EP2921452A1

EP2921452A1 - Apparatus and related process for supplying oxygenated beverages

Info

Publication number: EP2921452A1
Application number: EP15156663.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marco Santandrea
Original assignee: Cillichemie Italiana Srl
Current assignee: Cillichemie Italiana Srl
Priority date: 2014-03-04
Filing date: 2015-02-26
Publication date: 2015-09-23
Also published as: ITMI20140088U1

Abstract

Apparatus (1) for dispensing beverages comprising a drinking water supply circuit (201) suitable for assisting an oxygen enricher (305) configured for receiving drinking water and adding to the same an oxygen-containing fluid for enabling to form at least one oxygen-enriched beverage. Oxygen enricher (305) comprises one collecting element (308) configured for withdrawing, by a negative pressure suitable for enabling oxygen to be dissolved in water, the beverage enriched with oxygen by enricher (305) and conveying the beverage itself towards an outlet line (213). The present application further refers to a process for supplying a beverage.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to an apparatus and related process for supplying beverages. Particularly, the present invention refers to an apparatus configured for adding an oxygen-containing fluid, particularly pressurized gaseous oxygen, to a beverage entering the apparatus itself. Present invention can for example find application in the field of supplying and processing drinking water in public structures, such as for example fountains and similar drinking water dispensing points, and private structures, such as for example villas, condominiums, or enterprises. Further, the present apparatus can find application in outdoor and/or indoor dispensers both public and private; particularly, referring to such dispensers, they can be placed for example in public parks, squares, malls, office premises, and gymnasiums. Further, the apparatus can be used in the industrial field.

STATE OF THE ART

As it is known, water and oxygen are fundamental for the human life. Further, as it is already known and common in literature, the therapy of orally administering oxygen-enriched water leads to a general improvement of health, by causing a vitalizing effect, by bolstering the immunitary system and most of all by delivering beneficial effects to the digestive system and liver. The natural oxygen content normally present in drinking water at the dispensing point is normally smaller than the value recorded at the origin. The causes of this reduction are ascribed to the water pipes, the residence time in tanks and water purification plants.
In order to overcome such drawback, in recent years different types of apparatuses adapted to process and supply drinking water, capable of purifying water from the water supply system for offering the consumer a qualitatively improved water have been developed. De facto, apparatuses adapted to enrich with oxygen a predetermined quantity of water contained inside open or closed tanks are known.
Actually, several bottling enterprises use apparatuses adapted to enrich a beverage contained in a bottle by administering oxygen. The employed apparatus introduces a determined oxygen quantity inside the bottle when the latter already contains all the beverage amount; however in this way for sufficiently oxygenating the beverage, oxygen must be supplied at high pressures. The above described apparatuses are therefore provided with specific devices capable of supplying high pressure oxygen; however this substantially increases the apparatus cost and at the same time makes it dangerous due to the presence of high pressure oxygen: a highly reactive gas.
Instead, other known apparatuses do not have a good oxygenation efficiency; oxygenation efficiency means the ratio of an oxygen amount present inside the beverage after and before the treatment.
Further it is known an apparatus for enriching with oxygen drinking water entering the apparatus itself; such apparatus ensures an excellent oxygenation efficiency and is a subject matter of patent IT276937 of the same Applicant. However, despite the fact such apparatus ensures a yield typical of a bottling plant, it also has a relevant manufacturing cost which makes it less suitable for plants suitable for not great supplies in term of enriched water quantities.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to substantially overcome at least one of the disadvantages and/or limitations of the preceding solutions.
An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable of efficiently oxygenating water, or a beverage; particularly an object of the invention is to provide an apparatus and related process enabling to efficiently enrich a beverage (for example water) with oxygen by reduced operative pressures (reduced pressures of the oxygenation fluid). A further object of the invention is to provide an apparatus enabling to increase the amount of oxygen dissolved in water by suitably configuring both an enrichment reservoir and an hydraulic circuit.
Further, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus having a compact structure; particularly, an object of the invention is to provide an apparatus having a reduced size which can be therefore easily placed and used in public and private environments. Then, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for supplying beverages having a simple and economical structure.
One or more of the above discussed objects, which will be more clearly apparent during the following description, are substantially met by an apparatus and process for supplying beverages according to anyone of the following aspects and/or according to anyone of the attached claims.

SUMMARY

In a 1st aspect an apparatus (1) for supplying beverages from at least one structure (3) is provided, said structure (3) being of a type comprising one or more water supply systems or drinking water sources, such as for example a well, and at least one dispenser (319) fluidically communicating with said water supply system or source which at least one beverage can be tapped from, said apparatus (1) comprising:

a supply circuit (201) having at least a first coupling (203) operatively associated to structure (3) and hydraulically connectable to one or more water supply systems or drinking water continuous sources of structure (3) itself, said supply circuit (201) having at least a second coupling (204) also operatively associated to structure (3) and hydraulically connectable to one or more dispensers (319) of structure (3),
at least one oxygen enricher (305) active on supply circuit (201) and fluidically communicating with said first and second couplings (203; 204), said oxygen enricher (305) defining at least one mixing reservoir (206) for receiving at least drinking water and being configured for adding a fluid to drinking water from the source, said fluid having an oxygen concentration greater than oxygen concentration present in water from the source and being further configured for enabling to form and supply at least an oxygen-enriched beverage, for example water tappable from said dispenser (319), oxygen enricher (305) having at least one outlet line (213) for the oxygen-enriched beverage,
enricher (305) comprising at least one collecting element (308) hydraulically communicating with mixing reservoir (206) and outlet line (213), said collecting element (308) being configured, and destined to, withdraw- the oxygen-enriched beverage from mixing reservoir (206) and outwardly conveying it towards the outlet line (213), collecting element (308) having at least a first and a second passage sections (308a; 308b) destined to be passed through by said oxygen enriched beverage exiting the enricher, second section (308b) being placed downstream first section (308a) along the advancement direction of oxygen-enriched beverage and having a passage net section smaller than a passage net section of first section (308a).

