IES86931B2 - A pulsing circuit for a beverage line cleaning apparatus - Google Patents

Description

A pulsing circuit for a Beverage Line Cleaning Apparatus Field The present invention relates to pulsing circuit for an apparatus for cleaning beverage lines and in particular for cleaning beer lines such as those used in bars, public houses, licensed premises and other retail units.

Background Of The Invention Beer lines are fluid ducts that transport beer, ale or lager from a beer reservoir such as a cask or a keg, to a dispenser such as a beer engine or a tap. In the context of this specification, the word beer is to be construed as including ales, lagers, porters and stouts.

All beer lines used in licensed premises or retail units for the purpose of dispensing beer need to be cleaned on a regular basis (one clean per week is recommended) usually with a dilute solution of sodium hydroxide. If these lines are not cleaned regularly, yeast will form on the inner walls of the lines and a build up of yeast will occur. The result of this build up of yeast will be that the beer dispensed will be of poor quality and will have a sour taste. The accumulation of deposits can also affect the performance ofthe dispending system itself.

A known method of cleaning beer lines involves the removal of the connection of the pipe from the keg or storage container and attaching the beer line connection to a plastic vessel which contains a solution of water and a cleaning agent. Gas pressure from the beer gas cylinders, accessible through the beer line connection is used to force the cleaning solution through the beer line when the tap at the main bar is released. The beer which is already in the line at commencement of the cleaning process is disposed of, up until the point that the cleaning solution becomes visible. At this point, the tap is closed and a 'soak' period during which the cleaning solution is in contact with the inner wall of the beer lines, is used to break down the sediment and yeast. After this soak period, the plastic vessel holding the cleaning solution must be emptied and washed and then filled with clean water, then re-attached to the beer line connection and the tap re-opened. At the point, where the cleaning solution has been removed from the beer line, the tap must be closed again and the beer line connection must then be re-attached to the keg. The tap must be re-opened and the water must be removed from the line until beer returns. Usually as part of this, a couple of pints of beer are also disposed of to ensure that the cleaning solution has been completely removed from the beer lines. This method is performed manually and prone to human error.

WO 2005/087397 describes an automated apparatus for cleaning beer lines, which attempts to address some of the drawbacks of the aforementioned known method. The system uses a pump, valves, and a programmable logic controller (PLC) to automate the process with little user intervention. This apparatus is permanently installed in a licences premises or retail establishment and connected to the dispensing system by way of fittings designed to mate with standard keg couplers currently used in such systems.

However, while this prior art apparatus addresses the problem of human error in the known method, there are issues with this apparatus. For example, this prior art apparatus functions by “starving” a water pump. As is known in the art, starvation is restricting the inlet liquid flow to the pump. The result is a pump that runs dry and which can overheat if left starved for too long a period. Starving a pump can destroy the pump seals and valves. Liquid pumps are designed to have liquid at all times to provide lubrication to the seals. Even if the starvation of the pump is done for a very short period of time (or if the pump is only partially starved), this can still lead to long term damage if this is done repeatedly as is the case for the pump of WO 2005/087397.

Furthermore, the aforementioned starving of the pump of the prior art apparatus is done in order to create pulses of fluid for improved cleaning. Specifically, this apparatus relies upon opening and closing a switch or valve to provide fluid to the pump which is pulsed in a flow of fluid into a beer line for enhanced cleaning. However, the apparatus is only capable of providing one type of pulse. That is, the apparatus is limited with respect to the cleaning programs that it can implement.

The prior art apparatus can also suffer from variations in the pressure of the fluid being delivered to the beer lines. That is, in between pulses, the pressure can drop in the beer lines.

Accordingly, there is a need for a beverage line cleaning apparatus that addresses the drawbacks of the prior art apparatus.

