GB2454653A

GB2454653A - Dispensing cooled beverage

Info

Publication number: GB2454653A
Application number: GB0721720A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert David John Belcham; Jonathan Harvey Taylor
Original assignee: SCOTMAN BEVERAGE SYSTEMS Ltd
Current assignee: SCOTMAN BEVERAGE SYSTEMS Ltd
Priority date: 2007-11-06
Filing date: 2007-11-06
Publication date: 2009-05-20
Also published as: GB0721720D0

Abstract

A beverage dispense system for dispensing cooled beverage at a beverage service location comprises a refrigeration apparatus 11 for cooling a single phase coolant fluid. The cooled coolant fluid is provided to a coolant fluid distribution apparatus 30 for distributing the cooled coolant fluid to each of a plurality of cooling devices 16-22. The plurality of devices includes at least one primary cooling device (e.g. a coolant bath) for cooling the beverage in or near a beverage storage location, as the beverage passes from the supply to the beverage service location, and a secondary cooling device (e.g. a python) providing cooling to the beverage and/or maintaining the beverage at the temperature to which it is cooled by the primary cooling device at a position closer to the beverage service location than the primary device. The distribution apparatus 30 includes a plurality of distribution outlets 34 a-d at least one of which is fluidly communicable with the primary cooling device and at least one of which is fluidly communicable with the secondary cooling device, and return inlets 44 a-d. The distribution apparatus also includes an inlet 32 for cooled coolant fluid from the refrigeration apparatus, and an outlet 56 for returning coolant fluid to the refrigeration apparatus for further cooling.

Description

* 2454653 Title: Beverage Dispense System

Description of Invention

This invention relates to a beverage dispense system.

It is common practice for beverages such as soft drinks and beers to be served chilled. It is known for lines which carry a beverage in a beverage dispense system to be passed through a primary cooling device such as a bath' which contains cooling liquid and/or ice so as to lower the temperature of the beverage as it passes along the line to be dispensed. Such baths are often installed in a cellar or similar room. Such baths often contain a cooling liquid such as water or a glycol-water mixture. The bath is provided with a heat exchanger through which a coolant fluid is passed, to transfer heat from the cooling liquid in the bath to a refrigeration unit, where the heat is removed from the coolant fluid. The coolant fluid may then be re-circulated to the bath further to cool the cooling liquid therein.

It is also known for beverage dispense systems to include one or more secondary cooling devices which are located in or near a beverage service location, for example a bar. Such secondary devices may include heat exchangers such as dry blocks for trimming' i.e. lowering or raising the temperature of a beverage shortly before it is served so that it is served at the desired temperature, and/or pythors' which include an insulated jacket, through which a line carrying a beverage is adjacent a line carrying coolant fluid, to maintain the beverage at a cool temperature.

It is also known for beverage dispense systems to include ancillary cooling devices, which are also generally in a beverage service location and include, for example, a beverage dispense font which is cooled to produce * 2 condensation on the external surface of the font, to add to the impression that the beverage being served is chilled.

According to the present invention, there is provided a beverage dispense system for dispensing cooled beverage at a beverage service location, the system including a refrigeration apparatus for cooling a single phase coolant fluid and providing the cooled coolant fluid to a coolant fluid distribution apparatus for distributing the cooled coolant fluid to each of a plurality of cooling devices, the plurality of devices including at least one primary cooling device and at least one secondary cooling device, the primary cooling device cooling the beverage in or near a beverage storage location, as the beverage passes from the beverage storage location to the beverage service location, and the secondary cooling device providing cooling to the beverage and/or maintaining the beverage at the temperature to which it is cooled by the primary cooling device, at a position which is closer than the primary cooling device to the beverage service location, the distribution apparatus including a plurality of distribution outlets at least one of which is fluidly communicable with the primary cooling device and at least one of which is fluidly communicable with the secondary cooling device, a plurality of return inlets which are fluidly communicable with respective cooling devices, to receive returning coolant fluid from the cooling devices, and the distribution apparatus including an inlet for cooled coolant fluid from the refrigeration apparatus, and an outlet for returning coolant fluid to the refrigeration apparatus for further cooling.

