GB2505903A - Dispensing beverage left in dispense lines using pressurised gas - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application relates to a system which enables dispense of beverage normally left in beverage dispense lines. The system includes a valve arrangement 4 positioned in an intermediate position along a beverage conduit 5 between at least one beverage storage device 1 and at least one dispenser 8. The valve arrangement comprises a first inlet (15, Fig.4) for receiving beverage from the upstream part of the conduit, a second inlet (17, Fig.4) for receiving pressurised gas and an outlet (16, Fig.4) connected to the downstream part of the conduit. The valve arrangement can act in an inactive state wherein the first outlet is in fluid communication with the outlet, and an active state wherein the second inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet. A user input device 9 is provided near the dispenser so that the state of the valve arrangement can be switched in response to a user input.

Description

DEVICE TO ALLOW THE DISPENSE OF BEVERAGE NORMALLY LEFT IN

BEVERAGE DISPENSE LINES.

Field of the Application.

The present application relates generally to a device which enables dispense of beverage normally left in beverage dispense lines. This beverage would otherwise be lost due to events such as during cleaning or sanitation procedures, or which would degrade over time becoming unsuitable for consumption.

Prior art.

Systems for dispense of beverages can be considered to consist of three main parts. Firstly a storage container or reservoir, often referred to as a keg, typically located in a storage area, cold room or cellar. Secondly a beverage transport system for conveying the beverage to a dispense location or bar, through pipes or lines.

Thirdly, a dispenser, commonly referred to as a tap, to deliver the beverage from the p±pes\lines into a container for consumption. Lines are generally taken to be flexible. In practise a system may employ a combination of both. In the present application, the term conduit is employed and may be taken to include both rigid pipework and flexible lines or hoses.

The system will typically have additional components to cool the beverage and provide insulation of the cooled beverage in the dispense lines as the beverage is conveyed to the dispenser. Installations vary but a common installation will typically position the beverage storage containers in a chilled stcrage area cr cellar.

The beverage is additionally cooled in proximity to the storage area before being transported to the dispense location. Alternative installations may provide the additional cooling of the beverage in proximity to the dispense location. Another possibility is to not use a chilled storage area but to transport the beverage from the storage container at ambient temperature before cooling the beverage in proximity to the dispense location.

Beverages are typically dispensed from the storage container by means of gas pressure which pushes the beverage out of the container and into the beverage dispense lines. The beverage containers are configured so that liguid is dispensed from the bottom of the container so the addition of pressurised gas above the level of the liquid forccs thc bovcragc out of tho containor.

Additionally pumps may be used to pump the beverage through the beverage dispense lines. Some beverages which do not use gas pressure may only use pumps to draw beer from the container to the dispense means.

As storage containers empty, gas can enter the beverage dispense line and potentially travel up the line to the dispenser. For beverages which are carbonated i.e. contain dissolved gas, this can result in loss of beer due to the formation of foam or FOB (foam on beer) when beverage is reintroduced into the dispense line. FOB is unsuitable for consumption and is therefore wasted. To stop this occurring beverage lines are typically fitted with a device to stop gas ingression into the beverage dispense lines. These devices are commonly referred to as FOB detectors and typical examples include UK patents GB1,357,953 or Porter Lancastrian, GB2,286,581 of Francisco Moreno Barbosa and US 5,564,459. They are typically configured as a liquid filled chamber that is positioned near the start of the beverage dispense lines.

Beverage enters the ohamber near the top and exits near the bottom of the fob detector. A buoyant float in the chamber rises to the top when the chamber is filled with liquid and lowers as the liquid level drops when gas is introduced. As the liquid level drops the float drops into and seals a valve of the chamber preventing further gas ingress into the beverage dispense lines. Other fob detectors are known which operate indirectly. These indirect fob detectors use a sensor to determine the position of the float in the chamber and actuate a separate valve, to control the flow of beverage when the position of the float has been detected as having fallen to a particular level. UK patent GB 2,404,651 is an example of this system.

The transport system for delivering beverage from the beverage storage container to the dispense means contains a volume of beverage liquid at any time during the dispense process. The volume of liquid incorporates the beverage resident in the beverage lines, the beverage cooler and the FOB. The transport system and dispense means require regular cleaning to remove the growth of yeasts and bacteria which can produce unsavoury and off flavours in the dispense product, making it unsuitable for consumption. During the cleaning process detergent fluids are typically flushed through the transport system and dispense means. Beverage remaining in the transport system is typically lost in this process. Additionally for beverage dispense systems which are not used regularly or have long idle periods between serving occasions, the beverage may spoil due to the long residence time in the beverage transport system. This spoilage is caused by the duration of the beverage's proximity to the bacteria and yeasts which grow in the transport system between cleaning events. This beverage product is unsuitable for sale and is disposed of.

