WO2001008506A1

WO2001008506A1 - Dealkalization method and apparatus for use with point-of-purchase carbonated beverage dispensers

Info

Publication number: WO2001008506A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/020766
Authority: WO
Inventors: Juzer Jangbarwala
Original assignee: Juzer Jangbarwala
Priority date: 1999-07-28
Filing date: 2000-07-28
Publication date: 2001-02-08
Also published as: AU6503500A; WO2001008506A8

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a dealkalization method, system and apparatus for use with point-of-purchase carbonated beverage dispensers. The method includes the steps of using ion-exchange resin (20) to exchange ions associated with alkalinity present in feed water (16) for selected preferred ions to produce treated water (22), transporting treated water (22) to point-of-purchase dispenser (24), adding carbon dioxide and flavoring concentrate to treated water (22) to form the carbonated beverage, and dispensing the carbonated beverage. Apparatus (200) includes water inlet (18), a resin vessel containing ion-exchange resin (20), injector (46), first outlet (24), second outlet (32), and a valve system comprising a plurality of fluid pathways interconnecting selected components of the apparatus. System (400) includes water source (18), dealkalization apparatus (410), carbon dioxide supply (60), flavoring concentrate supply (62), and point of purchase dispenser (24).

Description

DEALKALIZATION METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR USE WITH POINT-

OF-PURCHASE CARBONATED BEVERAGE DISPENSERS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the reduction of alkalinity in an alkaline solution. More particularly, the present invention is directed to the dealkalization of water used with carbonated beverage dispensers. Specifically, the present application relates to a method and apparatus for reducing alkalinity in soda fountain dispenser systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Carbonated drinks, such as soda pop, contain carbon dioxide as the agent that gives the acidic taste. Carbon dioxide gas may be observed as the "fizz" that occurs upon the opening of a carbonated beverage container, wherein carbon dioxide which was dissolved in solution is released when the pressure on the solution is reduced by opening the container. Dissolved carbon dioxide in carbonated beverages is generally either bottled or canned as carbonic acid to maintain the taste.

An alkaline, or basic, solution will neutralize some of the carbonic acid therein, resulting in a reduction in the carbon dioxide and therefore carbonation of a carbonated beverage. For this reason, bottling companies generally limit the level of alkalinity in the water used in the preparation of these beverages. In particular, it is customary for major beverage companies to require the total alkalinity in the feed water at bottling plants to be less than 50 parts per million (ppm). Such low alkalinity water does not neutralize the carbonic acid in the beverage. In addition, the beverage concentrate, which is slightly acidic, also is not neutralized by low alkalinity water, which results in lower consumption of the concentrate.

If the local water source, such as a city waterline, is high in alkalinity, a bottling plant typically installs dealkalization plants to achieve the desired limits. Dealkalization plants are generally of two common types, namely strong base anion columns in the salt form and weak acid cation columns in the hydrogen form. A strong base anion column in the salt form replaces HC0 ^" anions with another anion, usually a Cl^" anion. This converts the salt associated with alkalinity, such as the sodium bicarbonate salt, to a chloride salt. An exemplary reaction is as follows:

R-CI + NaHCOs — R-HCO3 + NaCI

Weak acid cation columns in the hydrogen form generally include weak acid cation exchange resins which can neutralize bases. In the presence of alkalinity, the resin would replace the cations associated with the alkalinity with hydrogen. When the salt includes the bicarbonate anion, such as in the case of sodium bicarbonate salt, this reaction generates carbon dioxide and water. An exemplary reaction is as follows:

R-H + NaHCOs — R-Na + H₂0 + C0₂

The treated water is generally deaerated to remove the carbon dioxide gas.

Weak acid cation columns are generally preferred over the strong base anion columns when used to dealkalize water for use in carbonated beverages, because weak acid cation columns have a very high operating capacity and require very little acid for regeneration. Further, weak acid cation columns are selective for neutralizing the ions associated with alkalinity, whereas the strong base anion approach also exchanges other anions in the water such as S0₄ ^2" anions to the anion associated with the resin, such as Cl^". Some bottling plants, however, use the strong base anion approach, given that the strong base anion resins can be regenerated by common rock salt, or brine solution. The use of rock salt or brine, rather then acid, is less expensive and does not require special handling procedures as do many acids.

While the above described alkalinity controls are generally implemented at bottling plants, they are usually not applied at point-of- purchase soda fountains, such as those found in fast-food restaurants, convenience stores, etc. The amount of carbon dioxide injected into the water by a fountain dispenser is generally a standard amount. However, carbonated beverages dispensed from fountain dispensers often differ markedly in the degree of carbonation, and therefore the taste of the beverage, depending on the geographic location of the fountain. Beverages in areas wherein the water source is low in alkalinity may taste highly carbonated, while beverages may taste relatively "flat" in areas with high alkalinity in the water supply, due to neutralization of the carbonic acid.

In areas where the water source is highly alkaline, and accordingly where carbonated beverages often taste "flat", it has not been economically feasible to install the types of dealkalization systems used in bottling plants, given the costs associated therewith. Accordingly, it can be seen that there is a need in the art for an economical system for reducing alkalinity in a water supply for use with a point-of-purchase carbonated beverage system. In addition, it can be seen that there is a need for a dealkalization system wherein an ion-exchange resin can be easily regenerated, and which does not require special handling procedures. In addition, it can be seen that there is a need for an apparatus for use in a carbonated beverage fountain dispenser system that is economically efficient and easy to use. The present invention is directed to meeting these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and useful method for providing a carbonated beverage at a point-of-purchase dispenser for consumption when a water supply may contain ions associated with alkalinity.

