WO1998041337A1 - Method and apparatus for cleaning liquid process pipes - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for cleaning liquid process pipes Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1998041337A1 WO1998041337A1 PCT/AU1998/000148 AU9800148W WO9841337A1 WO 1998041337 A1 WO1998041337 A1 WO 1998041337A1 AU 9800148 W AU9800148 W AU 9800148W WO 9841337 A1 WO9841337 A1 WO 9841337A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- dispensing system
- liquid dispensing
- cleaning
- fluid
- flow
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
- B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
- B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
- B08B9/032—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing
- B08B9/0321—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing using pressurised, pulsating or purging fluid
- B08B9/0325—Control mechanisms therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/07—Cleaning beverage-dispensing apparatus
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for cleaning liquid dispensing systems, and in particular, to such liquid dispensing systems associated with dispensing beer in hotels and clubs.
- Beer and wine dispensing systems involve substantial lengths of piping to convey the liquids from the cellar rooms to the dispensing position usually located at the service bar.
- Alcoholic drinks are produced by fermenting sugars with particular strains of yeast, and therefore, bacterial growth tends to occur within the piping of the dispensing system in the direction of fluid flow. This growth gives rise to blockage problems and also provides a potential health risk.
- the present invention seeks to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a method and apparatus for cleaning a liquid dispensing system that involves passing a fluid with a turbulent nature through said liquid dispensing system.
- the present invention provides a method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system comprising causing a cleaning fluid to flow in a turbulent manner through said system.
- said turbulent manner is effected by causing said fluid to flow at a high velocity through said system.
- said cleaning fluid comprises a liquid and/or a gas.
- said cleaning method includes causing said fluid to flow in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
- said fluid comprises water, a cleaning agent and a gas.
- the gas is CO 2 or another appropriate gas having similarly inert qualities with the liquid to be dispensed.
- the said method of cleaning includes an initial rinsing step, whereby, the said liquid dispensing system is flushed of any residue process liquids.
- said method of cleaning further comprises a soaking step, whereby, said fluid remains within the said liquid dispensing system for a predetermined time, thereafter, again causing said fluid to flow in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
- said method of cleaning further comprises a rinsing step, which includes, replacing said fluid with a rinsing fluid, and, causing said rinsing fluid to flow in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
- said rinsing fluid comprises of a mixture of water with an inert gas.
- said method of cleaning further comprises a water rinsing step, which includes, replacing said rinsing fluid with water, and, causing said water to flow in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
- said method of cleaning further comprises the final step of removing all liquids from said liquid dispensing system and flushing said system with a gas, so as to displace any remaining liquids and to render said liquid dispensing system dry.
- said liquid dispensing system also comprises a recycle line, causing said fluid or rinsing fluid or water to flow in a continuous cycle flowing in the opposite direction to the usual flow in the liquid dispensing system.
- the present invention provides a method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system comprising the steps of:
- said method of cleaning comprises a fluid flow direction that is in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
- the invention provides an apparatus for cleaning a liquid dispensing system, wherein said apparatus comprises means for causing a cleaning fluid to flow in a turbulent manner through said liquid dispensing system.
- said turbulent flow is effected by causing said fluid to flow at a high velocity through said system.
- said apparatus includes a pumping means whereby, said fluid maybe pumped in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
- said apparatus includes means by which a fluid comprising of a liquid and a gas can be formulated and injected into said pumping means.
- said apparatus includes a recycling means, whereby, said fluid or rinsing fluid or water can flow continuously in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
- said liquid dispensing system is typically those utilised for dispensing beer and other similar fluids where a build up of bacteria within the system is inherent.
- Fig 1. depicts a diagrammatic representation of a cleaning apparatus 1. It comprises of a holding tank 2, a detergent tank 3, a compressor 4 and a pump 5.
- the compressor 4 is connected to an inert gas source 6 by way of line 7 and the holding tank 2 is supplied with water via line 8 from the water mains 9.
- Lines 10 and 11 leading from the holding tank 2 and the detergent tank 3 respectively, are joined at line 12 which is fed into the pump 5.