The coolant fluid may be circulated between the refrigeration apparatus, the distribution apparatus and each of the cooling devices around a sealed circuit.

The provision of a sealed circuit around which the coolant fluid is circulated inhibits the loss of coolant fluid from the system as a result of leakage and/or evaporation. This reduces the frequency with which the beverage dispense * 3 system requires maintenance by topping up the amount of coolant fluid in the system.

The single phase coolant fluid may be capable of being cooled to temperatures below 0°C without freezing. The coolant fluid may be glycol.

Using a single phase liquid which does not freeze at 0°C enables a beverage in the dispense system to be chilled to a desired temperature whilst minimising the risk of the system being disabled by the freezing of the coolant fluid in any of the apparatus.

The at least one primary cooling device may be a bath for cooling a beverage in a supply line which passes therethrough. The coolant fluid supplied to such a coolant bath is used to cool a quantity of cooling liquid, which may be required to freeze. One or more beverage supply lines may then pass through the bath to cool the beverage passing therethrough before being served.

The at feast one secondary cooling device may be a python which includes a beverage supply line adjacent a coolant fluid line for maintaining or reducing the temperature of a beverage passing therethrough.

The at least one secondary cooling device may be a heat exchanger for adjusting the temperature of a beverage at or near the beverage service location. This ensures that the beverage is served at a temperature which is as close as possible to a desired serving temperature.

At least one distribution outlet of the distribution apparatus may be fluidly communicable with an ancillary device for cooling or maintaining the temperature of something other than a beverage. The ancillary device may be a beverage dispense font. Cooling such a font enables condensation to form on an outer surface of the font, to enhance the impression that the beverage being served from the font is chilled. * 4

The beverage dispense system may include a plurality of coolant fluid distribution apparatuses, and a corresponding number of sealed coolant fluid circuits. This enables the required number or cooling devices to be supplied with coolant fluid, provided the capacity of the refrigeration apparatus to cool coolant fluid is sufficient to cool the amount of fluid required by each device.

The refrigeration apparatus may include an evaporator heat exchanger through which the coolant fluid passes, where heat is removed from the coolant fluid and transferred to a refrigerant, a condenser for condensing the refrigerant1 and a condenser pump, wherein the evaporator heat exchanger and the condenser pump are provided close to the distribution apparatus, and the condenser is spaced from the evaporator heat exchanger and the condenser pump, the refrigerant being transferable between the evaporator and condenser.

The beverage dispense system may be provided in a building wherein the evaporator heat exchanger, the distribution apparatus and the or each primary cooling device is provided in a first room, and the or each secondary cooling device is provided in a second, separate room which includes, or is nearer than the first room to the beverage service location, and wherein the condenser of the refrigeration apparatus is provided externally of the first and second rooms.

The condenser of the refrigeration apparatus may be located externally of the building.

An advantage of separating the condenser from the refrigeration unit, the distribution apparatus and the cooling devices, is that the thermal isolation of the condenser from the parts of the beverage dispense system which carry coolant fluid and beverage which is required to be cooled is improved. * 5

The coolant fluid distribution apparatus may include an insulating lining. The coolant fluid distribution apparatus may be wall mountable, to improve accessibility to the apparatus and to avoid decreasing floor space in the room in which the apparatus is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of cooling a beverage including cooling a coolant fluid, supplying the cooled coolant fluid to a plurality of cooling devices including at least one primary cooling device and at least one secondary cooling device, in response to a demand from each cooling device, via a coolant fluid distribution apparatus, and returning the coolant fluid from each of the cooling devices to the refrigeration apparatus via the distribution apparatus in a sealed circuit, such that the loss of coolant fluid from the system is inhibited.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: FIGURE 1 is a schematic view of a beverage dispense system, including a first example of a distribution apparatus, and FIGURE 2 is a schematic view of an alternative beverage dispense system, including a distribution apparatus including two distribution units.

