WO2017072114A1 - Unité de détection de mousse de bière pour un système de distribution de boisson, système de distribution de boisson comprenant une unité de détection de mousse de bière et procédé de distribution de boisson par fourniture d'un système de distribution de boisson comprenant une unité de détection de mousse de bière - Google Patents

Unité de détection de mousse de bière pour un système de distribution de boisson, système de distribution de boisson comprenant une unité de détection de mousse de bière et procédé de distribution de boisson par fourniture d'un système de distribution de boisson comprenant une unité de détection de mousse de bière Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2017072114A1
WO2017072114A1 PCT/EP2016/075678 EP2016075678W WO2017072114A1 WO 2017072114 A1 WO2017072114 A1 WO 2017072114A1 EP 2016075678 W EP2016075678 W EP 2016075678W WO 2017072114 A1 WO2017072114 A1 WO 2017072114A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
beverage
chamber
connector
lower chamber
beverage container
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2016/075678
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jan Nørager RASMUSSEN
Original Assignee
Carlsberg Breweries A/S
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Carlsberg Breweries A/S filed Critical Carlsberg Breweries A/S
Publication of WO2017072114A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017072114A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
    • B67D1/1247—Means for detecting the presence or absence of liquid
    • 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
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
    • B67D1/127—Froth control
    • B67D1/1272—Froth control preventing froth