- Line 13 leads from the pump, joining with line 7 at line 14 which leads into the liquid dispensing system.
- a recycle line 15 leading from the exiting end of the liquid dispensing system splits into two lines 16 and 17.
- Line 16 leads to the drain 18, and line 17 leads back into the holding tank 2.
- a level sensor 19 is attached to the holding tank.
- a cleaning agent such as detergent is deposited into tank 3 and operation of the apparatus 10 is initiated.
- the solenoid valve 20 is opened to emit water from the mains 9 into the holding tank until the level sensor 19 is triggered.
- the rinse cycle then commences, in which, solenoid valves 20, 21 and 22 are opened and the pump 5 pumps water through the liquid dispensing system which drains via line 16, purging the system of any residual process fluids.
- the water is pumped in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
- the rinsing period continues for a predetermined time as set and usually extends for a period of approximately 10 minutes.
- the wash cycle commences. Valves 22 and 20 are shut off, valve 21 remains open and valves 23 and 25 are opened. A needle valve 26 in line 11, regulates the flow of detergent into the wash cycle. Water from the holding tank passes along line 10, where detergent is added from line 11. The fluid then passes along line 12 into the pump 5 where it is pushed through the liquid dispensing system via lines 13,14 and is recycled back into the holding tank via lines 15, 17. This forward wash extends for a period of approximately 20 minutes and fluid is pumped through in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
- a gas scrubbing cycle commences. Valves 21, 23 and 28 are opened and the compressor 4 and pump 5 are switched on. Fluid passing through the pump 5 is mixed at point 28 with air travelling along line 7 coming from the gas supply and compressor. This mixture of liquid and gas is pumped into the liquid dispensing system via line 14 and recycled via lines 15,17. The gas within the mixture helps create a fluid with turbulent flow characteristics at a lower velocity, and this turbulent character aids in the scrubbing at the sides of the pipes within the liquid dispensing system. Again this cycle flows in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system. This cycle lasts approximately 20 minutes.
- the liquid dispensing system is subject to two rinses.
- the first involves a gas scrubbing rinse, in which, valve 23 is closed and valves 20 and 22 are opened. Water is taken directly from the mains where it is pumped and mixed with a gas at point 28 whereby, it is pushed through the liquid dispensing system via line 14. The fluid is drained via lines 15 and 16 instead of being recycled. This operates for a period of 10 minutes and on completion the second rinse commences.
- the second rinse is a water rinse in which clean water is pumped around the liquid dispensing system.
- Valve 27 is closed and the compressor is switched off.
- the water is pumped via lines 13, 14 around the liquid dispensing system where it is drained via lines 15 and 16.
- liquid dispensing system is subject to a gas drying cycle, to purge the system of any unwanted fluids. All valves are closed except for 27, 21 and 22 and the pump and compressor are switched off. The gas passes through the liquid dispensing system via lines 13,14 and is released to the atmosphere via lines 15,16. This lasts for approximately 20 seconds.
- the present invention provides a unique method and apparatus for cleaning liquid dispensing systems. It will be appreciated that various alterations and modifications to the method and/or apparatus may be made.
- the apparatus described above may be operated in a number of different cycles with the time within cycles being varied by the operator. Alternative valving arrangements may also be used to effect the different cycles. All such variations and modifications should be considered to fall within the scope of the invention as broadly hereinbefore described and as hereinafter claimed.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
Abstract
A method and apparatus for cleaning a liquid dispensing system, wherein a cleaning fluid is caused to flow in a turbulent manner. The fluid may be liquid and/or gas and is preferably caused to flow at a high velocity in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system. The preferred method includes flushing the system of residue, introducing a cleaning fluid at high velocity, soaking, rinsing with water and an inert gas, rinsing with water, removing the liquids and drying the system with a drying gas.
Description
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CLEANING LIQUID PROCESS PIPES
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for cleaning liquid dispensing systems, and in particular, to such liquid dispensing systems associated with dispensing beer in hotels and clubs.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Beer and wine dispensing systems, particularly in larger hotels and clubs, involve substantial lengths of piping to convey the liquids from the cellar rooms to the dispensing position usually located at the service bar. Alcoholic drinks are produced by fermenting sugars with particular strains of yeast, and therefore, bacterial growth tends to occur within the piping of the dispensing system in the direction of fluid flow. This growth gives rise to blockage problems and also provides a potential health risk.