It is a further object to provide a method for reducing the alkalinity in a water supply.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an economical apparatus that allows beverage companies to provide a consistent tasting product from fountain dispensers worldwide.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a low cost means for providing consistent carbonation in fountain beverage dispensers.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a system which assists in reducing the amount of beverage concentrate neutralized by alkaline water supplies.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus which can be used with existing water ^' supplies and fountain dispensers and which reduces alkalinity in the water supply so as to improve the carbonation and reduce the amount of concentrate loss in carbonated beverages dispensed from fountain dispensers.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a method for providing a carbonated beverage at a point-of-purchase dispenser for consumption. The method comprises supplying feed water which may contain ions associated with alkalinity, using a first ion-exchange resin to exchange the ions associated with alkalinity if present in the feed water for selected preferred ions thereby to produce treated water, transporting the treated water to a point-of-purchase dispenser that is operative to dispense selected volumes of beverage for human consumption, concurrently adding carbon dioxide and a flavoring concentrate to the treated water thereby to form the carbonated beverage, and dispensing the carbonated beverage in at least one selected volume from the point-of-purchase dispenser for consumption, such as into a drinking glass. The method may include contacting the feed water with a strong base anion exchange resin in its salt form or a weak acid cation exchange resin in its hydrogen form. An indicator may be measured, such as the volume of the feed water contacted with the first ion-exchange resin or a time interval during which the feed water is contacted with the first ion-exchange resin, and the first ion-exchange resin may be replaced with a replacement ion-exchange resin in response to a selected measured value of the indicator.

The method may further include regenerating the first ion-exchange resin by contacting the first ion-exchange resin with a regenerant solution, such as a carbonic acid or citric acid solution, thereby to form a regenerant waste solution containing the ions associated with alkalinity, which may be disposed of by such processes as evaporation, chemical precipitation or filtration. Additionally, a second ion-exchange resin may be used to remove the ions associated with alkalinity from the feed water during the step of regenerating the first ion-exchange resin.

The present invention is additionally directed to a point-of-purchase carbonated beverage dispensing system. The system comprises a water source that supplies feed water which may contain ions associated with alkalinity, a first resin vessel in fluid communication with the water source, a carbon dioxide supply, a flavoring concentrate supply, and a point-of- purchase dispenser. The first resin vessel contains a first ion-exchange resin operative when in contact with the feed water to exchange the ions associated with alkalinity if present in the feed water for selected preferred ions thereby to produce treated water. The point-of-purchase dispenser is in fluid communication with the first resin vessel and in communication with the carbon dioxide supply and the flavoring concentrate supply. The point-of- purchase dispenser, which may be a carbonated beverage fountain dispenser, is operative to receive the treated water from the first resin vessel and to concurrently add carbon dioxide received from the carbon dioxide supply and flavoring concentrate received from the flavoring concentrate supply to the treated water thereby to form a carbonated beverage. A dispenser outlet operative to dispense at least one selected volume of the carbonated beverage for point-of-purchase consumption is included.

The first ion-exchange resin may be contained in a disposable cartridge in the resin vessel. The system may include a regenerant source, such as a carbon dioxide supply or a reservoir, operative to selectively provide a regenerant to the feed water upstream of the resin vessel thereby to form a regenerant solution, such as a carbonic acid or citric acid solution, containing the selected preferred ions. The system may further include a second resin vessel in fluid communication with the water source and containing a second ion-exchange resin. The second resin vessel may be adapted to be placed in fluid communication with the point-of-purchase dispenser and provide the treated water thereto.

The present invention further provides a dealkalization apparatus for use with a point-of-purchase carbonated beverage dispenser that receives feed water which may contain ions associated with alkalinity from a water source and adds carbon dioxide and flavoring concentrate thereto thereby to form a carbonated beverage. The apparatus comprises a water inlet positioned at an upstream location and sized and adapted to fluidly communicate with the water source, a first resin vessel located downstream of the water inlet and adapted to be placed in fluid communication therewith via a flow-line, an injector upstream of the first resin vessel and adapted to be placed in communication with a regenerant source, a first outlet downstream of the first resin vessel and adapted to be placed in fluid communication therewith, a second outlet downstream of the resin assembly and adapted to be placed in fluid communication therewith, and a valve system comprising a plurality of valves associated with a plurality of fluid pathways interconnecting selected ones of the water inlet, the first resin vessel, the injector, and the first and second outlets.

The first resin vessel contains a first ion-exchange resin operative when in contact with the feed water to exchange the ions associated with alkalinity if present in the feed water for selected preferred ions thereby to produce treated water. The injector is operative to selectively inject a regenerant from the regenerant source into the flow-line, and may be an eductor or a gas inlet valve. The first outlet is sized and adapted to fluidly communicate with the point-of-purchase carbonated beverage dispenser, and the second outlet is sized and adapted to fluidly communicate with a water drain. The valve system includes various states whereby in a first state the valve system permits fluid flow through the water inlet, through the first resin vessel and through the first outlet thereby to define a first fluid pathway, and in a second state the valve system permits fluid flow through the water inlet, through the flow-line whereby the regenerant is injectable by the injector into the fluid, through the first resin vessel and through the second outlet thereby to define a second fluid pathway.

