GB2287296A

GB2287296A - Detecting passage of cleaning liquid in a beer line

Info

Publication number: GB2287296A
Application number: GB9404430A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Philip David Morgan
Original assignee: PEKTRON Ltd
Current assignee: PEKTRON Ltd
Priority date: 1994-03-08
Filing date: 1994-03-08
Publication date: 1995-09-13
Anticipated expiration: 2014-03-08
Also published as: GB2287296B; GB9404430D0

Abstract

A logger is adapted to be located in a beer line of a draught beer installation. The microprocessor-based circuitry of the logger 10 continuously monitors liquid passing through the beer line. When the beer supply is removed and a cleansing solution is passed through the line, a sensor of the logger senses a parameter change. The logger can record and store the dates and times when cleansing operations are carried out. Accessing the monitored information is by way of an interrogator device (Fig. 2) which is removably connectable with the logger, this therefore obliging the operator of the beer line to perform the required line cleaning operations. <IMAGE>

Description

Flow Sensing Apparatus This invention relates to flow sensing apparatus and is concerned particularly, but not exclusively, with apparatus for use in a liquid flow line to sense the flow of a replacement liquid therethrough, for example a cleansing solution when passed through a beer line.

In public houses, clubs, restaurants etc., it is necessary in draught beer and beverage installations to perform a line cleaning operation at regular intervals for hygiene reasons. Cleaning is carried out usually by removing the beverage supply, substituting a cleansing solution of detergent and water, and pumping the cleansing solution through the piping network which provides the beer line. When the cleansing operation is carried out, the beverage in the piping network is contaminated and wasted. In view of this wastage, it is traditional for the supply brewery to award a waste allowance of an agreed number of measures per beverage line, as compensation. If however a cleansing operation is not carried out when it should have been, not only is the beverage in the line which would have been wasted then saved, but it would still be possible t-o claim the compensation allowance.This unscrupulous tactic potentially creates a hygiene problem.

According to the present invention there is provided apparatus for use in a liquid flow line, the apparatus comprising means for sensing the flow of a replacement liquid through the flow line, means for producing data when the replacement liquid is sensed, means for recording and storing the data, and means for retrieving the stored data when required.

Preferably the apparatus is for use in a beverage flow line, for example where the beverage is beer, and where the replacement liquid is a line cleansing solution.

The apparatus may be provided with means enabling connection thereof in a liquid flow line.

The sensing means may be adapted to sense a change in the parameter of the different liquids, for example the conductivity, the PH level, or the translucence.

The sensing means is preferably electrically operated, either mains operated or battery powered.

The apparatus may have a concealed memory with an output connection for receiving interrogator apparatus whereby to enable retrieval of the stored data. The apparatus may contain a dedicated microprocessor, and may also be capable of being connected to an external computer for downloading of data.

Alternatively, the apparatus may have an electronic memory, a real time clock and an integral LCD data display.

The apparatus may be adapted to emit a signal to indicate when the replacement liquid should be passed through the flow line, for example a visual or audible signal.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of logging equipment forming part of an apparatus according to the invention; and Fig. 2 is a perspective view of information accessing equipment.

In a draught beer installation, a beer line (not shown) extends between a beer supply and a dispensing head. In the beer line between the supply and the head, to be accessible at the outlet, is a sensing device in the form of an electrically operated logger 10. The latter has a substantially rectangular casing 12 having a through passage for flow of beer, with in-line connectors 14 for insertion in the dispense line between the pumped supply and the dispensing head.

The logger 10 is electrically operated and can either be adapted to be connected to the mains supply or be battery powered for ease of installation. The logger circuitry is microprocessor-based and includes a sensor for sensing a chosen parameter of a liquid, such as conductivity, PH level or translucence. The logger 10 continuously monitors the liquid passing therethrough and, when the beer supply is removed and a cleansing solution of detergent and water substituted therefor, the sensor of the logger 10 senses the parameter change when the cleansing solution is pumped through the line.

The logger contains electronic circuitry appropriate to a concealed memory wherein data relevant to the dates and times when cleansing operations were carried out can be recorded and stored. The logger 10 is provided with an electrical lead 16 connected in a casing 18 to a jack socket, the latter being electrically connected with the memory circuits.

There is further provided an information accessing or interrogator device 20 of a shape and size enabling holding by the hand. The device 20 is fully portable and is battery powered incorporating a splash-proof membrane keypad 22 and a liquid crystal display 24. The device 20 has an electrical lead 26 presenting a jack plug 28. The latter is adapted to plug into the jack socket of the logger 10 to thus provide selective electrical communication between the memory circuit of the latter and electrical circuitry in the device 20 enabling read-out from the latter.

When the interrogator device 20 is plugged into the logger 10, pressing of the appropriate key on the keypad 22 displays required information on the display 24. The interrogator device 20 may include a power indicator 30 to show that the supply is healthy.

In use the logger 10 is installed in the dispense line preferably close to the beer supply and the casing 18 can be conveniently mounted on the cellar wall. The logger 10 provides a totally secure and accurate monitoring arrangement, the only way of accessing the monitoring information being by means of the interrogator device 20. The latter can be permanently in the possession of an authorised person and can conveniently be carried by that person at all times. Plugging of the interrogator device 20 into the logger 10 allows reading of memory and the interrogator device 20 can be plugged into any number of logger 10. Accordingly only one interrogator device 20 may be required per establishment, regardless of the number of loggers 10 in use.

The logger may also be adapted to be connectable to a computer whereby to download data thereto.

In another embodiment, the logger may have a real time clock and an integral LCD display for displaying appropriate data.

There is thus provided an apparatus which detects and logs each line cleansing operation by sensing the passage of the cleansing solution instead of the beverage. This obliges the establishment personnel to carry out the cleansing operations when required and thereby avoids potential hygiene problems.

In a modification, the apparatus may be programmed to provide a prompt for the establishment personnel when each cleansing operation is due, for example by means of a visual display, where this is provided on the logger, and/or by an audible display such as a bleeper.

Various other modifications may be made without departing from the invention.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing Specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

Claims:

1. Apparatus for use in a liquid flow line, the apparatus comprising means for sensing the flow of a replacement liquid through the flow line, means for producing data when the replacement liquid is sensed, means for recording and storing the data, and means for retrieving the stored data when required.

2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the apparatus is adapted for use in a beverage flow line, tine replacement Liquid being a line riPansing solution.

3. Apparatus according to Claim 2, wherein the apparatus is adapted for use in a beer flow line.

4. Apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein there is provided means enabling connection thereof in a liquid flow line.

5. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the sensing means is adapted to sense a change in the parameter of the different liquids.

6. Apparatus according to Claim 5, wherein the parameter is the conductivity, the PH level, or the translucence.

7. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the sensing means is electrically operated.

8. Apparatus according to Claim 7, wherein the sensing means is mains operated.

9. Apparatus according to Claim 7, wherein the sensing means is battery operated.

10. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein there is provided a concealed memory with an output connection for receiving interrogator apparatus whereby to enable retrieval of the stored data.

11. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, including a dedicated microprocessor.

12. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the apparatus is capable of being connected to an external computer for downloading of data.

13. Apparatus according to any of Claims 1 to 11, wherein there is provided an electronic memory, a real time clock and an integral LCD data display.

14. Apparatus according to any of the preceding Claims, wherein the apparatus is adapted to emit a signal to indicate when the replacement liquid should be passed through the flow line.

15. Apparatus according to Claim 14, wherein the signal is audible.

16. Apparatus according to Claim 14 or 15, wherein the signal is visual.

17. Apparatus for use in a liquid flow line, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

18. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding Claims.