ITMI20140088U1 - OXYGEN ENRICHER IN NATURAL WATER, REFINED AND REFRIGERATED - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

attached to a patent application for UTILITY MODEL entitled:

“ENRICHER OF OXYGEN IN NATURAL, REFINED AND

REFRIGERATED "

The present invention relates to an equipment for dispensing beverages designed to add a fluid containing oxygen, in particular oxygen in the form of gas under pressure, to a beverage entering the equipment. The drink entering the equipment can be drinking water coming, for example, from a water network connected to an aqueduct.

The present invention has a non-limiting use in the sector of the supply and treatment of drinking water on public structures, such as fountains and similar drinking water delivery points, and private ones, such as for example villas, condominiums or companies. This equipment can also be used in both public and private outdoor and / or indoor dispensers. In particular, as regards these dispensers, they can be placed for example in public parks, city squares, shopping centers, offices, gyms, etc. .. The equipment can also be used in industrial environments.

As known, water and oxygen are essential for human life. Furthermore, as already known and widespread in the literature, the therapy of oral administration of oxygen-enriched water leads to an improvement in general physical well-being, producing a vitalizing effect, strengthening the immune defenses and bringing beneficial effects especially to the digestive system and liver.

The natural oxygen content normally present in drinking water at the point of delivery is normally reduced compared to the value recorded at the sources. The causes of the reduction are attributable to the pipelines, the permanence in tanks and the drinking water treatment plants. To overcome this drawback, in recent years various types of equipment have been developed for the treatment and supply of drinking water capable of refining the water coming from the water supply network to offer the consumer better quality water.

In fact, equipment suitable for enriching a predetermined amount of water contained in open or closed tanks with oxygen is known.

In the following discussion, particular reference will be made to the refining of drinking water.

Currently, several bottling companies use equipment designed to enrich the drink placed inside the bottle by administering oxygen. The equipment used introduces a certain amount of oxygen into the bottle when the latter contains the entire amount of drink inside, allowing you to significantly increase the oxygen content of the drink.

However, the process necessary to achieve a good level of oxygenation of the beverage requires high pressures during the delivery of oxygen, with the consequent risks related to safety given the reactivity of the oxygen itself. These devices are also extremely expensive.

Moreover, some of the known apparatuses do not have a good oxygenation efficiency; by oxygenation efficiency we mean the ratio between the quantities of oxygen present in the beverage after and before treatment.

Also known is an equipment for enriching the drinking water with oxygen at the inlet of the equipment itself; this equipment guarantees excellent oxygenation efficiency and is the subject of patent IT276937 in the name of the same Applicant. However, even this equipment, while ensuring a typical yield from a bottling plant, has a considerable manufacturing cost which makes it unsuitable for plants intended for dispensing not important for the quantity of added water.

In this context, the main object of the present invention is to solve one or more of the problems encountered in the known art.

A further object of the present invention is to propose an apparatus for dispensing oxygen-enriched beverages that is not characterized by excessive operating pressures.

An object of the invention is also to provide enrichment equipment in which it is possible to increase the amount of oxygen dissolved in water by appropriately configuring both the enrichment tank and the hydraulic circuit.

A further purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for dispensing oxygen-enriched beverages with limited dimensions and capable of being arranged and used in a plurality of environments, both public and private.

One purpose of the present invention is to make available an equipment for dispensing beverages that is simple and inexpensive to make, which is still able to guarantee good oxygenation efficiency.

These objects and others besides, which will become more apparent from the following description, are substantially achieved by an apparatus for dispensing beverages and by a station for dispensing beverages equipped with such apparatus in accordance with what is expressed in one or more of the joined claims.

The detailed description of one or more preferred embodiments of the invention is now reported, by way of non-limiting example, in which:

Figure 1 schematically shows an apparatus for dispensing oxygen-enriched beverages according to an embodiment in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 schematically shows an apparatus for dispensing oxygen-enriched beverages according to another embodiment in accordance with the present invention;

figure 3 shows the mixing tank of the oxygen enricher of figures 1 and 2;

figure 3a shows a detail of the mixing tank of figure 3, illustrating the intake element and the delivery pipe;

Figure 3b shows a first variant concerning the intake element and the delivery pipe;

Figure 3c shows a second variant concerning the intake element and the delivery pipe;

Figure 4 shows a support structure in accordance with the present invention.

With reference to the figures, 1 generally indicates an equipment for dispensing beverages. The dispensing of beverages can be carried out from at least one structure 3 which can be arranged for example in public places, as illustrated in Figure 4. The structure 3 is operationally connected to one or more water networks, or continuous sources, of drinking water, such as for example a well or an aqueduct.

The structure 3 includes at least one dispenser 319 suitable for supplying drinking water which has been preliminarily enriched with oxygen by means of the equipment 1, as described below.

One or more of the following types of water can be fed to the dispenser 319: natural water, water to which carbon dioxide and / or flavored water has been previously added.

Returning to figure 1, the apparatus 1 comprises a power supply circuit 201 presenting a first attachment 203 and a second attachment 204.

The first connection 203 is operatively associated with the structure 3 and is hydraulically connectable to one or more water networks or continuous sources of drinking water; in other words, the first connection 203 constitutes the connection point of the supply circuit 201 to a water network or other continuous source of drinking water and is intended to supply drinking water entering the appliance 1. The second connection 204 is at its vault operatively associated with structure 3 and can be hydraulically connected to one or more dispensers 319 of structure 3; in other words, the second connection 204 constitutes the terminal point of the power supply circuit 201 at which, by means of one or more dispensers 319, the drinking water is supplied which has been preliminarily enriched with oxygen by the equipment 1.

The equipment 1 also includes an oxygen enricher 305, which is the organ responsible for adding oxygen to drinking water. The oxygen enricher 305 is active on the supply circuit 201 and is in fluid communication with the first and second connections 203, 204. The oxygen enricher 305 is configured to add a pressurized fluid to the incoming drinking water from the source; in particular, the fluid that is added to the drinking water has an oxygen concentration higher than the oxygen concentration present in the water arriving from the source. The oxygen enricher 305 is also configured to allow the formation and delivery of at least one oxygen-enriched beverage, for example water, which is intended to be tapped by the dispenser 319. For beverage enriched with (or added with) oxygen in the context of the present disclosure means a beverage, in particular drinking water, which has undergone a refining process, and an oxygen enrichment by the oxygen enricher 305 in order to increase the oxygen concentration of the beverage itself.

The oxygen enricher 305 comprises a mixing tank 206 and a source of pressurized fluid 350, in particular of pressurized gas. This pressurized fluid has an oxygen concentration greater than the oxygen concentration of the water arriving from the source; for example, this fluid can be oxygen or compressed air. The pressurized gas source 350 comprises at least one cylinder 312, as illustrated in Figure 1, and / or a compressor 317, as illustrated in Figure 2. Preferably, the cylinder 312 contains oxygen.

