GB2204670A - Liquid cooling apparatus - Google Patents

Liquid cooling apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2204670A
GB2204670A GB08709177A GB8709177A GB2204670A GB 2204670 A GB2204670 A GB 2204670A GB 08709177 A GB08709177 A GB 08709177A GB 8709177 A GB8709177 A GB 8709177A GB 2204670 A GB2204670 A GB 2204670A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
cooling apparatus
satellite
coolant
cooling
refrigerated
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.)
Pending
Application number
GB08709177A
Other versions
GB8709177D0 (en
Inventor
Paul Vincent Galea
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
MK REFRIGERATION Ltd
Original Assignee
MK REFRIGERATION Ltd
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by MK REFRIGERATION Ltd filed Critical MK REFRIGERATION Ltd
Priority to GB08709177A priority Critical patent/GB2204670A/en
Publication of GB8709177D0 publication Critical patent/GB8709177D0/en
Publication of GB2204670A publication Critical patent/GB2204670A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67DDISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08Details
    • B67D1/0857Cooling arrangements
    • B67D1/0858Cooling arrangements using compression systems
    • B67D1/0861Cooling arrangements using compression systems the evaporator acting through an intermediate heat transfer means
    • B67D1/0865Cooling 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
    • B67D1/0867Cooling 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
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F25REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
    • F25DREFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F25D17/00Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces
    • F25D17/02Arrangements for circulating cooling fluids; Arrangements for circulating gas, e.g. air, within refrigerated spaces for circulating liquids, e.g. brine

Abstract

An apparatus for cooling a plurality of liquid product flows comprises a central cooling apparatus 1 operatively connected to a plurality of satellite cooling apparatus 6, the central cooling apparatus 1 including refrigeration means for creating a refrigerated coolant and coolant conveying means 3, 7, 8 for conveying said refrigerated coolant from said central cooling apparatus to each said satellite cooling apparatus, each said satellite cooling apparatus being arranged to cool a respective product flow by heat exchange between a said product flow and said refrigerated coolant. Each satellite cooling apparatus has a temperature sensor 19 and flow control valve associated therewith. <IMAGE>