A second resin vessel containing a second ion-exchange resin may be located downstream of the water inlet and be adapted to be placed in fluid communication therewith via the flow line. The first and second outlets may be downstream of the second resin vessel and adapted to be placed in fluid communication therewith. The valve system may include a third valve state where the valve system permits fluid flow through the water inlet, through the second resin vessel and through the first outlet thereby to define a third fluid pathway, and a fourth valve state where the valve system permits fluid flow through the water inlet, through the flow-line whereby the regenerant is injectable by the injector into the fluid, through the second resin vessel and through the second outlet thereby to define a fourth fluid pathway. A controller may be operative to move the valve system into its respective states. The valve system may further include a fifth state permitting fluid flow along both the first fluid pathway and the fourth fluid pathway and a sixth state permitting fluid flow along both the second fluid pathway and the third fluid pathway:

These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily appreciated and understood from a consideration of the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention when taken together with the accompanying drawings, in which: BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic view demonstrating the general method of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view of a first embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention having a disposable ion exchange resin cartridge, showing the service cycle of the dealkalization apparatus;

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of a second embodiment of a dealkalization apparatus according to the present invention having a regenerable ion exchange resin showing the fluid flow direction during the service cycle;

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of the apparatus according to Figure 3, showing the fluid flow direction during the regeneration cycle;

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of a third embodiment of the dealkalization apparatus according to the present invention having a dual cartridge ion exchange resin system, and showing the fluid flow direction during the service cycle for the first ion exchange resin cartridge;

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of the apparatus according to Figure 5 showing the fluid flow direction during the service cycle of the second ion exchange resin cartridge and during the regeneration cycle of the first ion exchange resin cartridge;

Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view of the apparatus according to the present invention showing the service cycle of the second ion exchange resin and showing the fluid flow direction of a rinse step of the regeneration cycle of the first ion exchange resin;

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view of the apparatus according to the present invention showing the fluid flow direction during the service cycle of the second ion exchange resin;

Figure 9 is a diagrammatic view of the apparatus according to the present invention showing the fluid flow direction during the service cycle of the first ion exchange resin and the fluid flow direction during the regeneration cycle of the second ion exchange resin;

Figure 10 is a diagrammatic view of the apparatus according to the present invention showing the fluid flow direction during a rinse step of the regeneration cycle of the second ion exchange resin during the service cycle of the first ion exchange resin; and

Figure 1 1 shows the dealkalization system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is directed to a dealkalization method, system and apparatus for use with carbonated beverage dispensers. The present invention makes it feasible for soda fountains to economically have a consistent, low alkalinity feed water. The present invention allows beverage companies to have a consistent tasting product worldwide at an economical cost estimated to be less than one-half cent (V∑ ) per twenty (20) ounce drink. The present invention also assists business owners, such as restaurant owners, by providing low alkalinity feed water which consumes less of the beverage concentrate, thereby covering in concentrate savings much of the above-mentioned cost.

The present invention utilizes an ion exchange resin, preferably a weak acid cation exchange resin in a disposable cartridge-type filter. Such cartridge-type filters are commonly used for sediment removal and taste/odor removal. The present invention contemplates disposable, one-use cartridges as well as single or multiple regenerable cartridges along with methods and apparatus therefor, as well as the use of different regenerant solutions according to feed water conditions.

In particular, the present invention contemplates a method for reducing alkalinity in a water supply. The method includes a service cycle whereby alkaline water is passed from an inlet in fluid communication with a water supply and through an ion exchange resin. The ion exchange resin is preferably of the weak acid cation exchange resin type which is operative to neutralize bases associated with alkalinity levels in the water supply. The method further includes passing dealkalized water from the ion exchange resin to the fountain dispenser. Carbon dioxide gas and beverage concentrate, or flavoring concentrate, may be added thereafter to the dealkalized water. The ion exchange resin used in the method of the present invention may be included in a disposable single-use cartridge, which may be replaced when the ion exchange resin has been converted to its salt form. Alternatively, the method of the present invention may include a regeneration cycle. The regeneration cycle generally includes passing a regenerant solution from a regenerant source through the ion exchange resin, whereby the ion exchange resin is converted back to its hydrogen form. A regenerant waste, resulting from the regeneration of the ion exchange resin and including ions associated with the ion exchange is then sent to an outlet, which may be connected to a drainage source such as a sewer system.

In addition, the present invention is directed to a dealkalization apparatus for use with carbonated beverage systems. The apparatus of the present invention includes an ion exchange resin, preferably a weak acid cation exchange resin, which may be disposed in a disposable single-use cartridge, or which may alternatively be regenerable by processes internal to the apparatus. In particular, the apparatus may include a filter in fluid communication with an inlet and with the ion exchange resin, thereby to remove unwanted particles from the water source. Additionally, in the case of a regenerable apparatus, the apparatus may include a regenerant source operative for use in regenerating the ion exchange resin. In particular, depending on the hardness level of the water source, the regenerant source may include a refillable cartridge containing an acid, such as citric acid as the regenerant, or the regenerant source may be carbon dioxide gas, which may be dissolved in water thereby to form carbonic acid for use in regenerating the ion exchange resin. Further, in the case of a regenerable apparatus, the apparatus is operative to direct the regenerant waste to an outlet which preferably is in fluid communication with a drainage source such as a water drain or sewer line. In addition, the apparatus may include the use of a plurality of ion exchange resins, whereby a dealkalization cycle occurs through a first resin, while a second resin is being regenerated by a regeneration cycle. Such an apparatus prevents interruptions in the dealkalization process.

In addition, the present invention is directed to a system for dispensing carbonated beverages, wherein the system is adaptable for use with existing water lines used with fountain dispensers. In particular, the system includes a water source, such as a waterline inlet, a water drain, such as a waterline outlet, a dealkalization apparatus according to the present invention, and a point-of-purchase dispenser, such as a carbonated beverage fountain dispenser including a carbon dioxide dispenser and a concentrate dispenser.