Referring to figure 1 there is shown a beverage dispensing system 10 which includes a refrigeration apparatus 11 for cooling a coolant fluid. The coolant fluid is a single phase fluid, for example glycol, which is capable of being cooled to below 0°C without freezing. The refrigeration apparatus 11 includes a refrigeration unit 12 and a condenser 13. The refrigeration unit 12 is an evaporator heat exchange apparatus and has an inlet 12a and an outlet 12b for receiving and releasing coolant fluid respectively. The refrigeration apparatus includes a loop between the refrigeration unit 12 and the condenser 13, around which a refrigerant is circulated by a condenser pump 14. The * 6 refrigerant enables heat to be transferred away from the coolant fluid in the refrigeration unit 12, and is condensed by the condenser 13. The condenser 13 is spaced from the refrigeration unit 12, and may be on the opposite side of a barrier 28 from the refrigeration unit, with the refrigerant loop passing through or around the barrier 28.

A pump 15 is provided for circulating coolant fluid around the beverage dispense system 10. The system 10 also includes a plurality of further devices to which coolant fluid is to be supplied. In the example shown in figure 1, the system 10 includes four such cooling devices shown generally at 16, 18, 20 and 22. However, it wiH be appreciated that any number of further devices may be included in the system 10 as required as described in more detail below.

The devices 16-22 may be primary cooling devices for cooling a beverage in or near a beverage storage location, for example a cellar, as the beverage passes from the beverage storage location to a beverage service location, for example a bar, and/or secondary cooling devices, for cooling a beverage, and/or maintaining the temperature of a beverage at the temperature to which it has been cooled by a primary cooling device, at a position which is nearer to the beverage service location than the primary device. The system 10 includes at least one primary device, for example a coolant bath through which a beverage line may pass to cool the beverage therein as described above, and at least one secondary device, for example a python which carries a beverage supply line adjacent a coolant fluid line for maintaining or reducing the temperature of a beverage in a supply line. The further device 16-22 may also include at least one ancillary cooling device, for cooling something other than a beverage, for example for cooling a beverage dispensing font to create condensation on the exterior surface of the font to enhance the impression that the beverage being served is chilled. * 7

The system 10 includes a distribution apparatus 30. The distribution apparatus 30 includes a distribution unit 31. The distribution apparatus 30 also includes an inlet 32 which is communicable with the outlet 12b of the refrigeration unit 12, via a line 24, and a plurality of distribution outlets 34a, 34b, 34c, 34d. Each of the distribution outlets 34a-d is communicable with at least one of the primary, secondary or ancillary devices 16 to 22 to which coolant fluid is to be supplied.

Each of the distribution outlets 34a-d is shown in fluid communication with one of the further devices 16-22 via a respective coolant line 36, 38, 40, 42 respectively. The lines 36 to 42 are insulated to inhibit the temperature of the coolant fluid from rising whilst the coolant fluid is in a line 36-42, and may be any appropriate length to extend between the distribution apparatus and the relevant device 16-22. It is possible for a cooling device 16-22 to be directly connected to one of the distribution outlets 34a-d. For example, if one or more of the devices 16-22 is a python, the python may be connected directly to a distribution outlet 34a-d of the distribution unit 31, such that a separate coolant line 36-42 is not required.

The distribution unit 31 also includes a number of return inlets 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, each of which is connectable to one of the further devices 16-22. The connection of each of the return inlets 44a-d to the further devices 16-22 is shown as including an insulated coolant line 46, 48, 50, 52 which may be of any appropriate length. Where one or more of the devices 16-22 is a python, for example, the or each python 16-22 may be connected directly to return inlet 44a-d.

The distribution unit 31 includes an outlet 54 which is communicable with the refrigeration unit 12, via the pump 15. The fluid communication between the distribution apparatus 30 and the refrigeration unit 12 is provided by a further insulated coolant line 56, such that the beverage dispense system 10 includes * 8 a circuitous path for the coolant fluid. The distribution unit 31 and the coolant lines 24, 36-42, 46-52 and 56, form a sealed circuit between the refrigeration apparatus 11 and each cooling device 16-22, such that the loss of coolant fluid from the beverage dispense system 10 by leakage or evaporation is inhibited, thus substantially maintaining amount of coolant fluid in the circuit, and the beverage dispense system 10.