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a FOB detection unit for a beverage dispensing system, a beverage dispensing system comprising a FOB detection unit and a method of dispensing beverage by providing a beverage dispensing system comprising a FOB detection unit.
  • draught beverages such as draught beer
  • a pressurized beverage container referred to as a keg
  • collapsible polymeric containers also exist, one example being disclosed in the applicant's own international application WO2009/024147.
  • Beverage containers for use with draught beverage dispensing systems comprise carbonated beverage and pressurized gas.
  • a significant amount of gas may enter the beverage line and mix with the remaining beverage in the beverage line and this may result in a large amount of foam escaping from the beverage tap during tapping.
  • a beverage glass filled with an excessive amount of foam may be less appealing and must in many cases be discarded. Further, foam may remain in the beverage line so that the first beverage glass filled after installing a new and full beverage container will have an excessive amount of foam as well.
  • FOB detection unit In order to stop the dispensing of the beverage before a significant amount of foam has entered the beverage line, a so-called FOB detection unit may be used.
  • FOB stands for Foam On Beer and a FOB detection unit is thus a foam on beer detection unit.
  • the purpose of the FOB detection unit is to detect the presence of foam in the beverage line and to stop the beverage dispensing before the foam reaches the beverage tap.
  • the FOB detection unit comprises a chamber having a beverage container connector and a beverage tap connector.
  • the chamber has a float body and when the chamber is filled with beverage, the float body will float on the beverage and there will be a free fluid passage between the beverage container connector and the beverage tap connector, whereas when gas enters the chamber, the float body will close off the passage between the beverage container connector and the beverage tap connector and thereby prevent foam from reaching the beverage tap.
  • the FOB detection unit When a new full beverage container has been installed, the FOB detection unit is vented where after beverage dispensing may be resumed.
  • the prior art document GB 2 431 146 A describes an example of state of the art FOB detection unit having a vent valve and a float body.
  • the prior art document GB 2 236 180 A describes an example of state of the art FOB detection unit using a beam of light for detecting the presence of a bubble in a beverage duct.
  • the manual venting of the FOB detection unit is a time consuming task which also typically results in some spillage of beverage. There is also a risk that the beverage becomes contaminated. Yet further, there is a risk that the user forgets to perform this task which is necessary in order to be able to continue beverage dispensing.
  • the object according to the present invention is to provide technologies for the automatic venting of the FOB detection unit.
  • a FOB detection unit for a beverage dispensing system comprising:
  • the gas outlet comprises a membrane being non-permeable to liquids such as beverage and permeable to gases such as air and carbon dioxide
  • the lower chamber further comprising a float body, the float body being movable between a beverage dispensing position and a non-beverage dispensing position, the float body defining the beverage dispensing position when the lower chamber is filled with beverage, the float body defining the non-beverage dispensing position when the lower chamber is filled by gas, when the float body is in the beverage dispensing position, the float body is located spaced apart from the beverage tap connector allowing fluid communication between the beverage container connector and the beverage tap connector, and when the float body is in the non-beverage dispensing position, the float body is blocking the
  • venting chamber connected to the gas outlet of the lower chamber, the venting chamber being connected to the atmosphere surrounding the FOB detection unit via a venting opening and communicating with the lower chamber via the gas outlet, and
  • the present FOB detection unit is preferably used in a draught beer system.
  • the beverage tap connector is connected to the beverage tap via an optionally chilled beverage tube.
  • the beverage tap which may be located e.g. on a bar counter typically comprises a beverage valve connected to the beverage tube and a handle for controlling the beverage valve and thereby controlling the dispensing of the beverage.
  • the beverage container connector is likewise connected to the beverage container via another optionally chilled beverage tube.
  • the lower chamber is filled with carbonated beverage and the float body having a specific density which is lower than the beverage is located spaced apart from the beverage tap connector located at the bottom part of the lower chamber.
  • the beverage which is under pressure, enters the lower chamber via the beverage container connector located at the middle part of the lower chamber and provided the beverage tap is open, the beverage flows out of the lower chamber via the beverage tap connector without being obstructed by the float body.
  • the gas supply connector of the upper chamber is normally connected to the same gas supply as the beverage container of the beverage dispensing system and thus receives the same pressure as the beverage, albeit with a delay due to the flow restrictor.
  • the gas supply connector may preferably be connected to a carbon dioxide inlet of the keg connector which is connected to the beverage container and serves to introduce carbon dioxide gas from a gas bottle into the beverage container and extract beverage from the container.
  • the gas supply connector may preferably be connected to the pressure chamber.
  • the gas supply connector is connected to a separate gas supply.
  • the gas outlet at the top part of the lower chamber is closed off by the pressure sensitive member since the upwardly oriented force from the beverage in the lower chamber is counteracted by the downwardly oriented force from the upper chamber having a pressure which is equal to the beverage pressure.
