GB2536454A

GB2536454A - A system for storing and dispensing liquid, and a method for the same.

Info

Publication number: GB2536454A
Application number: GB1504496.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leonard Simpson Kenneth
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-03-17
Filing date: 2015-03-17
Publication date: 2016-09-21
Also published as: GB201504496D0

Abstract

A system for storing and dispensing liquid, and a method for the same. A system for storing and/or dispensing liquid including: a container 12, having a first and second end walls 14, 16 which are spaced apart and opposite one another. A continuous sidewall 18 connects the first and second end walls 14, 16 together so as to define an internal volume 20. An inlet 24 is provided in the sidewall 18, and a device 30 is provided for introducing pressurised gas into the container 12 which device 30 is connectable to the inlet 24 in the sidewall 18. In another aspect, a method is provided for introducing gas from a gas storage vessel 32 into the container as, or shortly after, liquid is drawn from the container through the liquid outlet. Gas pressure in the container is maintained at or below a predetermined magnitude.

Description

Title: A system for storing and dispensing liquid, and a method for the same.

Description of Invention

The invention relates to a system for storing and dispensing liquid, and a method of storing and dispensing liquid. Particularly, but not exclusively, the liquid is ale.

Typically, ale is stored in a cask. Casks are generally barrel shaped and made of metal or strong plastic. The cask is filled with ale via a filling inlet positioned in a curved sidewall. The inlet is then closed by with a large bung (more commonly known as a "shive"), usually made of plastic or wood. The filled cask can then be transported from an ale-manufacturing site to a site where the ale will be dispensed (e.g. a public house or ale festival). When the filled cask arrives at its destination it is typically arranged on its side on a rack, or a floor surface, with the inlet and shive facing upwards.

Typically, the cask includes a dispensing outlet located in an end wall, such that it is at a low point of the cask when the shive is upwardly facing. The dispensing outlet is filled with a stopper (commonly known as a keystone) during filing and cask transportation to prevent any ale from leaking out. Usually, when the ale needs to be dispensed, a tap is fitted in the keystone, which allows a hand pump to be fitted directly, or a connector that connects to a hand pump in another location (for example, if the cask is stored in a basement/cellar of a public house and the ale needs to be dispensed upstairs in a bar).

When the cask is opened (i.e. the tap/connector is fitted), a further "air" hole is opened in the shive. The air hole is needed so that the ale can be pumped out of the cask, and as dispensing occurs, air is drawn into the cask through the air hole.

A disadvantage of the current system is that during dispensing the oxygen in the air drawn into the cask, promotes the growth of bacteria in the ale. This leads to the ale becoming unpalatable in a short space of time. Typically, cask ale, once opened, will last a maximum of five days before the ale is no longer drinkable. Although, the lifetime of the ale could be much less depending on the environmental conditions (e.g. temperature).

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide, a system for storing and/or dispensing liquid including: a container, having: a first and second end walls which are spaced apart and opposite one another, a continuous sidewall which connects the first and second end walls together, so as to define an internal volume, and an inlet in the sidewall; and a device for introducing pressurised gas into the container which device is connectable to the inlet in the sidewall.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide, a method of storing and dispensing liquid using a container which includes a liquid outlet and a gas inlet, where the gas inlet is connected to a gas storage vessel, the method including the steps of: introducing gas from the gas storage vessel into the container as, or shortly after, liquid is drawn from the container through the liquid outlet, and maintaining the gas pressure within the container substantially at or below a predetermined magnitude.

Further features of the various aspects of the invention are set out in the claims attached hereto.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a system for storing and/or dispensing liquid; and Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a system for storing and/or dispensing liquid.

With reference to the figures, embodiments of the invention include a system 10 for storing and/or dispensing liquid. The system is used to store and dispense ale. It should be appreciated that the system may be suitable for use with other liquids.

The system 10 includes a container 12 (often referred to as a "cask") which has a first and second end walls 14, 16 which are spaced apart and opposite one another. A continuous sidewall 18 connects the first and the second end walls 14, 16 together, and defines a cavity which provides an internal volume 20. In other words, the sidewall 18 and the end walls 14, 16 encapsulate an internal volume 20 in which liquid can be stored. The first and second end walls 14, 16 and the sidewall 18 are curved outwardly, away from the interior of the container 12. It should be appreciated, that the sidewall 18 and first and second end walls 14, 16 may not have the same radius of curvature and/or may not be curved.

The container 12 has a rim 22 at each end which extends around a circumferential edge of the first and second end walls 14, 16 and in a generally perpendicular direction to the end walls 14, 16 (i.e. substantially lengthwise of the container 12). Typically, each rim 22 has one or more apertures (not shown) which provide "hand-holds" to aid a worker in manoeuvring the container, but it should be appreciated that this is not essential.