The beverage system 10 will preferably include at least one primary and at least one secondary device. However, it will be appreciated that the distribution apparatus 30 could be in communication with a plurality of devices 16-22 of the same type, for example, the distribution apparatus 30 could be used in a circuit which includes a plurality of ancillary devices, and no primary or secondary devices.

A second embodiment of a beverage dispense system is shown generally at in figure 2. Features of the beverage dispense system 110 which are equivalent to the features of the first beverage dispense system 10 have the same reference numerals.

The system 110 includes a distribution apparatus 30 which includes first and second distribution units 33, 35. The first distribution unit 33 includes an inlet 32 which is communicable with the outlet 12b of the refrigeration unit 12, via a line 24, and a plurality of distribution outlets 34a-d. Each of the distribution outlets 34a-d is fluidly communicable with at least one primary, secondary, and/or ancillary device 16 to 22 to which coolant fluid is to be supplied, via an insulated coolant line 36-42.

The second distribution unit 35 has a plurality of return inlets 44a-d, each of which is fluidly communicable with one of the devices 16 to 22 via an insulated coolant line 46-52. The second distribution unit 35 also includes an outlet 54 which is fluidly communicable with the inlet 12a of the refrigeration unit 12 via * 9 a line 56, and the pump 15. The beverage dispense system 110 thus includes a circuitous path for the supply of coolant fluid. The circuit is a closed system, such that the amount of glycol in the circuit remains substantially constant, as described above.

The diameters of the inlet 32 and the outlet 54 of the distribution units 31, 33, of the distribution apparatus 30 are preferably 22mm. The distribution outlets 34a-d, and the return inlets 44a-d are preferably 15mm in diameter. it will be appreciated that the inlet 32, the outlet 54, the distribution outlets 34a-d, and the return inlets 44a-d may have any diameter as required. Each inlet 32, 44a-d and outlet 54, 34a-d, may be provided with a push-fit grommet, for holding a coolant line in sealed connection with the inlet 32, 44a-d or outlet 54, 34a-d. Each of the distribution units 31, 33, 35 are sealed units, such that the coolant fluid in the circuit is inhibited from evaporating or leaking from the beverage dispense system 10, 110.

Both embodiments of the distribution apparatus 30 have been described herein as having four distribution outlets 34a-d and four return inlets 44a-d, each of which is connectable to an inlet or and outlet respectively of one of four primary, secondary or ancillary cooling devices 16-22 which are required to be supplied with coolant fluid. It will be appreciated that any number of such cooling devices may be included in the beverage dispense system 10, 110, and the number of distribution outlets 34 and return inlets 44 of the distribution apparatus 30 may be altered to correspond with the number of further cooling devices in the beverage dispense system 10, 110.

It will also be appreciated that the beverage dispense system 10, 110 may include any number of sealed distribution circuits, each including a distribution apparatus 30, to serve a beverage dispense system 10, 110 having any number of primary, secondary and/or ancillary cooling devices, each requiring a supply of coolant fluid, provided the capacity of the refrigeration apparatus is O 10 sufficient to meet the demand for coolant fluid made by each of the cooling devices. The capacity of the refrigeration apparatus 11 to cool coolant fluid is adjustable by increasing the number of refrigeration units 12 and/or condensers 13 such that the apparatus 11 is able to cool sufficient coolant fluid in response to demand from the distribution units 31, or 33, 35 of all of the circuits.

Each of the distribution units 31, or 33, 35 of the distribution apparatus 30 preferably includes an insulating lining. The lining is preferably polyurethane which can retain the temperature of the coolant fluid at or near -10°C. Each distribution unit 31, or 33, 35 of the distribution apparatus 30 preferably also includes a foam coating, to inhibit the formation of condensation on the outside of the unit 31, 33, 35, The or each distribution unit 31, 33, 35 may include a fixing kit to enable the distribution unit 31, 33, 35 to be wall mounted.

