JPS60209237A - Liquid ratio apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the production of/sected beverages, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for mixing two or more component liquids in desired proportions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Ratio devices of the type described herein are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat.
No. 23, No. 808 and No. 3,743,141.

Summary of the invention.

The liquid ratio device of the present invention has various advantages primarily due to its ability to produce a constant flow rate and therefore a somewhat stable pressure differential between system components. The constant flow improves and maintains the accuracy of the mixture, promotes steady operation of the associated cooling system, and ensures a sufficient amount of blended product.

Further, the proportional device of the present invention provides for flow rates of component liquids while maintaining desired ratios or variable flow rates determined by pressure differentials in response to changes in the flow of mixed liquids.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A beverage mixing or ratioing device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention is designated by the reference numeral (10). Although more than two liquids can be mixed in any desired ratio, for purposes of illustration only two will be used here: water and beverage syrup or beverage concentrate.

Water suitable for potable use (conditioned and treated accordingly) is admitted to the pre-cooling and/or degassing tank (12) by a pipe (14) connected to a pipe (16). A diaphragm valve (
18) controls the level of water in the tank (12).

Water from the tank (12) is pumped up into the chamber (24) via a pipe (28) connected to the pipe (30) by a pump (26). The amount of water in the chamber (24) is determined by a level sensor (44) containing a flow) (74).
) is kept substantially constant by a diaphragm valve (32) operated by a diaphragm valve (32).

Similarly, pipe koji syrup from an appropriate source (38
, 40) into the chamber (36) and the level of the syrup is kept substantially constant by a diaphragm valve (42) actuated by a level sensor (44) containing a float (76).

Each chamber (34, 36) has a pressure reduction and control valve (48)
Approximately 300 pounds per square inch (approximately 20 Kf/m2)
) line (46) supplying the selected gas at a pressure of
(FIG. 2) to a source of inert gas such as carbon dioxide or nitrogen. The low pressure output of the valve (48) is connected to the line (
52) by manifold or balance line (50
)It is connected to the. The pressurized inert gas entering the chamber (24, 36) creates a liquid-free head space (54156) of varying volume but constant pressure. As will be detailed below, the pressurized gas at a constant pressure in each headspace moves the water and beverage syrup into a mixing chamber or mixing tank (58) at a rate at which the mixed liquid is removed by a filling machine (not shown). send.

As shown in Figure 1, the mixture is transferred from tank (58) via lines (60, 62) to carbonation/cooling tank (64). The tank (64) has a level sensor (66) containing a flow (68) and a diaphragm valve (70).
) to control the rate at which the mixed liquid is introduced into the tank (64). The mixed, cooled, and carbonated liquid is conducted in line (72) to a filling device (not shown).

The ratio device of the present invention responds to changes in the flow rate of individual liquids or mixtures by automatically changing the pressure differential in response to changes in flow rate. Changes in pressure differential cause the flow rate to rapidly change or adjust. Although the mixing ratio remains constant, the main advantage of automatically regulating pressure differentials is that the flow rate remains at a virtually constant level, and the cooling system due to a mismatch between the capacity of the proportional device and the capacity of the filling device. Reduce or eliminate cycling.

In FIG. 2, which is an enlarged view of the proportional unit (10),
A nominal liquid level L, L, is established in each chamber (24, 56) by a liquid level sensor (34, 44) associated with the flow (74, 76), respectively. Sensor (
The mechanical valves (78, 34, 44) respond to the liquid level.
80). When the liquid level and therefore one or both floats drop, the associated valves (78) and/or (80) are actuated to close the air source line (8).
2) to the diaphragm valve (32) and/or (42), and the water/water to the chamber (24) and/or (36) is supplied until L is re-established.
Increase the flow rate of beverage syrup.

The mixing tank (58) communicates with the water chamber (24) by a tube (84) and with the syrup chamber (36) by a pipe (86). each,? Eves (84, 86) extend into the liquid of each chamber and terminate well below % LILI.

The nine actuation levels of each channel (24136) remain constant during normal operation.