Typical of these situations are stadia or areas used for occasional events, for example function rcoms in hotels.

In areas with more consistent usage, the beverage is constantly in motion (relatively speaking) with kegs replaced as they empty.

One system that is known to reduce wastage is a device commonly referred to as a keg simulator. This is connected in place of an existing keg and is used to provide gas into the pipes and lines. It will be understood, that as gas is employed, it is necessary to override the FOB detector (typically manually) to allow gas to ingrcss tho transport systom in ordcr to disponso any remaining beverage in the lines.

Alternative systems of saving the beverage in the beverage dispense line have used pressurised gas to reverse the flow of beverage and to push the beverage from the dispense means back into the beverage storage container US 2,016,926, US 2,098,525 and IF 980,282.

These systems have the disadvantage of reguiring a compressed gas supply to be brought to the location of the dispense means. Additionally beverage which has been resident in the beverage transport means will have higher levels of bacteria and yeast and this is reintroduced into the beverage storage means affecting its quality and the length of time it remains suitable for consumption.

Still another alternative uses a fixed volume of water (less than the volume of the beverage transport mean) introduoed into the beverage dispense line EP 1,767,489.

The disadvantage of this method is the need to use a fixed volume of water in order not to dilute the dispensed beverage. This reguires the volume of each beverage transport means to be measured. Additionally the volume of water introduced must be controlled either by metering as it is introduced or measuring prior to the introduction and using an additional storage container for it. A further problem is the requirement to have a source of pressurised water.

The present application is directed at providing a solution of the general problem of wastage in beverage dispensing and transport systems.

Summary

Accordingly a first embodiment of the present application is for an automated valve manifold located in proximity to the beverage storage end of the transport system. The valve manifold enables an operator to stop the flow of the beverage into the transport system and introduce a pressurised gas or liguid supply e.g. water, for the purpose of pushing the remaining beverage from the transport system. The valve manifold is operated by a remotely located controller which communicates with, and controls the operation of, the valve manifold. The controller may be positioned at the dispense location or other convenient location.

This functionality allows the beverage which would normally be wasted by an ex-post dispense cleaning event or period of inactivity resulting in spoilage of the beverage, to be served and sold conveniently. This limits the financial loss that would otherwise be incurred by the disposal of the beverage.

A further embodiment provides a valve manifold and controller in the same enclosure and positioned in proximity to the beverage storage end of the transport system.

Further embodiments are set out specifically in the claims, which follow. Additional embodiments, features and advantages will become apparent from the detailed description and the drawings which follow, in which: Figure 1 is an exemplary beverage dispense system incorporating a valve manifold and controller for the controlled dispense of the beverage resident in the beverage transport system.

Figure 2 is an exemplary flow chart of the valve manifold when dispensing beverage. The chart uses standard chemical engineering symbols.

Figure 3 is an exemplary flow chart of the valve manifold when activated and serving off the residual beverage in the beverage transport system.

Figure 4 is a cross sectional view of an exemplary valve manifold.

Figure 5 is an exemplary flow chart of the valve manifold using a single three way valve.

For convenience, the same reference numerals are used with like features between the figures in the drawings.

Detailed Description:

There are many potential variations, accordingly the following description is for illustrative purposes and is not to be viewed in anyway as restrictive. Thus, for example, whilst the description which follows outlines the application to an exemplary beverage dispensing system, it will be appreciated that the system components and configuration may vary depending on the approach taken to dispense the beverage. Similarly, whilst the application is described in terms cf an exemplary dispensing system ccmprising a plurality of different features and functions it will be appreciated that some of these features may be omitted or replaced and that the application is not to be construed as requiring all of the described features and functions unless stated as such.

Accordingly, the application will now be described with reference to an exemplary valve manifold 4, controller 9 and communications link 11, as part of an exemplary beverage dispense system shown in Figure 1. The beverage dispense system comprises beverage storage containers 1, located in a beverage storage area, cold room or cellar 2. The beverage transport system comprises beverage conduit 5 which may be a combination of pipes or hoses or both, FOB detectors 3 and beverage chiller 7. other components may be included as required by the application or specific installation. The beer lines\pipes may be insulated 6 in order to maintain the temperature of the beverage during its time in the transport system.