When the beverage dispense systems 10, 110 are provided in a building, the refrigeration unit 12, the coolant fluid distribution apparatus 30 and the primary cooling device(s) are located in a first room, for example in a cellar or other beverage storage location. The or each secondary device, for example a python and/or secondary heat exchanger is located in a second room which includes, or is nearer than the first room to the beverage service location. The condenser 13 of the refrigeration apparatus 11 is advantageously located externally of both the first and second room, preferably externally of the building.

In use, coolant fluid is cooled in the refrigeration unit 12 by heat being transferred from the coolant fluid to the refrigerant, and is circulated around the dispense system 10, 110 by the pump 15. The cooled coolant fluid is supplied from the refrigeration unit 12 to the distribution apparatus 30 via the inlet 32. * 11

The distribution apparatus 30 holds a quantity of the coolant fluid, such that it can supply coolant fluid to any of the further devices 16-22 on demand. The distribution apparatus 30 is operable to supply coolant fluid to a plurality of devices 16 to 22 as required via the distribution outlets 34a-d. The further devices 16 to 22 may require a constant circulation of coolant fluid or may require a supply of coolant fluid at certain predetermined intervals, or in response to the dispense of beverage. It is possible for the coolant fluid to flow through each coolant line 36, 38, 40, 42 at a rate governed only by the coolant fluid itself and the resistance to flow there through presented by each line. Preferably the rate of flow of coolant fluid through each of the coolant lines 36-42 is controllable so as to ensure, for example, even distribution of the coolant fluid between the cooling devices 16-22 or to enable the supply of coolant fluid to one or some of the cooling devices 16-22 to be prioritised.

When the coolant fluid arrives at each of the cooling devices 16-22, it is possible for the coolant fluid to pass through each device 16-22, or for the flow of fluid to bypass one or more of the devices 16-22, for example to provide a pressure differential or to prevent unnecessary work.

If the cooling devices all require coolant fluid at approximately the same temperature, coolant fluid may advantageously be permitted to flow around the beverage dispense system 10, 110, as there is then little risk of one or more of the cooling devices 16-22 being cooled to a temperature which is below the desired temperature of the device 16-22. However, since the cooling devices 16-22 may perform different tasks from one another, the temperature of the coolant fluid required to perform each of those tasks may be different. The coolant fluid must be cooled to the lowest required temperature. It may not be desirable for coolant fluid cooled to such a low temperature to pass continuously through all of the devices 16-22 which may, for example, result in undesirable freezing of a beverage. Therefore, it is possible for coolant fluid to be supplied to each of the cooling devices 16-22 only as required to reduce * 12 the risk of cooling one or more of the cooling devices 16-22 to a temperature which is below the desired temperature of the device 16-22, and to reduce the risk of freezing a beverage, for example.

During use by the devices 16-22 to cool a beverage, the temperature of the coolant fluid may rise, therefore the coolant fluid is returned from the devices 16 to 22 to the refrigeration unit 12 to be cooled. The coolant fluid is returned to the distribution apparatus 30 through the respective return inlets 44a-d, and then exits the distribution apparatus 30 through the outlet 54. The coolant fluid is returned to the inlet 12a of the refrigeration unit 12 to be cooled therein.

Heat is transferred away from the coolant fluid by the refrigerant in the refrigeration apparatus II, the refrigerant being condensed in the condenser 13, and the cooled coolant fluid is then recirculated around the beverage dispense system 10, 110.