Each of the chambers (24, 56) has upper and lower convex walls (
88, 90) is preferably in the form of a closed longitudinal cylinder. The earthen wall (88) has a hole, /ξ Eve (84)
The head is connected to the nipple (92) which extends above the inner diameter which is larger than the outer diameter of the head (54, 5).
A ring-shaped passageway (94) (only one of which is shown) forming an extension of carbon dioxide gas is connected to the nipple (92) at both ends of the line (50) through which carbon dioxide gas is supplied. Gas can be introduced into the heads (54, 56).At the upper end of each nipple there is a suitable gland fitting (96), and the heads are connected to the heads (541).
56) is sealed to prevent carbon dioxide from escaping.

With the above configuration, pumping up of the component liquids, i.e. water and syrup, from the chambers (24, 36) to the mixing tank (58) causes the head gas pressure in the tank (58) to increase. This is done by making the component liquids larger and withdrawing the replenishment of the component liquids to substantially the same rate.

An orifice (9) is provided in each of the pipes (84, 86) to bring the component liquids in the mixing tank (58) to a selected ratio.
8,100). The orifice (100) has a constant flow cross-sectional area selected to meet production requirements, but the orifice (98) is equipped with a macrometer adjustment screw (98) to provide the desired ratio of the two liquids. 102) is provided. Preferably, the adjustable orifice (102) is provided in the high flow direction.

The ratio of the component liquids introduced into the mixing tank (58) is determined by the flow cross-section of the orifice (98) adjusted by the micrometer screw (102) relative to the flow cross-section of the orifice (100); 24, 3
The rate at which liquid flows from 6) to the mixing tank (58) is determined by the pressure difference between the chamber and the tank.

However, the flow rate from tank (58) to tank (64) is controlled by a diaphragm valve (70).

Carbon dioxide gas (002) is transferred to the ratio device (10) and carbonation/carbonation by a feed line (46) with a branch line (47).
It is supplied to a cooling tank (64). Branch line (47)
is the selected pressure CO2 pressure reducing and control valve (48)
A branch line (49) supplies CO2 to a pressure reduction and control valve (not shown) that supplies pressure-regulated gas to the tank (64). . For illustration purposes, the pressure supplied to the tank is approximately 50 lbs/in2 (approximately 3.5 odors/m2).
).

To obtain the nominal flow rate of blended liquid from the mixing tank (58) to the carbonation/cooling tank (64), the pressure adjustment needle (106) is adjusted by the manual screw (107) to the pressure differential needle (
109) is the same pressure as the pressure in the tank (64), i.e. 2 in. (108) at 50 psig (15 Ko/cm).
Adjust until it shows a pressure greater than the pressure inside. A supply pressure of 002 is supplied to the bias control valve (106) by a branch line (47). The valve (106) is connected to the pressure reducing valve (48).
) The output pressure of the line (114) connected to the line (1
08) and the bias pressure displayed on the pressure difference needle (109). For example, if the bias pressure at one level is 5 psig (approximately 15 to 4/cm2), the total pressure in line (114) will be 55 psig (approximately 40 Kf/m2).

A 5 psig differential pressure is maintained across valve (106) regardless of increases or decreases in pressure in line (108). The set differential pressure is between the heads (54, 56) and the tank (6).
4), which is calculated by considering the particular liquid factors, e.g. viscosity, and the desired flow rate through the orifice (98, 100). Therefore, according to the exemplary pressures above, the pressure of oo2 in the heads (54, 56) is equal to the pressure in the carbonation/cooling tank (
64) 5 psig greater than the pressure within.

Each chamber (24, 36) has a single high/low velzorope (116) each having a high level probe H and a low level probe L. The probe is a float (74,7
6) Operate over a range of liquid levels above the normal range controlled by. When the flow of water or syrup is greater than, less than or equal to a predetermined degree, i.e. when the syrup chamber changes or the water supply is not sufficient;
When there is too much liquid in one or both chambers Z (24, 36), the high level probe H detects submersion and activates the valve (32) or (42) depending on which chamber has too much liquid. ) close. When the liquid level falls below the lower end of the low level probe L, the valve (70)
closes quickly to stop all supply flow.