With reference to Figure 1 , it may be seen that the method 10 of the present invention includes a service cycle 12 and an optional regeneration cycle 14. With reference to service cycle 12, it may be seen that alkaline water 16 is moved from inlet 18 through ion exchange resin 20 where the alkaline water 16 from inlet 18 is dealkalized by ion exchange with ion exchange resin 20. It should be understood that alkaline water 16 from inlet 18 may be city water or water from other sources, such as well water, and references herein to alkaline water should be understood to encompass alkaline water from any selected water source. Ion exchange resin 20 is preferably disposed in a disposable cartridge-type filter, such as those commonly used for sediment removal and taste/odor removal. The ion exchange resin used in the present invention is preferably a weak acid cation exchange resin. An exemplary weak acid cation exchange resin is the Purolite® C-105 weak acid cation exchange resin and the C-106 macroporous weak acid cation exchange resin. These resins are manufactured by Purolite®, located in Bala Cynwyd, PA. The Purolite® C- 105 is a gel-type polyacrylic weak acid cation exchanger, wherein carboxylic acid functional groups give high chemical efficiency for the removal of bicarbonate alkalinity in water treatment. The Purolite® C-106 is an acrylic based macroporous weak acid cation exchanger which also contains carboxylic groups. In the hydrogen form, these resins eliminate the ions associated with bicarbonate alkalinity by the generalized reaction: nRCOO^'H⁺ + Mⁿ⁺(HC0₃ ^")n — Mⁿ⁺(RCOO^")_n + nH₂0 +nC0₂ where n reflects the valence of the metal ion M. In the case of divalent hardness ions (M²⁺), such as Ca²⁺ or Mg²⁺, the reaction is as follows:

2 RCOOH + M(HC0₃)₂ — RCOOMOOCR + 2H₂0 + 2C0₂

In the case of sodium bicarbonate, the reaction is as follows:

RCOOH + NaHCOs — RCOONa +H₂0 +C0₂

These resins are regenerated by addition of acid, which shifts the reaction equilibrium to the left. It should be understood that the present invention contemplates the use of other kinds of weak acid ion exchange media, such as carboxylic functional groups attached to natural zeolites, synthetic zeolites, aluminosilicates, modified cellulose, lignocellulose or other filter media.

After ion exchange occurs, the resulting dealkalized water 22 is then moved from the ion exchange resin 20 to the fountain dispenser 24. It should be understood that dealkalized water 22 may first be moved to a storage container in fluid communication with the ion exchange resin 20 and fountain dispenser 24. Fountain dispenser 24 supplies carbon dioxide gas and beverage concentrate to dealkalized water 22, thereby to form the carbonated beverage. The method 10 of the present invention may optionally include a regeneration cycle 14 whereby ion exchange resin 20 is converted from its salt form back to its hydrogen form. Here, regenerant solution 26 formed from a regenerant supplied by regenerant source 28 is passed through ion exchange resin 20. When the hardness level in alkaline water 16 is low, the weak acid cation exchange resin can be regenerated with weak acids like carbonic acid formed from the carbon dioxide supply already available from the fountain dispenser. Accordingly, when the water supply in a particular area has low hardness, it is preferred that regenerant source 28 is a carbon dioxide supply from, for example, a refillable carbon dioxide canister associated with the fountain dispenser. In such case, regenerant solution 26 will be a carbonic acid solution formed by dissolving the regenerant, carbon dioxide, in the water supply.

Weak acid cation exchange resins have a strong affinity for divalent cations. Therefore, in areas where the hardness level in alkaline water 16 is high, the ion exchange resin 20 will become loaded with divalent ions (such as calcium and magnesium) which are associated with hard water. When a weak acid cation resin is loaded with such divalent ions, the resin's ability to regenerate with weak acids is diminished. Accordingly, in areas where the water supply has high hardness, the regenerant source 28 will preferably include a refillable cartridge filled with a stronger acid, such as a citric acid solution, as the regenerant. Regenerant solution 26, in such a case, will be the stronger acid solution by itself or the stronger acid solution somewhat diluted with water from the water supply.

Regenerant solution 26 regenerates ion exchange resin 20 by reversing the ion exchange reaction equilibria, thereby to form regenerant waste 30 which contains ions associated with alkalinity that were removed from alkaline water 16 during the service cycle. Regenerant waste 30 is passed from ion exchange resin 20 to outlet 32 which is in fluid communication with a drainage or sewer line. Alternatively, regenerant waste 30 may be collected and disposed of by alternative means, such as by evaporation, chemical precipitation, filtration or other means. Once ion exchange resin 20 has been regenerated and therefore converted to its hydrogen form, service cycle 12 may begin again to dealkalize alkaline water 16. Alternative embodiments of the present invention contemplate the use of a plurality of ion exchange resins, whereby service cycle 12 may remain in operation on one or more ion exchange resins while one or more other resins undergo a regeneration cycle.

Turning to Figure 2, an apparatus 100 is illustrated showing service cycle 12 according to the present invention. Apparatus 100 incorporates a disposable one-use cartridge. Here, filter 34 is in fluid communication with inlet 18 and ion exchange resin 20 in cartridge 36. Filter 34 is also preferably in a cartridge housing 36' similar to that which houses ion exchange resin 20. Filter 34 is preferably a sediment filter operative to remove sedimentary particles from alkaline water 16 supplied by inlet 18. Pressure gauges 38 and 38' are in fluid communication with alkaline water 16 and are operative to monitor the fluid pressure of alkaline water 16. Both cartridges 36 and 36' may be removed and replaced with fresh cartridges once resin 20 has become exhausted or filter 34 has become blocked, respectively. Alternatively, filter 34 may be of the type which is capable of being rinsed of debris and reused. Valves 40, 42 and 44 are disposed in fluid communication with alkaline water 16 and dealkalized water 22. Valves 40, 42 and 44 may be manual ball isolation valves or other valves as are known in the art. Volume based shut-off valve 46 is disposed in fluid communication with resin 20 and fountain dispenser 24, preferably downstream of resin 20.