In the embodiment of Figure 1, which provides for a cylinder 312, the source of gas under pressure 350 can also comprise a suitable pressure reducer 311, preferably of the type adjustable with manometers, downstream of the cylinder 312 and adapted to modulate the pressure of the gas intended to be introduced into the oxygen enricher 305.

In the embodiment of Figure 2, which provides a compressor 317 as a source of gas under pressure 350, the compressor 317 can be equipped with a filter 316 able to prevent, for example, that particles suspended in the air, such as dust and pollen, are processed inside the compressor 317. In other words, the filter 316 is able to prevent such particles suspended in the air from reaching the mixing tank 206. The filter 316 can be, for example, a filter with high efficiency of fluids, such as a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air filter) type filter.

The fluid coming from the source of pressurized fluid 350 that is introduced into the mixing tank 206 can have a pressure of less than 10 bar, in particular less than 7 bar, even more particularly less than 5 bar. Preferably, the pressure of the fluid introduced by the oxygen enricher 305 inside the mixing tank 206 is substantially equal to 3 or 4 bars or between 3 and 4 bars.

The oxygen enricher 305 and in particular the mixing tank 206 can be made of AISI 316L steel of suitable shape and thickness in order to withstand even considerable operating pressures. However, AISI 316L steel is only one of the materials in which the outer shell of the oxygen enricher 305 can be made; it can be made in a plurality of other materials suitable for the purpose, for example in other metallic materials, composite materials or plastic materials.

The mixing tank 206 represents the element of the oxygen enricher 305 within which the oxygen solubilization in drinking water takes place. The mixing tank 206 comprises an upper portion 206a in correspondence with which an upper wall is defined (delimiting the mixing tank 206 at the top), a lower portion 206b in correspondence with which a bottom wall is defined (opposite to the upper wall and delimiting below the mixing tank 206) and a side wall to define in cooperation a containment compartment for the pressurized water; then there are a first inlet 207 for water, a second inlet 208 for oxygen and a recovery element 308 to facilitate the mixing of water and oxygen; item better detailed below.

The first inlet 207 is configured to allow the introduction into the mixing tank 206 of a predetermined amount of water arriving from the source; for this purpose, the first inlet 207 is in fluid communication with the first connection 203 by means of a collection line 211 of the supply circuit 201. In other words, this collection line 211 extends from the first connection 203 up to to the first inlet 207 of the mixing tank 206, defining a path for advancing the drinking water from the first connection 203 to the mixing tank 206.

The sampling line 211 may include a check valve 301 having the function of avoiding the backflow of drinking water arriving from the first connection 203.

The second inlet 208 is configured to allow the introduction into the mixing tank 206 of a predetermined quantity of gas containing oxygen, coming from the source of gas under pressure 350. The second inlet 208 is in fluid communication with the source of gas under pressure 350 by means of a supply line 212 of the supply circuit 201. In other words, the supply line 212 extends from the source of pressurized gas 350 to the second inlet 208, defining a path for the advancement of the pressurized gas from the source of pressurized gas 350 to the mixing tank 206. On the supply line 212, to avoid the backflow of the pressurized gas towards the source of pressurized gas 350, a suitable check valve 313 can be provided. supply line 212 can also be provided with a minimum pressure switch 314, which is able to signal, by detecting the gas pressure on the supply line 212, the exhaustion of the gas contained within the source of gas under pressure 350. Preferably, on the supply line 212, the minimum pressure switch 314 is arranged upstream of the check valve 313.

Furthermore, if the source of pressurized gas 350 is a cylinder 312 of pressurized gas, a pressure reducer 311 can be provided on the supply line 212, positioned upstream of the minimum pressure switch 314.

Preferably, both the first and the second inlet 207, 208 are positioned in correspondence with a lower portion 206b of the mixing tank 206, in particular in correspondence with the bottom wall, in order to guarantee a reciprocal mixing motion during the rising between gases. containing oxygen and drinking water contained in the mixing tank 206 which favors their mutual contact and in particular the solubilization of the gas containing oxygen in the water.

The first and second inlets 207, 208 are respectively adapted to introduce into the mixing tank 206 a predetermined quantity of drinking water arriving from the source and a predetermined quantity of gas containing oxygen arriving from the source of gas under pressure 350.

The mixing tank 206 is configured to allow the mixing of the predetermined amount of water and the predetermined amount of oxygen, allowing, due to its structure and operating conditions (water temperature, pressure, salinity of the water) which will be described in the following, the solubilization of oxygen in the water.

In particular, along the first inlet 207 and inside the mixing tank 206, the oxygen enricher 305 can comprise an injector tube 306, which is configured to introduce the predetermined quantity of drinking water arriving from the source to the inside the mixing tank 206. The injector tube 306 is in fluid communication with the first inlet 207 and can be mounted to the mixing tank 206 at the first inlet 207.

Preferably, the injector tube 306 has a prevalently vertical direction of development and develops at least partially, in particular completely, inside the mixing tank 206.

Advantageously, the injector tube 306 can provide a plurality of water delivery points 346 (or introduction) into the mixing tank 206, which can be arranged at different heights along the vertical development of the injector tube 306, as illustrated in figure 3. The presence of a plurality of delivery points 346 arranged at different heights along the injector tube 306 optimizes the relative motion between water and oxygen inside the mixing tank 206, favoring their mixing and therefore the solubilization of the oxygen in water.

Furthermore, the injector tube 306 can optionally comprise one or more nozzles 306a, in particular at least one nozzle 306a in correspondence with an end portion thereof opposite the portion of the injector tube 306 located in correspondence with the first inlet 207 (as illustrated in Figure 3) .

The oxygen enricher 305 also includes, downstream of the second inlet 208 and inside the mixing tank 206, a delivery device 307 for the gas containing oxygen. The dispensing device 307 may comprise a bubble diffuser, in particular a microbubble diffuser 3071. The microbubble diffuser 3071 is positioned at a lower portion 206b of the mixing tank 206 and is configured to generate oxygen microbubbles adapted to mixing intimately and / or rising the water contained in the mixing tank 206, solubilizing it and enriching it with oxygen. In particular, the dispensing device 307 is arranged in correspondence with the bottom wall of the mixing tank 206 (see for example Figure 1).

The micro-bubble diffuser 3071 has at least one prevailing development surface equipped with a plurality of outlet holes for the oxygen micro-bubbles from which, under operating conditions of the apparatus 1, micro-bubbles of oxygen (or gas containing oxygen) emerge which are suitable for ascending the water contained in the mixing tank 206, solubilizing itself in it and enriching it with oxygen. The holes are suitably sized to allow the selective passage of the oxygen / gas microbubbles.