Summary According to the present invention there is provided a pulsing circuit for a beverage line cleaning apparatus, the circuit comprising a pump for causing flow of a fluid into a conduit for a beverage line, a first flow junction provided in fluid communication between the pump and a supply of the fluid, a second flow junction provided in fluid communication between the pump and the conduit, wherein the first and second flow junctions are connected in fluid communication with each other through a first return fluid line so that the fluid can be recirculated from the second flow junction though the first return fluid line to the pump, a first fluid flow controller provided on the first return fluid line, wherein the first fluid flow controller is configured to be selectively activated to create a pulsed flow of fluid into the conduit from the pump via the second flow junction.

This pulsing circuit is advantageous as the pump is being fed with the same volume of fluid at all time and is pumping the same volume at all times. That is, there is not starvation of the pump. The continuous circulation of fluid also obviates variations in pressure caused by factors such as diameter of the input supply line, altitude, length of supply line.

The aforementioned pulsing circuit may further comprise a second return fluid line that returns fluid back to the first flow junction. This is particular advantageous with respect to the prior art as twin pulsing or alternate pulsing can be achieved as opposed to simple on/off pulsing. That is, the first and second fluid flow controllers can cooperate to provide a sequence of pulses not achievable in the prior art.

The pulsing circuit may further comprise a third return fluid line that returns to the supply of the fluid. This third return fluid line provides the capability for even more pulses of different pressures to achieved an improved cleaning of the beer lines.

The pulsing circuit may further comprise a second fluid flow controller provided on the second return fluid line and a third fluid flow controller provided on the third fluid flow controller. These fluid flow controllers can cooperate to provide a varied cleaning program i.e., a program where many pulses of different duration and pressure are applied.

At least one of the first return fluid line, the second return fluid line and the third return fluid line may comprise a variable restrictor valve to vary the volume of liquid that can pass there through. This restrictor valve can be adjusted such that fluid is continuously pumped from the second second flow junction towards the beer lines. That is, the amount of feedback fluid can be adjusted so that fluid is always flowing to the beer lines. Because fluid is continuously circulating a build-up of fluid pressure is avoided, and when a pulse is applied, there is not a delay in the pulse being applied to the beer lines.

Brief Description Of The Drawings The present application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a diagram of a beverage line cleaning apparatus in accordance with the present teachings; Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a pulsing circuit for the beverage line cleaning apparatus of Figure 1 in accordance with the present teachings; and Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the pulsing circuit of Figure 2.

Detailed Description Of The Drawings The present teaching will now be described with reference to an exemplary connector assembly. It will be understood that this exemplary connector assembly is provided to assist in an understanding of the present teaching and is not to be construed as limiting in any fashion. Furthermore, elements or components that are described with reference to any one figure may be interchanged with those of other figures without departing from the spirit of the present teaching. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.

Referring to the drawings and initially to figure 1, a beverage line cleaning apparatus in accordance with the present teachings is referred to generally by reference numeral 100. The apparatus 100 may be installed in retail unit or licensed premises.

The apparatus 100 for cleaning beverage lines comprises a tank 101 for storing liquid i.e., usually water. The tank 101 may be connected through a pipeline (not shown) to the water mains. As will be explained in more detail hereinafter, the water is mixed with a cleaning fluid and fed through beer dispensing lines.

A ring main 102 is connectable at number of points along its length to beer dispensing lines 104. The beer dispensing lines 104 run to at least one bar of a licensed premises or retail unit. For this purpose, the ring main 102 is provided with connectors or sockets 103 engagable with connectors or sockets at the ends of the dispensing lines 104. Each dispensing line 104 is provided with a respective valve (not shown) and, at its end in one of the bars, is provided with a dispense pump or tap.

The ring main 102 is connected, at a distal end to a drain 105. The drain 105 is used to remove liquid from the ring main after cleaning. The ring main 102 is also provided with a purge valve (not shown), which opens to dump liquid from the ring main to the drain. Sensors and switches are associated with the tank 101 with a container 106 of cleaning fluid and with a control unit 107. All the sensors, switches and valves of the apparatus 100 are interfaced with a sequential program of a programmable logic controller (PLC) 108, provided on a control panel of the apparatus. The control panel may be provided with a keypad and a display, both connected to the PLC.