In operation, alkaline water 16 is supplied by inlet 18 through open valve 40. Alkaline water 16 passes through filter 34 which is operative to remove undissolved particles from alkaline water 16. Thereafter, alkaline water 16 passes through open valve 42 and through ion exchange resin 20 disposed in a resin vessel, whereby alkaline water 16 undergoes ion exchange with ion exchange resin 20 thereby to form dealkalized water 22. Dealkalized water 22 passes through open valve 44, through volume base shut-off valve 46 and to fountain dispenser 24. Fountain dispenser 24 thereafter provides carbon dioxide and beverage concentrate to dealkalized water 22, thereby to form the carbonated beverage. Volume based shut-off valve 46 preferably includes a gallon accumulator that measures the volume of dealkalized water 22 passing therethrough. The gallon accumulator would be set by an equipment vendor, for example, according to the level of alkalinity in the feed water, and would indicate to the business owner when the ion exchange resin cartridge 36 should be replaced with a replacement fresh ion exchange cartridge.

A basic embodiment of a dealkalization apparatus 200 depicting service cycle 12 having a regenerable ion exchange resin is illustrated in Figure 3. Here, during service cycle 12, alkaline water 16 is provided by inlet 18 through open valves 40 and 42. Alkaline water 16 passes through ion exchange resin 20 in cartridge housing 36 disposed in a resin vessel whereby dealkalization of alkaline water 16 by ion exchange occurs thereby to form dealkalized water 22. Here, valves 40, 42 and 44 may be electric solenoid valves or manual ball isolation valves as known in the art. Preferably, valves 40, 42 and 44 are electric solenoid valves which may be controlled by a controller integrated into apparatus 200. Dealkalized water 22, which results from ion exchange with ion exchange resin 20 is passed through open valve 44 to fountain dispenser 24, wherein carbon dioxide and beverage concentrate are mixed with dealkalized water 22 to form the carbonated beverage. Apparatus 200 may additionally include pressure gauges, sediment filters, and/or a gallon accumulator, as desired.

Figure 4 shows the regeneration cycle 14 for apparatus 200. Here, alkaline water 16 from inlet 18 passes through open valve 40. Closed valve 42 diverts alkaline water 16 to inlet port 46, which may be an injector such as an eductor or gas inlet port depending upon the type of regenerant source 28 utilized, which is operative to inject regenerant from the regenerant source into the water. When hardness levels are low, the regenerant source 28 is preferably carbon dioxide gas provided by a carbon dioxide dispenser associated with the fountain dispenser. When hardness levels are high, regenerant source 28 is preferably a citric acid solution and container 48 is preferably a refillable cartridge adapted to hold the citric acid solution. It should be appreciated that other acids or regenerants may be used, as appropriate to the particular ion exchange resin and water conditions.

Port 46 is in fluid communication with regenerant source 28 in a container 48, such as a refillable liquid or gas cartridge. It should be noted that when regenerant source 28 is a liquid, such as an acid solution like citric acid, port 46 is preferably an eductor operative to siphon regenerant source 28 through a venturi valve, for example, thereby to mix with alkaline water 16. When regenerant source 28 is carbon dioxide from the existing carbon dioxide supply for the fountain dispenser, for example, port 46 is preferably a gas inlet port operative to mix carbon dioxide gas with alkaline water 16. In any event, regenerant solution 26 is formed by the mixing of regenerant source 28 with alkaline water 16. Regenerant solution 26 passes through open valve 50 and through ion exchange resin 20 in cartridge 36. Regenerant waste 30, which results from the ion exchange regeneration of ion exchange resin 20 with regenerant solution 26, is diverted by closed valve 44 through open valve 52 to outlet 32 which is in fluid communication with a drainage or sewer line, or alternatively with an alternative waste collection means, such as an evaporation, filtration, or precipitation apparatus, etc. It should be understood that once ion exchange resin 20 is regenerated by regenerant solution 26, valves 50 and 52 close and valves 42 and 44 open, thereby to begin service cycle 12 anew, as shown in Figure 3. The opening and closing of these valves may be directed by a controller integral with or external to the apparatus 200.

Turning to Figure 5, an embodiment of a dual resin apparatus 300 is illustrated. Here, alkaline water 16 from inlet 18 passes through open valve 40 to filter 34 in filter cartridge 36'. Pressure gauges 38 and 38' are in fluid communication with alkaline water 16 and operative to monitor the pressure thereof. Filter 34 is operative to remove undissolved particles from alkaline water 16, which is then passed through open valve 40' and open valve 42 to first ion exchange resin 20 in cartridge 36. Alkaline water 16 undergoes ion exchange with ion exchange resin 20 thereby to form dealkalized water 22 which passes through open valve 44 and a gallon accumulator 46' to fountain dispenser 24. When gallon accumulator 46' indicates that a specific volume of water has been processed by first ion exchange resin 20, the accumulator 46' will signal for a regeneration, at which point valves 42 and 44 close and valves 42' and 44' open. In addition, valves 50 and 52 open. These valves are preferably electric solenoid valves. This process begins the second service cycle/first regeneration cycle shown in Figure 6. Preferably, the opening and closing of valves in apparatus 300 is governed by a controller which may be integral with or external to apparatus 300.