  • the area of the gas outlet is smaller than the area of the pressure sensitive member, the resulting force on the pressure sensitive member will be directed toward the lower chamber such that the pressure sensitive member closes off the gas outlet.
  • the pressure in the venting chamber is equal to the atmospheric pressure which additionally contributes to a resulting downwardly oriented pressure force acting on the pressure sensitive member and closing off the gas outlet and keeps the gas outlet closed off in case of minor pressure fluctuations in the beverage line caused e.g. by the opening and closing of the beverage tap.
  • the user e.g. the bartender, thus understands that the beverage container is empty and proceeds with the exchange of the beverage container.
  • the gas supply is interrupted and the old beverage container is removed.
  • the lower, intermediate and upper chambers are thus depressurized. Thereafter a new full beverage container is connected via the beverage line to the beverage container connector of the lower chamber.
  • the pressure supply is enabled for pressurizing the beverage container and the upper chamber.
  • the upper chamber is pressurized from the pressure supply via the gas supply connector and the flow restrictor, the pressure increase in the upper chamber will be much slower than the pressure increase in the lower chamber which is pressurized directly from the beverage container via the beverage line and the beverage container connector without any flow restrictor.
  • the pressure force acting on the pressure sensitive member from the lower chamber will exceed the pressure force acting on the pressure sensitive member from the upper chamber even though the area of the gas outlet is smaller than the pressure sensitive member and thus the pressure sensitive member will move upwards and open the gas outlet so that gas from the lower chamber may flow into the venting chamber and proceed to the atmosphere via the venting opening.
  • the gas flows out of the gas outlet
  • the beverage flows into the lower chamber via the beverage container connector and thus replaces the gas in the lower chamber.
  • the float body will move upwards as the beverage flows into the lower chamber and thus allows beverage dispensing to be resumed.
  • the gas outlet is located at the top of the lower chamber, the beverage will not reach the gas outlet until all of the gas has flowed out of the lower chamber.
  • the flow restrictor of the gas supply connector and the size of the upper chamber may advantageously be adapted such that as the beverage reaches the gas outlet, the pressure force acting on the pressure sensitive member from the gas pressure in the upper chamber is sufficiently high for closing the gas outlet of the lower chamber and thereby prevent any fluid from flowing from the lower chamber to the venting chamber.
  • a membrane which is non-permeable to liquids and permeable to gasses i.e. a hydrophobic membrane
  • the FOB detection unit has thereby returned to its steady state, in which the lower chamber is filled, the float body is located spaced apart from the beverage tap connector and, provided the beverage tap is opened, the beverage flows from the beverage container connector to the beverage tap connector.
  • the gas outlet is sealed off by the pressure sensitive member and the pressure acting from the upper chamber.
  • the gas outlet and/or the venting opening comprise a flow restrictor.
  • the closing of the gas outlet by the pressure sensitive member may depend on various circumstances such as the pressure and the gas in the pressure supply, the beverage in the container, the temperature, the atmospheric pressure etc.
  • the gas outlet and/or the venting opening may comprise a flow restrictor.
  • the flow restrictor on the gas outlet may e.g. be small enough for restricting the flow of beverage through the beverage outlet and thereby limit the amount of beverage which may escape via the venting opening before the gas outlet is closed off by the pressure sensitive member. It may alternatively comprise a net or the like in order to allow gas flow but restrict the flow of liquids due to the surface tension.
  • the venting opening may also include a flow restrictor in order to allow a pressure buildup in the venting chamber as long as gas flows out of the gas outlet. As soon as the beverage reaches the flow restrictor at the gas outlet, the pressure in the venting chamber will fall and provoke the closing of the gas outlet by the pressure sensitive member.
  • the pressure sensitive member comprises a flexible member.
  • the pressure sensitive member is made of a polymeric material such as rubber or the like. In this way, the sealing capability of the pressure sensitive member will be high.
  • the flexible member comprises a first sealing flange extending into the venting chamber and the gas outlet comprises a second flange extending into the venting chamber, the first flange sealing against the second flange when in the closed position.
  • they may include mutually contacting flanges.
  • the gas outlet defines a larger flow area than the venting opening and the gas supply connector.
  • the venting chamber By allowing more gas to flow from the lower chamber to the venting chamber than from the gas supply to the upper chamber and from the venting chamber to the outside, the venting chamber will pressurize faster than the upper chamber when the beverage dispensing system is re-pressurized after a new beverage container has been installed. This ensures that the venting chamber has a higher pressure than the upper chamber which causes the pressure sensitive member to be open, i.e. allow fluid communication between the lower chamber and the venting chamber as long as gas remains in the lower chamber.
  • the venting opening defines a larger flow area than the gas supply connector.
  • the lower chamber defines a larger internal volume than the venting chamber and the upper chamber.
  • the lower chamber is typically larger than the venting chamber and the upper chamber in order to have sufficient space for accommodating the float body and ensure a proper operation of the float body.