A cleaning programme or other programme can be selected on the control panel, whereby the PLC causes the selected programme to be run. Alternatively, a program can be selected remotely. The control unit 107 is equipped with a Wi-Fi transceiver 109 as well as a Bluetooth transceiver 110. The control unit 107 may receive instructions remotely through an internet connection using the WiFi transceiver 109. For example, an operator may input commands at a remote device such as a smart phone or tablet (instead of inputting them at the aforementioned control panel). The smartphone or tablet may have an application (an “app) installed thereon to provide a graphical user interface (GUI) that an operator can easily use. The control unit 107 may also connect to the tablet via the Bluetooth transceiver 110. For example, the tablet may sit in a cradle as part of the apparatus 100 or control unit 107 such that it operates as a control panel for the apparatus. In this scenario, a separate control panel may not be provided on the control unit 107. That is, the GUI of the tablet acts as the only control panel for the control unit 107. The tablet, while connected to the apparatus 100 via Bluetooth 110, may also be connect via the Wi-Fi 109 to a remote control unit, another tablet etc.

The desired cleaning programme is selected (locally or remotely) having regard to the build up for different beers, and other factors.

Referring again to the tank 101, it may have a low level sensor to ensure water supply and a high level overflow which is safely located away from any electrical parts. A pump (the operation of which will be discussed in more detail) is connected to the tank 101 via a conduit, which has a nonreturn vale 118 therein. The non-return valve 118 ensures that water cannot return through the conduit to the tank 101. The tank 101 is beneficial in the apparatus 100 so that the pump 11 will not be subjected to any variations in the mains water pressure which commonly occur, and hence the apparatus 100 can deliver the water through the dispensing lines at a desired pressure regardless of the mains water supply pressure. The water tank 101 contains a ball cock 112 to ensure that the water drawn from the tank 101 by the pump 111 is replenished, and a sensor 115 (which may be a float switch) is situated low in the tank 101 to indicate if there is a shortage of water for a cleaning cycle. The PLC 108 is programmed not to begin a cleaning programme if the low level sensor indicates a shortage of water. This feature protects the apparatus from running through a cleaning cycle either without sufficient water. A similar sensor may be provided to the cleaning fluid container 106 such that a cleaning program will not run without sufficient cleaning fluid.

The water tank 101 may be provided with a water heater 113 to combat Legionella bacteria (the cause of Legionnaire’s disease). Legionella bacteria tend to grow in temperatures between 2045°C if nutrients are available. The bacteria are dormant below 20°C and do not survive above 60°C. As is known in the art, one of main ways used to control the risk from Legionella is water temperature control. Hot water should be distributed at 50°C or higher and old water should be stored and distributed below 20°C.

A UV light 114 may also be provided to the water tank 110 for water purification. As is known in the art, water purification systems use special lamps that emit UV light of a particular wavelength that have the ability, based on their length, to disrupt the DNA of micro-organisms.

The apparatus 100 includes a separate secondary pump 115 for feeding into the lines, a cleaning fluid from the cleaning fluid container held 106. The secondary pump 115 may be though of as a cleaning fluid pump or a metering pump. The present system 100 introduces the cleaning fluid on the high pressure side of the primary pump 111. In particular, the cleaning fluid is fed to a mixing chamber 116. The secondary pump 115 can control the rate of detergent delivery as the speed of the pump 115 can be changed. As will be understood by the person skilled in the art, the cleaning fluid pump 115 is controlled by the control unit 107 to deliver the correct amount of cleaning fluid at the correct time.

The cleaning fluid pump 115 may be a variable peristaltic pump which operates at 24v dc and incorporates polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or silicon tubing which is resistant to chemical degradation arising from contact with the cleaning fluid. However, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that any suitable pump may be used.