Turning to Figure 6, it may be seen that when valves 42' and 44' open and valves 50 and 52 open, a service cycle through second ion exchange resin 20' in cartridge 36" begins, as well as a regeneration cycle through first ion exchange resin 20 in cartridge 36. Here, alkaline water 16 from inlet 18 passes through open valve 40 and filter 34 in cartridge 36'. Pressure gauges 38 and 38' monitor the pressure of alkaline water 16. Filtered alkaline water 16 passes through open valve 40', whereafter the flow of alkaline water 16 is split between first ion exchange resin 20 and second ion exchange resin 20'. A first portion of alkaline water 16' is diverted through open valve 42' and through second ion exchange resin 20' where it undergoes ion exchange as part of a second service cycle. Dealkalized water 22' then passes through open valve 44' and through gallon accumulator 46' to fountain dispenser 24. A second portion of alkaline water 16" is diverted through inlet port 46 wherein regenerant source 28 in cartridge 48 is mixed into alkaline water 16" to form regenerant solution 26. The form of port 46 is dependent on the form of regenerant source 28, which is preferably selected according to the hardness level of alkaline water 16. In the case of a high hardness level, regenerant source 28 is preferably a stronger acidic solution, such as citric acid solution, and port 46 is preferably an eductor operative to siphon, or inject, regenerant source 28 into alkaline water 16" to form regenerant solution 26. In the case of low hardness levels, however, regenerant source 28 is preferably carbon dioxide from the existing carbon dioxide supply for fountain dispenser 24. In that case, port 46 is a gas inlet valve operative to mix carbon dioxide gas into alkaline water 16" to form regenerant solution 26, such as a carbonic acid solution.

In either case, regenerant solution 26 passes through open valve 50 and into ion exchange resin 20 which is regenerated by regenerant solution 26. Regenerant waste 30 resulting from the regeneration of first ion exchange resin 20 passes through open valve 52 and into outlet 32 for disposal.

As shown in Figure 7, once ion exchange resin 20 has been fully regenerated, valve 50 closes and valve 42 opens, thereby to pass alkaline water 16 from inlet 18 through ion exchange resin 20 thereby to rinse ion exchange resin 20 of any remaining regenerant solution 26 or regenerant waste solution 30. Rinse solution 54 is then passed through open valve 52 to outlet 32 for disposal. The service cycle through second ion exchange resin 20' continues, wherein alkaline water 16 from inlet 18 passes through open valves 40, 40' and 42' to second ion exchange resin 20' whereby dealkalized water 22' is formed by ion exchange. Dealkalized water 22' continues through open valve 44' into gallon accumulator 46' and fountain dispenser 24.

As shown in Figure 8, once ion exchange resin 20 has been rinsed, valves 42 and 52 close. The service cycle continues through second ion exchange resin 20' until gallon accumulator 46' signals that a specific volume of dealkalized water 22' has been generated by second ion exchange resin 20'.

At this point, as shown in Figure 9, valves 42' and 44' close, and valves 42 and 44 open, thereby to begin a service cycle through first ion exchange resin 20. Valves 50' and 52' also open to begin a regeneration cycle through second ion exchange resin 20'. Here, alkaline water 16 from inlet 18 passes through open valve 40 to filter 34 in cartridge 36'. Filter 34 is operative to remove particles from alkaline water 16. Pressure gauges 38 and 38' monitor the pressure of alkaline water 16 through filter 34. Alkaline water 16 passes through open valve 40' and is thereafter split to flow through both first ion exchange resin 20 and second ion exchange resin 20'. A first portion of alkaline water 16' passes through open valve 42 and through first ion exchange resin 20 in cartridge 36 disposed in a first resin vessel, where it undergoes dealkalization by ion exchange. The resulting dealkalized water 22 passes through open valve 44, through gallon accumulator 46' into fountain dispenser 24.

In addition to the service cycle through first ion exchange resin 20, a regeneration cycle through second ion exchange resin 20' is performed. Here, a second portion of alkaline water 16" passes through the port 46 where regenerant source 28 in cartridge 48 is mixed into alkaline water 16" to form regenerant solution 26. Regenerant solution 26 passes through open valve 50' and through second ion exchange resin 20' disposed in a second resin vessel, which is regenerated. Regenerant waste 30', resulting from the regeneration of second ion exchange resin 20', is passed through open valve 52' to outlet 32 for disposal.

As shown in Figure 10, when regeneration of second ion exchange resin 20' has completed, valve 50' is closed and valve 42' is opened to perform a rinse cycle of second ion exchange resin 20'. The service cycle of first ion exchange resin 20 continues. Here, alkaline water 16 from inlet 18 passes through open valve 40, filter 34, and open valve 40' and is split both to first and second ion exchange resins 20 and 20'. Alkaline water 16 passes through open valve 42' and through second ion exchange resin 20' thereby to rinse second ion exchange resin 20' of any remaining regenerant solution 26 or regenerant waste 30'. Rinse solution 54' resulting therefrom passes through open valve 52' and to outlet 32 for disposal. Alkaline water 16 also passes through open valve 42 to first ion exchange resin 20, where it undergoes dealkalization by ion exchange. Dealkalized water 22 resulting therefrom passes through open valve 44 and gallon accumulator 46' to fountain dispenser 24. It should be understood that, once second ion exchange resin 20' has been rinsed, valves 42' and 52' close and the service cycle of first ion exchange resin 20 continues as shown in Figure 5, whereupon all cycles may be repeated. It should be understood that valves used in the present invention may be manual ball isolation valves, electric solenoid valves, or a combination of these or other types of valves. It is preferred that valves 40 and 40' be manual ball isolation valves, while it is further preferred that valves 42, 42', 44, 44', 50, 50', 52 and 52' be electric solenoid valves that are controlled by a controller which opens and closes these valves in accordance with the various service, rinse and regeneration cycles as indicated by readings from the gallon accumulator 46', pressure gauges 38 and 38', and/or by timed cycles determined by solution concentrations and resin capacities.