Beverage is served from the beverage dispenser 8 in a remote location or bar area 10.

The valve manifold 4 is suitably located in proximity to the beverage storage 2 end of the beverage transport system. It will be appreciated that the closer the valve manifold is located to the start of the beverage transport system, the greater the proportion of the beverage resident in the transport system that may be served when the valve manifold 4 is activated.

In a preferred configuration the valve manifold is located in the beverage transport system post the FOB detectors. The rationale for this is to ensure that gas introduced into the beverage lines post the manifold does not cause the FOB detector to activate and shut off the beverage supply. In this preferred configuration the controller 9, or at least its user interface, is located in proximity to the beverage dispenser 8, but may be located in another convenient location.

Figure 2 is an exemplary process flow chart of one beverage line in the valve manifold 4. The valve manifold 4 may control one or more beverage dispense conduits 5.

Beverage enters the valve manifold from the beverage line or pipe, through an inlet 15, passes through a beverage control valve 12 and exits through an outlet 16 into the beverage conduit 5. In the preferred embodiment the beverage control valve 12 is a "normally open" valve and allows free flow of the beverage when in the inactive or de-energised state. Pressurised fluid, suitably a gas, enters the valve manifold through an inlet 17 and passes through a gas control valve 14. In the preferred embodiment the gas control valve is a "normally closed" valve which stops the flow of gas in the inactive or de-energised state. The pressurised gas entering the valve manifold may supply one or more gas control valves 14. In addition the system may use non-return valves or check valves 18, 19 in both the beverage and gas line, post the valve position, to eliminate the back flow of gas or beverage through either of the control valves 12, 14.

The valve state, active or inactive, is set by the controller 9. The controller 9 is suitably located at a location remote from the valve manifold to protect it from the general environment found in or around a cellar.

Although, egually, it may be incorporated into the same enclosure as the valve manifold 4 or indeed a separate enclosure. The controller has an associated user input device which allows an operator to select individual beverage lines to dispense the residual beverage in the beverage transport system. This user input device may be a selection switch associated with a corresponding beverage dispense line connected to the valve manifold.

The controller may control one or more beverage dispense lines. When a beverage dispense line is selected by the user, this state is communicated to, and set on the valve manifold by communications link 11. Suitably, a digital control signal is sent from the controller directly to the valve manifold. Alternatively, rather than a single controller, the system may use direct control of each valve in the valve manifold from the user input device.

Suitably the communications link is a wired connection.

Alternatively, wireless communication between the controller and the valve manifold may be used to control the valve manifold active or inactive state.

When the valve manifold 4 is not in operation (i.e. an inactive state) beverage is free to flow through the inlet 15 to the outlet 16 of the valve manifold 4. Figure 3 exemplifies the process flow when residual beverage is to be dispensed from the beverage transport system. The valve manifold is activated (switched to an active state) by the controller 9, the beverage control valve 12 is closed and the gas control valve 14 is opened. Suitably, this is achieved by activating or energising both control valves. In this state gas is free to enter the beverage dispense lines post the valve manifold and push the residual beverage in the beverage transport system to the beverage dispense means. When all residual beverage has been dispensed gas will emerge from the dispense means and servings will be ceased by the operator.

Figure 4 is cross section view of an exemplary valve manifold showing the components controlling one beverage dispense line. The valve manifold may control one or more dispense lines. The valve manifold consists of a manifold block 26 into which pipe connections 15, 16, 17, valves 12, 14 and non return valves 18, 19 are installed.

Beverage enters the valve manifold through an inlet 15, passes through a normally open diaphragm solenoid valve 12 (beverage control valve) and exits the valve manifold through an outlet 16. Gas enters the valve manifold through an inlet 17 and is controlled by the normally closed diaphragm solenoid valve 14 (gas control valve) When the valve manifold is inactive or de-energised the beverage control valve 12 is open and the gas control valve 14 is closed. Beverage is free to flow through the manifold. When activated or energised, the beverage control valve is closed and the gas control valve is open and gas enters the beverage dispense lines to push out residual beverage to the dispense means.