As will be explained in more detailed with reference to Figures 2 and 3, the system 100 includes a pulsing circuit 200 for the beverage line cleaning apparatus 100 that is capable of delivering different pules of fluid (e.g. water) from the tank 101 to the cleaning fluid mixing chamber 116. The pulses created by the pulsing circuit 200 travel onwards from the mixing chamber 116 to the ring main and bear lines to achieve a thorough cleaning of the beer lines.

The mixing chamber 116 is preferably provided with a non return value (not shown) to ensure that any cleaning fluid cannot travel towards the pump 111 and damage it. That is, the water and mixing fluid can only travel in the direction of the ring main 102 and beer lines 103. The mixing chamber 116 may take the form of a mixing manifold 117. In the prior art, detergent is simply fed into a conduit and the fluid with detergent is delivered in the conduit to the ring main. However, the mixing chamber 116 of the present teachings has a larger volume with respect to the conduit that feeds the chamber 116. In this regard, a chamber is created where the fluid and detergent can mix before being delivered to the ring main. In such a configuration, improved mixing of detergent and fluid (water) is achieved.

Turning to Figure 2, a first embodiment of the pulsing circuit 200 in accordance with the present teachings is shown. As previously mentioned, the circuit includes a pump 111 for causing flow of a fluid into a conduit for a beverage line. The pump 111 may be a variable vane pump 220v/110v or a centrifugal pump. Use of a variable vane pump means that the water tank and pump do not have to be co-located. On the other hand, for a centrifugal pump, the tank and pump must be co-located. The conduit refers to the previously described beer lines 104 or any suitable conduit for a beverage line.

The pulsing circuit also includes a first flow junction 201 provided in fluid communication between the pump 111 and a supply of the fluid, in this case, the supply of fluid is from the water tank 101. However, any suitable supply of fluid may be used. Fluid communication may be provided by a conduit connecting the source and the first flow junction 201. As previously described, the conduit may include a non return valve 118.

With reference to the first flow junction, this is illustrated as a four way manifold. As will be described in more detail hereinafter, the first fluid junction has three fluid inputs and one output. The output of the first flow junction can be seen leading to the pump 111. However, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the first fluid junction is not limited to a four way manifold and more or less inputs/outputs may be provided.

The pulsing circuit 200 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present teachings also comprises a second flow junction 202 provided in fluid communication between the pump 111 and the conduit. As can be seen from Figure 2, the second flow junction 202 is also a four way manifold with one input and three outputs in this exemplary embodiment. It can also be observed that the first 201 and second 202 flow junctions are connected in fluid communication with each other through a first return fluid line 203. As will be explained in more detail hereinafter, with this configuration the fluid (e.g., water) can be recirculated from the second flow junction 202 though the first return fluid line 203 to the pump 111 via the first flow junction 201.

A first fluid flow controller 204 is provided on the first return fluid line 203. The first fluid controller 204 may take the form of a solenoid valve, which is electrically activated to open and close (allowing fluid to pass through the return fluid line 203 or to block the line 203). However, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that any suitable form known in the art for the fluid controller 204 may be used.

As will be explained in more detail below, the first fluid flow controller 204 is configured to be selectively activated to create a pulsed flow of fluid into the conduit from the pump 111 via the second flow junction 202. Specifically, the pump 111 is always pumping the same volume but introducing and/or removing feedback in the pulsing circuit 200 determines where the fluid is caused to flow. That is, the pressure of he fluid being delivered to the conduit (and subsequently the beer lines) is determined by the amount of feedback.

In operation, water is fed from the water tank 101 to the pump 111 via the first fluid junction 201. The first fluid junction 201 may be configured with not return valves to ensure that liquid can only exit the junction to the pump 111 and cannot exit through the other conduits connected to the first fluid junction 201. The water is pumped by the pump 111 to the second fluid junction 202. In this exemplary mode of operation, the first fluid controller 204 has been activated such that fluid flows through the first return line 203 to the first fluid junction 201. At the same time, a proportion of the water may also be pumped towards the ring main 102 and beer lines 104 etc via the output of the second flow junction 202. It will be appreciated that some of the pumping capacity of the pump 111 is used to feedback fluid to the pump via the first return fluid line.