The oxygen enrichment process takes place continuously in the mixing tank 206 and is carried out by making the drinking water enter, in correspondence with the lower portion 206b of the mixing tank 206, through an injector tube 306 and the gas containing oxygen through the dispensing 307. The jet of water entering the tank 206 preferably takes place by means of one or more suitably oriented pressurized nozzles 306a, which define one or more dispensing points 346.

The water jet (or jets) is oriented in such a way as to create a motion of the fluids inside the mixing tank 206 which favors contact between chilled water and oxygen in microbubbles. The oxygen microbubbles dissolve and rise to the cold water present in the mixing tank 206, enriching it with oxygen.

The entry of drinking water into the mixing tank 206 preferably takes place in continuous recirculation, by means of a recirculation circuit 260 of the supply circuit 201.

As will be described in greater detail below, the water entering the mixing tank 206 is suitably chilled water.

The oxygen enricher 305 can further comprise a safety valve 315 operatively connected to the mixing tank 206 and configured to intervene consequently to an overpressure generated inside the mixing tank 206 and / or to avoid overpressures inside the mixing tank. mixing tank 206. The safety valve 315 is set at a limit pressure value and is configured to open automatically when the pressure inside the mixing tank 206 is greater than or equal to the valve setting limit pressure value. In other words, the safety valve 315 is configured to operate selectively between a closed position (corresponding to the normal operating conditions of the mixing tank 206) and an open position (consequent to the presence of an overpressure inside the mixing tank. 206). In normal operating conditions of the mixing tank 206, that is to say when the pressure inside it is lower than the aforementioned limit pressure value, the safety valve 315 is in the closed position, while when the pressure inside the mixing tank 206 is greater than or equal to the aforementioned limit pressure value, the safety valve 315 automatically assumes the open position to release the excessive pressure generated inside the mixing tank 206.

As previously mentioned, the mixing tank 206 comprises a pickup member 308 configured to, and intended to, convey the oxygen-enriched beverage leaving the mixing tank 206.

The intake element 308 is a suitably shaped withdrawal channel from the tank and has a first and a second passage section 308a, 308b intended to be crossed, in operating conditions of the oxygen enricher 305, by the drink enriched with oxygen and a central passage channel 308c developing in interposition between the first and second sections 308a, 308b.

The first passage section 308a (or inlet section) of the recovery element 308 is arranged at a higher level than an outlet portion of the oxygen-containing gas microbubbles from the microbubble diffuser 3071.

As regards the second section 308b, it is arranged in series and downstream with respect to the first section 308a along the direction of withdrawal of the enriched beverage and has a net passage section lower than a net passage section of the first section 308a.

The return element 308 develops along a direction of development prevalent transversal to the first and second sections 308a, 308b and parallel to a main development axis of the mixing tank 206.

As regards the central passage channel 308c, it has a cross section converging along the direction of advancement of the oxygen-enriched beverage inside the take-up element 308. In a preferred embodiment, the central passage channel 308c has a frusto-conical conformation characterized by a diameter D which decreases linearly along the path of advancement of the fluid, ie proceeding from the first section 308a to the second passage section 308b. For example, the first section 308a can have a first diameter D1, the second section 308b can have a second diameter D2 smaller than the first diameter D1 and the central passage channel 308c can have a diameter D which decreases linearly (proceeding along the path of advancement of the fluid) starting from the first diameter D1 until assuming a value equal to the second diameter D2 in correspondence with the second section 308b, as illustrated in Figure 3.

The return element 308 is preferably arranged in an opposite portion of the mixing tank 206 with respect to the first and second inlets 207, 208. For example, if the first and second inlets 207, 208 are arranged in correspondence with a lower portion 206b of the mixing tank 206, the pick-up element 308 of the oxygen-enriched beverage is placed in correspondence with the upper portion 206a of the mixing tank 206, as illustrated by way of example in Figure 3. In one embodiment, the pick-up element 308 is arranged in correspondence with the upper wall of the mixing tank 206.

The equipment 1 also comprises a control unit 303 configured to command and manage the operation of some components that can be installed on the power supply circuit 201, as will be described below. The control unit 303 preferably comprises a programmable electronic control unit, capable of operating the electromechanical devices that can be installed on the power supply circuit 201 (which will be described below) after selection by the user or on the base instrumental indications from devices such as probes or pressure switches.

Downstream of the intake element 308, the apparatus 1 can comprise a delivery pipe 370 adapted to convey the oxygen-enriched beverage towards a branch point 250 of the supply circuit 201. The delivery pipe 370 is preferably mounted or in any case in fluid communication with the intake element 308 in correspondence with the second section 308b and extends at least partially along a prevalent direction of substantially vertical development, in particular coinciding with the main development axis of the mixing tank 206.

The return element 308 and the delivery pipe 370 may have, in accordance with some variants, different reciprocal positions. The variants are illustrated in Figure 3a, 3b and 3c and have in common the positioning of the intake element 308 in correspondence with the upper portion 206a of the mixing tank 206 and the convergent trend of the cross section of the central passage channel 308c along the direction of fluid advance; however they are distinguished by the arrangement of the intake element 308 and the delivery pipe 370. For example, the intake element 308 can be arranged, without prejudice to the positioning in correspondence with the upper portion 206a, completely inside the mixing tank 206 (as illustrated in Figures 3a and 3c) or constitute a portion of the outer shell of the mixing tank 206 (as illustrated in Figure 3b) and can be oriented in different ways, as will be described. For example, in figure 3 and in the embodiment variants illustrated in figures 3a, 3b and 3c the path of the oxygen-enriched beverage leaving the mixing tank 206 is schematically shown; in particular, this path is schematized in correspondence with the return element 308 and the delivery pipe 370.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3a, the intake element 308 is positioned inside the mixing tank 206 in correspondence with the upper portion 206a and is oriented in a substantially vertical direction, with the second section 308b positioned at a lower level than the level of the first section 308a. In operating conditions of the oxygen enricher 305, the water enters the recovery element 308 in correspondence with the first section 308a, and then describes a movement of advancement substantially downwards in the direction of the second section 308b. After passing the second section 308b, the oxygen-enriched beverage passes through the delivery pipe 370, arranged vertically in the embodiment of figure 3a inside the mixing tank 206. In accordance with this arrangement of the delivery pipe 370, the enriched beverage of oxygen leaves the mixing tank 206 at its bottom wall, as illustrated in Figure 3 (illustrating the same configuration of the intake element 308 and of the delivery pipe 370 of Figure 3a).