Description

LIQUID COOLING APPARATUS This invention relates to an apparatus for cooling liquid, in particular for cooling beer or other beverages.
It is known to cool beverages which are to be sold at counters or bars. The known apparatus for this purpose falls into one of three categories: 1. Where several different flows of liquid products are to be cooled, a plurality of separate, fully self-contained in-line coolers is provided, one for each flow. A said flow passes through a heat exchange tube within a said cooler and is cooled to the required temperature by means of a refrigeration system within said cooler. The heat exchange between the refrigeration system and the heat exchange tube is normally achieved by means of a water bath, a water and ice bank bath or by means of a direct expansion system.
2. A system as in 1. above but wherein the products are first subjected to a central cooling e.g. in a cellar and are delivered to the individual in-line coolers via insulated tubing. This system does not require the individual coolers to achieve the full cooling load.
3. A centralised system in which all cooling of the products occurs at a single point e.g. in a cellar. A single large tank is equipped with a refrigeration system to create ice and cold water within the tank.
Individual heat exchange tubes for the individual product flows are immersed in the tank to cool the individual product flows and each product flow is delivered to its respective delivery point via suitable tubing. In order to reduce unwanted heat gain during delivery to a dispensing point, the product tubes may be bundled together and insulated. Moreover, a said bundle of product tubes may be clustered around a central cooling tube through which circulates cold water from the central tank. This system is referred to as a Python system.
These known systems have various disadvantages.
Categories (1) & (2) (a) Utilisation of valuable retail space.
(b) Generation of noise and heat in unwanted spaces.
(c) Installation costs in terms of power supply require ments at the dispensing points.
(d) Frequent cleaning of the refrigeration system high side, because of dust accumulation which renders the system inefficient.
(e) As each unit operates in high ambient temperatures, then high utilisation of energy to ensure adequate product cooling is necessary.
(f) Most of the coolers are likely to be subject to abuse, hence frequent maintenance will be required.
CategorY 3 (a) The major disadvantage is that of lack of adequate temperature control of the product and no means of rectification.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid cooling apparatus in which the disadvantages of known apparatus are at least partially alleviated.
According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for cooling a plurality of liquid product flows, which apparatus comprises a central cooling apparatus operatively connected to a plurality of satellite cooling apparatus, the central cooling apparatus including refrigeration means for creating a refrigerated coolant and coolant conveying means for conveying said refrigerated coolant from said central cooling apparatus to each said satellite cooling apparatus, each said satellite cooling apparatus being arranged to cool a respective product flow by heat exchange between a said product flow and said refrigerated coolant.
Very preferably, temperature control means are provided at each satellite cooling apparatus for controlling the extent of cooling therewithin of a said product flow.
The central cooling apparatus will generally comprise a tank or reservoir for the coolant medium. The tank will generally include the refrigerating means capable of refrigerating the coolant medium within the tank and of creating an ice bank within the tank in accordance with the required cooling load. A condensing unit for the refrigerating means may form an integral part of the tank or may be located remotely therefrom. The conveying means for conveying the refrigerated coolant may be in the form of a pump which is preferably electrically powered. The pump, and any auxiliary apparatus such as agitators, flow controls and temperature controls may form part of the central cooling apparatus.
Preferably, conduits for conveying the refrigerated coolant to each satellite cooling apparatus are insulated to minimise heat gamin. Likewise the central cooling apparatus and the satellite cooling apparatus themselves are preferably thermally insulated.
Although it is envisaged that each satellite cooling apparatus may be supplied with refrigerated coolant directly from the central cooling apparatus via its own separate supply lines. a preferred arrangement for supplying coolant to respective satellite cooling apparatus includes a ring main or loop including a main outward line and a main return line, each separate satellite cooling apparatus being arranged to bridge between said lines so as to receive its required supply of refrigerated coolant. It is of course also possible to arrange for the satellite cooling apparatus to be connected in series; however, such an arrangement may result in a temperature gradient being formed in the supply lines which may prove to be unacceptable.
As has been said, each satellite cooling apparatus is preferably provided with temperature regulating means for regulating the temperature of product within a said satellite cooling apparatus. Such temperature regulating means may comprise a simple thermostatically operable valve located in a flow line for the refrigerated coolant in or adjacent to a said satellite cooling apparatus. Alternatively a temperature sensor may be located in a flow line for the liquid product.
preferably but not essentially either within the satellite cooling apparatus or immediately upstream thereof, which is arranged to control a valve located in the flow line for supplying refrigerated coolant to said satellite cooling apparatus.
Each satellite cooling apparatus may be fitted with a control device capable of maintaining the outlet product temperature and consisting of a gas-filled bellows which operates a flow gate or orifice as a result of temperature changes in the product flowline or in the apparatus. When the flow gate is opened, water or other medium is allowed to pass through the apparatus thus exchanging heat with the product. The sensing part of the control device is positioned at or near the outlet of the product flow line so that a high sensitivity is achieved in terms of temperature changes and thus to provide an accurate dispense temperature for the product. The control is preferably a mechanical device but an electro-mechanical and/or electronic device could be used.
The coolant liquid to be refrigerated may be water, glycol or any other suitable liquid.
Preferably each satellite cooling apparatus is in the form of a small tank or chamber present with an inlet and an outlet for the refrigerated coolant. One or more flow lines for liquid product are generally arranged to pass through the tank or chamber, preferably being.
coiled therewithin for greater heat exchange efficiency. Preferably such a coil or coils is adapted to cause turbulent flow within the refrigerated coolant passing through the chamber or tank thus to increase further the heat exchange efficiency.Alternatively a tube-in-tube arrangement may be employed with the cooling medium passing through either one of the tubes.
the other tube containing the product to be cooled.
An embodiment of the cooling apparatus of the present invention will now be described. by way of example only.
by reference to the accompanying drawings. in which: Fig. 1 represents diagrammatically an arrangement of an embodiment of cooling apparatus according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a satellite cooling apparatus for use in the presentation; and Fig. 3 is a partially broken away perspective view of the satellite cooling apparatus of Fig. 2.
Referring to the drawings, a central cooling apparatus 1 includes a tank or reservoir for a coolant liquid. The cooling apparatus 1 is connected to a condensing unit 2 for cooling and refrigerating coolant within the cooling apparatus 1, so as to create refrigerated coolant and an ice bank therewritten. A closed loop in the form of an insulated tube 3 extends from the cooling apparatus and returns thereto, via an inline constrictor 4 which ensures that a suitably high pressure exists within the refrigerated coolant and the supply side, relative to the return side. A pump 5 is provided for circulating the refrigerated coolant within tube 3.A plurality of satellite cooling apparatus 6 is arranged each to bridge across the insulated tube 3, from the supply side to the return side by means of further insulated tubes, 7, 7', 71 1, 7''' and 8, 8, 8' ' , 8' ' ' . As is shown in detail in Figs. 2 and 3, a said satellite cooling apparatus 6 comprises a container provided with an inlet 10 for connection to insulated tube 7 and an outlet 11 for connection to insulated tube 8. The satellite cooling apparatus 6 is also provided with a pair of inlets 12, 13 for liquid products and a respective pair of outlets 14, 15 for said liquid products.Within said satellite cooling apparatus 6 respective pairs of inlets and outlets 12, 14 and 13. 15 are connected by respective coiled tubes 16, 17, the arrangement and disposition of the coils of which are designed to cause turbulent flow and high mixing flow within refrigerated coolant passing through the chamber of the satellite cooling apparatus 6.
All of the elements of the apparatus are preferably insulated e.g. by rock wool, by expanded polystyrene or by polyurethane foam, as shown for example at 18.
A temperature sensor 19 is located in the flow for the liquid product at or adjacent a said inlet 12, 13, for controlling a flow control valve 20 located in the line 7 for the refrigerated coolant.
Any suitable flow control valve may be employed, working e.g. on a bellows and spring principle by means of a snap action or a modulating action or e.g. on a gas or liquid filled phial principle. Desirable characteristics for the valve are as follows: a) it should have a fast response time, e.g. 5 seconds, b) it should have a close temperature differential, e.g. of 1 to 20C, c) it should be independent of changes in atmospheric pressure or ambient temperature, d) it should provide minimum flow resistance e.g. not more than Slb/sq.in. water pressure drop, e) it should have small overall dimensions, e.g. 5" x 5" x 2".
By means of the present invention there is provided a cooling apparatus for liquid which can possess the following advantages: (a) An accurate method of controlling the product temperature at the dispense point.
(b) A highly efficient and compact heat exchange module by virtue of the product coil design and the fluid flow within the module.
(c) Complementary to the. above, a simple control device which is capable of controlling the cooling fluid flow, thus controlling the product temperature.
(d) A loop system capable of adequately distributing the cooling fluid through all the satellite modules.
(e) A simple system capable of being installed with ease, requiring minimum space utilisation at the dispense points, using minimum amount of energy when compared with other systems, and capable of storing cooling capacity during off peak periods.
It is to be understood that the invention may be performed otherwise than as has been particularly described. The invention includes within its scope all such modifications and amendments as would be apparent to one skilled in the art.