This bacterial growth has proven difficult to remove with past cleaning methods, which generally involve passing cleaning fluids, in the direction of normal flow through the liquid dispensing system. These methods often fail to remove all of the bacterial build up within the pipes, such that the remnants provide an impetus for future growth. An attempt to overcome this problem is disclosed in AU-B-64636/94, which discloses a method and apparatus to cause a cleaning fluid to flow through a liquid dispensing system in alternate and successive directions. However, this technique is still not entirely successful in removing all the bacterial build up.
There are two distinct types of fluid flow that are inherent when a fluid is flowing through a pipe. The first is laminar flow, which flows in a uniform manner with the fluid in the centre of the pipe moving at the highest velocity. The second is turbulent flow, which does not flow uniformly and does not have a particular point of highest velocity. Because the growth of the bacteria originates at the sides of the pipe, it would be advantageous to pass a fluid, flowing with a turbulent nature, through the pipe, as this would create a scrubbing effect, removing the bacteria from the pipe walls.
Whether a fluid flows in a turbulent or laminar manner is purely dependent on the physical properties of the fluid and the velocity at which it is moving. In essence, to increase turbulent flow, the velocity of the fluid passing through the pipe must be increased. Also, a fluid, which comprises a mixture of a liquid and a gas, will exhibit turbulent flow at different velocities than a fluid made up of the liquid only.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention seeks to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art by providing a method and apparatus for cleaning a liquid dispensing system that involves passing a fluid with a turbulent nature through said liquid dispensing system.
In one broad form, the present invention provides a method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system comprising causing a cleaning fluid to flow in a turbulent manner through said system.
Preferably, said turbulent manner is effected by causing said fluid to flow at a high velocity through said system.
Preferably, said cleaning fluid comprises a liquid and/or a gas.
In a preferred form, said cleaning method includes causing said fluid to flow in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
In a preferred form, said fluid comprises water, a cleaning agent and a gas.
Preferably, the gas is CO2 or another appropriate gas having similarly inert qualities with the liquid to be dispensed.
In another preferred form, the said method of cleaning includes an initial rinsing step, whereby, the said liquid dispensing system is flushed of any residue process liquids.
In another preferred form, said method of cleaning further comprises a soaking step,
whereby, said fluid remains within the said liquid dispensing system for a predetermined time, thereafter, again causing said fluid to flow in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
In another preferred form, said method of cleaning further comprises a rinsing step, which includes, replacing said fluid with a rinsing fluid, and, causing said rinsing fluid to flow in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
In another preferred form, said rinsing fluid comprises of a mixture of water with an inert gas.
In another preferred form, said method of cleaning further comprises a water rinsing step, which includes, replacing said rinsing fluid with water, and, causing said water to flow in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
In another preferred form, said method of cleaning further comprises the final step of removing all liquids from said liquid dispensing system and flushing said system with a gas, so as to displace any remaining liquids and to render said liquid dispensing system dry.
In a more preferred form, said liquid dispensing system also comprises a recycle line, causing said fluid or rinsing fluid or water to flow in a continuous cycle flowing in the opposite direction to the usual flow in the liquid dispensing system.
In another broad from, the present invention provides a method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system comprising the steps of:
(a) flushing said liquid dispensing system of any residue process fluids;
(b) introducing a fluid, which comprises of a liquid and a gas, into said liquid dispensing system, whereby, the velocity is high enough to cause a turbulent flow;
(c) soaking said liquid dispensing system for a predetermined time, thereafter, again causing said fluid to flowthrough said liquid dispensing system;
(d) rinsing said liquid dispensing system with a fluid comprising of water and an inert gas;
(e) rinsing said liquid dispensing system with water;
(f) removing all liquids from said liquid dispensing system and flushing said system with a gas so as to displace any remaining liquids and to render said liquid dispensing system dry.
