is moveable towards or away from the curved end of the cooling pipe between the two-parallel arms.
- 32. A foam detection device according to
clause 22, wherein the chamber further comprises a first end wall and a second end wall, and at least one tie rod, the tie rod being configured to connect the first end wall to the second end wall. - 33. A foam detection device according to
clause 22, wherein the chamber comprises two tie rods, the two tie rods being arranged to each side of a plane defined by the cooling pipe, such that the float is located between the two tie rods. - 34. A beverage dispensing system comprising:
- a fluid source, the fluid source being configured to contain fluid;
- a fluid dispensing line, the fluid dispensing line being connectable to the fluid source to allow fluid to leave the fluid source through the fluid dispensing line;
- a fluid dispensing means, the fluid dispensing means being connectable to the fluid dispensing line and being operable to restrict or allow fluid to pass through the fluid dispensing means;
- 35. A fluid dispensing system according to clause 34, wherein the fluid dispensing line comprises a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being attached to the foam detection device and arranged such that fluid passes from the fluid source, through the first part of the fluid dispensing line, then through the foam detection device, then through the second part of the fluid dispensing line, to the fluid dispensing means.
- 36. A fluid dispensing system according to clause 34 or clause 35, wherein the fluid dispensing system further comprises a first coolant source and a first coolant line, the first coolant source being configured to deliver coolant fluid, and the first coolant line being connectable to the first coolant source to allow coolant fluid to leave the first coolant source through the first coolant line, the first coolant line being arranged such that it is in thermal contact with the first part and/or the second part of the line.
- 37. A fluid dispensing system according to any of clauses 34 to 36, when including a foam detection device as described in any of
clauses 22 to 33, wherein the fluid dispensing system further comprises a second coolant line, the second coolant line being connectable to the cooling flow path of the foam detection device such that the second coolant line and the cooling flow path are in fluid communication with each other. - 38. A fluid dispensing system according to
clause 20, wherein the second coolant line is connected to a second coolant source. - 39. A kit of parts for the device of any of clauses 1 to 21, comprising at least:
- an inner wall;
- an outer wall;
- a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet;
- a flow interrupter;
- the kit of parts being configured such that, when assembled, the inner wall, outer wall, the fluid inlet, fluid outlet and flow interrupter provide the device of any of clauses 1 to 21.
- 40. A kit of parts for the device of any of
clauses 22 to 33, comprising at least:- a chamber part; and
- a cooling flow path part
- the kit of parts being configured such that, when assembled, the chamber and cooling flow path provide the device of any of
clauses 22 to 33.
Claims (15)
- A foam detection device (300) for a beverage dispensing system (100) comprising:a chamber (310) comprising a fluid inlet (352), a fluid outlet (353), and a fluid flow path passing from the fluid inlet (352), into and through the chamber (310), and out of the fluid outlet (353) of the chamber (310) ;a flow path interrupter (320) disposed in the fluid flow path within the chamber (310) and configured to interrupt the fluid flow path from the fluid inlet (352) to the fluid outlet (353) of the chamber upon detection of foam in the chamber (310);a cooling fluid flow path (350) passing at least partially through the chamber (310) and configured to permit heat transfer between the fluid flow path and the cooling fluid flow path (350).
- A foam detection device (300) according to claim 1, wherein the flow path interrupter (320) is a float, the float being disposed in the chamber (310) and configured to translate in the chamber (310) to open and close the fluid flow path.
- A foam detection device (300) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the cooling fluid flow path (350) enters the chamber (310) via an end wall of the chamber (310), wherein the a cooling fluid flow path (350) preferably exits the chamber (310) via an end wall (331, 332) of the chamber (310).
- A foam detection device (300) according to claim 3, wherein the cooling fluid flow path (350) enters the chamber (310) via a secondary end wall of the chamber (332) and exits the chamber via a primary end wall (331) of the chamber (310).
- A foam detection device (300) according to claim 3, wherein the cooling fluid flow path (350) both enters and exits the chamber (310) via the same end wall (331, 332) of the chamber (310).
- A foam detection device (300) according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the cooling fluid flow path (350) enters the chamber (310) via a side wall (341, 342) of the chamber (310).
- A foam detection device (300) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cooling fluid flow path (350) is a cooling pipe.
- A foam detection device (300) according to claim 7 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the cooling pipe is substantially U-shaped such that it defines a curved end and two substantially parallel arms, wherein the float (320) and the cooling pipe (350) are preferably configured such that the float (320) can be located between the two substantially parallel arms of the cooling pipe (350), and the float is preferably moveable towards or away from the curved end of the cooling pipe (350) between the two-parallel arms.
- A foam detection device (300) according to claim 1, wherein the chamber (310) further comprises a first end wall (331) and a second end wall (332), and at least one tie rod, the tie rod being configured to connect the first end wall (331) to the second end wall (332), wherein the chamber (310) preferably comprises two tie rods, the two tie rods being arranged to each side of a plane defined by the cooling pipe (350), such that the float (320) is located between the two tie rods.
- A foam detection device (300) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber (310) comprises a substantially transparent material.