The container 12 includes an inlet 24 positioned in the sidewall 18. The inlet 24 is positioned equidistant from the first and second end walls 14, 16.

However, the inlet 24 does not have to be positioned equidistant between the first and second end walls 14, 16. The inlet 24 is a substantially circular aperture. However, it should be appreciated that the inlet 24 could be a different shaped aperture and/or include a fitting formation. For example, the inlet 24 could be substantially square or rectangular, or another shape as desired.

The container 12 further includes a liquid outlet 26 disposed in the first end wall 14. The liquid outlet 26 is located towards a peripheral edge of the first end wall 14. When the inlet 24 in the sidewall 18 faces generally upwardly, the liquid outlet 26 is towards a bottom of the first end wall 14. The liquid outlet 26 is closed with a blocking member 28 (commonly referred to as a "keystone"). The keystone 28 is wedged into position, before the container 12 is filled, with a tight friction fit. The container 12, when full of liquid, is stored with the inlet 24 facing upwardly. As such, the liquid outlet 26 is positioned in a relatively low position of the container 12 and the keystone 28 prevents liquid from leaking from the container 12.

The system further includes a device 30 (described in more detail below) for introducing pressurised gas into the container 12. The device 30 is connected to the inlet 24 in the sidewall 18 of the container 12. The device 30 includes a gas storage vessel 32. However, it should be appreciated that a gas system, rather than a single vessel may provide the pressurised gas.

The gas storage vessel 32 is a pressurised gas canister, which contains a non-reactive gas. The non-reactive gas may be, for example, carbon dioxide or nitrogen or argon or another non-reactive gas or a mixture of gases.

The device 30 includes a conduit / pipe 34 which connects to the gas storage vessel 32. The conduit 34 includes first and second pressure restrictor valves 36, 38. The pressure restrictor valves 36, 38 are each set to allow a respective predetermined magnitude of gas pressure to pass through. The first pressure restrictor valve 36 is positioned close to (or at the exit of) the gas storage vessel 32 and limits the gas pressure of the gas which flows downstream of the first pressure restrictor valve 32 towards the container 12.

The second pressure restriction valve 38 is positioned (in the conduit 34) closer to the device 30 than the first pressure restrictor valve 36 (i.e. downstream of the first pressure restrictor valve 36). The second pressure restrictor valve 38 further reduces the gas pressure of the gas passing through the conduit 34. In other words, the gas within the gas storage vessel 32 is typically at high pressure, for example above 50 bar. The first pressure restrictor valve 36 allows a maximum pressure of approximately 3 bar to pass through to the second pressure restrictor valve 38. The second pressure restrictor valve 38 allows a maximum pressure of approximately 0.5 bar above atmospheric pressure through to the device 30. Alternatively, the pressure of gas reaching the container 12 may be at atmospheric pressure.

It should be appreciated that the pressure restrictor valves 36, 38 may be set to permit the desired magnitude of gas pressure to pass through. Also, only one such restrictor valve may be provided. Additionally, it may be unnecessary to provide pressure restrictor valves if the gas stored in the gas storage vessel 32 is at, or below, the pressure required in the container 12.

Two embodiments of the device 30 are shown in figures 1 and 2 respectively.

Each is described below. Where features are analogous between embodiments the same reference has been used.

With reference to figure 1, the device 30, includes a coupler 52, a main body 40, which fits in the inlet 24, and a generally central tube 42, which extends downwardly (when the container 12 is stored with the inlet 24 facing upwards) into the internal volume 20 of the container 12. This is generally known as a "spear" (such as those known in the art, for example, the spear described in GB2515171). . The central tube 42 extends substantially across an entire diameter A of the container 12 and provides a liquid passage. The liquid passage in the central tube 42 allows the liquid to exit the container 12 -shown by the arrow B. The central tube 42 extends to within a small distance (typically about 13mm) of the "bottom" of the container 12, such that the minimum amount of liquid is wasted.

The coupler 52 is connected to the conduit 34. The coupler 52 also connects to the main body 40. The main body 40 and the coupler 52 include a gas passage (not shown), which connects the conduit 34 (and hence the gas storage vessel 32) with the internal volume 20 of the container 12.

A manually adjustable valve (also known as a "tap") may be connected to the central tube 42 of the spear, such that a hand pump may be connected to pump liquid from the container 12. It should be appreciated that the coupler 52 may provide the connection between the central tube 42 and the tap.

A connecting formation (not shown) is provided by a threaded component (not shown) in the inlet 24 and a corresponding threaded component in an outer surface (not shown) of the main body 40, such that the main body 40 can be screwed into engagement with the inlet 24. However, it should be appreciated that the main body 40 may engage the inlet 24 in a number of different ways. For example, the main body 40 may be held by a push-fit into the inlet 24 and a circlip.