In figure 3b, on the other hand, a first variant is shown concerning the return element 308 and the delivery pipe 370; this first variant differs from the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3a by virtue of the positioning of the intake element 308 and of the delivery pipe 370. The intake element 308 is arranged in correspondence with the upper portion 206a of the mixing tank 206 and is oriented in a substantially vertical direction, with the second section 308b arranged at a higher level than the level of the first section 308a. In accordance with the first variant, unlike the embodiments illustrated in figures 3a and 3c, the intake element 308 is not arranged inside the mixing tank 206, but substantially constitutes an extension of the upper portion 206a (in correspondence with the outer shell of the tank), as shown in figure 3b. In other words, the first passage section 308a of the intake element 308 is defined on the upper wall of the mixing tank 206 and the intake element 308 extends away from the upper wall, substantially constituting a convergent extension of the portion 206a of the mixing tank 206. In operating conditions of the oxygen enricher 305, the water enters the intake element 308 in correspondence with the first section 308a, and then describes a movement of advancement substantially upwards in the direction of the second section 308b. The delivery pipe 370 according to the first variant is mounted to the intake element 308 in correspondence with the second section 308b and is arranged above the intake element 308 outside the mixing tank 206. In other words, the pipe of delivery 370 extends completely outside the mixing tank 206 away from the upper wall of the tank.

The oxygen-enriched beverage then, having passed the second section 308b, passes through the delivery pipe 370, leaving the mixing tank 206 at its upper portion 206a.

Figure 3c shows a second variant concerning the return element 308 and the delivery pipe 370. The return element 308 is arranged substantially as in the embodiment illustrated in figure 3a; it is positioned inside the mixing tank 206 at the upper portion 206a and is oriented in a substantially vertical direction, with the second section 308b positioned at a lower level than the height of the first section 308a. As can be seen in Figure 3c, the delivery pipe 370 is mounted to the return element 308 in correspondence with the second section 308b and extends for a first section 370a in a vertical direction, and then presents a curvilinear fitting that connects the first section 370a to a second section 370b of the delivery pipe 370 extending substantially in the horizontal direction. The first section 370a and the curved fitting extend inside the mixing tank 206, while the second section 370b extends partially inside and partially outside the mixing tank 206, emerging from the mixing tank 206 at the its side wall, as illustrated in figure 3c.

In all variants, the recovery element 308 is arranged in such a way that the direction of advancement of the fluid inside it is defined along the central passage channel 308c from the first section 308a to the second section 308b. Preferably, in all possible variants, the central passage channel 308c interposed between the first and second sections 308a, 308b, has a convergent trend along the direction of advancement of the fluid inside the recovery element 308; this convergent central passage channel 308c (in particular having a truncated cone shape) determines, in operating conditions of the oxygen enricher 305, a hydraulic depression which moves, by means of the suction effect caused by the depression itself, the beverage added with oxygen and the unsolubilized oxygen in the water leaving the mixing tank 206. In other words, the hydraulic depression generated by the recovery element 308 favors the recovery of the beverage added with oxygen and of the oxygen not solubilized in water.

Advantageously, the shooting element 308 is substantially devoid of openings in correspondence with an outer shell of the central passage channel 308c.

The substantial absence of openings in correspondence with the lateral mantle of the central passage channel 308c optimizes the operation of the recovery element 308, in particular allowing the generation of the aforementioned hydraulic depression. However, some openings may be provided in correspondence with the lateral mantle of the central passage channel 308c in numbers and dimensions such as not to preclude the operation of the recovery element 308 (i.e. the generation of a depression which improves the solubilization of oxygen in the water). Preferably, the shooting element 308 is substantially continuous (ie without any passage hole) in correspondence with the outer shell of the central passage channel 308c.

As previously mentioned, the delivery pipe 370 is adapted to convey the oxygen-enriched beverage towards a branch point 250 of the supply circuit 201.

From the branch point 250 of the power supply circuit 201 develop an output line 213 and a recirculation branch 255, the latter defining a recirculation circuit 260.

The outlet line 213 places the return element 308 in fluid communication with the second attachment 204.

The recirculation branch 255 places the intake element 308 in fluid communication with the withdrawal line 211, defining a recirculation circuit 260. In particular, the recirculation branch 255 flows into the withdrawal line 211 at a point of confluence 270 of the supply circuit 201. The portion of the supply circuit 201 comprised between the confluence point 270 and the first inlet 207 is in common between the pick-up line 211 and the recirculation circuit 260.

In other words, the recirculation circuit 260 extends from the branch point 250 along the recirculation branch 255, merging with the withdrawal line 211 at the confluence point 270.

The recirculation circuit 260 includes a recirculation pump 309 configured to recirculate, within the recirculation circuit 260, the water partially mixed with oxygen so that, returned to the tank, it can mix further. Preferably, the recirculation pump 309 is arranged on the withdrawal line 211 downstream of the confluence point 270.

The recirculation circuit 260 also comprises a minimum pressure switch 302 arranged on the sampling line 211 between the confluence point 270 and the recirculation pump 309. The minimum pressure switch 302 guarantees the correct operation of the supply circuit 201 by detecting the presence, or less, of the water under pressure on the sampling line 211.

The minimum pressure switch 302 and the recirculation pump 309 are operationally connected to the control unit 303. In particular, the control unit 303 is configured to read from the minimum pressure switch 302 a pressure value relating to the pressure of the drinking water in the sampling line 211 and, if this pressure value is lower than a predetermined pressure value, deactivate the recirculation pump 309. This avoids "dry running", or "dry running", of the pump recirculation 309 due to lack of mains water or a malfunction of the pump itself.

Preferably, in normal operating conditions of the apparatus 1, that is to say when the pressure value of the drinking water measured by the minimum pressure switch 302 in the sampling line 211 is higher than a predetermined pressure value, the recirculation pump 309 has continuous operation; however, discontinuous operating cycles of the recirculation pump 309 can also be provided. The continuous operation of the recirculation pump 309 is adapted to continuously recirculate, by means of the recirculation circuit 260, the drink enriched with oxygen and the oxygen non-solubilized, favoring the solubilization of the unsoluble oxygen and preventing the oxygen-enriched beverage from stagnating inside the mixing tank 206.

The recirculation pump 309 is configured to process, in addition to the water enriched with oxygen, also the excess of oxygen, that is, the oxygen that does not dissolve in water (undissolved bubbles). In particular, in operating conditions of the oxygen enricher 305, the excess oxygen is located in correspondence with the upper portion 206a of the mixing tank 206 where it is continuously taken up, together with the water already enriched with oxygen, by means of the intake element 308, which is in fluid communication with the recirculation circuit 260. Therefore, the excess of unsolubilized oxygen is destined to be taken up again in suction by the recirculation pump 309, which re-introduces it, for means of the recirculation circuit 260, together with the drinking water, in the mixing tank 206 at the first inlet 207.