In a 2nd aspect according to aspect 1, oxygen enricher (305) is configured for enriching drinking water from the source with at least one oxygen-containing gas.
In a 3rd aspect according to aspect 1 or 2, mixing reservoir (206) has at least a first inlet (207) fluidically communicating with first coupling (203) and suitable for enabling to introduce inside the reservoir a predetermined quantity of water from the source, mixing reservoir (206) having further at least a second inlet (208) configured for enabling to introduce inside mixing reservoir (206) a predetermined quantity of oxygen-containing gas, said mixing reservoir (206) being configured for enabling to mix the predetermined water quantity and predetermined oxygen quantity and to supply, through said collecting element (308), drinking water having an oxygen concentration greater than the oxygen concentration present in drinking water entering from mixing reservoir (206), collecting element (308) being configured to deliver the fluid exiting mixing reservoir (206) and being fluidically communicating with second coupling (204).
In a 4th aspect according to the preceding aspect, the ratio of the oxygen concentration present inside the drinking water exiting mixing reservoir (206) to oxygen concentration present inside drinking water entering mixing reservoir (206) is greater than 2, particularly greater than 4, still more particularly greater than 10.
In a 5th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, the oxygen concentration present inside drinking water exiting collecting element (308) is greater than 8 mg/l, particularly greater than 20 mg/l, still more particularly greater than 40 mg/l.
In a 6th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, said collecting element (308) is placed at an upper portion (206a) of mixing reservoir (206).
In a 7th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, said collecting element (308) extends along a prevalent development direction transversal to said first and second passage sections (308a; 308b) and has a central passage channel (308c) developing between said first and second passage sections (308a; 308b), said central passage channel (308c) having a cross-section converging along the advancement fluid direction.
In an 8th aspect according to the preceding aspect, said converging trend central passage channel (308c) has a frusto-conical shape having a diameter (D) linearly reducing advancing from said first passage section (308a) to said second passage section (308b).
In a 9th aspect according to aspect 7 or 8, the prevalent development direction of collecting element (308) is substantially vertical and parallel to a main development axis of mixing reservoir (206) under a condition of use of the latter.
In a 10th aspect according to aspect 7 or 8 or 9, under the apparatus (1) operative conditions, first passage section (308a) of collecting element (308) is placed at a height greater than the height of second section (308b).
In an 11th aspect according to aspect 7 or 8 or 9, under the apparatus (1) operative conditions, first passage section (308a) of collecting element (308) is placed at a height smaller than the height of second section (308b).
In a 12th aspect according to the preceding aspect, under the apparatus (1) operative conditions, first passage section (308a) is defined on an upper wall of mixing reservoir (206), collecting element (308) developing away from upper wall and substantially being a converging trend extension of upper portion (206a) of mixing reservoir (206).
In a 13th aspect according to anyone of aspects from 7 to 12, oxygen enricher (305) comprises a delivery pipe (370) fluidically communicating with said second passage section (308b), said delivery pipe (370) being configured for conveying the oxygen-enriched beverage towards outlet line (213).
In a 14th aspect according to the preceding aspect, delivery pipe (370) develops at least partially inside mixing reservoir (206) along a substantially vertical prevalent development direction.
In a 15th aspect according to aspect 13 or 14, delivery pipe (370) exits mixing reservoir (206) at a reservoir bottom wall.
In a 16th aspect according to aspect 13 or 14, delivery pipe (370) exits mixing reservoir (206) at reservoir lateral wall.
In a 17th aspect according to the preceding aspect, delivery pipe (370) comprises a first length (370a) developing along a substantially vertical direction, a second length (370b) developing in a substantially horizontal direction and a curvilinear trend fitting interposed between, and connecting, the first and second lengths (370a; 370b), said curvilinear trend fitting being destined to fluidically communicate said first length (370a) and second length (370b).
In an 18th aspect according to the preceding aspect, first length (370a) and curvilinear trend fitting extend inside mixing reservoir (206) and second length (370b) extends partially inside and partially outside mixing reservoir (206), said second length (370b) exiting mixing reservoir (206) at a reservoir lateral wall.
In a 19th aspect according to aspect 13, delivery pipe (370) extends completely outside mixing reservoir (206) away from reservoir upper wall.
In a 20th aspect according to preceding aspect, delivery pipe (370) develops at least partially along a substantially vertical prevalent development direction, particularly coinciding with a main development axis of mixing reservoir (206).
In a 21st aspect according to anyone of aspects from 13 to 20, delivery pipe (370) is configured for conveying the oxygen-enriched beverage towards a branching point (250) of supply circuit (201) which a recirculation branch (255) and outlet line (213) branch from.
In a 22nd aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, oxygen enricher (305) comprises at least one pressurized gas source (350) fluidically communicating with mixing reservoir (206) and configured for delivering pressurized fluid of oxygen enricher (305) to mixing reservoir (206).
In a 23rd aspect according to the preceding aspect, pressurized gas source (350) comprises at least one tank (312), preferably of oxygen, and/or at least one compressor (317).
In a 24th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, oxygen enricher (305) comprises at least one injecting pipe (306) fluidically communicating with said first inlet (207) and configured for introducing inside the mixing reservoir (206) a predetermined quantity of water from source, said injecting pipe (306) developing at least partially inside the mixing reservoir (206).
In a 25th aspect according to the preceding aspect, said injecting pipe (306) develops completely inside mixing reservoir (206).
In a 26th aspect according to the preceding aspect, said injecting pipe (306) has a plurality of points (346) for supplying water from the source inside said mixing reservoir (206).
In a 27th aspect according to the preceding aspect, injecting pipe (306) has a substantially vertical development direction and said supply points (346) are placed at different heights along the vertical development of said injecting pipe (306).
In a 28th aspect according to anyone of aspects from 24 to 27, said injecting pipe (306) comprises at least one nozzle (306a).
In a 29th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, oxygen enricher (305) comprises a device (307) dispensing oxygen-containing gas, fluidically communicating with said second inlet (208).
In a 30th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, said dispensing device (307) comprises at least one bubble diffuser, particularly a microbubble diffuser (3071), said diffuser being placed inside said mixing reservoir (206).
In a 31st aspect according to the preceding aspect, said microbubble diffuser (3071) is placed inside said mixing reservoir (206) at a lower portion (206b) of mixing reservoir (206), and is configured for forming oxygen microbubbles suitable for ascending through water contained in mixing reservoir (206), dissolving in water and enriching it with oxygen.
In a 32nd aspect according to aspect 30 or 31, microbubble diffuser (3071) has at least on surface provided with a plurality of oxygen microbubble outlet hole, destined to, and under an operative conditions of apparatus 1, expelling oxygen microbubbles adapted to ascend through the water contained in mixing reservoir (206), dissolving in water and enriching it with oxygen.
In a 33rd aspect according to anyone of aspects from 29 to 32, said dispensing device (307) is placed at a bottom wall of mixing reservoir (206) and said collecting element (308) is placed at an upper wall of mixing reservoir (206) opposite to said bottom wall.
In a 34th aspect according to anyone of aspects from 30 to 33, said first passage section (308a) of collecting element (308) is placed at a height greater than one of a oxygen microbubble outlet portion from microbubble diffuser (3071).
In a 35th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, said collecting element (308) is configured for generating a hydraulic negative pressure suitable for moving the oxygen-enriched beverage and water-undissolved oxygen exiting mixing reservoir (206).
In a 36th aspect according to anyone of aspects from 7 to 35, said collecting element (308) is substantially devoid of openings at an outer shield of central passage channel (308c) in order to generate, under operative conditions of apparatus (1), a hydraulic negative pressure suitable for moving the oxygen-enriched beverage and water-undissolved oxygen exiting mixing reservoir (206).
In a 37th aspect according to anyone of aspects from 7 to 36, said collecting element (308) is substantially continuous at an outer shield of central passage channel (308c) in order to generate, under operative conditions of apparatus (1), a hydraulic negative pressure suitable to move the oxygen-enriched beverage and water-undissolved oxygen exiting mixing reservoir (206).
In a 38th aspect according to anyone of aspects from 3 to 36, said first inlet (207) of mixing reservoir (206) is placed at a lower portion (206b) of mixing reservoir (206).
In a 39th aspect according to anyone of aspects from 3 to 38, said second inlet (208) of mixing reservoir (206) is placed at a lower portion (206b) of mixing reservoir (206).
In a 40th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, pressure of fluid introduced by oxygen enricher (305) inside mixing reservoir (206) is less than 10 bar, particularly less than 7 bar, still more particularly less than 5 bar.
In a 41st aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, apparatus (1) comprises at least one cooling environment (300) configured for keeping cool water in oxygen enricher (305) and particularly having a temperature less than the temperature of drinking water entering from first coupling (203) of supply circuit (201).
In a 42nd aspect according to the preceding aspect, the ratio of temperature of drinking water entering from first coupling (203) to temperature of drinking water present inside mixing reservoir (206) is greater than 1.1.
In a 43rd aspect according to the preceding aspect, the temperature of drinking water present in mixing reservoir (206) is comprised between 2°C and 25°C, particularly comprised between 3°C and 20°C, still more particularly comprised between 4°C and 10°C.
In a 44th aspect according to anyone of aspects from 3 to 43, supply circuit (201) comprises at least one withdraw line (211) fluidically communicating the first coupling (203) with first inlet (207) of mixing reservoir (206), supply circuit (201) further comprising at least one feeding line (212) fluidically communicating the pressurized gas source (350) with second inlet (208) of mixing reservoir (206), said supply circuit (201) further comprising at least one outlet line (213) fluidically communicating the collecting element (308) from mixing reservoir (206) with second coupling (204).
In a 45th aspect according to the preceding aspect, supply circuit (201) further comprises a recirculation circuit (260) fluidically communicating with, and developing between, said element (308) collecting oxygen-enriched beverage from mixing reservoir (206) and said withdraw line (211), the recirculation circuit (260) comprises a recirculation pump (309) configured for recirculating, with the oxygen-enriched beverage, the water-undissolved oxygen.
In a 46th aspect according to the preceding aspect, supply circuit (201) comprises a branching point (250) which a recirculation branch (255) and the outlet line (213) branch from, wherein recirculation branch (255) merges with withdraw line (211) at a junction point (270) of supply circuit (201), to define the recirculation circuit (260).
In a 47th aspect according to aspect 45 or 46, recirculation circuit (260) further comprises a minimum pressure switch (302) placed upstream recirculation pump (309) along said withdraw line (211), and said apparatus (1) comprises a control unit (303) operatively connected to said minimum pressure switch (302) and recirculation pump (309), said control unit (303) being configured for reading from said minimum pressure switch (302) a pressure value relative to the drinking water pressure in said withdraw line (211) and, when said pressure value is less than a predetermined pressure value, for deactivating said recirculation pump (309).
In a 48th aspect according to the preceding aspect, under normal operative conditions of said apparatus (1), that is when drinking water pressure value measured by said minimum pressure switch (302) in withdraw line (211) is greater than a predetermined pressure value, the recirculation pump (309) has a continuous operation.
In a 49th aspect according to anyone of aspects from 3 to 48, supply circuit (201) comprises a shut-off element (304), particularly a solenoid valve, placed in outlet line (213) of supply circuit (201), said shut-off element (304) being configured for selectively operating between a closed condition and an open condition, wherein under closed condition shut-off element (304) shuts off the fluid communication between collecting element (308) from mixing reservoir (206) and second coupling (204), while under open condition shut-off element (304) enables the fluid communication between collecting element (308) from mixing reservoir (206) and second coupling (204), said control unit (303) being operatively connected to said shut-off element (304) and being configured for managing and commanding the configuration of shut-off element (304) in the open or closed condition.
In a 50th aspect according to the preceding aspect, said control unit (303) is configured for selectively commanding the operation of apparatus (1) among at least three operative conditions:

a. a first operative condition, wherein control unit (303) places shut-off element (304) in the open condition and activates recirculation pump (309) and wherein mixing reservoir (206) fluidically communicates with second coupling (204) and simultaneously recirculation circuit (260) is active,
b. a second operative condition, wherein control unit (303) places shut-off element (304) in the closed condition and activates recirculation pump (309) and wherein mixing reservoir (206) does not fluidically communicate with second coupling (204) and recirculation circuit (260) is active,
c. a third operative condition, wherein control unit (303) places shut-off element (304) in the open condition and deactivates recirculation pump (309) and wherein mixing reservoir (206) fluidically communicates with second coupling (204) and recirculation circuit (260) is deactivated.

In 51st aspect according to aspect 49 or 50, in the closed condition of shut-off element (304), collecting element (308) fluidically communicates with a recirculation branch (255) of supply circuit (201).
In a 52nd aspect according to aspect 49 or 50 or 51, control unit (303) is configured for commanding recirculation pump (309) to increase the rotation speed or active it upon shut-off element (304) is positioned in the closed condition.
In a 53rd aspect according to anyone of aspects from 45 to 52, said collecting element (308) is configured for generating a hydraulic negative pressure suitable for moving oxygen-enriched beverage and water-undissolved oxygen exiting mixing reservoir (206) and conveying them, under closed conditions of shut-off element (304), to said recirculation circuit (260).
In a 54th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, said apparatus (1) comprises, upstream mixing reservoir (206), filtration means active on supply circuit (201) and configured for filtering drinking water.
In a 55th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, said apparatus (1) comprises, upstream mixing reservoir (206), at least one reverse osmosis membrane active on supply circuit (201) and configured for reducing the drinking water salinity.
In a 56th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, said apparatus (1) comprises at least one sanitization device (321) operatively associated to second coupling (204) of supply circuit (201).
In a 57th aspect according to the preceding aspect, sanitization device (321) is of a UV-rays type.
In a 58th aspect according to anyone of the preceding aspects, said oxygen enricher (305) comprises a safety valve (315) operatively connected to mixing reservoir (206) and configured for preventing overpressures inside mixing reservoir (206), the opening of safety valve (315) being adjusted at a limit pressure value, wherein under normal operative conditions of mixing reservoir (206), that is when its inside pressure is less than said limit pressure value, safety valve (315) is in a closed position, while when pressure inside mixing reservoir (206) is greater than or equal to said limit pressure value, safety value (315) automatically switch to the open position for releasing the excessive pressure present inside mixing reservoir (206).
In a 59th aspect, it is provided a process for supplying beverages, comprising the following steps:

introducing drinking water of a source in a mixing reservoir (206),
introducing in mixing reservoir (206) a fluid having an oxygen concentration greater than oxygen concentration present in drinking water of source, the fluid introducing step the defining inside the reservoir an oxygen-enriched beverage,
supplying the oxygen-enriched beverage, present in mixing reservoir (206), to an outlet of the reservoir,

In a 60th aspect according to the preceding aspect, wherein collecting element (308) is placed inside reservoir (206) at a predetermined level, and wherein the step of withdrawing the enriched beverage by collecting element (308) is performed by introducing water and a pressurized fluid, which pass the level at which collecting element (308) is placed, oxygen-enriched beverage overflowing from collecting element level is outwardly conveyed from reservoir.
In a 61st aspect according to the preceding aspect, the step of withdrawing the enriched beverage is performed by dropping a predetermined beverage quantity passing the predetermined level, above which the collecting element (308) is placed.
In a 62nd aspect according to anyone of aspects from 59 to 61, wherein the collecting element (308) is hydraulically connected to mixing reservoir (206) and outlet line (213), collecting element (308) withdraws the oxygen-enriched beverage from mixing reservoir (206) and conveys it towards outlet line (213), collecting element (308) having at least a first and a second passage sections (308a; 308b) destined to be passed through by said oxygen-enriched beverage from apparatus, second section (308b) being placed downstream first section (308a) along the oxygen-enriched beverage advancement direction and having a passage net section smaller than a passage net section of first section (308a).
In a 63rd aspect according to anyone of aspects from 59 to 62, drinking water is introduced in mixing reservoir (206) at a level lower than a level which collecting element (308) is placed at, and particularly lower than an outlet of collecting element.
In a 64th aspect according to anyone of aspects from 59 to 63, the fluid, having an oxygen concentration greater than oxygen concentration present in drinking water of source, is introduced in mixing reservoir (206) at a level lower than a level which collecting element (308) is placed at, and particularly lower than an outlet of collecting element (308).
In a 65th aspect according to anyone of aspects from 59 to 64, wherein the step of introducing water and oxygen-enriching fluid is performed inside the reservoir at different levels of reservoir itself, particularly drinking water being introduced in reservoir at a level higher than a level at which the oxygen-enriching fluid is introduced.
In a 66th aspect according to anyone of aspects from 59 to 65, the step of introducing drinking water in mixing reservoir (206) is continuously performed by a supply circuit (201) directly connected to one or more water supply systems.
In a 67th aspect according to anyone of aspects from 59 to 66, the process provides recirculating at least a portion of the oxygen-enriched beverage exiting reservoir (206), such recirculation step provides withdrawing at least a portion of the oxygen-enriched beverage exiting reservoir (206) and mixing the latter with at least a portion of drinking water from the source before water enters mixing reservoir.
In a 68th aspect according to anyone aspects from 59 to 67, the fluid introduced in the reservoir for the oxygen enrichment comprises at least one oxygen-containing gas.
In a 69th aspect according to aspect 59 or 68, the step of supplying the oxygen-enriched beverage provides supplying the same to one or more dispensers (319) for withdrawing the beverage.
In a 70th aspect according to anyone of aspects from 59 to 69, the step of introducing fluid, having an oxygen concentration greater than the one of drinking water in reservoir is performed at a pressure less than 10 bar, particularly less than 7 bar, still more particularly less than 5 bar.
In a 71st aspect according to anyone of aspects from 59 to 70, drinking water introduced in mixing reservoir has, during the introduction step, a temperature comprised between 2°C and 25°C, particularly comprised between 3°C and 20°C, still more particularly comprised between 4°C and 10°C.
In a 72nd aspect, it is provided a process for supplying a beverage by an apparatus (1) for supplying beverages according to anyone of the aspects from 1 to 58.
In a 73rd aspect, it is provided the use of an apparatus for adding oxygen to drinking water of water supply systems, particularly destined to define beverages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments and some aspects of the invention will be described in the following with reference to the attached drawings, given in an indicative and therefore non limiting way, wherein:

Figure 1 schematically shows an apparatus for supplying oxygen-enriched beverages according to an embodiment according to the present invention;
Figure 2 schematically shows an apparatus for supplying oxygen-enriched beverages according to another embodiment according to the present invention;
Figure 3 shows the mixing reservoir of the oxygen enricher in Figures 1 and 2;
Figure 3a shows a detail of the mixing reservoir in Figure 3, illustrating the collecting element and delivery pipe;
Figure 3b shows a first variant regarding the collecting element and delivery pipe;
Figure 3c shows a second variant regarding the collecting element and delivery pipe;
Figure 4 shows a supporting structure according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Apparatus for supplying beverages