With reference to figure 2, the device 30 includes a bung member 50 (commonly known as a "shive") and a coupler 52. The shive 50 is inserted into the inlet 26 in order to seal the container 12, once it is full of liquid. The shive is hammered into position to ensure a tight seal. It should be appreciated that forcing the shive 50 into position may not be appropriate if, for example, the container 12 is plastic. If this is the case then another type of fitting may be provided (e.g. a screw fit). The coupler 52 connects directly to the shive 50 and opens a gas passage through the shive 50. The coupler 52 includes a connection to the gas passage (not shown) which is opened through the shive 50, such that the conduit 34 (and hence the gas storage vessel 32) is fluidly connected to the internal volume 20 of the container 12.

In this example, liquid exits the container 12 via the liquid outlet 26 in the first end wall 14 -shown by arrow B. A manually adjustable valve (commonly referred to as a "tap" -not shown) is connected to the keystone 28 in the liquid outlet 26. In this case, the tap is hammered into the keystone 28; however, the tap may be attached in other ways. A hand pump is then attached to the tap (either directly, or via a conduit if the hand pump required to be remote from the container), and allows the liquid to be drawn from the container with the hand pump.

Once the coupler 52 of the device 30 is connected to the inlet 24 of the container 12, a switch / handle 48 can be actuated to allow gas to flow from the gas storage vessel 32 to the container 12.

It should be appreciated that there are a number of ways in which the device 30 can be connected to the inlet 24, and providing a seal between the inlet of the cask and atmosphere (i.e. more particularly to stop oxygen from entering the container 12). For example, the threaded mechanism of the spear or the coupler 52 and shive 50 embodiment, as described above, or a push-fit fitting onto a formation around the inlet 24, or another fitting which achieves the desired connection between the internal volume 20 of the container 12 and the conduit 34 (and hence, gas storage vessel 32).

The process by which liquid is stored and dispensed will now be described with reference to the appropriate parts of the figures. The process is described with reference to ale, but other liquids may be processed in the same way.

Initially, the empty container 12 is cleaned and sterilised ready for use. Typically, a container 12 is filled and emptied many times during its lifetime. The container 12 is filled, through the inlet 24, with ale. Ideally, the container 12 is filled completely with no air pockets / spaces remaining within the internal volume 20.

When the ale is served, the container 12 is stored with the inlet 24 facing in a generally upwardly direction. The inlet 24 of the container 12 is connected to a gas storage vessel 32, via the device 30 (as described above). Initially, gas is introduced into the container 12 as, or shortly after, ale is drawn from the container 12, via the liquid outlet 26, 42. In other words, when the first measure of ale / liquid is drawn from the container 12 with the hand pump, a relatively lower pressure cavity is formed at the "top" of the container 12. The device 30 introduces gas from the gas storage vessel 32 into the internal volume 20 (into the lower pressure cavity formed) of the container 12 -shown at G in the figures. Hence, the internal volume 20 is kept substantially at an operating pressure (or within an operating pressure limit).

Further gas, from the gas storage vessel 32, is introduced into the container 12 before and/or during and/or after further ale / liquid is drawn from the container 12, via the liquid outlet 26, 42. In other words, when further ale is drawn from the container 12, further gas is introduced to the internal volume 20. Generally, the further gas is introduced to the container 12 as the further ale is drawn off. However, it should be appreciated that the gas could be introduced before/during/after (or a combination of those time intervals) the liquid is removed from the container 12, providing that the pressure within the container 12 is kept within the correct operating pressure limit.

The pressure within the container 12 is maintained substantially at or below a predetermined magnitude. The magnitude is determined according to the liquid in the container 12. For example, if the liquid is ale, and the gas is carbon dioxide, the magnitude must be below the pressure at which the carbon dioxide will dissolve into the ale. This is because, above this pressure, the ale will become fizzy and/or may not comply with serving requirements.

Preferably, the pressure will not exceed approximately 0.5 bar above atmospheric pressure.

However, it should be appreciated that the pressure may be at or about atmospheric pressure and at or about 0.5 bar above atmospheric pressure.

For example, if the pressure of the gas introduced to the system 10 is at atmospheric pressure, then the hand pump will draw out ale from the container 12. If the pressure is slightly higher, then the pressure difference between atmosphere and the internal volume 20 of the container 12 will assist the hand pump in dispensing the ale.