The equipment 1 can provide a refrigeration environment 300 configured to cool the mixing tank 206 of the oxygen enricher 305 and the pipes defining the recirculation circuit 260 and consequently the water contained therein. Advantageously, the water is cooled and kept at a low temperature in order to favor the enrichment of oxygen in accordance with Henry's chemical / physical law relating to the solubility of gases in a liquid (in this case drinking water). The refrigeration environment 300 is configured to keep the water in the oxygen enricher 305 and in the pipes of the recirculation circuit 260 chilled and in particular has a lower temperature than the temperature of the drinking water entering from the first connection 203 of the circuit power supply 201.

The refrigeration environment 300 is configured to cool the oxygen enricher 305 and the pipes of the recirculation circuit 260, with the exception of the branch comprising the recirculation pump 309. For example, the refrigeration environment 300 may comprise a tank ( not shown) containing water or refrigerant liquid, inside which the oxygen enricher 305 and at least partially the recirculation circuit 260 (with the exception of the recirculation pump 309) are immersed, and an accessory refrigerant circuit (not shown) configured to keep the tank at a low temperature.

The temperature of the drinking water present inside the mixing tank 206 can be between 2 ° C and 25 ° C, in particular between 3 ° C and 20 ° C, even more particularly between 4 ° C and 10 ° C. Preferably, an optimal temperature for the water inside the mixing tank 206 is substantially equal to 5 ° C or 6 ° C; this temperature guarantees, compared to higher temperatures, a greater solubilization of oxygen in water.

The amount of oxygen with which the water is enriched, in particular the maximum amount of oxygen that can be solubilized in water, varies according to parameters such as the water temperature, the working temperature of the equipment, the gas pressure and the salinity of the water.

In particular, the solubility of oxygen in water is inversely proportional to the temperature of the water and the equipment, inversely proportional to the salinity of the water and directly proportional to the oxygen pressure. As the temperature of the water and the equipment decreases, the maximum amount of oxygen that can be solubilized in water increases, and therefore the enrichment of the water; however, this increase occurs in a less sensitive way than, for example, the addition of carbon dioxide in water.

The refrigeration environment 300 performs precisely the function of keeping the water in the oxygen enricher 305 and in the pipes of the recirculation circuit 260 cooled and in particular at a temperature lower than the temperature of the drinking water entering the first connection 203 of the supply circuit 201, in such a way as to increase the solubility of oxygen in water.

As previously mentioned, the solubility of oxygen in water is inversely proportional to the salinity of the water; in other words, the oxygen enrichment capacity decreases in waters rich in salts. In light of this, it is preferable that the drinking water arriving from the continuous source and entering the equipment 1 from the first connection 203 of the power supply circuit 201 has a contained salinity, preferably between 50 and 1000 mg / l.

The enrichment of oxygen also occurs best with the use of suitably filtered drinking water, preferably having a salinity included in the aforementioned range.

If the drinking water arriving from the continuous source and entering the equipment 1 from the first attack 203 presents an excessive salinity (for example higher than 1000 mg / l), this salinity value of the water can be reduced, for example by making pass water through reverse osmosis membranes (not shown).

The filtering of drinking water can take place through the use of suitable composite filters (i.e. filters that may also contain activated carbon) which perform, in addition to the removal of any solid particles suspended in the water, also the removal of excess chlorine, any unpleasant colors and odors. Water filtering is preferably provided on the sampling line 211 upstream of the mixing tank 206, especially upstream of the refrigeration environment 300; this filtering can be carried out by means of suitable filtering means (not shown), for example of the type described above or equivalent.

Downstream of the filtration, through an appropriate hydraulic circuit, the water is cooled through the refrigeration environment 300 in order to increase the maximum amount of oxygen that can be solubilized in water.

Normally the natural concentration of oxygen in water is about 5.5 - 6 mg / l; thanks to the oxygen enricher 305 and to the equipment 1 in accordance with the present invention, the concentration of oxygen in water can be greatly increased. In particular, the concentration of oxygen present in the drinking water leaving the mixing tank 206 can be higher than 8 mg / l, in particular higher than 20 mg / l, even more particularly higher than 40 mg / l . Preferably, the concentration of oxygen present within the drinking water leaving the mixing tank 206 is between 20 mg / l and 60 mg / l.

Preferably, the ratio between the concentration of oxygen present in the drinking water leaving the mixing tank 206 and the concentration of oxygen present in the drinking water entering the mixing tank 206 is higher than 2, in particular higher than 4, even more particularly higher than 10.

In the ideal operating conditions of the equipment 1, i.e. with a water temperature in the refrigeration environment 300 between 4 ° C and 10 ° C, a salinity of the inlet water at the first attack 203 between 50 and 1000 mg / l, a pressure of the fluid containing oxygen introduced by the oxygen enricher 305 inside the mixing tank 206 between 3 and 5 bar, operation of the recirculation pump 309 of continuous type, the Applicant has verified that they can oxygen concentrations ranging from 20 to 60 mg / l can be obtained by means of the oxygen enricher 305 and the apparatus 1 according to the present invention.

As regards the outlet line 213 of the supply circuit 201, it can provide a plurality of components configured to regulate, allow or interrupt the flow of the oxygen-enriched beverage or verify some characteristics of the oxygen-enriched beverage.

The outlet line 213 can provide a flow rate regulator or compensator 318 which is adapted to compensate for the pressure of the oxygen-enriched beverage; in particular, by creating a localized pressure drop, it causes a reduction in the pressure of the oxygen-enriched beverage, allowing the withdrawal of the refined water in complete safety from the dispenser 309.

The outlet line 213 can provide a probe 320, for example of the immersion type, equipped with an oxygen sensor and configured to detect the oxygen present in the oxygen-enriched beverage, in particular the oxygen concentration of the oxygen-enriched beverage. . The probe 320 can be operationally connected to the control unit 303; in particular, the control unit 303 is configured to read the value relating to the oxygen concentration detected by the probe 302 on the output line 213. Preferably, the probe 320 is arranged on the output line 213 downstream of the flow regulator 318.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the outlet line 213 provides an interception element 304, in particular a solenoid valve, configured to operate selectively between a closed condition and an open condition. In the closed condition, the interception element 304 interrupts the fluid communication between the return element 308 and the second connection 204, preventing the delivery of the oxygen-enriched beverage at the dispenser 319, while in the open condition the interception element 304 allows the communication of fluid between the return element 308 and the second connection 204, allowing, on request, the dispensing of the drink enriched with oxygen at the dispenser 319.

In the closed condition of the interception element 304, the return element 308 is in fluid communication with the recirculation branch 255 of the supply circuit 201.

