GB2146413A

GB2146413A - Apparatus for dispensing pressurised liquids

Info

Publication number: GB2146413A
Application number: GB08422790A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Arthur Richard Millington
Original assignee: Millington & Co Ltd Richar
Current assignee: Millington & Co Ltd Richar
Priority date: 1983-09-08
Filing date: 1984-09-10
Publication date: 1985-04-17
Also published as: GB8324047D0; GB8422790D0; GB2146413B

Abstract

Apparatus for dispensing pressurised liquids, such as carbonated beverages includes a plurality of successively communicating passages 8-13, the diameter of each passage converging in a downstream direction, the radial width of each passage increasing in a downstream direction. The member 5 which provides one wall of each passage is movable to provide a valve action. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Apparatus for dispensing pressurised liquids This invention relates to apparatus for dispensing pressurised liquids such as carbonated beverages particularly but not exlusively for dispensing beer, lager, cider or other carbonated alcoholic drinks.

The invention also finds application in dispensing soft drinks. Taps for controlling pressurised water supplies such as domestic supplies may be constructed in accordance with this invention.

According to the present invention pressurised liquid dispensing apparatus includes a plurality of successively communicating passages the diameter of each passage converging in a downstream direction, the radial width of each passage increasing in the downstream direction.

The passages may be conical and disposed successively radially inwardly of each other. The passages are preferably disposed so that flow therethrough reverses in direction relative to the axis of the apparatus upon movement from one passage to the next.

The passages may serve as a flow regulator for dispensing a carbonated beverage. The apparatus may also serve as a flow regulator for water or for other liquid supplies. The apparatus occupies a shorter axial space than a conventional flow regulator facilitating installation to a crowded bar counter. A conventional flow regulator comprises a conical orifice with a coaxial conical insert. A separate on/off valve has been used with such a regulator. Thus although the flow may be controlled to minimise effervescence during dispensing, use of the on/off valve to provide a minimal delivery of beverage often results in a thin jet of highly foamed liquid.

The present invention facilitates regulation of the liquid flow both at minimal rates of flow and also at normal rates of flow. The successively communicating passages, serve to reduce the rate of flow without causing agitation of the liquid.

Adjustment of the width of the passages may be achieved by axial movement of a wall of at least one of the passages relative to a fixed wall of the passage.

A 2 angle between the walls of each passage has been found to be appropriate. Apical angles of the conical surfaces of 14 to 18 may be used for dispensing carbonated beverages.

Two or three successive passages may be employed in preferred embodiments of the invention.

The regions between successive passages preferably utilise smooth and rounded surfaces to avoid turbulence or shear upon the liquid.

According to a preferred aspect of the present invention pressurised liquid dispensing apparatus comprises an annular passage the diameter of which converges in a downstream direction, the radial width of the passage increasing in the downstream direction, said width being adjustable in use both to regulate the flow of said liquid and to stop or start the said flow.

Apparatus in accordance with the preferred aspect may comprise a conical passage tapering in the downstream direction and a conical coaxial insert, the apical angle of the cone formed by the outer wall of the passage being less than the apical angle of the cone formed by the insert.

The insert may have a truncated conical configuration.

Use of a valve in accordance with this preferred aspect of the invention offers advantages which are not present in the conventional valves used for dispensing liquids such as carbonated beverages.

Points or sharp edges which might nucleate bubble formation, such as are present on conventional on/off valves, do not obtrude into the body of the liquid. The maximum amount of carbon dioxide is retained in solution in the beverage.

Adjustment of the width of the passage may be achieved by axial movement of a surface of the passage, for example of the insert.

The apparatus may further comprise sealing means such as one or more sealing rings and cooperating surfaces. The sealing means serve to prevent dripping.

The invention is further described by meals of examples with reference to the accompanying drawing: Figure 1 shows a partial cross-section through apparatus for dispensing a carbonated beverage.

The apparatus comprises an inlet pipe 1 for the beverage, leading to an annular chamber 2 disposed in a casing 3. An outlet pipe 4 serves to deliver beverage into a glass or cup (not shown). A movable insert 5 is arranged for axial movement within the casing 3. A handle 6 is connected to a threaded shank 7. Turning of the handle 6 causes the insert 5 to move axially within the casing 3.

Conical surfaces 8,9,10 of the insert 5 and respective surfaces 11,12,13 of the casing 3 comprise respective annular passages. Each annular passage comprises an outer conical wall 9,11,13 each having an apical angle of 14 and an inner conical wall 8,12,10 each having an apical angle of 18 . Alternative angles providing a 2 angular difference between the walls may be chosen. In a further alternative embodiment the walls 8 and 11 have the same apical angle and serve as a combined flow regulator and on/off valve. The diameter of each passage e.g. 9,12 converges in the downstream direction but the radial width of each passage, i.e. the horizontal distance between the surfaces 9 and 12, increases in the downstream direction.Successive passages communicate by means of smoothly rounded surfaces, the axial direction of liquid flow reversing on movement from one passage to the next. The successive passages are disposed radially inwardly of each other. In the embodiment illustrated there are three such passages. Alternative embodiments may incorporate two, four or more passages.

A sealing ring 14 serves to prevent dripping of the apparatus when the flow is shut off. Another sealing ring 15 prevents leakage from the apparatus.

In use of the apparatus turning of the handles 6 causes the insert 5 to be raised or lowered. Raising of the insert 5 increases the width of each passage increasing the flow of beverage. Lowering of the insert decreases the width of the passage and may, upon engagement of the inner and outer surfaces of at least one passage, cause the flow to cease.

The narrowing of the widths of the passages restricts the flow of beverage prior to shutting off the flow, preventing squirting of a thin jet of beverage.

The flow is thereby regulated in a synchrohous manner with the opening or closing of the valve.

Water taps may be constructed as described above, these having the advantage of reducing mechanical vibration in the piping.

Claims

1. Pressurised liquid dispensing apparatus including a plurality of successively communicating passages the diameter of each passage converging in a downstream direction, the radial width of each passage increasing in the downstream direction.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the passages are conical and are disposed successively radially inwardly of each other.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the passages are disposed so that flow therethrough reverses in direction upon movement from one passage to the next.

4. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the width of the passages is adjustable.

5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 4, arranged to be adjusted by axial movement of a wall of at least one of the passages relative to a fixed wall of the passage.

6. Apparatus as claimed in any previous claim, wherein there is an angle of 2" between walls of each passage.

7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 6, comprising conical surfaces having apical angles of 14" to 18".

8. Apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim comprising an annular passage the diameter of which converges in a downstream direction, the radial width of the passage increasing in the downstream direction, said width being adjustable to regulate the flow of said liquid and to stop or start said flow.

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 8, comprising a conical passage tapering in the downstream direction and aconical coaxial insert, the apical angle of the cone formed by the outer wall of the passage being less than the apical angle of the cone formed by the insert.

10. Apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the insert has a truncated conical configuration.

11. Apparatus as claimed in any of claims 8 to 10, wherein a surface of the passage is arranged to move axially to adjust the width of the passage.

12. Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.