Claims (16)

1. An apparatus for cooling a plurality of liquid product flows, which apparatus comprises a central cooling apparatus operatively connected to a plurality of satellite cooling apparatus, the central cooling apparatus including refrigeration means for creating a refrigerated coolant and coolant conveying means for conveying said refrigerated coolant from said central cooling apparatus to each said satellite cooling apparatus, each said satellite cooling apparatus being arranged to cool a respective product flow by heat exchange between a said product flow and said refrigerated coolant.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein temperature control means are provided at each said satellite cooling apparatus, for controlling the extent of cooling therewithin of a said product flow.
3. Apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the central cooling apparatus comprises a tank or reservoir for the coolant medium, which tank includes said refrigeration means for creating a refrigerated coolant.
said refrigerating means being capable of creating an ice bank within the tank.
4. Apparatus according to Claim 3, wherein the refrigerating means includes a condensing unit forming an integral part of the tank.
5. Apparatus according to Claim 3 wherein the refrigerating unit includes a condensing unit which is located remotely from the tank.
6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein said conveying means for conveying said refrigerated coolant from said central cooling apparatus to each said satellite cooling apparatus comprises an electrically powered pump.
7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein insulated conduits are provided for conveying the refrigerated coolant from said central cooling apparatus to each said satellite cooling apparatus.
8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein a coolant path is provided in the form of a main outward line and a main return line, each said satellite cooling apparatus being arranged to bridge between said lines so as to receive its required supply of refrigerated coolant.
9. Apparatus according to any of Claims 1-7 wherein each satellite cooling apparatus is provided with means whereby it may be supplied with refrigeråted coolant directly from the central cooling apparatus via its own separate supply lines.
10. Apparatus according to Claim 2, or any of Claims 3-9 when dependent thereupon wherein said temperature regulating means comprise a thermostatically operable valve located in a flow line for the refrigerated coolant in or adjacent to a said satellite cooling apparatus.
11. Apparatus according to Claim 2 or in accordance with any of Claims 3-9 when dependent thereupon wherein a temperature sensor is located in a flow line for the liquid product either within the satellite cooling apparatus or immediately up-stream thereof, and is arranged to control a valve located in the flow line for supplying refrigerated coolant to said satellite cooling apparatus.
12. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein each satellite cooling apparatus is provided with a control device capable of controlling the outlet product temperature.
13. Apparatus according to Claim 12 wherein each said control device comprises a gas filled bellows arranged to operate upon a flow gate or orifice as a result of temperature changes in the product flow line or in the apparatus.
14. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the coolant liquid is water or glycol.
15. An apparatus for cooling a plurality of liquid product flows, substantially as hereinbefore described, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
16. The features hereinbefore disclosed or their equivalants, in any novel selection.
GB08709177A 1987-04-16 1987-04-16 Liquid cooling apparatus Pending GB2204670A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08709177A GB2204670A (en) 1987-04-16 1987-04-16 Liquid cooling apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08709177A GB2204670A (en) 1987-04-16 1987-04-16 Liquid cooling apparatus