The distribution apparatus 30 occupies a small volume and enables coolant fluid to be supplied directly both to one or more primary cooling devices in a beverage storage location, for example a conventional coolant bath, and to one or more secondary cooling devices, in a beverage serving location.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof. * 13

Claims

1. A beverage dispense system for dispensing cooled beverage at a beverage service location, the system including a refrigeration apparatus for cooling a single phase coolant fluid and providing the cooled coolant fluid to a coolant fluid distribution apparatus for distributing the cooled coolant fluid to each of a plurality of cooling devices, the plurality of devices including at least one primary cooling device and at least one secondary cooling device, the primary cooling device cooling the beverage in or near a beverage storage location, as the beverage passes from the beverage storage location to the beverage service location, and the secondary cooling device providing cooling to the beverage and/or maintaining the beverage at the temperature to which it is cooled by the primary cooling device at a position closer than the primary cooling device to the beverage service location, the distribution apparatus including a plurality of distribution outlets at least one of which is fluidly communicable with the primary cooling device and at least one of which is fluidly communicable with the secondary cooling device, a plurality of return inlets which are fluidly communicable with respective cooling devices, to receive returning coolant fluid from the cooling devices, and the distribution apparatus including an inlet for cooled coolant fluid from the refrigeration apparatus, and an outlet for returning coolant fluid to the refrigeration apparatus for further cooling.

2. A beverage dispense system according to claim 1 wherein the coolant fluid is circulated between the refrigeration apparatus, the distribution apparatus and each of the cooling devices around a sealed circuit.

3. A beverage dispense system according to claim I or claim 2 wherein the single phase coolant fluid is capable of being cooled to temperatures below 0°C without freezing. * 14

4. A beverage dispense system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the coolant fluid is glycol.

5. A beverage dispense system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the at least one primary cooling device is bath for cooling a beverage supply line which passes therethrough.

6. A beverage dispense system according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the at least one secondary cooling device is a python which includes a beverage supply line adjacent a coolant fluid line for maintaining or reducing the temperature of a beverage passing therethrough.

7. A beverage dispense system according to any one of claims I to 6 wherein the at least one secondary cooling device is a heat exchanger for adjusting the temperature of a beverage at or near the beverage service location.

8. A beverage dispense system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein at least one distribution outlet of the distribution apparatus is fluidly communicable with an ancillary device for cooling or maintaining the temperature of something other than a beverage

9. A beverage dispense system according to claim 8 wherein the ancillary device is a beverage dispense font.

10. A beverage dispense system according to any one of the preceding claims including a plurality of coolant fluid distribution apparatuses, and a corresponding number of sealed coolant fluid circuits.

11. A beverage dispense system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the refrigeration apparatus includes an evaporator heat O 15 exchanger through which the coolant fluid passes, where heat is removed from the coolant fluid and transferred to a refrigerant, a condenser for condensing the refrigerant, and a condenser pump, wherein the evaporator heat exchanger and the condenser pump are provided close to the distribution apparatus, and the condenser is spaced from the evaporator heat exchanger and the condenser pump, the refrigerant being transferable between the evaporator and condenser.

12. A beverage dispense system according to claim 11 which is provided in a building wherein the evaporator heat exchanger, the distribution apparatus and the or each primary cooling device is provided in a first room, and the or each secondary cooling device is provided in a second, separate room which includes, or is nearer than the first room to the beverage service location, and wherein the condenser of the refrigeration apparatus is provided externally of the first and second rooms.

13. A beverage dispense system according to claim 12 wherein the condenser of the refrigeration apparatus is located externally of the building.

14. A beverage dispense system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the coolant fluid distribution apparatus includes an insulating lining.

15. A beverage dispense system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the coolant fluid distribution apparatus is wall mountable.

16. A beverage dispense system substantially as described herein and/or with reference to the accompanying drawings.

17. A method of cooling a beverage including cooling coolant fluid, supplying the cooled coolant fluid to a plurality of cooling devices including at * 16 least one primary cooling device and at least one secondary cooling device, in response to a demand from each cooling device, via a coolant fluid distribution apparatus, and returning the coolant fluid from each of the cooling devices to the refrigeration apparatus via the distribution apparatus in a sealed circuit, such that the loss of coolant fluid from the system is inhibited.

18. A method of cooling a beverage substantially as described herein and/or with reference to the accompanying drawings.

19. Any novel feature or novel combination of features substantially as described herein and/or with reference to the accompanying drawings.