WO2007028390A1

WO2007028390A1 - Device for automatic regulation of flow

Info

Publication number: WO2007028390A1
Application number: PCT/DK2006/000491
Authority: WO
Inventors: Benny Dahl; Morten Larsen
Original assignee: Micro Matic A/S
Priority date: 2005-09-07
Filing date: 2006-09-05
Publication date: 2007-03-15

Abstract

The present invention concerns a device (1) for regulating an outlet flow rate of a beverage in a beverage dispensing system. The device (1) is adapted for continual automatic adjustment of the outlet flow rate to a predetermined value irrespective of variations in an inlet flow rate of the beverage . The invention further concerns a system for dispensing beverage.

Description

DEVICE FOR AUTOMATIC REGULATION OF FLOW

Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a device for automatically regulating an outlet flow rate of a liquid, such as a beverage in a beverage dispensing system and a system for dispensing beverage. Background of the Invention

A large number of systems and devices are known within the field of beverage dispensing. Typically, the beverage is stored in a container, such as a beer keg, which during use is connected to a dispensing system. The beverage flows from the container through a dispensing line, which is typically fastened at some sort of tapping cock where the beverage is dispensed. The flow of beverage may for instance be achieved by a higher than atmos- pheric pressure inside the container forcing beer into the dispensing line, or a higher than atmospheric pressure affecting the container from the outside, thereby "squeezing" the container and forcing beverage into the dispensing line. During use of the dispensing system, pressure is usually continuously applied to either the inside or the outside of the container. Hence, most dispensing systems require a pressure source for functioning.

When operating beverage dispensing systems it is of critical importance to achieve the correct flow of beverage from the system. An improper flow of beverage may result in any number of well-known problems, such as unwanted foam-formation, uncontrollable dispensing, too slow or fast dispensing or the like. An important part of the flow is the flow rate, i.e. the rate, measured as volume/time, at which beverage is dispensed from the system. A too fast flow rate will typically result in excessive foam-formation and difficulties in handling the dispensing, while a too slow flow rate will typically result in none or too little foam and unnecessarily long dispensing times .

One way in which to control the flow of beverage from a dispensing system, is by adjusting the pressure applied to either the beverage in the container or the container itself. This obviously requires a pressure source as well as means for adjusting the pressure generated. Some disadvantages are experienced with this method. Firstly, it may not always be convenient or pos- sible to have a pressure source connected to the dispensing system. Pressure sources are typically in the form of large gas cylinders, which can be both troublesome and dangerous to handle and store. Secondly, adjusting the flow by adjusting the pressure is no easy task and often requires the experience of a skilled person. Furthermore, improper regulation of the pressure will typically result in uncontrollable dispensing and such a mistake may not be easily reversible.

Furthermore, the temperature of the beverage con- tained in the beverage container may vary over time, which also provide varying pressures in the beverage container over time. This may also result in uncontrollable dispensing in the prior art.

In order to avoid some of the disadvantages associ- ated with using an adjustable pressure source, systems with a non-adjustable pressure supply or entirely without a continuous pressure supply may be employed. Such systems require other means for adjusting the flow of beverage. One way to control the flow of beverage is by manu- ally and mechanically regulating the flow. Typically, a regulator, often in the form of a screw, which regulates the flow area through which beverage flows, is fitted on the dispensing system. This regulator may then be operated by the user of the system in order to achieve the proper flow. As will be well-known to anyone having regularly operated a beverage dispensing system or seen one in operation, it can be quite difficult to correctly ad- just the flow by use of such a regulator. Even tiny adjustments can result in large variations in flow, and a slightly wrong setting of the regulator can easily cause excessive foam-formation or an improper flow rate. Fur- thermore, emptying of a beverage container with a constant volume without simultaneous application of pressure will result in a continuous decline in the pressure inside the container. It is thus necessary to continuously adjust the regulator in order to constantly achieve proper flow. Such continuous manual adjustment is troublesome and will unavoidably result in mistakes. A similar problem arises when using a flexible container inside a pressure chamber without a continuous supply of pressure . As is apparent from the above disadvantages of the known techniques, there is a need for a novel device for regulation of beverage flow which remedies some or all of the disadvantages.