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8709177D0 GB8709177D0 (en) 1987-05-20
GB2204670A true GB2204670A (en) 1988-11-16

Family

ID=10615960

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB08709177A Pending GB2204670A (en) 1987-04-16 1987-04-16 Liquid cooling apparatus

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2204670A (en)

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2241054A (en) * 1990-02-16 1991-08-21 Whitbread & Co Plc Cooled beer engine
DE9007061U1 (en) * 1990-06-25 1991-10-31 Bossert, Gerdi, 7730 Villingen-Schwenningen, De
GB2274909A (en) * 1993-02-08 1994-08-10 Perfection Equip Inc Cooling systems
GB2294750A (en) * 1994-11-07 1996-05-08 Bass Plc Dispensing beverages
WO1996027552A1 (en) * 1995-03-08 1996-09-12 Matthew Clark Taunton Limited Refrigerated drinks dispenser
GB2327748A (en) * 1997-07-25 1999-02-03 Scottish & Newcastle Plc Cooling apparatus
FR2785600A1 (en) * 1998-11-09 2000-05-12 Dietal Sa COOLER ASSEMBLY FOR BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS
FR2785601A1 (en) 1998-11-09 2000-05-12 Dieau Automatic gravity feed fresh drinks vending machine, with integral cooler
GB2346679A (en) * 1999-02-03 2000-08-16 David Sharp Controlled cooling of beverages
EP1222140A1 (en) * 1999-09-02 2002-07-17 Matilda Bay Brewing Co. Ltd. Integrated heat exchanger and liquid dispensing unit
WO2004020326A1 (en) * 2002-08-29 2004-03-11 Kett Donald A Beverage cooler
GB2446792A (en) * 2007-02-22 2008-08-27 Imi Cornelius Beverage dispense system
GB2454653A (en) * 2007-11-06 2009-05-20 Scotman Beverage Systems Ltd Dispensing cooled beverage
GB2529222A (en) * 2014-08-14 2016-02-17 Heineken Uk Ltd Beverage dispense systems

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE202017103897U1 (en) * 2017-06-30 2018-10-02 Rudolf Caspary System for cooling a brewing process

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB979035A (en) * 1962-12-19 1965-01-01 British Syphon Company Ltd Improvements relating to beverage cooling and dispensing equipment
GB1417406A (en) * 1972-12-18 1975-12-10 Marston Paxman Ltd Cooling apparatus for beverages
GB2179129A (en) * 1985-06-18 1987-02-25 Paxman Briston Coolers Ltd Apparatus for cooling and dispensing drinks

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB979035A (en) * 1962-12-19 1965-01-01 British Syphon Company Ltd Improvements relating to beverage cooling and dispensing equipment
GB1417406A (en) * 1972-12-18 1975-12-10 Marston Paxman Ltd Cooling apparatus for beverages
GB2179129A (en) * 1985-06-18 1987-02-25 Paxman Briston Coolers Ltd Apparatus for cooling and dispensing drinks