  • a larger lower chamber also ensures that all foam and gas will be accommodated therein and hindered to proceed to the tap.
  • the upper chamber defines a larger internal volume than the venting chamber.
  • the upper chamber is typically larger than the venting chamber so that the pressure build-up in the upper chamber is slower than the pressure build-up in the venting chamber, thereby preventing a premature closing of the pressure sensitive member.
  • the FOB detector unit comprises an FOB signaling device, the FOB signaling device comprising a first detector part located at the float body and a second detector part located at the beverage tap connector, the FOB signaling device generating a signal indicating the non-beverage dispensing position when the first detector part is located adjacent the second detector part and indicating the beverage dispensing position when the first detector part is located spaced apart from the second detector part, the first detector part preferably constituting an RF transmitter and the second detector part preferably constituting an RF receiver.
  • the FOB detection unit may include electronics for determining and informing the user about the empty beverage container.
  • the FOB signaling device described above uses electronics, e.g. an RF transmitter for determining the position of the float body, i.e. whether the float body is located in the closed position adjacent the beverage tap connector, or spaced apart from the beverage tap connector allowing fluid communication through the beverage tap connector.
  • the electronic signal generated thereby may be used for informing the user so that the user may change the beverage container, however, it may also be used to control other automatic features.
  • a beverage dispensing system comprising a FOB detection unit according to the first aspect, the beverage dispensing system comprising a beverage tap, a gas supply and a beverage container, the gas supply, the gas supply connector and the beverage container connector being connected to the beverage container, the beverage tap being connected to the beverage tap connector of the FOB detection unit.
  • FOB detection unit may be used in conjunction with a beverage dispensing system including a beverage tap, a gas supply and a beverage container.
  • the gas supply supplies gas having a pressure of between 1 and 5 bar above atmospheric pressure, preferably between 2 and 4 bar above atmospheric pressure, more preferably between 2.5 and 3 bar above atmospheric pressure
  • the beverage container is collapsible and located within a pressure chamber, the gas supply supplies air to the pressure chamber.
  • the beverage container may be of the collapsible type, such as a polymeric beverage container, and accommodated in a pressurized pressure chamber.
  • the beverage container is connected to the beverage container connector of the FOB detection unit via a beverage line.
  • the pressure chamber is pressurized via the pressure supply which thus supplies pressurized air to both the pressure chamber and the upper chamber of the FOB detection unit.
  • the beverage container is non- collapsible and the gas supply supplies carbon dioxide to the beverage container.
  • the beverage container may be of the non-collapsible type, such as a steel beverage container.
  • the beverage container is connected to the beverage container connector of the FOB detection unit via a beverage line and directly pressurized via the gas supply which thus supplies carbon dioxide directly into the head space of the beverage container.
  • the gas supply also supplies pressurized carbon dioxide to the upper chamber of the FOB detection unit.
  • the beverage dispensing system further comprising a cleaning device, the beverage container connector being connected to a valve which in turn being connected to the beverage container and the cleaning device, the valve being capable of defining a beverage position and a cleaning position; when in the beverage position, the beverage container connector being connected to the beverage container and closed off from the cleaning device; when in the cleaning position, the beverage container connector being connected to the cleaning device and closed off from the beverage container.
  • the FOB detector may be used together with a cleaning device in order to be able to clean the beverage line including the FOB detection unit.
  • a method of dispensing beverage by providing a beverage dispensing system comprising a FOB detection unit, the FOB detection unit comprising: a lower chamber having a beverage tap connector located at a bottom part of the lower chamber, a gas outlet located at a top part of the lower chamber opposite the beverage tap connector, and a beverage container connector located at a middle part of the lower chamber between the beverage tap connector and the gas outlet, the gas outlet comprises a membrane being non-permeable to liquids such as beverage and permeable to gases such as air and carbon dioxide, the beverage container connector being connected to a pressurized beverage container, the beverage container including beverage and pressurized gas, the beverage tap connector being connected to a beverage tap of the beverage dispensing system, the lower chamber further comprising a float body,
  • venting chamber connected to the gas outlet of the lower chamber, the venting chamber being connected to the atmosphere surrounding the FOB detection unit via a venting opening
  • an upper chamber having a gas supply connector, the gas supply connector being connected to a gas supply of the beverage dispensing system and comprising a flow restrictor, the upper chamber being separated from the venting chamber via a pressure sensitive member,
  • the method according to the third aspect may include any of the features mentioned above in relation to the first aspect and/or the second aspect.
  • FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a beverage dispensing system with a steel keg.
  • FIG. 1 B is a perspective view of a beverage dispensing system with a collapsible keg
  • FIG. 1 C is a perspective view of a beverage dispensing system with multiple kegs.
  • FIG. 2A is a side view of a FOB detection unit during beverage dispensing.