With reference to the figures, 1 generally indicates an apparatus for supplying beverages. Beverages can be supplied by at least one structure 3 which can be for example placed in public locations, as shown in Figure 4. Structure 3 is operatively connected to one or more water supply systems or continuous sources of drinking water, such as, for example, a well or waterworks.
Structure 3 comprises at least one dispenser 319 adapted to supply drinking water which has been previously enriched with oxygen by apparatus 1, as described in the following.
Dispenser 319 can receive one or more among the following types of water: natural water, water which carbon dioxide was previously added to and/or flavored water.
Referring to Figure 1, apparatus 1 comprises a supply circuit 201 having a first coupling 203 and a second coupling 204.
First coupling 203 is operatively associated to structure 3 and is hydraulically connectable to one or more water supply systems or drinking water continuous sources; in other words, first coupling 203 is the connection point of supply circuit 201 to a water supply system or another drinking water continuous source and is destined to supply drinking water entering apparatus 1.
Second coupling 204 is in turn operatively associated to structure 3 and is hydraulically connectable to one or more structure 3 dispenser 319; in other words, second coupling 204 is the end point of supply circuit 201 at which, by one or more dispensers 319, drinking water which was previously enriched with oxygen by apparatus 1 is supplied.
Further, apparatus 1 comprises an oxygen enricher 305, forming the element responsible for adding oxygen to drinking water. Oxygen enricher 305 is active on supply circuit 201 and fluidically communicates with first and second couplings 203, 204. Oxygen enricher 305 is configured for adding a pressurized fluid to drinking water from the source; particularly, the fluid added to drinking water has an oxygen concentration greater than the oxygen concentration present in water from source. Further, oxygen enricher 305 is configured for enabling to form and supply at least one oxygen-enriched beverage, for example water, which is destined to be tapped from dispenser 319. Oxygen-enriched (added) beverage means, in the present discussion, a beverage, particularly drinking water, which has been subjected to a refining and oxygen-enrichment process by the oxygen enricher 305 in order to increase the oxygen concentration of the beverage itself.
Oxygen enricher 305 comprises a mixing reservoir 206 and a pressurized fluid source 350, particularly of pressurized gas. Such pressurized fluid has an oxygen concentration greater than the oxygen concentration of water from source; for example, such fluid can be oxygen or compressed air. Pressurized gas source 350 comprises at least one tank 312, as shown in Figure 1, and/or a compressor 317, as shown in Figure 2. Preferably, tank 312 contains oxygen.
In the embodiment in Figure 1, which provides a tank 312, pressurized gas source 350 can further comprise a suitable pressure reducer 311, preferably of a type adjustable by pressure gauges, downstream tank 312, and adapted to modulate the pressure of gas destined to be introduced in oxygen enricher 305.
In the embodiment in Figure 2, which provides a compressor 317 acting as a pressurized gas source 350, compressor 317 can be provided with a filter 316 adapted to prevent, for example, the air-suspended particles, such as dust and pollens, from being processed inside compressor 317. In other words, filter 316 is adapted to prevent such air-suspended particles from reaching mixing reservoir 206. Filter 316 can be for example a fluid high efficiency filter, such as a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) type.
Fluid from pressurized fluid source 350, which is introduced inside mixing reservoir 206, can have a pressure less than 10 bar, particularly less than 7 bar, still more particularly less than 5 bar. Preferably, the pressure of fluid introduced from oxygen enricher 305 inside mixing reservoir 206 is substantially equal to 3 or 4 bar or is comprised between 3 and 4 bar.
Oxygen enricher 305 and particularly mixing reservoir 206 can be made of steel AISI 316L of suitable shape and thickness in order to sustain operative pressures which can be also substantial. However, steel AISI 316L represents just one of the materials which the outer envelope of oxygen enricher 305 can be made of; it could be made of a plurality of other materials adapted to the object, for example metal materials, composite materials, or plastic materials.
Mixing reservoir 206 represents the element of oxygen enricher 305 in which oxygen dissolves in drinking water. Mixing reservoir 206 comprises an upper portion 206a at which an upper wall is defined (upwardly defining the mixing reservoir 206), a lower portion 206b at which a bottom wall is defined (opposite to upper wall and defining at the bottom the mixing reservoir 206) and a lateral wall cooperatively defining a pressurized water containing compartment; there are also a first water inlet 207, a second oxygen inlet 208, and a collecting element 308 for promoting the mixing of water and oxygen; such element will be better described in the following.
First inlet 207 is configured for enabling to introduce inside mixing reservoir 206 a predetermined water quantity from source; to this end, first inlet 207 fluidically communicates with first coupling 203 by a withdraw line 211 of supply circuit 201. In other words, such withdraw line 211 develops from first coupling 203 to first inlet 207 of mixing reservoir 206, to define an advancement path of drinking water from first coupling 203 to mixing reservoir 206.
Withdraw line 211 can provide a non-return valve 301 having the function of preventing drinking water from first coupling 203 from reflowing.
Second inlet 208 is configured for enabling to introduce inside mixing reservoir 206 a predetermined quantity of oxygen-containing gas, from pressurized gas source 350. Second inlet 208 fluidically communicates with pressurized gas source 350 by a feeding line 212 of supply circuit 201. In other words, feeding line 212 develops from pressurized gas source 350 to second inlet 208, to define and advancement path of the pressurized gas from pressurized gas source 350 to mixing reservoir 206. Along feeding line 212, in order to prevent pressurized gas from reflowing towards pressurized gas source 350, it is provided a suitable non-return valve 313. Further, along feeding line 212, a minimum pressure switch 314 can be provided which is adapted to signal, by detecting gas pressure along feeding line 212, the depletion of gas stored inside the pressurized gas source 350. Preferably, along feeding line 212, minimum pressure switch 314 is placed upstream non-return valve 313.
Further, when pressurized gas source 350 is a pressurized gas tank 312, a pressure reducer 311 placed upstream minimum pressure switch 314 can be provided along feeding line 212.
Preferably, both first and second inlets 207, 208 are placed at a lower portion 206b of mixing reservoir 206, particularly at the bottom wall, in order to ensure a mutual mixing motion when oxygen-containing gas ascends through drinking water contained in mixing reservoir 206, such motion promoting their mutual contact and particularly the solubility of oxygen-containing gas in water.
First and second inlets 207, 208 are respectively adapted to introduce in mixing reservoir 206 a predetermined drinking water quantity from source and a predetermined oxygen-containing quantity from pressurized gas source 350.
Mixing reservoir 206 is configured for enabling to mix the predetermined water quantity and predetermined oxygen quantity, to enable, thanks to its structure and operative conditions (water temperature, pressure, water salinity) which will be described in the following, to dissolve oxygen in water.
Particularly, along first inlet 207 and inside mixing reservoir 206, oxygen enricher 305 can comprise an injecting pipe 306 configured for introducing the predetermined drinking water quantity from source inside the mixing reservoir 206. Injecting pipe 306 fluidically communicates with first inlet 207 and can be attached to mixing reservoir 206 at first inlet 207.
Preferably, injecting pipe 306 has a substantially vertical prevalent development direction and develops, at least partially, particularly completely, inside mixing reservoir 206.
Advantageously, injecting pipe 306 can comprise a plurality of water dispensing (or introducing) points 346 inside mixing reservoir 206, which can be placed at different heights along the vertical development of injecting pipe 306, as illustrated in Figure 3. The presence of a plurality of dispending points 346 placed at different heights along injecting pipe 306 optimizes the relative motion between water and oxygen inside mixing reservoir 206, to promote the mixing and therefore the solubility of oxygen in water.
Further, injecting pipe 306 can possibly comprise one or more nozzles 306a, particularly at least one nozzle 306a at one terminal portion thereof opposite to injecting pipe portion 306 placed at first inlet 207 (as shown in Figure 3).
Further, oxygen enricher 305 comprises, downstream second inlet 208 and inside mixing reservoir 206, a device 307 dispensing oxygen-containing gas. Dispensing device 307 can comprise a bubble diffuser, particularly a microbubble diffuser 3071. Microbubble diffuser 3071 is placed at a lower portion 206b of mixing reservoir 206 and is configured for forming oxygen microbubbles adapted to be intimately mixed with and/or ascend through water contained in mixing reservoir 206, dissolving in water and enriching it with oxygen. Particularly, dispensing device 307 is placed at bottom wall of mixing reservoir 206 (see Figure 1, for example).
Microbubble diffuser 3071 has at least one prevalent development surface provided with a plurality of oxygen microbubble outlet holes which, under operative conditions of apparatus 1, oxygen microbubbles (or oxygen-containing gas) adapted to ascend through water contained in mixing reservoir 206, exit from, dissolving in water and enriching it with oxygen. The holes are suitably sized to enable the selective passage of oxygen/gas microbubbles.
The oxygen enrichment process continuously occurs in mixing reservoir 206 and is performed by introducing, at lower portion 206b of mixing reservoir 206, drinking water by an injecting pipe 306 and oxygen-containing gas by the dispensing device 307. The water jet entering reservoir 206 is preferably formed by one or more suitably oriented pressurized nozzles 306a, which define one or more dispensing points 346.
Water jet (or jets) is oriented in order to generate a motion of the fluids inside mixing reservoir 206 which promotes the contact between cooled water and microbubble oxygen. Oxygen microbubbles dissolve and ascend through cool water present in mixing reservoir 206, in order to enrich it with oxygen.
Drinking water enters mixing reservoir 206 preferably with a continuous recirculation, by a recirculation circuit 260 of supply circuit 201.
As it will be fully described in the following, the water entering mixing reservoir 206 is suitable cooled water.
Further, oxygen enricher 305 can comprise a safety valve 315 operatively connected to mixing reservoir 206 and configured for operating at an overpressure formed inside mixing reservoir 206 and/or for preventing overpressures inside mixing reservoir 206. Safety valve 315 is adjusted at a limit pressure value and is configured for automatically open when the pressure inside mixing reservoir 206 is greater than or equal to the adjustment limit pressure value of the valve. In other words, safety valve 315 is configured for selectively operating between a closed position (corresponding to normal operative conditions of mixing reservoir 206) and an open position (due to the presence of an overpressure inside mixing reservoir 206). Under normal operative conditions of mixing reservoir 206, that is when the pressure inside it is less than said limit pressure value, safety valve 315 is in a closed position, while when pressure inside mixing reservoir 206 is greater than or equal to said limit pressure value, safety valve 315 automatically switches to the open position for releasing the excessive pressure formed inside mixing reservoir 206.
As previously said, mixing reservoir 206 comprises a collecting element 308 configured for, and destined to convey the oxygen-enriched beverage exiting mixing reservoir 206.
Collecting element 308 is a suitably shaped channel for withdrawing from reservoir and has a first and second passage sections 308a, 308b destined to be passed through, under operative conditions of oxygen enricher 305, by the oxygen-enriched beverage, and a central passage channel 308c developing between first and second sections 308a, 308b.