Cited By (26)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2241054A (en) * 1990-02-16 1991-08-21 Whitbread & Co Plc Cooled beer engine
GB2241054B (en) * 1990-02-16 1994-10-26 Whitbread & Co Plc A beer engine for a cooled beverage
DE9007061U1 (en) * 1990-06-25 1991-10-31 Bossert, Gerdi, 7730 Villingen-Schwenningen, De
GB2274909A (en) * 1993-02-08 1994-08-10 Perfection Equip Inc Cooling systems
US5372014A (en) * 1993-02-08 1994-12-13 Perfection Equipment, Inc. Modular cooling system for multiple spaces and dispensed beverages
GB2274909B (en) * 1993-02-08 1996-07-03 Perfection Equip Inc Modular cooling systems for beverage cooling and air conditioning
GB2294750A (en) * 1994-11-07 1996-05-08 Bass Plc Dispensing beverages
GB2294750B (en) * 1994-11-07 1998-11-18 Bass Plc Improvements in and relating to dispensing beverages
WO1996027552A1 (en) * 1995-03-08 1996-09-12 Matthew Clark Taunton Limited Refrigerated drinks dispenser
GB2313437A (en) * 1995-03-08 1997-11-26 Matthew Clark Refrigerated drinks dispenser
GB2313437B (en) * 1995-03-08 1998-08-26 Matthew Clark Refrigerated drinks dispenser
GB2327748A (en) * 1997-07-25 1999-02-03 Scottish & Newcastle Plc Cooling apparatus
FR2785600A1 (en) * 1998-11-09 2000-05-12 Dietal Sa COOLER ASSEMBLY FOR BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS
CN1106341C (en) * 1998-11-09 2003-04-23 迪奥股份有限公司 Autonomous gravity-feed beverage dispenser with cooling device
WO2000027744A1 (en) 1998-11-09 2000-05-18 Dieau S.A. Autonomous gravity-feed beverage dispenser with cooling device
FR2785601A1 (en) 1998-11-09 2000-05-12 Dieau Automatic gravity feed fresh drinks vending machine, with integral cooler
US6442960B1 (en) 1998-11-09 2002-09-03 Dieau S.A. Autonomous gravity-feed beverage dispenser with cooling device
GB2346679A (en) * 1999-02-03 2000-08-16 David Sharp Controlled cooling of beverages
EP1222140A1 (en) * 1999-09-02 2002-07-17 Matilda Bay Brewing Co. Ltd. Integrated heat exchanger and liquid dispensing unit
EP1222140A4 (en) * 1999-09-02 2002-12-04 Matilda Bay Brewing Co Ltd Integrated heat exchanger and liquid dispensing unit
US6672484B2 (en) 1999-09-02 2004-01-06 Matilda Bay Brewing Co. Limited Integrated heat exchanger and liquid dispensing unit
WO2004020326A1 (en) * 2002-08-29 2004-03-11 Kett Donald A Beverage cooler
GB2446792A (en) * 2007-02-22 2008-08-27 Imi Cornelius Beverage dispense system
GB2454653A (en) * 2007-11-06 2009-05-20 Scotman Beverage Systems Ltd Dispensing cooled beverage
GB2529222A (en) * 2014-08-14 2016-02-17 Heineken Uk Ltd Beverage dispense systems
GB2529222B (en) * 2014-08-14 2021-06-30 Heineken Uk Ltd Beverage dispense systems

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB8709177D0 (en) 1987-05-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
GB2204670A (en) Liquid cooling apparatus
US5445290A (en) Stand-alone combination ice maker and beverage dispenser
US5996842A (en) Apparatus and method for dispensing a cool beverage
US4676400A (en) Liquid dispensing system
US4679408A (en) Dispensing and cooling apparatus
US6324850B1 (en) Beverage dispense system
US5564601A (en) Beverage dispensing machine with improved liquid chiller
US4949552A (en) Cooling system for remotely dispensed beverages
CA1277290C (en) High efficiency method and apparatus for making and dispensing cold carbonated water
US6546737B1 (en) Beverage cooler
US20120279244A1 (en) Table top refrigerated beverage dispenser
GB2327748A (en) Cooling apparatus
US4294083A (en) Air conditioning system
US20080289357A1 (en) Liquid nitrogen cooled beverage dispenser
EP2307834A2 (en) Countermount, tapping apparatus and method for regulating the temperature of beverage
GB2208918A (en) Beverage cooling system
EP1133446A1 (en) Beverage chiller
US5732856A (en) Beverage conveyance system between beverage storage and dispensing
US3435627A (en) Heat exchange system
US5372014A (en) Modular cooling system for multiple spaces and dispensed beverages
US2814184A (en) Soda fountain
US2437257A (en) Refrigerator and means for main
KR940002602B1 (en) Method of and apparatus for cooling and dispensing beverage
US4502294A (en) Apparatus for cooling liquids
AU597728B2 (en) Apparatus for making and dispensing cold carbonated water