  • FIG. 2B is a side view of a FOB detection unit when the beverage container is empty.
  • FIG. 2C is a side view of a FOB detection unit when the container is disconnected.
  • FIG. 2D is a side view of a FOB detection unit when a new container is connected.
  • FIG. 2E is a side view of a FOB detection unit at the end of the venting.
  • FIG. 2F is a side view of a FOB detection unit during beverage dispensing.
  • FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an alternative FOB detection unit when open.
  • FIG. 3B is a side view of an alternative FOB detection unit when open.
  • FIG. 4A is a perspective view of an alternative FOB detection unit when closed.
  • FIG. 4B is a side view of an alternative FOB detection unit when closed.
  • FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of a beverage dispensing system 10.
  • the beverage dispensing system 10 includes a beverage container 12.
  • the beverage container 12 is in the present case of the conventional non-collapsible steel type.
  • the beverage container 12 is connected via a beverage line 14 to a FOB detection unit 16.
  • the FOB detection unit 16 is in turn connected via another beverage line 14' to a beverage tap 18.
  • the beverage tap 18 includes a beverage valve (not shown) and a handle 18' for controlling the beverage valve.
  • the handle 18' is normally in a vertical position in which the beverage valve is closed, however, when the handle 18' is swung into a horizontal position opening the valve, the beverage will flow from the beverage container 12 through the beverage tap 18.
  • the beverage container 12 which is stored in a chilled location, is connected to a gas supply 20 via a gas line 22.
  • the gas supply supplies carbon dioxide and in the present case constitutes a carbon dioxide bottle and a pressure regulator.
  • the pressure is typically about 3 bar above atmospheric pressure.
  • the beverage container 12 is also connected to the FOB detection unit 16 via another gas line 22' and a flow restrictor 24.
  • the flow restrictor 24 restricts the flow of gas into the FOB detection unit 16. The gas and the pressure is otherwise the same which pressurizes the beverage container 12.
  • FIG. 1 B is a perspective view of a beverage dispensing system 10' with a collapsible keg, also known as a collapsible container.
  • the collapsible keg is stored within a pressure chamber 12' and is thus not visible in the present view.
  • the functional principle is, however, similar to the previous embodiment, i.e. the present technology is equally applicable in relation to collapsible containers, i.e. polymeric containers accommodated within a pressure chamber 12' using air as pressure medium.
  • the pressure chamber 12' is pressurized via an air compressor 20'.
  • the beverage containers will collapse or compress.
  • opening the beverage tap 18 the beverage is forced from the beverage container via the beverage line 14, the FOB detection unit 16 and the beverage line 14' to the beverage tap 18.
  • the beverage line 14, the FOB detection unit 16 and the beverage line 14' are in the present embodiment enclosed within an insulating cover 27, however, this may be considered optional.
  • the other pressure line 22' is connected from the pressure chamber 12' to the FOB detection unit 16 via a flow restrictor, similar to the previous embodiment.
  • a flow restrictor similar to the previous embodiment.
  • a cleaning device 29 supplying a cleaning fluid and subsequently a flushing fluid under pressure may be connected to the beverage line 14.
  • a valve 31 is provided which is selectable between at least a beverage mode and a cleaning mode. In the beverage mode, the beverage line 14 is connected to the beverage container whereas in the cleaning mode, the beverage line 14 is connected to the cleaning device 29.
  • cleaning fluid By opening the beverage tap 18 in the cleaning mode, cleaning fluid will flow through the beverage line 14, the FOB detection unit 16, the beverage line 14 and the beverage tap 18 which thus will be cleaned.
  • flushing fluid such as water, is caused to flow through the beverage Iine14, the FOB detection unit 16, the beverage line 14 and the beverage tap 18 in order to remove any residual cleaning fluid.
  • FIG. 1 C is a perspective view of a beverage dispensing system 10" with multiple kegs.
  • a plurality of pressure chambers 12'a/b/c are connected via a respective FOB detection unit 16a/b/c to a single common beverage tap 18.
  • the beverage containers will normally not be drained exactly simultaneously in identical setups due to small variations in pressure and flow resistance. Thus, one beverage container will always empty first. When one beverage container is empty, the beverage dispensing from said container will be stopped by the associated FOB detection unit whereas the remaining containers may continue to dispense beverage as the empty beverage container is replaced.
  • FIG. 2A shows a side view of a FOB detection unit 16 during beverage dispensing.
  • the FOB detection unit comprises a lower chamber 26, a venting chamber 28 and an upper chamber 30.
  • the beverage enters at the middle part of the lower chamber 26 via a beverage container connector 32 which is connected to the beverage line (not shown) from the beverage container (not shown).
  • the lower chamber 26 is completely filled with beverage.
  • the beverage flows as indicated by the arrows through the lower chamber 26 and out via a beverage tap connector 34 located at the bottom of the lower chamber 26 to the beverage line (not shown) leading to the beverage tap (not shown).
  • the lower chamber 26 is connected to the venting chamber 28 located above the lower chamber 26 via a gas outlet 36.
  • the gas outlet 36 comprises a waterproof gas permeable membrane allowing gasses and preventing liquids passing through between the lower chamber 26 and the venting chamber 28.
  • the venting chamber comprises a venting opening 38 to the atmosphere outside the FOB detection unit 16.
  • the lower chamber 26 further comprises a spherical float body 40. As the lower chamber is completely filled with beverage, the float body 40 is located adjacent the gas outlet 36 and spaced apart from the beverage tap connector 34.