In particular, the interception element 304 is operationally connected with the control unit 303, which is configured to manage and command the arrangement of the interception element 304 in the opening or closing condition.

In the absence of a request for supply of refined water, the interception element 304 is in a closed condition; its opening can be controlled by the control unit 303 following a request for delivery by the user. For example, when the user requests the supply of enriched water through the use of a suitable command (such as a button that can be provided in correspondence with the dispenser 319), the request is processed by the control unit 303, which controls the opening of the interception element 304 in order to allow the flow of water towards the dispenser 319.

The equipment 1 can provide for the recirculation of the drink enriched with oxygen and non-solubilized oxygen in water both in the presence of a dispensing request and in its absence depending on the operational needs.

In particular, the control unit 303 is configured to selectively control the operation of the equipment 1 between at least three operating conditions.

In the first operating condition, the control unit 303 places the interception element 304 in the open condition and activates the recirculation pump 309 (or checks the activated state of the recirculation pump 309 and / or increases its rotation speed); in accordance with this operating condition, the mixing tank 206 sends fluid to the second connection 204 for its delivery at the dispenser 319 and the fluid recirculation is simultaneously active.

In the second operating condition, the control unit 303 places the interception element 304 in the closed condition and activates the recirculation pump 309 (or checks the activated state of the recirculation pump 309 and / or increases its rotation speed); in accordance with this operating condition, the mixing tank 206 is not in fluid communication with the second attachment 204 and fluid recirculation is active.

As for the third operating condition, the control unit 303 places the interception element 304 in the open condition and deactivates the recirculation pump 309; in accordance with this operating condition, the mixing tank 206 sends fluid to the second connection 204 for its delivery at the dispenser 319 and fluid recirculation is not active.

It is evident that in the case of recirculation at the same time as the supply request, that is, in the first operating condition of the equipment 1, the flow rate of fluid conveyed in the recirculation circuit 260 represents a portion of the total flow outgoing from the return element 308; the remaining part of the total flow rate outgoing from the recovery element 308 is conveyed towards the outlet line 213. In the case of the absence of a supply request, that is to say in the second operating condition of the apparatus 1, the total flow rate outgoing from the The return element 308 is conveyed into the recirculation circuit 260.

As regards the third operating condition of the equipment 1, the total flow rate of fluid outgoing from the recovery element 308 is conveyed towards the outlet line 213.

As regards the control of the interception element 304, alternatively to the preferred embodiment which provides for the control of the interception element 304 by means of the control unit 303, the opening and closing of the interception element 304 can be independent from the control unit 303; for example the interception element 304 can be of the mechanical type, such as a manual valve or the like.

The opening of the interception element 304 therefore determines the delivery of the water enriched with oxygen from the dispenser 319, causing a pressure drop on the supply line 201, as a result of which the chilled water and the gas under pressure enter inside the oxygen enricher 305 respectively at the first and second inlets 207, 208. The apparatus 1 can further comprise at least one disinfection device 321 operatively associated with the second connection 204 of the supply circuit 201. disinfection 321 is advantageously arranged at the dispenser 319 in order to disinfect and / or sterilize and / or sterilize the oxygen-enriched beverage. In particular, the disinfection device 321 is designed to avoid the unwanted ascent of bacterial loads (a phenomenon known as back-contamination). The sterilizing action is obtained with light radiations (for example ultraviolet), capable of damaging the deoxyribonucleic acid with the formation of dimers and thymines as a result of the breaking of bonds between phosphates and deoxyribose, and the hydrolysis of cytosine which leads to death bacterial cells.

Preferably, the disinfection device 321 is of the ultraviolet ray type; for example, the disinfection device 321 may comprise at least one ultraviolet ray emitter, such as a diode (for example LED) configured to emit ultraviolet rays, or a lamp configured to emit ultraviolet rays (UV lamp).

It should be noted that the disinfection device 321 comprising a plurality of ultraviolet ray emitting LEDs and / or one or more UV lamps carries out a germicidal action, preventing bacterial proliferation at the dispenser 319 and at the surrounding areas.

The use of LEDs and UV lamps is particularly advantageous as these devices have a reduced energy consumption compared to alternative systems that can be used to reduce potential bacterial proliferation.

The disinfection device 321 is operationally connected with the control unit 303, which is configured to control the disinfection device 321, in particular to modulate and / or activate and / or deactivate its operation. The present invention allows to obtain one or more of the following advantages and to solve one or more of the problems encountered in the known art.

First of all, the invention provides an apparatus for dispensing oxygen-enriched beverages with limited dimensions and capable of being placed and used in a plurality of environments, both public and private.

The beverage dispensing equipment according to the present invention also has a rational and efficient layout that allows both the dispensing of the oxygen-enriched beverage and its recirculation, alternately or simultaneously.

The beverage dispensing equipment in accordance with the present invention also ensures good oxygenation efficiency.

The invention is also easy to use, easy to implement and simple and inexpensive to implement.

Claims (58)