Whether using a float level controller (66) or a high/low rail probe (10) in the carbonation/cooling tank (64), either type of control operates a diaphragm valve (70) to has no effect on the flow of the mixed liquid from the mixing tank (58) to the tank (64).The flow rate coupled to the tank (64) is constant and the bias control valve (106) Setting change x, ,
The head gas in the R joint (48) can be manually adjusted by adjusting the gas pressure in the gas (54, 56). tank(
When the level of 64) reaches high zorope H, the valve (70)
closes to stop the flow of mixed liquid from tank (58). The pressure in the line (60) and tank (58) increases to equal the pressure in the headspace (54, 56), reducing the pressure drop in the orifice (98, 100) to zero.
-ru. Similarly, when the liquid level in the tank (64) rises, the float (68) (Fig. 1) causes the level sensor (
66) to cause the valve (70) to reduce the flow rate through the pipe (62). As the flow rate decreases, the pressure in the line (60) increases and the tank (58) closes the orifice (98, 10).
0) and thus proportionately reduce the flow rates of the component liquids to reduce the flow rate of the mixed liquid.

CO2 passes through the line (46) (Figure 2) to the control valve (
48) where it is reduced to a set pressure determined by a bias control valve (106).

This regulated pressure is supplied to the headspace (54, 56) via lines (52, 50). , (Eve (5
0) is large enough to maintain the same pressure between the heads C54, 56). Heads is -su (54
, 56) moves liquid from the chambers (24, 36) through pipes (84, 86), respectively, to the mixing tank (58). The amount or flow rate of water and syrup is determined by the differential pressure between the header (54956) and the mixing tank (58) and the size of the orifice (98, 100). Water and syrup create a blended liquid with a fixed ratio of component liquids. Carbonation/cooling tank (64)
is connected by line (49) to a 002 source of velocity and pressure to properly carbonate the blended liquid.

A float (68) and associated valve (70) control the rate at which the blended liquid is supplied to the tank (64), which is carbonated, cooled, and the rate at which the blended liquid is fed to the line (72). directly in response to the rate at which the container filling device (not shown) is sent through the container filling device (not shown).

The proportioning device and the above-described environment in which it operates to produce a substantially constant flow of liquid through the system provide constant operation of the cooling device and consistently accurate proportioning of the component liquids to the container filling device. responds quickly to meet the demands of carbonation and consistent carbonation levels.

Examples of flow rates, temperatures, and pressures are provided below for selected lines and/or valves to further illustrate the operation of the ratio device. Now connect the pipe (14) to the A1 nozzle (
28) to 8% pipe (38) to 0, line (60) to D
1 and the pipe (72) are designated E. Signals Q%T1 and P are gallons per hour, degrees Fahrenheit, and psig, respectively.
represents.

Example 1 A, Q=6000, P-50, T=70B, Q,=
6000. P=70, T=45C! , Q=1500
．． P-70, T=70D, Q=7500. P=4
5, T-52E1. Q,=7500. P-401,
'r-36 example 2 A, Q=4166, P child 50, T is 70B-Q=41
66, P=70, T-450, Q Engineering 834, P-70,
'r-70D, Q, = 5000, P-45, 'r-5
2111, Q-5000, P-40, T=36 Although the above liquid ratio and mixing device and its mode of operation meet the purpose of continuously and accurately proportioning the liquid during steady operation, the container optical device Interruption or temporary suspension of the flow, such as a readjustment problem, can establish conditions in which one or both of the individual liquids or mixed liquids flow in the direction of mixing during the transient period of pressure change. Possible mixing can be detected during mixing of liquids with different specific gravities.

The present invention provides devices for maintaining liquid separation during transient conditions that occur when the normal flow of liquid is interrupted, as shown in Figures 3.4 and 5.

More specifically, during the transition from normal flow to no flow, the differential pressure created by approximately 5 psig goes to zero, and during this transient, achieving equilibrium is especially important for the liquid being mixed. includes the extinction of flow energy related to the specific gravity of the flow.

Figure 3 shows a portion of the upper part of the chamber (36) containing the syrup. 7th Eve (86) is an elbow (101) connected to the straight part of the pipe (103) and a mixing tank (58)
It communicates with the mixing tank (58) by a short nipple (110) which is open therein. By arranging the mixing tank (58) relative to the chance (56) as shown in Figure 5, a trap (112) is created to increase the flow resistance and control liquids with high specific gravity and liquids with low specific gravity. Reduces the tendency for non-mixing. In addition to the trap (112), there is a floating ball (11B) partially attached to the tank in the tank.
There is a check valve (114) responsive to the direction of liquid flow substantially created at 116) which closes the mouth of the nipple (110) when flow is from the tank (58) to the channel 36). The valve (114) thus quickly prevents the mixed liquid from flowing back into the chamber (36) and diluting the heavier liquid.