  • the lower chamber 26 comprises a seat 42 for accommodating the float body 40 in the present state while allowing beverage to flow unhindered between the beverage container connector 32 and the beverage tap connector 34 and allowing access to the gas outlet 36.
  • the venting chamber 28 is separated from the upper chamber 30 by a flexible pressure sensitive member 44.
  • the pressure sensitive member 44 as well as the upper part of the gas outlet 36 are preferably made of rubber.
  • the area of the pressure sensitive member 44 is larger than the flow area of the gas outlet 36.
  • the upper chamber 30 is connected to the gas supply (not shown) of the beverage dispensing system via a gas supply connector 46 and a flow restrictor 24 for receiving pressurizing gas as shown by the arrow.
  • the upper chamber 30 and the lower chamber 26 have the same pressure being equal to the beverage container pressure, whereas the venting chamber has atmospheric pressure.
  • the resulting pressure force on the pressure sensitive member 44 will thus be directed towards the gas outlet 36 as the area of the gas outlet 36 is smaller than the area of the pressure sensitive member 44, thereby causing the pressure sensitive member to close off the gas outlet 36 preventing any fluid from passing between the lower chamber 26 and the venting chamber 28.
  • the pressure sensitive member 44 further comprises a flange 48 cooperating with a corresponding flange 50 of the gas outlet 36 for sealing off the gas outlet 36.
  • FIG. 2B shows a side view of a FOB detection unit 16 when the beverage container (not shown) is empty.
  • gas and foam will enter the beverage line and flow into the lower chamber 26 via the beverage container connector 32.
  • the float body 40 being lighter than the beverage but heavier than the gas, will move downwards to the beverage tap connector 34 and seal off the beverage tap connector 34 at a sealing ring 52.
  • the beverage dispensing will thus be interrupted before the gas and foam enters the tap (not shown).
  • FIG. 2C shows a side view of a FOB detection unit 16 when the beverage container (not shown) is disconnected. Consequently, also the gas supply (not shows) is disconnected. The result is that the complete FOB detection unit 16 is de-pressurized, i.e. the lower chamber 26, the venting chamber 28 and the upper chamber 30 all assume atmospheric pressure.
  • FIG. 2D is a side view of a FOB detection unit when a new beverage container (not shown) has been connected. After the new beverage container (not shown) has been connected, the gas supply (not shown) is re-connected to the beverage container (not shown) and to the upper chamber 30 of the FOB detection unit 16 at the same time. The pressure increases immediately in the lower chamber 26 to the pressure of the beverage container (not shown); however, the pressure in the upper chamber 30 increases much slower due to the flow restrictor 24.
  • the resulting pressure force from the lower chamber 26 onto the pressure sensitive member 44 will thus exceed the counterforce resulting from the pressure within the upper chamber 30 and thus the pressure sensitive member 44 will move upwards in the direction of the upper chamber 30 as shown by the arrow and gaseous communication is established between the lower chamber 26 and the venting opening 38 via the venting chamber 28.
  • the gas and foam present in the lower chamber 26 will thus automatically escape without any interaction by the user through the gas outlet 36 into the venting chamber 28 and thru the venting opening 38 to the atmosphere as shown by the arrow.
  • the beverage will enter the lower chamber 26 via the beverage container connector 32 and the float body 36 will rise towards the seat 42 enabling fluid communication through the beverage tap connector 34.
  • FIG. 2E is a side view of a FOB detection unit 16 at the end of the venting.
  • the beverage is hindered by the waterproof gas permeable membrane at the gas outlet 36. Consequently, the pressure in the venting chamber 28 sinks towards atmospheric pressure while the pressure in the upper chamber 30 continues to rise towards the beverage container pressure. This generates a resulting pressure force on the pressure sensitive member 44 in the direction towards the lower chamber 26 as shown by the arrow and consequently the gas outlet 36 will be sealed off.
  • FIG. 2F shows a side view of a FOB detection unit 16 during beverage dispensing. The steady state is resumed and the situation is identical to FIG. 2A
  • FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of an alternative FOB detection unit 1 16 when open.
  • the working principle of the present embodiment is identical to the previous embodiment, except that the present float body 140 has a non-spherical shape, i.e. a cross shape. This shape allows the float body 140 to move in the vertical direction only, and thus prevents any rotational movement of the float body 140.
  • the reference numeral in the present embodiment referring to parts which are identical to or serve the same purpose as the corresponding part of the previous embodiment has been given the same reference numeral with the addition of 100.
  • FIG. 3B shows a side view of an alternative FOB detection unit 1 16 when open.
  • the float body 140 comprises an RF transmitter 154 and the beverage tap connector comprises an RF receiver.
  • the RF receiver 156 will not detect the RF transmitter and will send a corresponding signal to the user indicating that the beverage dispensing system is ready for use.
  • FIG. 4A shows a perspective view of an alternative FOB detection unit 1 16 when closed.
  • FIG. 4B shows a side view of an alternative FOB detection unit 1 16 when closed.
  • the RF receiver 156 will detect the RF transmitter and will send a corresponding signal to the user indicating that the beverage container is empty and needs to be exchanged before the beverage dispensing system is ready for use.
  • other electronic means may be used for detecting the position of the float body 140, such as magnets, proximity detectors, optical detectors or just a simple permanent magnet and reed-relay.
  • the sender may be located on the top of the float body and the receiver may be located at the gas outlet, or a combination of the above.