CLAIMS 1. Apparatus (1) for dispensing drinks from at least one structure (3), said structure (3) being of the type comprising one or more water networks or sources of drinking water, such as for example a well, and at least one dispenser (319) in fluid communication with said water network or source from which at least one drink can be tapped, said apparatus (1) comprising: ● a supply circuit (201) having at least a first connection (203) operatively associated with the structure (3) and hydraulically connectable to one or more water networks or continuous sources of drinking water of the same structure (3), said supply circuit ( 201) presenting at least a second connection (204) also operatively associated with the structure (3) and hydraulically connectable to one or more dispensers (319) of the structure (3), ● at least one oxygen enricher (305) active on the supply circuit (201) and in fluid communication with said first and second connections (203; 204), said oxygen enricher (305) defining at least one mixing tank (206) to receive at least drinking water and being configured to add a fluid to the drinking water arriving from the source, said fluid having an oxygen concentration greater than the oxygen concentration present in the water arriving from the source and being also configured to allow formation and dispensing of at least one beverage added with oxygen, for example water, which can be tapped from said dispenser (319), the oxygen enricher (305) presenting at least one outlet line (213) for the beverage added with oxygen, characterized in that the enricher (305) further comprises at least one recovery element (308) in hydraulic connection with the tank (206) and with the outlet line (213), said pick-up element (308) being configured for, and intended for, withdrawing the beverage added with oxygen from the mixing tank (206) and conveying it at the outlet towards the line outlet (213), the intake element (308) presenting at least a first and a second passage section (308a; 308b) intended to be crossed by said oxygen-enriched beverage leaving the enricher, the second section (308b ) being arranged downstream of the first section (308a) along the forward direction of the oxygen-enriched beverage and having a net passage section lower than a net passage section of the first section (308a ). 2. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1, wherein said oxygen enricher (305) is configured to add at least one gas containing oxygen to the drinking water arriving from the source. 3. Apparatus (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mixing tank (206) has at least a first inlet (207) in fluid communication with the first connection (203) and adapted to allow the introduction to the inside the tank of a predetermined quantity of water arriving from the source, the mixing tank (206) also having at least a second inlet (208) configured to allow the introduction of a predetermined quantity into the mixing tank (206) of gas containing oxygen, said mixing tank (206) being configured to allow mixing of the predetermined quantity of water and the predetermined quantity of oxygen and to supply through said intake element (308) drinking water having an oxygen concentration greater than the concentration of oxygen present in the drinking water entering the mixing tank (206), the return element (308) being configured to convey the fluid in us from the mixing tank (206) and being in fluid communication with the second attachment (204). 4. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the ratio between the concentration of oxygen present in the drinking water leaving the mixing tank (206) and the concentration of oxygen present in the drinking water at the inlet to the mixing tank (206) is higher than 2, in particular higher than 4, even more particularly higher than 10. 5. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the concentration of oxygen present in the drinking water coming out of the intake element (308) is higher than 8 mg / l, in particular higher than 20 mg / l, even more particularly higher than 40 mg / l. 6. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said pick-up element (308) is positioned in correspondence with an upper portion (206a) of the mixing tank (206). 7. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said pick-up element (308) extends along a prevalent direction of development transversal to said first and said second passage section (308a; 308b) and has a channel of central passage (308c) developing in interposition between said first and said second passage section (308a; 308b), said central passage channel (308c) having a cross section converging along the direction of advance of the fluid. 8. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, in which said central passage channel (308c) with convergent course has a frusto-conical conformation having a diameter (D) which decreases linearly as it proceeds from said first section (308a) to said second section (308b) of passage. 9. Apparatus (1) according to claims 7 or 8, in which the prevailing direction of development of the take-up element (308) is substantially vertical and is parallel to a main axis of development of the mixing tank (206) in conditions of use of the latter. 10. Apparatus (1) according to claims 7 or 8 or 9, in which, in operating conditions of the apparatus (1), the first passage section (308a) of the intake element (308) is arranged at a height higher than the level of the second section (308b). 11. Apparatus (1) according to claims 7 or 8 or 9, in which, in operating conditions of the apparatus (1), the first passage section (308a) of the intake element (308) is arranged at a height lower than the level of the second section (308b). Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, in operating conditions of the apparatus (1), the first passage section (308a) is defined on an upper wall of the mixing tank (206), the intake element (308) extending away from the upper wall and substantially constituting a convergent extension of the upper portion (206a) of the mixing tank (206). Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the oxygen enricher (305) comprises a delivery tube (370) in fluid communication with said second passage section (308b), said tube (370) being configured to convey the beverage added with oxygen towards the outlet line (213). 14. Apparatus (1) according to the previous claim, in which the delivery pipe (370) develops at least partially inside the mixing tank (206) along a prevalent direction of substantially vertical development. Apparatus (1) according to claims 13 or 14, wherein the delivery pipe (370) emerges from the mixing tank (206) at a bottom wall of the tank. Apparatus (1) according to claims 13 or 14, wherein the delivery pipe (370) emerges from the mixing tank (206) at a side wall of the tank. 17. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the delivery pipe (370) comprises a first portion (370a) extending in a substantially vertical direction, a second portion (370b) extending in a substantially horizontal direction and a curvilinear connection interposed between and connecting the first and second stretches (370a; 370b), said curvilinear connection being intended to place said first section (370a) and said second section (370b) in fluid communication. 18. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the first section (370a) and the curvilinear fitting extend inside the mixing tank (206) and in which the second section (370b) extends partially inside and partially outside the mixing tank (206), said second section (370b) emerging from the mixing tank (206) at a side wall of the tank. 19. Equipment (1) according to claim 13, in which the delivery pipe (370) extends completely outside the mixing tank (206) away from the upper wall of the tank. 20. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the delivery pipe (370) extends at least partially along a prevalent direction of substantially vertical development, in particular coinciding with a main development axis of the mixing tank (206). Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 20, wherein the delivery tube (370) is configured to convey the oxygen-added beverage to a branch point (250) of the supply circuit (201) from the which branches off a recirculation branch (255) and the output line (213). Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oxygen enricher (305) comprises at least one source of pressurized gas (350) in fluid communication with the mixing tank (206) and configured to provide the pressurized fluid of the oxygen enricher (305) to the mixing tank (206). 23. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the source of gas under pressure (350) comprises at least one cylinder (312), preferably oxygen, and / or at least one compressor (317). Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the oxygen enricher (305) comprises at least one injector tube (306) in fluid communication with said first inlet (207) and configured to introduce inside the mixing tank (206) a predetermined quantity of water arriving from the source, said injector tube (306) developing at least partially inside the mixing tank (206). 25. Apparatus (1) according to the previous claim, in which said injector tube (306) develops completely inside the mixing tank (206). 26. Apparatus (1) according to the previous claim, wherein said injector tube (306) has a plurality of delivery points (346) of the water arriving from the source inside said mixing tank (206). 27. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the injector tube (306) has a substantially vertical direction of development and said delivery points (346) are arranged at different heights along the vertical development of said injector tube (306) . 28. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein said injector tube (306) comprises at least one nozzle (306a). 29. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the oxygen enricher (305) comprises a delivery device (307) of the gas containing oxygen in fluid communication with said second inlet (208). 30. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said dispensing device (307) comprises at least one bubble diffuser, in particular a microbubble diffuser (3071), said diffuser being arranged inside said mixing tank (206 ). 31. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said micro-bubble diffuser (3071) is arranged inside said mixing tank (206) at a lower portion (206b) of the mixing tank (206) and is configured to generate micro-bubbles of oxygen suitable to rise the water contained in the mixing tank (206), solubilizing it and enriching it with oxygen. 