In a preferred form, said method of cleaning comprises a fluid flow direction that is in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
In yet another preferred form the invention provides an apparatus for cleaning a liquid dispensing system, wherein said apparatus comprises means for causing a cleaning fluid to flow in a turbulent manner through said liquid dispensing system.
Preferably, said turbulent flow is effected by causing said fluid to flow at a high velocity through said system.
In a preferred form, said apparatus includes a pumping means whereby, said fluid maybe pumped in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
In another preferred form, said apparatus includes means by which a fluid comprising of a liquid and a gas can be formulated and injected into said pumping means.
In another preferred form, said apparatus includes a recycling means, whereby, said fluid or rinsing fluid or water can flow continuously in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
In a more preferred form, said liquid dispensing system is typically those utilised for dispensing beer and other similar fluids where a build up of bacteria within the system is inherent.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description of a preferred but non limiting embodiment thereof, described in connection with the accompanying drawing, labelled Fig. 1, in which is shown a diagrammatic representation of the apparatus of the present invention is illustrated.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Fig 1. depicts a diagrammatic representation of a cleaning apparatus 1. It comprises of a holding tank 2, a detergent tank 3, a compressor 4 and a pump 5. The compressor 4 is connected to an inert gas source 6 by way of line 7 and the holding tank 2 is supplied with water via line 8 from the water mains 9. Lines 10 and 11 , leading from the holding tank 2 and the detergent tank 3 respectively, are joined at line 12 which is fed into the pump 5. Line 13 leads from the pump, joining with line 7 at line 14 which leads into the liquid dispensing system. A recycle line 15 leading from the exiting end of the liquid dispensing system splits into two lines 16 and 17. Line 16 leads to the drain 18, and line 17 leads back into the holding tank 2. A level sensor 19 is attached to the holding tank.
After connection of the cleaning apparatus 10 via lines 14 and 15 to either ends of a liquid dispensing system, a cleaning agent such as detergent is deposited into tank 3 and operation of the apparatus 10 is initiated. The solenoid valve 20 is opened to emit water from the mains 9 into the holding tank until the level sensor 19 is triggered. The rinse cycle then commences, in which, solenoid valves 20, 21 and 22 are opened and the pump 5 pumps water through the liquid dispensing system which drains via line 16, purging the system of any residual process fluids. The water is pumped in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system. The rinsing period continues for a predetermined time as set and usually extends for a period of approximately 10 minutes.
Once rinsing has finished, the wash cycle commences. Valves 22 and 20 are shut off, valve 21 remains open and valves 23 and 25 are opened. A needle valve 26 in line 11, regulates the flow of detergent into the wash cycle. Water from the holding tank passes along line 10, where detergent is added from line 11. The fluid then passes along line 12 into the pump 5 where it is pushed through the liquid dispensing system via lines 13,14 and is recycled back into the holding tank via lines 15, 17. This forward wash extends for a period of approximately 20 minutes and fluid is pumped through in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
On completion of the wash cycle a soaking period occurs, lasting approximately 50 minutes in which the fluid from the initial wash cycle is left stagnant, within the liquid
dispensing system. During this time all valves are closed and the pump is switched off.
Once the soaking time is completed, a gas scrubbing cycle commences. Valves 21, 23 and 28 are opened and the compressor 4 and pump 5 are switched on. Fluid passing through the pump 5 is mixed at point 28 with air travelling along line 7 coming from the gas supply and compressor. This mixture of liquid and gas is pumped into the liquid dispensing system via line 14 and recycled via lines 15,17. The gas within the mixture helps create a fluid with turbulent flow characteristics at a lower velocity, and this turbulent character aids in the scrubbing at the sides of the pipes within the liquid dispensing system. Again this cycle flows in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system. This cycle lasts approximately 20 minutes.
After the scrubbing cycle, the liquid dispensing system is subject to two rinses. The first involves a gas scrubbing rinse, in which, valve 23 is closed and valves 20 and 22 are opened. Water is taken directly from the mains where it is pumped and mixed with a gas at point 28 whereby, it is pushed through the liquid dispensing system via line 14. The fluid is drained via lines 15 and 16 instead of being recycled. This operates for a period of 10 minutes and on completion the second rinse commences.