Selectively activating the first fluid flow controller 204 will create a pulsed flow of fluid into the conduit from the pump 111 via the second flow junction 202. That is, if the first fluid flow controller 204 is activated to close the first return line 203, the full fluid output of the pump 111 has only one outlet i.e., towards the ring main and beer lines. In this case, the full pumping power of the pump 111 is used to pump liquid through the second flow junction 202 to the detergent mixing chamber and on to the ring main 102 and beer lines 104.

The first fluid controller 204 may again be activated to allow fluid to flow through the first return fluid line 203. This will result in a drop in fluid flow with respect to the fluid that is being pumped to the ring main 102 as a proportion of the fluid is being fed back to the pump 111. As will be appreciated, the sudden increase in fluid flow towards the ring main 102 (by the closing of the first return fluid line 203) and the sudden decrease in fluid flow towards the ring main 102 (by the opening of the first return fluid line 203) results in a pulse of liquid being delivered to the ring main and beer lines. The duration of the pulse corresponds to the time that the first fluid line 203 is closed by activation of the first fluid controller 204. It will be appreciated that the first fluid controller 204 can be activated rapidly by the control unit 107 to create multiple pulses of different durations. The exact sequence of pulses is determined by the cleaning program chosen by an operator.

The pulsing circuit of Figure 2 may further comprise a second return fluid line 205 that also returns fluid back to the first flow junction 201. The second return fluid line 205 is fitted with a second fluid flow controller 206 that functions in a similar manner as the first fluid flow controller 204. That is, activation of this second flow controller 206 from an open position to a closed position prevents feedback of water to the first flow junction 201. As the fluid that would have returned to the pump 111 must now go somewhere, it takes the only outlet to the conduit (to the ring main 102 etc.). It will be appreciated that in a similar manner as outlined with respect to the first return fluid line 203, closing of the second return fluid line by the second fluid controller 206 creates a fluid pulse that is transmitted to the beer lines via the detergent mixing chamber 116, ring main 102 etc.

The skilled person will appreciate that the first fluid flow controller 204 and the second fluid flow controller 206 can cooperate (under the control of the previously described control unit 107). For example, both the first and second fluid flow controllers may be activated simultaneously to prevent fluid returning to the pump via the first and second return lines. In this manner a large pulse is created as 100% of the water is suddenly pumped towards the conduit while prior to the closure of the first and second return lines, a much small proportion of the water was being pumped to the beer lines 104. The proportion of the water that is returned to the first flow junction 201 and pump 111 is determined by the dimensions of the first 203 and second 205 return fluid lines. The specific dimensions can be chosen as appropriate by a person skilled in the art. As previously mentioned, it is desirable that the pulsing circuit 200 is always pumping a proportion of the fluid to the conduit, ring main etc. Specifically, it is desirable that the the feedback should never be 100% of the fluid to the pump. Fluid should be continuously delivered to the mixing chamber 116 so that a cleaning fluid can be added and mixed. As previously mentioned, a continuous circulation of fluid obviates variations in pressure caused by factors such as diameter of the input supply line, altitude, length of supply line.

However, the person skilled in the art will appreciate that the pulsing circuit 200 may be configured such that no water is output from the second fluid junction 202 (towards the beer lines) when maximum feedback to the first fluid junction 201 and pump 111 is applied. This may involve including a pressure valve at the output of the second flow junction i.e., in the conduit between the second fluid junction 202 and mixing chamber 116. The pressure valve would only allow fluid to flow to the ring main 102 via the mixing chamber 116 when a predetermined pressure is reached. For example, the pressure valve could be configured such that fluid will not be allowed to pass unless at least one of the first 203 and second 205 return fluid line is closed.