More specifically, there is a need for a device for regulation of beverage flow, which does not rely on or require a continuous supply of pressure.

There is furthermore a specific need for a device for regulating beverage flow, which is less vulnerable to erroneous handling by a user. There is also a general need for a device for regulation of beverage flow, which does not require any specific skills or extensive experience of the user.

Hence, an object of the present invention is to wholly or partly overcome the above disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. More specifically, it is an object to provide a device for regulating beverage flow, which does not require a continuous supply of pressure, is less vulnerable to erroneous handling and does not require specific skills or experience on behalf of the user in order to obtain proper flow. Summary of the Invention

The objects defined above, together with numerous other objects, advantages and features, which will become evident from the below description, are accomplished by a solution in accordance with the present invention. Thus, the present invention is new and inventive by the device being adapted for continual automatic adjustment of the outlet flow rate to a predetermined value irrespective of variations in an inlet flow rate of the beverage. The matter is that while the inlet flow rate of beverage to the device may vary over time, the outlet flow rate can continuously and automatically be adjusted to a predetermined value. Such continuous automatic adjusting is advantageous when, for instance, a steady outlet flow rate is desired and the inlet flow rate varies due to falling pressure in a beverage container connected to the device or due to alteration of the pressure adjustment.

The term flow rate is to be construed as meaning the volume per time passing a given point or section. Such a flow rate would typically be measured as cubic metres per second (m³/s) or optionally litres per minute (L/min) . Methods for measuring flow rates are well known in the art.

The term outlet flow rate is to be construed as meaning the flow rate measured at a point immediately after, i.e. downstream of, the device. When dispensing beverage, this outlet flow rate will typically be substantially the same as the flow rate of dispensing, i.e. the rate at which beverage exits the dispensing system. How- ever, as will also be discussed later, a shut-off valve may be placed at a position downstream of the device. Such valves are well known in the art of beverage dispensing and may wholly or partially shut-off the dispensing, thus regulating the flow rate of dispensing. The term inlet flow rate is to be construed as meaning the potential flow rate before, i.e. upstream, of the device. Obviously, in a closed system the inlet flow rate will always be identical to the outlet flow rate, since no beverage is lost or accumulated at the device. However, the inlet flow rate is to be construed as the flow rate potentially entering the device, i.e. the flow rate which would exit the system if the device was removed.

Typically, beverage is stored in a beverage container and dispensed through some sort of beverage supply line. The inlet flow rate can then be described as the flow rate at which beverage would exit the container, if an open bev- erage supply line was connected to the container without any further valves or devices attached.

Both in general and particularly in the field of beverage dispensing, there is a close connection between flow and pressure. Flow rate is proportional to the pres- sure difference across the distance of the flow. Thus, decreasing the pressure difference will result in a decreased flow rate. This is what would happen if a beverage supply line was coupled to a pressurized beverage container, and beverage was allowed to flow out of the container through the supply line without adding pressure to the container. The pressure inside the container would steadily decrease, thus decreasing the flow rate of beverage out of the supply line. According to the present invention, such a problem may be solved by employing a device according to the invention, which may adjust the outlet flow rate continuously and automatically.

The continual automatic adjustment of the outlet flow rate may be achieved by a continual automatic adjustment of a flow area, through which flow area beverage may flow. This is an effective and simple manner in which to adjust flow. By the term flow area is meant an area through which beverage may flow. For instance, in a cross section of a tube, the flow area would be the entire area inside the inner walls of the tube. The continual automatic adjustment of the flow area may occur in response to the inlet flow rate. Thus, a change in the inlet flow rate may cause a change in the flow area.

The flow area may be automatically increased in response to a decrease in the inlet flow rate. This is one way to compensate a decrease of the inlet flow rate.

Furthermore, the flow area may be automatically decreased in response to an increase in the inlet flow rate .

The device may be adapted for continually maintain- ing an essentially constant predetermined outlet flow rate of beverage across said device irrespective of variations in the inlet flow rate. An essentially constant outlet flow rate may be desirable e.g. when dispensing beverages from a beverage dispensing system. The term essentially constant should be perceived as meaning within a narrow range .