The second rinse is a water rinse in which clean water is pumped around the liquid dispensing system. Valve 27 is closed and the compressor is switched off. The water is pumped via lines 13, 14 around the liquid dispensing system where it is drained via lines 15 and 16.
Finally, the liquid dispensing system is subject to a gas drying cycle, to purge the system of any unwanted fluids. All valves are closed except for 27, 21 and 22 and the pump and compressor are switched off. The gas passes through the liquid dispensing system via lines 13,14 and is released to the atmosphere via lines 15,16. This lasts for approximately 20 seconds.
It will be therefore appreciated that the present invention provides a unique method and apparatus for cleaning liquid dispensing systems. It will be appreciated that various
alterations and modifications to the method and/or apparatus may be made. The apparatus described above may be operated in a number of different cycles with the time within cycles being varied by the operator. Alternative valving arrangements may also be used to effect the different cycles. All such variations and modifications should be considered to fall within the scope of the invention as broadly hereinbefore described and as hereinafter claimed.
Claims
1. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system wherein a cleaning fluid flows in a turbulent manner through said system.
2. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said turbulent manner is effected by causing said fluid to flow at a high velocity through said system.
3. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said cleaning fluid includes one or more liquid and/or gas.
4. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to
3, wherein said cleaning method includes causing said fluid to flow in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
5. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to
4, wherein said fluid includes water, a cleaning agent and a gas.
6. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said gas is CO2 or another appropriate gas having similarly inert qualities with the liquid to be dispensed.
7. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to
6, wherein said method of cleaning includes an initial rinsing step, whereby, the said liquid dispensing system is flushed of any residue process liquids.
8. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to
7, wherein said method of cleaning further includes a soaking step, whereby, said fluid remains within said liquid dispensing system for a predetermined time, thereafter, again causing said fluid to flow in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
9. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to
8, wherein said method of cleaning further includes a rinsing step, which includes, replacing said fluid with a rinsing fluid, and, causing said rinsing fluid to flow in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
5
10. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to
9, wherein said rinsing fluid includes of a mixture of water with an inert gas.
11. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 10, wherein said method of cleaning further includes a water rinsing step, which includes, replacing said rinsing fluid with water, and, causing said water to flow in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
12. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 11 , wherein said method of cleaning further includes the final step of removing all liquids from said liquid dispensing system and flushing said system with a gas, so as to displace any remaining liquids and to render said liquid dispensing system dry.
13. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20 12, wherein said liquid dispensing system also includes a recycle line, causing said fluid or rinsing fluid or water to flow in a continuous cycle flowing in the opposite direction to the usual flow in the liquid dispensing system.
14. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system including the steps of: 25 (a) flushing said liquid dispensing system of any residue process fluids;
(b) introducing a fluid, which includes a liquid and a gas, into said liquid dispensing system, whereby, the velocity is high enough to cause a turbulent flow;
(c) soaking said liquid dispensing system for a predetermined time, thereafter, again causing said fluid to flowthrough said liquid dispensing system;
30 (d) rinsing said liquid dispensing system with a fluid including water and an inert gas;
(e) rinsing said liquid dispensing system with water;
(f) removing all liquids from said liquid dispensing system and flushing said system with
a gas so as to displace any remaining liquids and to render said liquid dispensing system dry.
15. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system, wherein said introduced fluid is caused to flow in a direction that is in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid
5 dispensing system.
16. An apparatus for cleaning a liquid dispensing system, wherein said apparatus comprises means for causing a cleaning fluid to flow in a turbulent manner through said liquid dispensing system. 0
17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein said turbulent flow is effected by causing said fluid to flow at a high velocity through said system.
18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 16 or 17, wherein said apparatus includes a pumping 5 means whereby, said fluid maybe pumped in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
19. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein said apparatus includes means by which a fluid comprising of a liquid and a gas can be formulated and 0 injected into said pumping means.
20. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein said apparatus includes a recycling means, whereby, said fluid or rinsing fluid or water can flow continuously in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
25
21. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein said liquid dispensing system is used for dispensing beer and other similar fluids where a build up of bacteria within the system is inherent.