First passage section 308a (or inlet section) of collecting element 308 is placed at a height higher than an oxygen-containing gas microbubble outlet portion from microbubble diffuser 3071.
With reference to second section 308b, it is placed serially to and downstream first section 308a along enriched beverage withdraw direction and has a passage net section smaller than a passage net section of first section 308a.
Collecting element 308 develops along a prevalent development direction transversal to first and second sections 308a, 308b and parallel to a main development axis of mixing reservoir 206.
With reference to central passage channel 308c, it has a cross-section converging along the oxygen-enriched beverage advancement direction inside collecting element 308. In a preferred embodiment, central passage channel 308c has a frusto-conical shape characterized by a diameter D linearly reducing along the fluid advancement direction, in other words from first passage section 308a to second passage section 308b. For example, first section 308a can have a first diameter D1, second section 308b can have a second diameter D2 smaller than first diameter D1, and central passage channel 308c can have a diameter D linearly reducing (moving along the fluid advancement path) from first diameter D1 in order to take a value equal to second diameter D2 at second section 308b, as illustrated in Figure 3.
Collecting element 308 is preferably placed in an opposite portion of mixing reservoir 206 with respect to first and second inlets 207, 208. For example, if first and second inlets 207, 208 are placed at a lower portion 206b of mixing reservoir 206, oxygen-enriched beverage collecting element 308 is placed at the upper portion 206a of mixing reservoir 206, as exemplary illustrated in Figure 3. In an embodiment, collecting element 308 is placed at the upper wall of mixing reservoir 206.
Further, apparatus 1 comprises a control unit 303 configured for commanding and managing the operation of some components which can be installed to the supply circuit 201, as it will be described in the following.
Control unit 303 preferably comprises a programmable electronic-type control unit, capable of operating electromechanical devices which can be installed to supply circuit 201 (which will be described in the following) after a selection by the user or based on instrument indications from devices such as for examples probes or pressure switches.
Downstream collecting element 308, apparatus 1 can comprise a delivery pipe 370 adapted to convey oxygen-enriched beverage towards a branching point 250 of supply circuit 201. Delivery pipe 370 is preferably connected to or, in any event, fluidically communicates with collecting element 308 at second section 308b and develops at least partially along a substantially vertical prevalent development direction, particularly coinciding with main development axis of mixing reservoir 206.
Collecting element 308 and delivery pipe 370 can have, according to some variants, different mutual positions. The variants are illustrated in Figures 3a, 3b and 3c and have in common the position of collecting element 308 at upper portion 206a of mixing reservoir 206 and the converging trend of cross-section of central passage channel 308c along the fluid advancement direction; however they differ due to the arrangement of collecting element 308 and delivery pipe 370. For example, collecting element 308 can be placed, notwithstanding the positioning at upper portion 206a, completely inside mixing reservoir 206a (as illustrated in Figures 3a and 3c) or form a portion of the mixing reservoir 206 outer shield (as illustrated in Figure 3b) and can be oriented in different ways, as it will be described. Exemplary, Figure 3 and Figures 3a, 3b and 3c of variants of the embodiment, outline the oxygen-enriched beverage path exiting mixing reservoir 206; particularly such path is outlined at the collecting element 308 and delivery pipe 370.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3a, collecting element 308 is placed inside mixing reservoir 206 at upper portion 206a and is oriented in a substantially vertical direction, with the second section 308b placed at a height smaller than the height of first section 308a. Under operative conditions of oxygen enricher 305, water enters collecting element 308 at first section 308a, then follows a substantially downwardly advancement motion in the direction of second section 308b. Beyond second section 308b, oxygen-enriched beverage passes through delivery pipe 370, vertically placed in the embodiment in Figure 3a inside mixing reservoir 206. According to such delivery pipe 370 arrangement, oxygen-enriched beverage leaves mixing reservoir 206 at bottom wall thereof, as illustrated in Figure 3 (illustrating the same arrangement of collecting element 308 and delivery pipe 370 in Figure 3a).
Instead, Figure 3b illustrates a first variant regarding the collecting element 308 and delivery pipe 370; such first variant differs from the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3a for the position of collecting element 308 and delivery pipe 370. Collecting element 308 is placed at upper portion 206a of mixing reservoir 206 and is oriented in a substantially vertical direction, second section 308b being placed at a height higher than the height of first section 308a. According to the first variant, unlike the embodiments illustrated in Figures 3a and 3c, collecting element 308 is not placed inside mixing reservoir 206, but is substantially an extension of the upper portion 206 (at the reservoir outer shield), as illustrated in Figure 3b. In other words, first passage section 308a of collecting element 308 is defined on the upper wall of mixing reservoir 206 and collecting element 308 develops away from upper wall, in order to substantially form a converging trend extension of upper portion 206a of mixing reservoir 206.
Under operative conditions of oxygen enricher 305, water enters collecting element 308 at first section 308a, then follows a substantially upwardly advancement motion in the direction of second section 308b. Delivery pipe 370, according to the first variant, is connected to collecting element 308 at second section 308b and is placed above collecting element 308 outside mixing reservoir 206. In other words, delivery pipe 370 completely develops outside mixing reservoir 206 away from reservoir upper wall.
Therefore, oxygen-enriched beverage passes second section 308b, passes through delivery pipe 370, and leaves mixing reservoir 206 at upper portion 206a thereof.
Figure 3C illustrates a second variant regarding collecting element 308 and delivery pipe 370. Collecting element 308 is substantially placed as in the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3a; it is placed inside mixing reservoir 206 at upper portion 206a and is oriented in a substantially vertical direction, second section 308b being placed at a height smaller than the height of first section 308a. As it is visible in Figure 3c, delivery pipe 370 is connected to collecting element 308 at second section 308b, and develops for a first length 370a in a vertical direction, then has a curvilinear-shaped fitting connecting first length 370a to second length 370b of delivery pipe 370, substantially developing in a horizontal direction. First length 370 and curvilinear-shaped fitting develop inside mixing reservoir 206, while second length 370b develops partially inside and partially outside mixing reservoir 206, exiting mixing reservoir 206 at lateral wall thereof, as illustrated in Figure 3c.
In all the variants, collecting element 308 is placed so that the fluid advancement direction inside it, is defined along the central passage channel 308c from first section 308a to second section 308b.
Preferably, in all the possible variants, central passage channel 308c interposed between first and second sections 308a, 308b, has a trend converging along the fluid advancement direction inside collecting element 308; such converging central passage channel 308c (having particularly a frusto-conical shape) determines, under operative conditions of oxygen enricher 305, a hydraulic negative pressure which moves, by the suction effect caused by the negative pressure itself, the oxygen-enriched beverage and water-undissolved oxygen exiting mixing reservoir 206. In other words, hydraulic negative pressure generated by collecting element 308 promotes the collection of the oxygen-enriched beverage and the water-undissolved oxygen.
Advantageously, collecting element 308 is substantially devoid of openings at the central passage channel 308c outer shield.
The substantial absence of openings at central passage channel 308c lateral shield, optimizes the operation of collecting element 308, particularly to enable the generation of said hydraulic negative pressure. However, some openings at the central passage channel 308c lateral shield can be provided with a number and size such to not prevent the operation of collecting element 308 (in other words the generation of a negative pressure which improves the oxygen solubility in water). Preferably, collecting element 308 is substantially continuous (in other words without passage holes) at the central passage channel 308c outer shield.
As previously said, delivery pipe 370 is adapted to convey the oxygen-enriched beverage towards a branching point 250 of supply circuit 201.
An outlet line 213 and a recirculation branch 255 develop from the branching point 250 of supply circuit 201, recirculation branch 255 defining a recirculation circuit 260.
Outlet line 213 fluidically communicates the collecting element 308 with second coupling 204.
Recirculation branch 255 fluidically communicates collecting element 308 with withdraw line 211, to define a recirculation circuit 260. Particularly, recirculation branch 255 merges with the withdraw line 211 at a junction point 270 of supply circuit 201. Supply circuit 201 portion comprised between junction point 270 and first inlet 207 is in common between withdraw line 211 and recirculation circuit 260.
In other words, recirculation circuit 260 develops from branching point 250 along recirculation branch 255, and merges with the withdraw line 211 at the junction point 270.
Recirculation circuit 260 comprises a recirculation pump 309 configured for recirculating, inside the recirculation circuit 260, water partially mixed with oxygen so that, by reintroducing it in the reservoir, the water can be further mixed. Preferably, recirculation pump 309 is placed on withdraw line 211 downstream junction point 270.
Recirculation circuit 260 further comprises a minimum pressure switch 302 placed on withdraw line 211 between junction point 270 and recirculation pump 309. Minimum pressure switch 302 enables a proper operation of supply circuit 201 by detecting the presence or absence of pressurized water in withdraw line 211.
Minimum pressure switch 302 and recirculation pump 309 are operatively connected to control unit 303. Particularly, control unit 303 is configured for reading from minimum pressure switch 302 a value of the drinking water pressure in withdraw line 211 and, if such pressure value is less than a predetermined pressure value, it deactivates the recirculation pump 309. In this way, it is avoided a "dry operation", or "dry running" of the recirculation pump 309 due to the absence of system water or to a fail of the pump itself.
Preferably, under normal operation of apparatus 1, in other words when pressure value of drinking water, measured by minimum pressure switch 302 in withdraw line 211 is greater than a predetermined pressure value, recirculation pump 309 has a continuous operation; however, it is possible to provide discontinuous operation cycles of the recirculation pump 309. The continuous operation of recirculation pump 309 is adapted to continuously recirculate, by recirculation circuit 260, the oxygen-enriched beverage and undissolved oxygen, to promote the dissolution of the undissolved oxygen and to prevent the oxygen-enriched beverage from stagnating inside mixing reservoir 206.
Recirculation pump 309 is configured for processing, beside the oxygen-enriched water, also the excess of oxygen, in other words oxygen which is not dissolved in water (the undissolved bubbles). Particularly, under operative conditions of oxygen enricher 305, the oxygen excess is placed at the upper portion 206a of mixing reservoir 206 where, continuously, is collected, together with the already oxygen-enriched water, by the collecting element 308, which fluidically communicates with recirculation circuit 260. Therefore, the undissolved oxygen excess is destined to be suctioned by the recirculation pump 309, which reintroduce it by recirculation circuit 260, with drinking water, in the mixing reservoir 206 at the first inlet 207.