- A beverage dispensing system (100) comprising:a fluid source (240), the fluid source (240) being configured to contain fluid;a fluid dispensing line (220), the fluid dispensing line (220) being connectable to the fluid source (240) to allow fluid to leave the fluid source (240) through the fluid dispensing line (220);a fluid dispensing means (210), the fluid dispensing means (210) being connectable to the fluid dispensing line (220) and being operable to restrict or allow fluid to pass through the fluid dispensing means (210);a foam detection device (300) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, the foam detection device (300) being arranged in the fluid dispensing line (220), such that fluid passing from the fluid source (240) passes through the foam detection device (300) before passing to the fluid dispensing means (210).
- A fluid dispensing system (100) according to claim 11, wherein the fluid dispensing line (220) comprises a first part and a second part, the first and second parts being attached to the foam detection device (300) and arranged such that fluid passes from the fluid source (240), through the first part of the fluid dispensing line (220), then through the foam detection device (300), then through the second part of the fluid dispensing line (220), to the fluid dispensing means (210).
- A fluid dispensing system (100) according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the fluid dispensing system (100) further comprises a first coolant source (260) and a first coolant line (271), the first coolant source (260) being configured to deliver coolant fluid, and the first coolant line (271) being connectable to the first coolant source (260) to allow coolant fluid to leave the first coolant source (260) through the first coolant line (271), the first coolant line (271) being arranged such that it is in thermal contact with the first part and/or the second part of the fluid dispensing line (220).
- A fluid dispensing system (100) according to any of claims 11 to 13, when including a foam detection device (300) as claimed in any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the fluid dispensing system (100) further comprises a second coolant line, the second coolant line being connectable to the a cooling fluid flow path (350) of the foam detection device such that the second coolant line and the cooling fluid flow path (350) are in fluid communication with each other, wherein the second coolant line is preferably connected to a second coolant source.
- A kit of parts for the device of any of claims 1 to 10, comprising at least:a chamber part (310); anda cooling flow channel part (350);the kit of parts being configured such that, when assembled, the chamber (310) and cooling flow channel (350) provide the device of any of claims 1 to 10.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1712672.3A GB2565299B (en) | 2017-08-07 | 2017-08-07 | Foam on beer (FOB) detector |
EP18187854.7A EP3441355B1 (en) | 2017-08-07 | 2018-08-07 | Foam on beer (fob) detector |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP18187854.7A Division EP3441355B1 (en) | 2017-08-07 | 2018-08-07 | Foam on beer (fob) detector |
EP18187854.7A Division-Into EP3441355B1 (en) | 2017-08-07 | 2018-08-07 | Foam on beer (fob) detector |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3584216A1 true EP3584216A1 (en) | 2019-12-25 |
EP3584216B1 EP3584216B1 (en) | 2021-01-27 |
Family
ID=59894859
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19191348.2A Active EP3584216B1 (en) | 2017-08-07 | 2018-08-07 | Cooled foam on beer detector |
EP18187854.7A Active EP3441355B1 (en) | 2017-08-07 | 2018-08-07 | Foam on beer (fob) detector |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP18187854.7A Active EP3441355B1 (en) | 2017-08-07 | 2018-08-07 | Foam on beer (fob) detector |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (2) | EP3584216B1 (en) |
ES (2) | ES2777833T3 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2565299B (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2586038B (en) | 2019-07-30 | 2023-09-27 | Universal Dispense Systems Ltd | Foam on beer (FOB) detector |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
IES80812B2 (en) * | 1998-10-09 | 1999-03-10 | Seamus C Dunne | Fob detector with improved float lifting mechanism |
WO2016164879A1 (en) * | 2015-04-10 | 2016-10-13 | integrated Dispensing Systems, LLC | Fluid dispensing system |
EP3162757A1 (en) * | 2015-10-30 | 2017-05-03 | Carlsberg Breweries A/S | An insulation housing for a fob detection unit, a fob detection arrangement, and a method of insulating and cooling a fob detection unit |
Family Cites Families (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2017072114A1 (en) * | 2015-10-26 | 2017-05-04 | Carlsberg Breweries A/S | Fob detection unit for a beverage dispensing system, a beverage dispensing system comprising a fob detection unit and a method of dispensing beverage by providing a beverage dispensing system comprising a fob detection unit |
-
2017
- 2017-08-07 GB GB1712672.3A patent/GB2565299B/en active Active
-
2018
- 2018-08-07 ES ES18187854T patent/ES2777833T3/en active Active
- 2018-08-07 ES ES19191348T patent/ES2864094T3/en active Active
- 2018-08-07 EP EP19191348.2A patent/EP3584216B1/en active Active
- 2018-08-07 EP EP18187854.7A patent/EP3441355B1/en active Active
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
IES80812B2 (en) * | 1998-10-09 | 1999-03-10 | Seamus C Dunne | Fob detector with improved float lifting mechanism |
WO2016164879A1 (en) * | 2015-04-10 | 2016-10-13 | integrated Dispensing Systems, LLC | Fluid dispensing system |
EP3162757A1 (en) * | 2015-10-30 | 2017-05-03 | Carlsberg Breweries A/S | An insulation housing for a fob detection unit, a fob detection arrangement, and a method of insulating and cooling a fob detection unit |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
ES2864094T3 (en) | 2021-10-13 |
ES2777833T3 (en) | 2020-08-06 |
EP3584216B1 (en) | 2021-01-27 |
GB201712672D0 (en) | 2017-09-20 |
GB2565299A (en) | 2019-02-13 |
EP3441355A1 (en) | 2019-02-13 |
EP3441355B1 (en) | 2019-12-25 |
GB2565299B (en) | 2022-05-11 |
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