30 22. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
23. An apparatus for clearing a liquid dispensing system, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
AMENDED CLAIMS
[received by the International Bureau on 13 July 1998 ( 13.07.98) ; original claims 1 -23 replaced by amended claims 1 -21 (3 pages ) ]
1. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system wherein a cleaning fluid, including one or more liquid and/or gas, flows in a turbulent manner through said system, wherein said turbulent manner is effected by causing said fluid to flow at a high velocity through said system.
2. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said cleaning method includes causing said fluid to flow in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
3. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein said fluid includes water, a cleaning agent and a gas.
4. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein said gas is CO2 or another appropriate gas having similarly inert qualities with the liquid to be dispensed.
5. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to
4, wherein said method of cleaning includes an initial rinsing step, whereby, the said liquid dispensing system is flushed of any residue process liquids.
6. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to
5, wherein said method of cleaning further includes a soaking step, whereby, said fluid remains within said liquid dispensing system for a predetermined time, thereafter, again causing said fluid to flow in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
7. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to
6, wherein said method of cleaning further includes a rinsing step, which includes, replacing said fluid with a rinsing fluid, and, causing said rinsing fluid to flow in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
8. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein said rinsing fluid includes of a mixture of water with an inert gas.
9. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 8, wherein said method of cleaning further includes a water rinsing step, which includes, replacing said rinsing fluid with water, and, causing said water to flow in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
10. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10 9, wherein said method of cleaning further includes the final step of removing all liquids from said liquid dispensing system and flushing said system with a gas, so as to displace any remaining liquids and to render said liquid dispensing system dry.
11. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 10, wherein said liquid dispensing system also includes a recycle line, causing said fluid or rinsing fluid or water to flow in a continuous cycle flowing in the opposite direction to the usual flow in the liquid dispensing system.
12. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system including the steps of: 20 (a) flushing said liquid dispensing system of any residue process fluids;
(b) introducing a fluid, which includes a liquid and a gas, into said liquid dispensing system, whereby, the velocity is high enough to cause a turbulent flow;
(c) soaking said liquid dispensing system for a predetermined time, thereafter, again causing said fluid to flowthrough said liquid dispensing system;
25 (d) rinsing said liquid dispensing system with a fluid including water and an inert gas;
(e) rinsing said liquid dispensing system with water;
(f) removing all liquids from said liquid dispensing system and flushing said system with a gas so as to displace any remaining liquids and to render said liquid dispensing system dry.
30 13. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system, wherein said introduced fluid is caused to flow in a direction that is in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
14. An apparatus for cleaning a liquid dispensing system, wherein said apparatus comprises means for causing a cleaning fluid to flow in a turbulent manner through said liquid dispensing system.
5
15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 14, wherein said turbulent flow is effected by causing said fluid to flow at a high velocity through said system.
16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein said apparatus includes a pumping 10 means whereby, said fluid maybe pumped in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
17. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein said apparatus includes means by which a fluid comprising of a liquid and a gas can be formulated and
15 injected into said pumping means.
18. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein said apparatus includes a recycling means, whereby, said fluid or rinsing fluid or water can flow continuously in the opposite direction to the usual flow of the liquid dispensing system.
20
19. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein said liquid dispensing system is used for dispensing beer and other similar fluids where a build up of bacteria within the system is inherent.