Apparatus 1 can provide a cooling environment 300 configured for cooling mixing reservoir 206 of oxygen enricher 305 and pipes defining the recirculation circuit 260 and consequently the water contained in it. Advantageously, the water is cooled and kept at a low temperature in order to promote the oxygen enrichment according to a chemical-physical Henry law regarding the dissolution of gases in a liquid (in the present case drinking water). Cooling environment 300 is configured for keeping water in the oxygen enricher 305 and in the pipes of recirculation circuit 260 cooled and particularly has a temperature lower than the temperature of drinking water entering the first coupling 203 of supply circuit 201.
Cooling environment 300 is configured for cooling the oxygen enricher 305 and recirculation circuit 260 pipes, but the branch comprising recirculation pump 309. For example, cooling environment 300 can comprise a basin (not illustrated) containing water or cooling liquid, oxygen enricher 305 being immersed in the basin and the recirculation circuit 260 being partially immersed in the basin (but the recirculation pump 309), and an optional cooling circuit (not illustrated) configured for keeping the basin at a low temperature.
The temperature of drinking water present inside mixing reservoir 206 can be comprised between 2°C and 25°C, particularly comprised between 3°C and 20°C, still more particularly comprised between 4°C and 10°C. Preferably, an optimal temperature for the water inside mixing reservoir 206 is substantially equal to 5°C or 6°C; such temperature ensures, in comparison with higher temperatures, a greater solubility of oxygen in water.
The oxygen amount by which water is enriched, particularly the maximum oxygen quantity which can be dissolved in water, changes as a function of parameters such as water temperature, operative apparatus temperature, gas pressures, and water salinity.
Particularly, the solubility of oxygen in water is inversely proportional to water and apparatus temperatures, inversely proportional to water salinity and directly proportional to oxygen pressure.
As water and apparatus temperatures decrease, the maximum oxygen quantity which can be dissolved in water, increases and therefore the water enrichment; however, such increase is less marked than, for example, with the addition of carbon dioxide in water.
Cooling environment 300 has therefore the function of keeping cooled the water in oxygen enricher 305 and in recirculation circuit 260 pipes and particularly at a temperature lower than the temperature of drinking water entering first coupling 203 of supply circuit 201, in order to increase the solubility of oxygen in water.
As previously discussed, the solubility of oxygen in water is inversely proportional to the water salinity; in other words, the oxygen enrichment capacity decreases in salt-reach waters. In the light of the above, it is preferred drinking water entering apparatus 1 through first coupling 203 of supply circuit 201 from continuous source had a contained salinity, preferably comprised between 50 and 1000 mg/l.
Further, the oxygen enrichment is better done by using suitably filtered drinking water, preferably having a salinity falling in said range.
If drinking water entering apparatus 1 through first coupling 203 from continuous source has an excessive salinity (for example greater than 1000 mg/l), such water salinity value can be for example reduced by making water pass through reverse osmosis membranes (not illustrated).
Drinking water is filtered by using suitable composite filters (in other words filters containing also activated carbons) removing, besides possible solid particles suspended in water, also an excess of chlorine, possible colorations and displeasing smells. The water is preferably filtered in the withdraw line 211 upstream mixing reservoir 206, particularly upstream cooling environment 300; such filtration can be performed by suitable filtration means (not illustrated), for example of the previously described type or similar.
Downstream the filtration, through a suitable hydraulic circuit, the water is cooled by the cooling environment 300 in order to increase the maximum oxygen quantity which can be dissolved in water.
Usually, the oxygen natural concentration in water is about 5.5 - 6 mg/l; by the oxygen enricher 305 and apparatus 1 according to the present invention, the oxygen concentration in water can be strongly increased. Particularly, the oxygen concentration present inside drinking water exiting mixing reservoir 206 can be greater than 8 mg/l, particularly greater than 20 mg/l, still more particularly greater than 40 mg/l. Preferably, the oxygen concentration present inside drinking water exiting mixing reservoir 206 is comprised between 20 mg/l and 60 mg/l.
Preferably, the ratio of the oxygen concentration present inside drinking water exiting mixing reservoir 206 to the oxygen concentration inside drinking water entering mixing reservoir 206 is greater than 2, particularly greater than 4, still more particularly greater than 10.
Under the ideal operative conditions of apparatus 1, in other words at a water temperature in cooling environment 300 comprised between 4°C and 10°C, at a salinity of water entering first coupling 203 comprised between 50 and 1000 mg/l, at a pressure of oxygen-containing fluid introduced in oxygen enricher 305 inside mixing reservoir 206 comprised between 3 and 5 bar, and with an continuous operation of recirculation pump 309, the Applicant has demonstrated that it is possible to obtain oxygen concentrations comprised between 20 and 60 mg/l by the oxygen enricher 305 and apparatus 1 according to the present invention.
With reference to the outlet line 213 of supply circuit 201, it can comprise a plurality of components configured for adjusting, enabling or shutting-off the oxygen-enriched beverage flow or checking some characteristics of oxygen-enriched beverage.
The outlet line 213 can comprise a flow-rate regulator or compensator 318 adapted to compensate the pressure of the oxygen-enriched beverage; which, particularly, by generating a localized load loss, determines a pressure drop of the oxygen-enriched beverage, in order to safely tap purified water from dispenser 309.
The outlet line 213 can comprise a probe 320, for example of an immersion type, provided with an oxygen sensor and configured for detecting oxygen present in oxygen-enriched beverage, particularly the oxygen concentration in the oxygen-enriched beverage. Probe 320 can be operatively connected to control unit 303; particularly control unit 303 is configured for reading a value regarding the oxygen concentration detected by probe 302 on outlet line 213. Preferably, probe 320 is placed on outlet line 213 downstream flow-rate regulator 318.
According to a preferred embodiment, outlet line 213 comprises a shut-off element 304, particularly a solenoid valve, configured for selectively operating between a closed condition and an open condition. Under the closed condition, shut-off element 304 shuts-off the fluid communication between collecting element 308 and second coupling 204, by not enabling to dispense oxygen-enriched beverage at the dispenser 319; instead under the open condition, shut-off element 304 enables the fluid communication between collecting element 308 and second coupling 204, in order to enable, on demand, to dispense the oxygen-enriched beverage at the dispenser 319.
Under the closed condition of shut-off element 304, collecting element 308 fluidically communicates with recirculation branch 255 of supply circuit 201.
Particularly, shut-off element 304 is operatively connected to control unit 303, which is configured for managing and commanding the arrangement of shut-off element 304 in the open or closed condition.
If there is no demand of purified water, shut-off element 304 is in a closed condition; its opening can be commanded by the control unit 303 following a dispensing demand by an user. For example, when an user requires to dispense enriched water by a suitable command (such as by a pushbutton which is provided at the dispenser 319), the demand is processed by control unit 304 which commands to open the shut-off element 304 in order to enable the water to flow towards dispenser 319.
Apparatus 1 can provide the recirculation of the oxygen-enriched beverage and water-undissolved oxygen both in the presence and absence of a dispensing demand as a function of operative needs.
Particularly, control unit 303 is configured for selectively commanding the operation of apparatus 1 between at least three operative conditions.
Under first operative condition, control unit 303 places shut-off element 304 in an open condition and activates the recirculation pump 309 (or monitors the activated state of recirculation pump 309 and/or increases the rotation speed); according to such operative condition, mixing reservoir 206 sends fluid towards second coupling 204 to be dispensed at dispenser 319 and the fluid recirculation is simultaneously active.
Under second operative condition, control unit 303 places shut-off element 304 in the closed condition and activates recirculation pump 309 (or checks the activated state of recirculation pump 309 and/or increases its rotation speed); according to such operative condition, mixing reservoir 206 does not fluidically communicate with second coupling 204 and fluid recirculation is active.
Referring to the third operative condition, control unit 303 places shut-off element 304 in the open condition and deactivates recirculation pump 309; according to such operative condition, mixing reservoir 206 sends fluid towards second coupling 204 to be dispensed at dispenser 319 and fluid recirculation is not active.
It is evident that, as in the case of first operative condition of apparatus 1, in other words the recirculation is simultaneous with dispensing demand, the fluid flow-rate conveyed in the recirculation circuit 260 is a fraction of the total flow-rate exiting collecting element 308; the remaining portion of the total flow-rate exiting collecting element 308 is conveyed towards outlet line 213. Instead, without a dispensing demand, in other words under second operative condition of apparatus 1, the total flow-rate exiting collecting element 308 is conveyed in recirculation circuit 260.
With reference to third operative condition of apparatus 1, the total fluid flow-rate exiting collecting element 308 is conveyed towards outlet line 213.
With reference to the way shut-off element 304 is commanded, alternatively to the preferred embodiment comprising a control unit 303 commanding the shut-off element 304, the shut-off element 304 is opened or closed independently from control unit 303; for example the shut-off element 304 can be of a mechanical type, such as a manual valve or similar.
Therefore, opening shut-off element 304 causes the oxygen-enriched water to be dispensed from dispenser 319, in this way it is caused a pressure drop on supply line 201, so that cooled water and pressurized gas enter into oxygen enricher 305 respectively at first and second inlets 207, 208.
Further, apparatus 1 can comprise at least one sanitization device 321 operatively associated to second coupling 204 of supply circuit 201. Sanitization device 321 is advantageously placed at dispenser 319 in order to sanitize and/or degerminate and/or sterilize the oxygen-enriched beverage. Particularly, sanitization device 321 is adapted to prevent bacterial loads from undesirably ascending (this phenomenon is known as back-contamination). The sterilizing effect is obtained by light radiations (for example UV radiations) adapted to damage the deoxyribonucleic acid with the formation of dimers and thymines by breaking the chemical bond between phosphates and deoxyribose, and by the hydrolysis of cytosine which kills the bacterial cells.
Preferably, sanitization device 321 is of a UV-ray type; for example, sanitization device 321 can comprise at least one UV-ray emitter, such as a diode (for example a LED) configured for emitting UV-rays, or a lamp configured for emitting UV-rays (UV lamp).
It is noted that sanitization device 321 comprising a plurality of UV-ray LED emitters and/or one or more UV lamps has a germicidal effect which opposes the bacterial proliferation at the dispenser 319 and at the surrounding areas thereof.
The use of LEDs and UV lamps is particularly advantageous because such devices have a reduced energy consumption with respect to alternative systems which can be used for reducing possible bacterial proliferations.
Sanitization device 321 is operatively connected to control unit 303 which is configured for commanding sanitization device 321, particularly for adjusting and/or activating and/or deactivating the operation thereof.