Landscapes

  • Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une unité de détection de mousse de bière (16) comprenant une chambre inférieure (26) ayant un raccord de robinet de boisson (34), une sortie de gaz (36) non perméable aux liquides et perméable aux gaz et un corps de flotteur (40) mobile entre une position de distribution de boisson et une position de non-distribution de boisson. L'unité de détection de mousse de bière (16) comprend en outre une chambre d'aération (28) raccordée à la sortie de gaz (36) et à l'atmosphère, et une chambre supérieure (30) ayant un raccord d'alimentation en gaz (46) comprenant un réducteur de débit (24). La chambre supérieure (30) est séparée de la chambre d'aération (28) par le biais d'un élément sensible à la pression (44). L'élément sensible à la pression (44) définit une position fermée lorsque la force de pression résultante agissant depuis la chambre supérieure dépasse la force de pression résultante agissant depuis la chambre d'aération (28) et la chambre inférieure (26) et une position ouverte lorsque la force de pression résultante agissant depuis la chambre d'aération (28) et la chambre inférieure (26) dépasse la force de pression résultante agissant depuis la chambre supérieure (30).
PCT/EP2016/075678 2015-10-26 2016-10-25 Unité de détection de mousse de bière pour un système de distribution de boisson, système de distribution de boisson comprenant une unité de détection de mousse de bière et procédé de distribution de boisson par fourniture d'un système de distribution de boisson comprenant une unité de détection de mousse de bière WO2017072114A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP15191454.6 2015-10-26
EP15191454 2015-10-26

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2017072114A1 true WO2017072114A1 (fr) 2017-05-04

Family

ID=54427553

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2016/075678 WO2017072114A1 (fr) 2015-10-26 2016-10-25 Unité de détection de mousse de bière pour un système de distribution de boisson, système de distribution de boisson comprenant une unité de détection de mousse de bière et procédé de distribution de boisson par fourniture d'un système de distribution de boisson comprenant une unité de détection de mousse de bière

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2017072114A1 (fr)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2565299A (en) * 2017-08-07 2019-02-13 Universal Dispense Systems Ltd Foam on beer (FOB) detector
WO2019077057A1 (fr) 2017-10-19 2019-04-25 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Système de distribution de boissons comprenant une pluralité de chambres de pression
WO2019081720A1 (fr) * 2017-10-27 2019-05-02 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Unité de nettoyage permettant de fournir un liquide de nettoyage à un système de distribution de boisson
EP3771686A3 (fr) * 2019-07-30 2021-04-14 Universal Dispense Systems Limited Détecteur de mousse à bière (mab)
JP2021075291A (ja) * 2019-11-06 2021-05-20 剛 柴本 飲料送出装置
WO2024088703A1 (fr) * 2022-10-27 2024-05-02 Kenneth Simpson Detecteur de mousse sur un fluide

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2236180A (en) 1989-08-15 1991-03-27 Bass Plc Detection of bubbles in flowing liquids
WO1997042123A1 (fr) * 1996-05-03 1997-11-13 Seamus Conor Dunne Detecteur de mousse permettant un nettoyage ameliore
GB2431146A (en) 2005-10-11 2007-04-18 Qualflow Systems Ltd Single actuator automated fob detector for beverage dispensing systems
WO2009024147A2 (fr) 2007-08-20 2009-02-26 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Module pour système de distribution de boisson modulaire
WO2009074689A2 (fr) * 2007-12-12 2009-06-18 Frank Hartmann Dispositif de commande d'écoulement
GB2471306A (en) * 2009-06-24 2010-12-29 Universal Dispense Systems Ltd Dual chamber foam on beer detector
EP2711609A1 (fr) 2011-05-19 2014-03-26 Nitto Denko Corporation Structure de ventilation

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2236180A (en) 1989-08-15 1991-03-27 Bass Plc Detection of bubbles in flowing liquids
WO1997042123A1 (fr) * 1996-05-03 1997-11-13 Seamus Conor Dunne Detecteur de mousse permettant un nettoyage ameliore
GB2431146A (en) 2005-10-11 2007-04-18 Qualflow Systems Ltd Single actuator automated fob detector for beverage dispensing systems
WO2009024147A2 (fr) 2007-08-20 2009-02-26 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Module pour système de distribution de boisson modulaire
WO2009074689A2 (fr) * 2007-12-12 2009-06-18 Frank Hartmann Dispositif de commande d'écoulement
GB2471306A (en) * 2009-06-24 2010-12-29 Universal Dispense Systems Ltd Dual chamber foam on beer detector
EP2711609A1 (fr) 2011-05-19 2014-03-26 Nitto Denko Corporation Structure de ventilation