25 20. A method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
21. An apparatus for clearing a liquid dispensing system, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
30
STATEMENT UNDER ARTICLE 19
Replace set of claims with claims submitted herewith. The newly submitted claims further limit the scope of the invention in seeking to distinguish the invention from the prior art.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU62845/98A AU6284598A (en) | 1997-03-17 | 1998-03-09 | Method and apparatus for cleaning liquid process pipes |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUPO5682 | 1997-03-17 | ||
| AUPO5682A AUPO568297A0 (en) | 1997-03-17 | 1997-03-17 | Method and apparatus for cleaning liquid process pipes |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO1998041337A1 true WO1998041337A1 (en) | 1998-09-24 |
Family
ID=3799985
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/AU1998/000148 WO1998041337A1 (en) | 1997-03-17 | 1998-03-09 | Method and apparatus for cleaning liquid process pipes |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AUPO568297A0 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1998041337A1 (en) |
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2000000306A1 (en) * | 1998-06-29 | 2000-01-06 | Intel Sampling A/S | Method and apparatus for treatment of internal surfaces in a closed-loop fluid system |
| EP2548839A1 (en) * | 2009-06-03 | 2013-01-23 | ASAHI BREWERIES, Ltd. | Liquid delivery system, liquid-delivery switching device, and liquid-flowpath regulation device |
| CN107214152A (en) * | 2017-07-11 | 2017-09-29 | 徐州东方热电有限公司 | A kind of gas furnace burner noz(zle) cleaning and dipping device |
| CN110394336A (en) * | 2019-07-09 | 2019-11-01 | 上海青赛生物科技有限公司 | A kind of clean-in-place method |
| CN112517555A (en) * | 2020-11-13 | 2021-03-19 | 中国科学院合肥物质科学研究院 | Multifunctional silver-copper pipeline cleaning equipment and cleaning method |
| RU212485U1 (en) * | 2022-05-31 | 2022-07-26 | Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "АГРАД" | DEVICE FOR AUTOMATIC SANITATION OF TANKS OF INSTALLATIONS FOR FILLING DRINKING WATER |
| WO2023234804A1 (en) * | 2022-05-31 | 2023-12-07 | Сергей Игоревич ОЗЕРОВ | Device for automatically sanitizing drinking water dispenser tanks |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN109907671A (en) * | 2019-03-22 | 2019-06-21 | 广东水利电力职业技术学院（广东省水利电力技工学校） | A kind of rice washer |
Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0487214A1 (en) * | 1990-11-19 | 1992-05-27 | The Commonwealth Industrial Gases Limited | Beverage dispensing system cleaning apparatus |
| US5287867A (en) * | 1992-06-08 | 1994-02-22 | Plummer Design & Technologies, Inc. | Apparatus and method for insuring and controlling turbulent flow for cleaning ducts |
| US5322571A (en) * | 1992-03-11 | 1994-06-21 | Plummer Design & Technologies, Inc. | Method and apparatus for cleaning hoses |
| US5680877A (en) * | 1995-10-23 | 1997-10-28 | H.E.R.C. Products Incorporated | System for and method of cleaning water distribution pipes |
| US5699817A (en) * | 1995-05-11 | 1997-12-23 | Graco Inc | Turbulent flow conduit cleaning apparatus |
-
1997
- 1997-03-17 AU AUPO5682A patent/AUPO568297A0/en not_active Abandoned
-
1998
- 1998-03-09 WO PCT/AU1998/000148 patent/WO1998041337A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0487214A1 (en) * | 1990-11-19 | 1992-05-27 | The Commonwealth Industrial Gases Limited | Beverage dispensing system cleaning apparatus |
| US5322571A (en) * | 1992-03-11 | 1994-06-21 | Plummer Design & Technologies, Inc. | Method and apparatus for cleaning hoses |
| US5287867A (en) * | 1992-06-08 | 1994-02-22 | Plummer Design & Technologies, Inc. | Apparatus and method for insuring and controlling turbulent flow for cleaning ducts |
| US5699817A (en) * | 1995-05-11 | 1997-12-23 | Graco Inc | Turbulent flow conduit cleaning apparatus |
| US5680877A (en) * | 1995-10-23 | 1997-10-28 | H.E.R.C. Products Incorporated | System for and method of cleaning water distribution pipes |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
| Title |
|---|
| DERWENT ABSTRACT, Accession No. 93-043104/05, Class P43; & SU,A,1 207 030 (ERMAKOV) 15 March 1992. * |
Cited By (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2000000306A1 (en) * | 1998-06-29 | 2000-01-06 | Intel Sampling A/S | Method and apparatus for treatment of internal surfaces in a closed-loop fluid system |