The method described above is generally passive in that when the ale is drawn from the container 12, the device 30 introduces gas to fill a void (the relatively lower pressure cavity described above) left in the internal volume 20. However, it should be appreciated that the device 30 may introduce gas actively into the container 12. For example, one or more sensors could be provided in the internal volume 20 of the container 12. The sensor(s) may detect when the pressure falls below an acceptable level (or out of an acceptable range) and activate the release of gas from the gas storage vessel 32 into the container 12. Hence, the pressure within the container 12 may be maintained at an acceptable level (or within an accepted range).

In some embodiments, the system 10 may include one or more safety systems, for if the system 10 malfunctions and/or the pressure within the container 12 exceeds an acceptable level. This is for if there is danger of injury to a person tampering with the container 12 because the pressure is too high. Since the keystone 28 is a tight friction fit with the outlet 26, if the pressure exceeds a certain level, the keystone 28 will be pushed out of position and the pressure will reduce as the liquid exits the container 12. In some embodiments, the keystone 28 may be adapted for use as a safety feature. For example, the keystone 28 may have a portion of thinner material and be held in place with a captive nut or two-pronged clip. When the keystone 28 experiences excess pressure, it bursts and allows liquid to exit the container 12.

The system 10 has an advantage in that air (i.e. oxygen) is not drawn through the inlet 24 when ale / liquid is drawn out. This means that the rate of bacterial growth within the container 12 once it has been opened is reduced, and the ale / liquid remains usable / drinkable for longer.

The device 30 described with respect to figure 2, has an advantage in that it can be retrofitted to existing containers 12 that are already in use for storing and dispensing ale. This is because the coupler 52 connects directly to the shive 50.

The system described with respect to figure 1, may also be adapted for use with lager. Commonly high pressure kegs are used to store and dispense lager, which may be expensive to purchase. If a small brewery (commonly referred to as a "microbrewery") wishes to start manufacturing lager, but does not want to invest heavily in a standard system, then they can use this system for multiple purposes.

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.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system for storing and/or dispensing liquid including: a container, having: a first and second end walls which are spaced apart and opposite one another, a continuous sidewall which connects the first and second end walls together, so as to define an internal volume, and an inlet in the sidewall; and a device for introducing pressurised gas into the container which device is connectable to the inlet in the sidewall.
2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the device includes a first pressure restrictor valve, for limiting to a predetermined magnitude the pressure of gas which reaches the container.
3. A system according to claim 2 wherein the device includes a second restrictor valve, positioned downstream of the first pressure restrictor valve, for further reducing to a predetermined second magnitude the pressure of gas which reaches the container.
4. A system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the device includes a connecting formation for connecting the device to the inlet of the container.
5. A system according to claim 4 wherein the connecting formation is connectable to the inlet of the container via a push-fit fitting.
6. A system according to claims 4 to 5 wherein the inlet includes a threaded portion which is engageable with a corresponding threaded portion on the connecting formation of the device.
7. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the container has a liquid outlet.
8. A system according to claim 7 wherein the liquid outlet is located in the first or second end wall.
9. A system according to claim 7 wherein the device includes a conduit which extends into the container through the inlet in the sidewall, which conduit acts as the liquid outlet.
10.A system according to claims 8 or 9 including a blocking member for preventing liquid exiting from the liquid outlet.
11. A method of storing and dispensing liquid using a container which includes a liquid outlet and a gas inlet, where the gas inlet is connected to a gas storage vessel, the method including the steps of: introducing gas from the gas storage vessel into the container as, or shortly after, liquid is drawn from the container through the liquid outlet, and maintaining the gas pressure within the container substantially at or below a predetermined magnitude.
12. A method according to claim 11 wherein the step of maintaining the pressure within the container substantially at or below a predetermined magnitude includes: introducing further gas from the gas storage vessel into the container before and/or during and/or after further liquid is drawn from the container through the liquid outlet.
13.A method according to claim 11 or 12 wherein the method is for storing and dispensing ale.
14. A method according to claim 13 wherein the magnitude of the predetermined pressure is a pressure at which gas does not dissolve into the ale.
15. A method according to claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the magnitude of the predetermined pressure is between at or about atmospheric pressure and at or about 0.5 bar above atmospheric pressure
16.A method according to claim 15 wherein the magnitude of the predetermined pressure is approximately 0.5 bar above atmospheric pressure.
17.A method according to any one of claims 11 to 16 wherein the gas introduced into the container is a non-reactive gas.
18.A method according to claim 17 wherein the gas is carbon dioxide and/or nitrogen.
19.A method according to any of claims 11 to 18 used with a system according to any of claims 1 to 10.
20. A system for storing and dispensing liquid as described herein and/or in the accompanying drawings.
21. A method of storing and dispensing liquid as described herein and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.
22. Any novel feature or novel combination of features substantially as described herein and/or as shown in the accompanying drawings.