The arrangement described above uses two separate valves to control the beverage and the gas flow. An alternative embodiment uses a single change over" or "three way" valve to switch between two alternative inlets 15, 17 of either beverage or gas to perform the same function as two separate valves. Figure 5 shows a process flow chart of this valve manifold embodiment. In an inactive or de-energised state beverage flows through the inlet and the "normally open" port 27 of this single valve 31 and exits the valve manifold 30 through port 28 to outlet 16. In an active or energised state the flow switches to a "normally closed" port 29 whioh thus connects the gas inlet 17 to the outlet port 28 and in turn to the outlet 16. At the same time, port 27 is disconnected from port 28. It will be appreciated that in this configuration, the controller 32 controls a single valve 31 for eaoh beverage dispense line.

The advantage of the systems described herein over prior art systems is that a user at the dispensing end, i.e. the bar, anticipating an end to reguirements can effectively switch off the supply below at the same time as allowing for remaining beverage in the lines to be dispensed. In contrast, earlier systems require the keg to be empty before it can be disconnected or alternatively waste the beer in the lines. Equally, the system allows other aspects of a beverage dispense system to continue to operate normally, including for example fob detectors. Additionally, there is no need to have a supply of pressurised water.

It will be appreciated that whilst several different embodiments have been described herein, that the features of each may be advantageously combined together in a variety of forms to achieve advantage.

In the foregoing specification, the application has been described with reference to specific examples of embodiments. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended olaims. For example, the fluid conduits, e.g. pipes and lines, may be any type of conduit suitable to transfer a fluid one looation to another.

Other modifications, variations and alternatives are also possible. The speoifications and drawings are, acoordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than in a restrictive sense.

In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim.

The word comprising' does not exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed in a claim.

Furthermore, the terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. Also, the use of introductory phrases such as "at least one" and "one or more" in the claims should not be construed to imply that

the introduction of another claim element by the

indefinite articles or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim element to inventions containing only one such element, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases ITone or more" or Tat least one'T and indefinite articles such as 25!aT or Tan. The same holds true for the use of definite articles. Unless stated otherwise, terms such as "first" and "second" are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate temporal or other prioritization of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims (11)

1. Claims 1. A beverage dispensing system comprising: at least one dispenser for dispensing beverage, at least one beverage storage device, at least one beverage conduit for the delivery of beverage from the storage device to the dispenser, a source of pressurised gas, a valve arrangement positioned in an intermediate position along the beverage conduit between the at least one storage device and the at least one dispenser, the valve arrangement comprising a first inlet for receiving beverage from an upstream part of the beverage conduit, a second inlet for receiving pressurised gas from the source of pressurised gas, and an outlet connected to the downstream part of the beverage conduit wherein the valve arrangement operates in either an active state or an inactive state, whereby in the inactive state the first inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet and whereby in the active state the second inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet, and a user input device for receiving a input from a user, wherein the system is configured to switch the state of the valve arrangement in response to the user input.
2. 2. A beverage dispensing system according to claim 1, further comprising a fob detector, wherein the fob detector is position upstream of the valve arrangement between the valve arrangement and the beverage storage device.
3. 3. A beverage dispensing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the user input device is positioned close to the at least one dispenser.
4. 4. A beverage dispensing system according to any preceding claim, wherein the valve arrangement comprises a first valve positioned between the first inlet and the outlet; a second valve positioned between the second inlet and the outlet; wherein in the inactive state the first valve is open and the second valve is closed and in the second active state the first valve is closed and the second valve is open.
5. 5. A beverage dispensing system according to claim 4, wherein a non-return valve is positioned between the seoond valve and the outlet.
6. 6. A beverage dispensing system according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein a non-return valve is positioned between the first valve and the outlet.
7. 7. A beverage dispensing system according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the valve arrangement comprises a three port valve in which a first port is connected to the first inlet and a second port is connected to the second inlet and a third port is connected to the outlet; wherein in the inactive state the first port is connected to the third port and in the active state the second port is connected to the third port.
8. 8. A beverage dispensing system according to any preceding claim, wherein there are a plurality of dispensers, each dispenser having an associated beverage storage device, and beverage conduit and each one having a valve arrangement wherein a plurality of switches are provided for in the user input device to allow a user to individually operate a valve arrangement for each dispenser.
9. 9. A beverage dispensing system according to claim 8, wherein the user input device comprises a switch positioned at each dispenser.
10. 10. A beverage dispensing system acccrding to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein a common gas source is connected to and used for each individual valve arrangement.
11. 11. A beverage dispensing system as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.