Turning to Figure 11 , it may be seen that a carbonated beverage dealkalization system 400 according to the present invention includes a water source such as a waterline inlet 18, a dealkalization apparatus 410, a water drain such as a waterline outlet 32, and a fountain dispenser 24, which includes a carbon dioxide dispenser 60 and concentrate dispenser 62. Alkaline water 16 from waterline inlet 18 passes through dealkalization apparatus 410. During a service cycle of dealkalization apparatus 410, dealkalized water 22 resulting from ion exchange occuring in dealkalization apparatus 410 is sent to fountain dispenser 24, wherein carbon dioxide and concentrate from carbon dioxide dispenser 60 and concentrate dispenser 62, respectively, are mixed with dealkalized water 22 to form carbonated beverages 64. During an optional regeneration cycle of dealkalization apparatus 410, carbon dioxide 66 (shown by dashed arrow), may be provided to dealkalization apparatus 410 to be mixed with alkaline water 16 thereby to form carbonic acid for use in regenerating ion exchange resins associated with the dealkalization apparatus 410. Alternatively, other forms of regenerant solution, such as citric acid solution, may be used to regenerate ion exchange resins associated with dealkalization apparatus 410. Regenerant waste 30 resulting from the regeneration cycle of dealkalization apparatus 410 is then sent to waterline outlet 32 for disposal, or optionally to a holding tank or disposal apparatus for alternative disposal by means such as evaporation, filtration, precipitation, etc. An additional rinse cycle of dealkalization apparatus 410 may send alkaline water 16 from waterline inlet 18 through dealkalization apparatus 410, whereafter rinse water 54 resulting therefrom is then sent to waterline outlet 32 for disposal.

It should be understood from the foregoing that variations in the type and number of ion exchange resins used are contemplated by the present invention, as well as variations in the cycles used in the implementation of the method and apparatus of the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that the present invention contemplates variations in the type of regenerant used in the regeneration of the ion exchange resin or resins, as determined by such factors as cost, handling requirements, and the water quality of a particular location in which the present invention is employed.

Accordingly, the present invention has been described with some degree of particularity directed to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be appreciated, though, that modifications or changes may be made to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention without departing from the inventive concepts contained herein.

Claims

I claim:

1. A method for providing a carbonated beverage at a point-of- purchase dispenser for consumption, comprising:

(a) supplying feed water which may contain ions associated with alkalinity;

(b) using a first ion-exchange resin to exchange the ions associated with alkalinity if present in the feed water for selected preferred ions thereby to produce treated water;

(c) transporting said treated water to a point-of-purchase dispenser that is operative to dispense selected volumes of beverage for human consumption;

(d) concurrently adding carbon dioxide and a flavoring concentrate to the treated water thereby to form the carbonated beverage; and

(e) dispensing the carbonated beverage in at least one selected volume from the point-of-purchase dispenser for consumption.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of using a first ion-exchange resin includes exchanging ions associated with alkalinity from a dissolved salt selected from the group consisting of sodium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate and magnesium bicarbonate.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of using a first ion-exchange resin includes contacting the feed water with an ion-exchange resin selected from the group consisting of a strong base anion exchange resin in its salt form and a weak acid cation exchange resin in its hydrogen form.

4. A method according to claim 3 including the step of measuring an indicator selected from the group consisting of a volume of the feed water contacted with the first ion-exchange resin and a time interval during which the feed water is contacted with the first ion-exchange resin, and including replacing the first ion-exchange resin with a replacement ion-exchange resin in response to a selected measured value of said indicator.

5. A method according to claim 1 including the step of regenerating the first ion-exchange resin by contacting the first ion-exchange resin with a regenerant solution containing the selected preferred ions thereby to form a regenerant waste solution containing the ions associated with alkalinity.

6. A method according to claim 5 wherein the step of regenerating includes contacting the first ion-exchange resin with a regenerant solution selected from the group consisting of a carbonic acid solution and a citric acid solution.

7. A method according to claim 6 including the step of adding a regenerant selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide and citric acid to the feed water thereby to form the regenerant solution.

8. A method according to claim 5 including the step of contacting the feed water with a second ion-exchange resin during the step of regenerating the first ion-exchange resin.

9. A method according to claim 5 including the step of disposing of the regenerant waste solution containing the ions associated with alkalinity.

10. A method according to claim 9 wherein the step of disposing of the regenerant waste solution includes a process selected from the group consisting of evaporation, chemical precipitation and filtration.

11. A method according to claim 1 including the step of filtering the feed water to remove suspended particles therefrom.

12. A method according to claim 1 including the step of storing the treated water in a container prior to the step of transporting the treated water to the point-of-purchase dispenser.

13. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of transporting includes transporting the treated water to a carbonated beverage fountain dispenser.

14. A method according to claim 1 wherein the step of dispensing includes dispensing the carbonated beverage into a drinking glass.