Process for dispensing beverages

Further it is an object of the present invention a process for dispensing beverages. The process provides introducing in the mixing reservoir 206 drinking water from a source, and a fluid having an oxygen concentration greater than the oxygen concentration present in the drinking water of the source; preferably, said fluid comprises at least one oxygen-containing gas. The step of introducing fluid enables to define inside the reservoir an oxygen-enriched beverage. Further, the process provides supplying the oxygen-enriched beverage to an outlet of mixing reservoir 206 and, downstream mixing reservoir 206, to one or more dispensers 319 for tapping the beverage. The beverage, in order to be supplied from mixing reservoir 206, is tapped inside the reservoir by a collecting element 308 which, as previously discussed, can be placed at the upper portion 206a of mixing reservoir 206, and has, for at least a length thereof, a section converging along the outlet direction of beverage from reservoir 206. Preferably, collecting element 308 is placed inside reservoir 206 at a predetermined level and the step of withdrawing the enriched beverage by the collecting element 308 is performed by introducing water and pressurized fluid which passes the level which the collecting element 308 is placed at. Oxygen-enriched beverage overflowing from the level of collecting element 308 is therefore conveyed outside the reservoir. Particularly, the oxygen-enriched beverage is withdrawn by dropping a predetermined beverage quantity passing the predetermined level above which the collecting element 308 is placed. Collecting element 308, being in a hydraulic connection with mixing reservoir 206 and outlet line 213, withdraws the oxygen-enriched beverage from mixing reservoir 206 and conveys it towards the outlet 213. With reference to the step of introducing drinking water in the mixing reservoir 206, it is performed at a level lower than the level which the collecting element 308 is placed at, and particularly lower than the level of the outlet of collecting element 308. So, as the drinking water, also the fluid having an oxygen concentration greater than the oxygen concentration present in drinking water, is introduced in mixing reservoir 206 at a level lower than the level which collecting element 308 is placed at, particularly lower than the level of the outlet of collecting element 308. The step of introducing drinking water and oxygen-enriching fluid occurs at different levels inside mixing reservoir 206; the drinking water can be for example introduced in the reservoir at a level higher than the level which the oxygen enrichment fluid is introduced at. Particularly, the step of introducing drinking water in mixing reservoir 206 is continuously executed by a supply circuit 201 directly connected to one or more water supply systems.
Further, the process can provide the recirculation of at least a portion of the oxygen-enriched beverage exiting reservoir 206. The recirculation provides to withdraw at least a part of the oxygen-enriched beverage exiting reservoir 206 and mixing it with at least a part of the drinking water from the source before water enters mixing reservoir 206.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The present invention enables to obtain one or more of the following advantages and to solve one or more of the problems of the prior art.
First of all, the invention provides an apparatus for dispensing oxygen-enriched beverages having a compact size and capable of being placed and used in a plurality of environments, both public and private.
The apparatus for dispensing beverages according to the invention has further an efficient layout enabling both to dispense oxygen-enriched beverages and their recirculation, alternatively or simultaneously.
The apparatus for dispensing beverages according to the present invention further ensures a good oxygenation efficiency. Further, the invention has a convenient use, is easily implementable and has a simple and economical implementation.