32. Apparatus (1) according to claims 30 or 31, wherein the microbubble diffuser (3071) has at least one surface provided with a plurality of outlet holes for the microbubbles of oxygen, intended for, in operating conditions of the apparatus ( 1), release micro-bubbles of oxygen capable of rising up the water contained in the mixing tank (206), solubilizing it and enriching it with oxygen. 33. Apparatus (1) according to claims 30 or 31 or 32, in which said dispensing device (307) is arranged in correspondence with a bottom wall of the mixing tank (206) and said intake element (308) is arranged at an upper wall of the mixing tank (206) opposite said bottom wall. 34. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 30 to 33, wherein said first passage section (308a) of the intake element (308) is arranged at a higher altitude than an outlet portion of the oxygen microbubbles from the micro bubble diffuser (3071). 35. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said pickup element (308) is configured to generate a hydraulic vacuum suitable to move the beverage added with oxygen and the non-solubilized oxygen in the water leaving the storage tank. mixing (206). 36. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 35, wherein said pick-up element (308) is substantially devoid of openings in correspondence with an outer shell of the central passage channel (308c) so as to generate, in operating conditions of the apparatus (1), a hydraulic depression adapted to move the beverage added with oxygen and the unsolubilized oxygen in the water leaving the mixing tank (206). 37. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 36, wherein said pick-up element (308) is substantially continuous in correspondence with an outer shell of the central passage channel (308c) in such a way as to generate, under conditions of operation of the apparatus (1), a hydraulic depression adapted to move the beverage added with oxygen and the unsolubilized oxygen in the water leaving the mixing tank (206). 38. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 36, wherein said first inlet (207) of the mixing tank (206) is positioned at a lower portion (206b) of the mixing tank (206). 39. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 38, wherein said second inlet (208) of the mixing tank (206) is positioned at a lower portion (206b) of the mixing tank (206). 40. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pressure of the fluid introduced by the oxygen enricher (305) into the mixing tank (206) is lower than 10 bar, in particular lower than 7 bar , even more particularly below 5 bar. 41. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one refrigeration environment (300) configured to keep the water in the oxygen enricher (305) chilled and in particular having a lower temperature than the drinking water temperature inlet from the first connection (203) of the power supply circuit (201). 42. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, in which the ratio between the temperature of the drinking water entering from the first connection (203) and the temperature of the drinking water present inside the mixing tank (206) is higher to 1.1. 43. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the temperature of the drinking water present inside the mixing tank (206) is between 2 ° C and 25 ° C, in particular between 3 ° C and 20 ° C, even more particularly between 4 ° C and 10 ° C. 44. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 43, wherein the supply circuit (201) comprises at least one sampling line (211) which places the first connection (203) in fluid communication with the first inlet (207) of the supply tank (206), the supply circuit (201) further comprising at least one supply line (212) which places the source of gas under pressure (350) in fluid communication with the second inlet (208) of the mixing tank (206), said supply circuit (201) further comprising at least one outlet line (213) which places the intake element (308) from the mixing tank (206) in fluid communication with the second connection (204). 45. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the supply circuit (201) further comprises a recirculation circuit (260) which puts fluid in communication with, and extends between, said beverage pick-up element (308) enriched with oxygen from the mixing tank (206) and said sampling line (211), the recirculation circuit (260) comprising a recirculation pump (309) configured to recirculate, together with the oxygen-enriched beverage, the oxygen not solubilized in water. 46. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the supply circuit (201) comprises a branch point (250) from which a recirculation branch (255) branches off and the output line (213), in which the recirculation branch (255) joins the withdrawal line (211) at a confluence point (270) of the supply circuit (201), defining the recirculation circuit (260). 47. Apparatus (1) according to claims 45 or 46, wherein the recirculation circuit (260) further comprises a minimum pressure switch (302) arranged upstream of the recirculation pump (309) on said sampling line (211), and in which said apparatus (1) comprises a control unit (303) operatively connected to said minimum pressure switch (302) and to said recirculation pump (309), said control unit (303) being configured to read from said minimum pressure switch (302) a pressure value relating to the pressure of the drinking water in said withdrawal line (211) and, if said pressure value is lower than a predetermined pressure value, deactivate said recirculation pump (309). 48. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein under normal operating conditions of said apparatus (1), that is to say when the pressure value of the drinking water measured by said minimum pressure switch (302) in the withdrawal line (211) is higher than a predetermined pressure value, the recirculation pump (309) has a continuous operation. 49. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 48, wherein the supply circuit (201) comprises a shut-off element (304), in particular a solenoid valve, arranged on the outlet line (213) of the circuit (201), said shut-off element (304) being configured to operate selectively between a closed condition and an open condition, in which in the closed condition the shut-off element (304) interrupts the fluid communication between the 'intake element (308) from the mixing tank (206) and the second connection (204), while in the open condition the interception element (304) allows fluid communication between the intake element (308) from mixing tank (206) and the second connection (204), said control unit (303) being operatively connected with said interception element (304) and being configured to manage and control the device action of the interception element (304) in the open or closed condition. 50. Equipment (1) according to the previous claim, in which said control unit (303) is configured to selectively control the operation of the equipment (1) between at least three operating conditions: to. a first operating condition, in which the control unit (303) places the interception element (304) in the open condition and activates the recirculation pump (309) and in which the mixing tank (206) is in communication of fluid with the second connection (204) and at the same time the recirculation circuit (260) is active, b. a second operating condition in which the control unit (303) places the interception element (304) in the closed condition and activates the recirculation pump (309) and in which the mixing tank (206) is not in communication of fluid with the second connection (204) and the recirculation circuit (260) is active, c. a third operating condition, in which the control unit (303) places the interception element (304) in the open condition and deactivates the recirculation pump (309) and in which the mixing tank (206) is in communication of fluid with the second connection (204) and the recirculation circuit (260) is not active. 51. Apparatus (1) according to claims 49 or 50, wherein in the closed condition of the shut-off element (304) the return element (308) is in fluid communication with a recirculation branch (255) of the circuit power supply (201). 52. Apparatus (1) according to claims 49 or 50 or 51, in which the control unit (303) is configured to control the recirculation pump (309) in order to increase its rotation speed or activate it following the arrangement of the interception element (304) in the closed condition. 53. Apparatus (1) according to any one of claims 45 to 52, wherein said pick-up element (308) is configured to generate a hydraulic vacuum suitable to move the beverage added with oxygen and the oxygen not solubilized in the outgoing water from the mixing tank (206) and convey them, in the closed condition of the interception element (304), into said recirculation circuit (260). 54. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said apparatus (1) comprises, upstream of the mixing tank (206), filtering means active on the supply circuit (201) and configured to filter the water drinking. 55. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said apparatus (1) comprises, upstream of the mixing tank (206), at least one reverse osmosis membrane active on the supply circuit (201) and configured to reduce the salinity of drinking water. 56. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said apparatus (1) comprises at least one disinfection device (321) operatively associated with the second connection (204) of the supply circuit (201). 57. Apparatus (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the disinfection device (321) is of the ultraviolet ray type. 58. Apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said oxygen enricher (305) comprises a safety valve (315) operatively connected to the mixing tank (206) and configured to avoid overpressures inside the (206), the opening of the safety valve (315) being set at a limit pressure value, in which under normal operating conditions of the mixing tank (206), i.e. when the pressure inside it is lower than said limit pressure value, the safety valve (315) is in a closed position, while when the pressure inside the mixing tank (206) is greater than or equal to said limit pressure value, the safety valve ( 315) automatically assumes the open position to release the excessive pressure generated inside the mixing tank (206).