15. A point-of-purchase carbonated beverage dispensing system, comprising:

(a) a water source that supplies feed water which may contain ions associated with alkalinity; (b) a first resin vessel in fluid communication with said water source, said first resin vessel containing a first ion-exchange resin operative when in contact with the feed water to exchange the ions associated with alkalinity if present in the feed water for selected preferred ions thereby to produce treated water;

(c) a carbon dioxide supply;

(d) a flavoring concentrate supply; and

(e) a point-of-purchase dispenser in fluid communication with said first resin vessel and in communication with said carbon dioxide supply and said flavoring concentrate supply, said point-of-purchase dispenser operative to receive the treated water from said first resin vessel and to concurrently add carbon dioxide received from said carbon dioxide supply and flavoring concentrate received from said flavoring concentrate supply to the treated water thereby to form a carbonated beverage, and wherein said point-of- purchase dispenser includes a dispenser outlet operative to dispense at least one selected volume of the carbonated beverage for point-of-purchase consumption.

16. A system according to claim 15 wherein said first ion-exchange resin is selected from the group consisting of a strong base anion exchange resin in its salt form and a weak acid cation exchange resin in its hydrogen form.

17. A system according to claim 15 wherein said first ion-exchange resin includes carboxylic functional groups and is operative in its hydrogen form to remove ions associated with bicarbonate alkalinity from the feed water.

18. A system according to claim 15 wherein said first ion-exchange resin is selected from the group consisting of gel-type polyacrylic weak acid cation exchange resins and acrylic based macroporous weak acid cation exchange resins.

19. A system according to claim 15 wherein said first ion-exchange resin is selected from the group consisting of Purolite C-105 and Purolite C- 106 resins.

20. A system according to claim 15 wherein said first ion-exchange resin is contained in a disposable cartridge in said resin vessel.

21. A system according to claim 15 including a volume measuring device in fluid communication with said first resin vessel and operative to measure a volume of fluid passing therethrough.

22. A system according to claim 15 including a regenerant source operative to selectively provide a regenerant to the feed water upstream of said resin vessel thereby to form a regenerant solution containing the selected preferred ions.

23. A system according to claim 22 wherein said regenerant source is said carbon dioxide supply, said regenerant is carbon dioxide, and said regenerant solution is a carbonic acid solution.

24. A system according to claim 22 wherein said regenerant source is a reservoir sized and adapted to hold a selected volume of the regenerant.

25. A system according to claim 24 wherein the regenerant is citric acid.

26. A system according to claim 15 including a second resin vessel in fluid communication with said water source, said second resin vessel containing a second ion-exchange resin operative when in contact with the feed water to exchange the ions associated with alkalinity if present in the feed water for the selected preferred ions thereby to produce the treated water, and wherein said second resin vessel is adapted to be placed in fluid communication with said point-of-purchase dispenser and is operative to provide the treated water thereto.

27. A system according to claim 15 including a filter upstream of said first resin vessel and operative to remove suspended particles from the feed water.

28. A dealkalization apparatus for use with a point-of-purchase carbonated beverage dispenser that receives feed water which may contain ions associated with alkalinity from a water source and adds carbon dioxide and flavoring concentrate thereto thereby to form a carbonated beverage, said dealkalization apparatus comprising: (a) a water inlet positioned at an upstream location and sized and adapted to fluidly communicate with the water source;

(b) a first resin vessel located downstream of said water inlet and adapted to be placed in fluid communication therewith via a flow-line, said first resin vessel containing a first ion-exchange resin operative when in contact with the feed water to exchange the ions associated with alkalinity if present in the feed water for selected preferred ions thereby to produce treated water;

(c) an injector upstream of said first resin vessel and adapted to be placed in communication with a regenerant source, said injector operative to selectively inject a regenerant from the regenerant source into said flow-line;

(d) a first outlet downstream of said first resin vessel and adapted to be placed in fluid communication therewith, said first outlet sized and adapted to fluidly communicate with the point-of-purchase carbonated beverage dispenser;

(e) a second outlet downstream of said first resin vessel and adapted to be placed in fluid communication therewith, said second outlet sized and adapted to fluidly communicate with a water drain; and

(f) a valve system comprising a plurality of valves associated with a plurality of fluid pathways interconnecting selected ones of said water inlet, said first resin vessel, said injector, and said first and second outlets, whereby in a first state said valve system permits fluid flow through said water inlet, through said first resin vessel and through said first outlet thereby to define a first fluid pathway, and in a second state said valve system permits fluid flow through said water inlet, through said flow-line whereby the regenerant is injectable by said injector into the fluid, through said first resin vessel and through said second outlet thereby to define a second fluid pathway.

29. An apparatus according to claim 28 including a second resin vessel located downstream of said water inlet and adapted to be placed in fluid communication therewith via the flow line, said second resin vessel containing a second ion-exchange resin operative when in contact with the feed water to exchange the ions associated with alkalinity if present in the feed water for the selected preferred ions thereby to produce the treated water, and wherein said first and second outlets are downstream of said second resin vessel and adapted to be placed in fluid communication therewith, whereby in a third valve state said valve system permits fluid flow through said water inlet, through said second resin vessel and through said first outlet thereby to define a third fluid pathway, and in a fourth valve state said valve system permits fluid flow through said water inlet, through said flow-line whereby the regenerant is injectable by said injector into the fluid, through said second resin vessel and through said second outlet thereby to define a fourth fluid pathway.

30. An apparatus according to claim 29 including a controller operative to move said valve system into its respective states.

31. An apparatus according to claim 29 wherein said valve system includes a fifth state permitting fluid flow along both the first fluid pathway and the fourth fluid pathway and a sixth state permitting fluid flow along both the second fluid pathway and the third fluid pathway:

32. An apparatus according to claim 28 wherein said injector is selected from an eductor and a gas inlet valve.

33. An apparatus according to claim 32 wherein said injector is a gas inlet valve sized and adapted to communicate with a carbon dioxide supply.