As seen in Figure 2, the second return fluid line 205 may also include a variable flow restrictor 207. This can be controlled by the control unit 107 to adjust the volume of liquid that is allowed to pass through the second return fluid line 207. As will be understood by the person skilled in the art, the variable flow restrictor provides more granular adjustment to the feedback and accordingly an adjustment to pulses of fluid that can be delivered to the conduit, ring main etc. Furthermore, the variable restrictor may be used to ensure a continuous flow of liquid to the ring main. The adjustments to the variable flow restrictor can be made by the control unit 107 as part of a cleaning program in order to provide more varied pulses. Furthermore, although only the second return fluid line 201 is shown in Figure 2 has including a variable flow restrictor; the present teachings are not limited to this configuration. The first return fluid line 203 (or any other fluid return line provided in the pulsing circuit 200) may also be fitted with a variable flow restrictor.

Turning to Figure 3, another embodiment of a pulsing circuit 300 in accordance with the present teachings is provided. The only difference with respect to the pulsing circuit 200 of the previous embodiment is the provision of a third return fluid line 301 that returns to the supply of the fluid i.e., to the water tank 101. The pulsing circuit 300 includes a third fluid flow controller 302, which functions to open and close the third return fluid line 301.

It will be appreciated that the third return fluid line 301 functions in a similar manner as the previously described first 203 and second 205 return fluid lines. That is, activation of the third fluid flow controller 302 opens the third return fluid line 301 and allows fluid to return to the water tank 101. Closing of the third return fluid line 301 creates a pulse of liquid that is sent towards the ring main 102.

Returning the fluid to the water tank 101 is further advantageous as the third fluid return line 301 can be used to drain or bleed the pulsing circuit 200. For example, fluid can be prevented from entering the pulsing circuit 200 e.g., using an alternative valve to the non return valve 118. If the third return fluid line is open, all the liquid in the pulsing circuit 200 will be pumped back to the water tank 101. The pulsing circuit 200 will then be left dry.

It will be appreciated that the present teachings provide many advantages with respect to the prior art. The control unit 107 activating the fluid flow controllers (opening and closing the solenoid valves) at different intervals and at the same time can produce a much improved cleaning programme. Sudden drops in pressure can be followed by surges in pressure. This gives a recirculating twin (or more) pulsing cleaning effect. This pulsing effect can be delivered via the pressure sensor, the non return valve and through the detergent mixing unit 116 via the ring main 102 into a beverage lines. Advantageously, fluid with the cleaning fluid therein can be delivered to the ring main at both ends. Accordingly, a larger volume of fluid can be delivered to the ring main, which allows more beer lines 104 to be cleaned.

The words comprises/comprising when used in this specification are to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

Claims (5)

1. A pulsing circuit for a beverage line cleaning apparatus, the circuit comprising: a pump for causing flow of a fluid into a conduit for a beverage line; a first flow junction provided in fluid communication between the pump and a supply of the fluid; a second flow junction provided in fluid communication between the pump and the conduit, wherein the first and second flow junctions are connected in fluid communication with each other through a first return fluid line so that the fluid can be recirculated from the second flow junction though the first return fluid line to the pump; a first fluid flow controller provided on the first return fluid line; wherein the first fluid flow controller is configured to be selectively activated to create a pulsed flow of fluid into the conduit from the pump via the second flow junction.

2. The pulsing circuit of claim 1 further comprise a second return fluid line that returns fluid back to the first flow junction.

3. The pulsing circuit of claim 1 or 2 further comprising a third return fluid line that returns to the supply of the fluid.

4. The pulsing circuit of claim 2 or 3 further comprising a second fluid flow controller provided on the second return fluid line and a third fluid flow controller provided on the third fluid flow controller

5. The pulsing circuit of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein at least one of the first return fluid line, the second return fluid line and the third return fluid line comprises a variable restrictor valve to vary the volume of liquid that can pass there through.