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2565299B (en) * 2017-08-07 2022-05-11 Universal Dispense Systems Ltd Foam on beer (FOB) detector
EP3441355A1 (fr) * 2017-08-07 2019-02-13 Universal Dispense Systems Limited Détecteur de mousse à bière (porte-clés)
GB2565299A (en) * 2017-08-07 2019-02-13 Universal Dispense Systems Ltd Foam on beer (FOB) detector
WO2019077057A1 (fr) 2017-10-19 2019-04-25 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Système de distribution de boissons comprenant une pluralité de chambres de pression
US11407631B2 (en) 2017-10-27 2022-08-09 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Cleaning unit for supplying a cleaning liquid to a beverage dispensing system
CN111278764A (zh) * 2017-10-27 2020-06-12 嘉士伯酿酒有限公司 用于向饮料分配系统供应清洗液的清洗单元
EP3998227A1 (fr) * 2017-10-27 2022-05-18 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Unité de nettoyage destinée à fournir un liquide de nettoyage à un système de distribution de boissons
WO2019081720A1 (fr) * 2017-10-27 2019-05-02 Carlsberg Breweries A/S Unité de nettoyage permettant de fournir un liquide de nettoyage à un système de distribution de boisson
CN111278764B (zh) * 2017-10-27 2022-08-16 嘉士伯酿酒有限公司 用于向饮料分配系统供应清洗液的清洗单元
EP3771686A3 (fr) * 2019-07-30 2021-04-14 Universal Dispense Systems Limited Détecteur de mousse à bière (mab)
GB2586038B (en) * 2019-07-30 2023-09-27 Universal Dispense Systems Ltd Foam on beer (FOB) detector
JP2021075291A (ja) * 2019-11-06 2021-05-20 剛 柴本 飲料送出装置
JP7412962B2 (ja) 2019-11-06 2024-01-15 剛 柴本 飲料送出装置
WO2024088703A1 (fr) * 2022-10-27 2024-05-02 Kenneth Simpson Detecteur de mousse sur un fluide

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2017072114A1 (fr) Unité de détection de mousse de bière pour un système de distribution de boisson, système de distribution de boisson comprenant une unité de détection de mousse de bière et procédé de distribution de boisson par fourniture d'un système de distribution de boisson comprenant une unité de détection de mousse de bière
US9266708B2 (en) Method of dispensing carbonated beverage, a beverage dispensing system and a collapsible container
CN109071197B (zh) 产生基本上不起泡充气饮料和起泡充气饮料的混合系统和方法
DK2001790T3 (en) BEVERAGE CONTAINER AND COLLECTION OF SUCH A CONTAINER AND A DRAFT DEVICE
KR20010023693A (ko) 맥주와 다른 탄산음료를 저장 및 분배하는 조립체
KR102375729B1 (ko) 음료 공급 장치
KR102460202B1 (ko) 워터 서버
EP2162385B1 (fr) Fermeture pour conteneur de boisson et procédé pour fermer une ouverture d'un conteneur
EP2370343A1 (fr) Procédé et dispositif de détection du mode de fonctionnement d'un système de distribution de boisson
US11613455B1 (en) Automated venting of gas/foam from foam on beer detector for carbonated beverages
EP3162757B1 (fr) Agencement de détection de mousse comprenant un boîtier isolant pour une unité de détection de mousse et procédé d'isolation et de refroidissement de ladite unité
EP0922175A1 (fr) Appareil reduisant la mousse de la biere
WO1994025393A1 (fr) Soupape d'arret automatique
WO2021132670A1 (fr) Tête de distribution et système d'alimentation en boisson
US6209567B1 (en) Foam trap for beer or other gas propelled liquid dispensing systems
EP2623455A1 (fr) Procédé de distribution de boisson carbonisée
KR101908999B1 (ko) 거품 터짐 방지 및 세척 기능이 통합된 커플러
US11926518B1 (en) Shutoff valve system for dispensing a beverage
US968898A (en) Apparatus for filling bottles with aerated liquids and beverages.
WO2020246604A1 (fr) Système de distribution de boisson et procédé de notification d'épuisement de boisson
JP7522410B2 (ja) 液体供給システム、及び液体損失低減方法
KR101879203B1 (ko) 맥주 거품 방지 장치
IES69322B2 (en) Fob detector with improved cleaning facility
GB2429704A (en) Spear valve fitting for a keg
KR20210093317A (ko) 음료 서버의 세정 장치

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 16787815

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 16787815

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1