Claims

Apparatus (1) for supplying beverages from at least one structure (3), said structure (3) being of a type comprising one or more water supply systems or drinking water sources, such as for example a well, and at least one dispenser (319) fluidically communicating with said water supply system or source which at least one beverage is possible to tap from, said apparatus (1) comprising:
• a supply circuit (201) having at least a first coupling (203) operatively associated to the structure (3) and hydraulically connectable to one or more water supply systems or continuous drinking water sources of structure (3) itself, said supply circuit (201) having at least a second coupling (204) also operatively associated to structure (3) and hydraulically connectable to one or more dispensers (319) of structure (3),

• at least one oxygen enricher (305) active on the supply circuit (201) and fluidically communicating with said first and second couplings (203; 204), said oxygen enricher (305) defining at least one mixing reservoir (206) for receiving at least drinking water and being configured for adding a fluid to drinking water from the source, said fluid having an oxygen concentration greater than the oxygen concentration present in the water from the source and being further configured for enabling to form and supply at least one oxygen-enriched beverage, for example water, tappable from said dispenser (319), oxygen enricher (305) having at least one outlet line (213) for the oxygen-enriched beverage,
characterized in that the enricher (305) further comprises at least one collecting element (308) hydraulically connected to the mixing reservoir (206) and outlet line (213), said collecting element (308) being configured and destined for withdrawing the oxygen-enriched beverage from mixing reservoir (206) and outwardly conveying it towards the outlet line (213), the collecting element (308) having at least a first and a second passage sections (308a; 308b) destined to be passed through by said oxygen-enriched beverage exiting the enricher, second section (308b) being placed downstream first section (308a) along the advancement direction of the oxygen-enriched beverage and having a passage net section smaller than a passage net section of first section (308a).
Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said oxygen enricher (305) is configured for adding to drinking water from source at least one oxygen-containing gas,
and wherein the mixing reservoir (206) has at least a first inlet (207) fluidically communicating with first coupling (203) and suitable for enabling to introduce inside the reservoir a predetermined quantity of water from source, the mixing reservoir (206) having further at least a second inlet (208) configured for enabling to introduce inside mixing reservoir (206) a predetermined quantity of oxygen-containing gas, said mixing reservoir (206) being configured for enabling to mix the predetermined quantity of water and predetermined quantity of oxygen and supplying by said collecting element (308) drinking water having an oxygen concentration greater than oxygen concentration present in drinking water from mixing reservoir (206), the collecting element (308) being configured for conveying the fluid exiting the mixing reservoir (206) and being fluidically communicating with second coupling (204).
Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the ratio of the oxygen concentration present in drinking water exiting mixing reservoir (206) to the oxygen concentration present inside drinking water entering mixing reservoir (206) is greater than 2, particularly greater than 4, still more particularly greater than 10, particularly wherein the oxygen concentration present in drinking water exiting the collecting element (308) is greater than 8 mg/l, particularly greater than 20 mg/l, still more particularly greater than 40 mg/l.
Apparatus according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the collecting element (308) is placed at an upper portion (206a) of mixing reservoir (206).
Apparatus according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the collecting element (308) extends along a main prevalent direction transversal to said first and second passage sections (308a; 308b) and has a central passage channel (308c) developing between said first and second passage sections (308a; 308b), said central passage channel (308c) having a cross-section converging along the advancement fluid direction, particularly wherein said converging trend central passage channel (308c) has a frusto-conical shape having a diameter (D) linearly reducing advancing from said first passage section (308a) to said second passage section (308b).
Apparatus according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the oxygen enricher (305) comprises a delivery pipe (370) fluidically communicating with said second passage section (308b), said delivery pipe (370) being configured for conveying oxygen-enriched beverage towards the outlet line (213).
Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the delivery pipe (370) is configured for conveying the oxygen-enriched beverage towards a branching point (250) of supply circuit (201) which a recirculation branch (255) and the outlet line (213) branch from.
Apparatus according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the oxygen enricher (305) comprises at least one pressurized gas source (350) fluidically communicating with the mixing reservoir (206) and configured for supplying pressurized fluid of oxygen enricher (305) to mixing reservoir (206), particularly wherein the pressurized gas source (350) comprises at least one tank (312), preferably of oxygen, and/or at least one compressor (317).
Apparatus according to anyone of claims 2-8, wherein oxygen enricher (305) comprises at least one injecting pipe (306) fluidically communicating with said first inlet (207) and configured for introducing inside mixing reservoir (206) a predetermined water quantity from source, said injecting pipe (306) developing at least partially inside the mixing reservoir (206), particularly wherein said injecting pipe (306) completely develops inside mixing reservoir (206).
Apparatus according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the oxygen enricher (305) comprises a device (307) dispensing oxygen-containing gas fluidically communicating with said second inlet (208), the dispensing device (307) comprises at least one bubble diffuser, optionally a microbubble diffuser (3071), placed inside said mixing reservoir (206), particularly the microbubble diffuser (3071) is placed inside said mixing reservoir (206) at a lower portion (206b) of mixing reservoir (206) and is configured for generating oxygen microbubbles suitable for ascending through water contained in mixing reservoir (206), dissolving in water and enriching it with oxygen.
Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the dispensing device (307) is placed at a bottom wall of mixing reservoir (206) and said collecting element (308) is placed at an upper wall of the mixing reservoir (206) opposite to said bottom wall.
Apparatus according to anyone of claims 2-11, wherein the supply circuit (201) comprises at least one withdraw line (211) fluidically communicating the first coupling (203) with the first inlet (207) of the mixing reservoir (206), the supply circuit (201) further comprising at least one feeding line (212) fluidically communicating the pressurized gas source (350) with second inlet (208) of mixing reservoir (206), said supply circuit (201) further comprising at least one outlet line (213) fluidically communicating the collecting element (308) of the mixing reservoir (206) with the second coupling (204).
Apparatus according to the preceding claim, wherein the supply circuit (201) further comprises a recirculation circuit (260) fluidically communicating, and developing between, said element (308) collecting the oxygen-enriched beverage from mixing reservoir (206) and said withdraw line (211), the recirculation circuit (260) comprising a recirculation pump (309) configured for recirculating, with the oxygen-enriched beverage, the water-undissolved oxygen.
Process for supplying beverages comprising at least the following steps:
• introducing in a mixing reservoir (206) drinking water of a source,

• introducing in mixing reservoir (206) a fluid having an oxygen concentration greater than oxygen concentration present in the drinking water of the source, the fluid introducing step defining inside the reservoir an oxygen-enriched beverage,

• delivering the oxygen-enriched beverage, present in the mixing reservoir (206), to an outlet of the latter,
wherein the step of delivering the oxygen-enriched beverage comprises a step of withdrawing the beverage inside the reservoir by a collecting element (308), particularly placed at an upper portion (206a) of mixing reservoir (206) and having, at least for a length thereof, a section converging according to a direction of beverage exiting the reservoir (206).
Process according to the preceding claim, wherein the collecting element (308) is placed inside the reservoir (206) at a predetermined level, and wherein the step of withdrawing the oxygen-enriched beverage by collecting element (308) is performed by introducing water and a pressurized fluid which pass the level which collecting element (308) is placed at, the oxygen-enriched beverage overflowing from collecting element level is outwardly conveyed from reservoir.