| GB2353838A (en) * | 1998-06-29 | 2001-03-07 | Intel Sampling As | Method and apparatus for treatment of internal surfaces in a closed-loop fluid system |
| GB2353838B (en) * | 1998-06-29 | 2002-02-13 | Intel Sampling As | Method and apparatus for treatment in the form of scale removal from, or application of coating to, internal surfaces in a closed fluid system |
| US6423152B1 (en) | 1998-06-29 | 2002-07-23 | Intel Sampling As | Method and apparatus for treatment of internal surfaces in a closed-loop fluid system |
| EP2548839A1 (en) * | 2009-06-03 | 2013-01-23 | ASAHI BREWERIES, Ltd. | Liquid delivery system, liquid-delivery switching device, and liquid-flowpath regulation device |
| CN107214152A (en) * | 2017-07-11 | 2017-09-29 | 徐州东方热电有限公司 | A kind of gas furnace burner noz(zle) cleaning and dipping device |
| CN110394336A (en) * | 2019-07-09 | 2019-11-01 | 上海青赛生物科技有限公司 | A kind of clean-in-place method |
| CN112517555A (en) * | 2020-11-13 | 2021-03-19 | 中国科学院合肥物质科学研究院 | Multifunctional silver-copper pipeline cleaning equipment and cleaning method |
| RU212485U1 (en) * | 2022-05-31 | 2022-07-26 | Общество с ограниченной ответственностью "АГРАД" | DEVICE FOR AUTOMATIC SANITATION OF TANKS OF INSTALLATIONS FOR FILLING DRINKING WATER |
| WO2023234804A1 (en) * | 2022-05-31 | 2023-12-07 | Сергей Игоревич ОЗЕРОВ | Device for automatically sanitizing drinking water dispenser tanks |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AUPO568297A0 (en) | 1997-04-10 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| JP4282126B2 (en) | Cleaning method for beverage production line | |
| FI20002431A0 (en) | Method and system for washing beverage distribution line and identification unit to be used in connection with the system | |
| US5858114A (en) | Method and apparatus for cleaning liquid dispensing systems | |
| WO1998041337A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for cleaning liquid process pipes | |
| CA2122072A1 (en) | Clean-in-place process and equipment | |
| US3448745A (en) | Tank cleaning-in-place pumping system | |
| CN107774139A (en) | Offline reverse osmosis membrane purging system and cleaning method | |
| US6161557A (en) | Method and apparatus for washing manufacturing line of drink or the like | |
| US11684958B2 (en) | System and method for cleaning and sanitizing foodstuff tanks | |
| CA2055754A1 (en) | Beverage dispensing system cleaning apparatus | |
| CN208450052U (en) | A kind of cleaning equipment of electrodialytic membranes block | |
| US2827070A (en) | Beverage line cleaner | |
| AU6002400A (en) | Cleaning of beer lines | |
| US20230217885A1 (en) | Cip system | |
| GB2140121A (en) | Cleaning beer-lines | |
| JP4894072B2 (en) | Line cleaning method and apparatus | |
| US918091A (en) | Pipe-cleaning apparatus. | |
| US5927301A (en) | Beverage conservation method and system | |
| JPH06133929A (en) | Device for washing and disinfecting endoscope | |
| JP2598310Y2 (en) | Dishwasher | |
| JPH0789594A (en) | Method for washing drink circuit of beer dispenser | |
| CN217616563U (en) | Enamel kettle discharge pipeline cleaning system | |
| JPH0591977A (en) | Washing and disinfection system for endoscope | |
| TWI689359B (en) | Water pipe cleaning method and apparatus of the same | |
| CN108672379A (en) | A kind of cleaning equipment and its application method of electrodialytic membranes block |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| AK | Designated states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CU CZ DE DK EE ES FI GB GE GH GM GW HU ID IL IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MD MG MK MN MW MX NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT UA UG US UZ VN YU ZW |
|
| AL | Designated countries for regional patents |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW SD SZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN ML MR NE SN TD TG |
|
| DFPE | Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101) | ||
| 121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application | ||
| REG | Reference to national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: 8642 |
|
| NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: JP Ref document number: 1998539943 Format of ref document f/p: F |
|
| 122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase | ||
| NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: CA |