When it is preferred to use a power-driven valve, an example is shown in FIG.

The output lot (126) of a line 4 drive (120) connected to a source of pressurized fluid by lines (122, 124) passes through the bulkhead fitting (128) with a suitable seal. The end of the rod (126) is fitted with a shallow conical plug (130) which, when inserted into the mouth of the nipple (110), connects the mixing tank (56) to the nip/L/(1
10) and a chamber (36) communicating therewith.

In the absence of valve actuation elements such as (116) and (130), the heavier liquid reverses the direction of flow from the mixing tank (58) to the chamber (36), during which time the system is not in forward flow. When the liquid mixture is in the chamber (3
6). The transient unfavorable flow continues until equilibrium is achieved. Detection by normal monitoring equipment of improper mixing in the carbonation/cooling tank is not reliable when flow interruptions are not frequent, but when flow interruptions are frequent, it is detected and reported to the consumer. It becomes clear.

Although the best mode of carrying out the present invention has been illustrated and described above, it is obvious that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the essence of the present invention.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram of the ratio device of the present invention connected to a carbonation/cooling vessel. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the ratio device. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3--3 of FIG. 4 of a portion of a chamber containing component liquids. FIG. 4 is a diagram of the chamber containing the component liquids and the pressure responsive valve in one pipe supplying the liquid to the chamber. FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 in which the valve actuating element is actuated by a linear drive. 10... Beverage mixing device or ratio device, 12...
Pre-cooling and/or degassing tank, 24...water chamber, 56...beverage syrup chamber, 58...mixing-tank, 64...carbonation/cooling tank. 17N Law Day - Procedural Amendment April 1, 1985? Commissioner of the Japan Patent Office 1 Display of the case Patent Application No. 47615 of 1985 2 Title of the invention Liquid ratio device and its method 3 Relationship with the case by the person making the amendment Name of the patent applicant Title FMC Corporation 4 Agent

Claims (6)

[Claims] (1) A device (container) containing liquid components, a device submerged below the level of each component liquid and creating a flow path from each container, and containing and mixing the liquid obtained from each of the flow paths. at least two devices comprising: a device; a device for moving the liquid from the containing device; and a device in the flow path for metering the flow of each component liquid before entering the receiving and mixing device. A ratio device that mixes two liquids to a desired ratio. (2) The device containing said component liquid is provided with a liquid level control device submerged within said liquid to maintain a rail of the liquid within a range such that the channel forming device would normally be below the liquid level. , said liquid level control device creating a liquid-free headspace, and further comprising an apparatus comprising said device for supplying an inert gas at a selected pressure to said headspace and containing component liquids. 1st
Ratio device as described in section. (3) A device that receives and processes (conditionally adjusts) the mixed liquid from the storage and mixing device, and a pressurized inert gas is simultaneously introduced into the device containing the component liquid and the device that receives and processes it. 2. The ratio device of claim 1, further comprising a device, wherein the pressure level of the inert gas introduced into the device containing the component liquid is greater than the pressure of the receiving and processing device. (4) the device containing said component liquids is connected to a container for each component liquid, a device for continuously maintaining a substantially constant amount of liquid in each container, and a source of pressurized inert gas; a pipe that communicates between the liquid-free headspaces created in each container by a liquid rail to apply pressure on the liquid contained within each container, and the inert gas is arranged to move each liquid into a submerged flow path. 3. A ratio device as claimed in claim 2, which acts to cause the flow to occur. (5) a closed chamber connected to the inert gas source and the receiving and mixing device, and maintaining a greater pressure in the head than in the closed chamber to supply the mixed liquid in the closed chamber; 5. The ratio device of claim 4 further comprising a device for flowing into the chamber. (6) Supplying and maintaining a predetermined amount of each individual liquid controlled at a level to create a liquid-free headspace into separate chambers, and maintaining the headspace of each chamber in communication; The liquid in the chambers is in communication with a metering orifice and the heads are pressurized with a gas so that the liquid from each chamber is passed through a metering orifice provided in a tube that connects the liquid to the chamber in which the liquid mixes. mixing two or more liquids in a selected ratio by metering the flow of each liquid through an orifice prior to mixing, including moving simultaneously and resisting the flow of the individual liquids or the mixed liquid; How to maintain the selected ratio even when there is or the flow rate changes.