The device may comprise continually automatically adjustable adjustment means, which are adapted for altering a flow area, through which flow area beverage may flow. Such adjustment means could allow for convenient and effective adjustment of the outlet flow rate.

The adjustment means may be arranged in connection with spring means for allowing displacement of the adjustment means. Spring means, such as a mechanical spring, an elastic element or optionally a combination of these, is a simple and reliable way of allowing for displacement of the adjustment means.

The adjustment means may be mechanically displaced, and the flow area thereby changed, in response to the inlet flow rate. Such displacement could for instance be achieved by use of the above mentioned spring means.

The device may comprise a housing with an inner channel defining a flow area of the beverage, through which flow area beverage may flow. The device may be adapted for mechanical continual automatic adjustment of the outlet flow rate. However, an electronic system of other ways of achieving the contin- ual automatic adjustment of the outlet flow rate may also be employed.

The device may further comprise manual adjustment means for manually adjusting a flow area, through which flow area beverage may flow, such as by manually adjusting a position of an obstruction means.

The present invention is furthermore new and inventive by providing a system for dispensing beverage, said system comprising a tapping cock, a tap-housing and a beverage supply line, said beverage supply line during use being connected to a beverage container, characterized in, that the system further comprises a device according to any one of the preceding claims for continual and automatic adjustment of an outlet flow rate of the beverage to a predetermined value irrespective of variations in an inlet flow rate of the beverage.

The beverage container may have a pressure, said pressure continuously decreasing as the container is being emptied. Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention and its many advantages will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, which for the purpose of illustration show some non-limiting embodiments and in which

Fig. 1 shows a partly cross sectional view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention,

Fig. 2 shows a cross sectional view of the embodiment of Fig. 1, Figs. 3-25 show other embodiments as well as details of devices according to the invention, and

Figs. 26-28 show embodiments of spring means. All the figures are highly schematic, not necessarily to scale, and they show only parts which are neces- sary in order to elucidate the invention, other parts being omitted or merely suggested. Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention comprising an adjustment means 2 with a body 3, an inlet end 4, an outlet end 5, steer- ing means 6 and spring means 7, a housing 8 defining a channel 9, coupling means 10 at both ends of the housing 8 and manual adjustment means 11. The beverage flow when the device 1 is in use is indicated by arrows in the channel. The shown embodiment of the device 1 is for in- tegration into a beverage dispensing system by connecting a beverage line or tube to the coupling means 10 at both ends of the device 1. Hence, during use, beverage will flow through the channel 9 defined by the inner walls of the housing 8 and thus along and past the adjustment means 2. The flow area at a given section of the device 1 is thus defined by the inside walls of the housing 8 and the outside wall of the adjustment means 2.

The adjustment means 2 are shown as being essentially cone-shaped with the inlet end being widest. The adjustments means may have other designs, for instance as illustrated in the figures 3 to 25, which will be described further below. The adjustment means 2 shown in Fig. 1 comprises a conical body 3, inlet and outlet ends 4 and 5 provided with steering means 6, and spring means 7 arranged at the outlet end. The spring means 7 may be in the form of a mechanical spring and may be, as illustrated in Fig. 1, covered by an elastic material, such as rubber, in order to avoid turbulence around the spring. When beverage flows through the device 1, the adjustment means 2 is affected and pushed by the flow in the flow direction. This causes compression of the spring means 7 and displacement of the adjustment means 2 in the direction of the flow. The steering means 6, illustrated in Fig. 1 as flanges or wings, which may for instance slide in complementary grooves in the inside walls of the housing 8, are for securing a controlled axial movement of the adjustment means 2 and for avoiding that the adjust- ment means 2 starts turning around its own longitudinal axis. The exact displacement of the adjustment means 2 in response to a given flow, may be regulated both by t-he exact shape and size of the adjustment means 2, but also by the properties of the spring means 7.

The housing 8 of the preferred embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 has coupling means 10 at both ends for attaching beverage lines or tubes to the housing 8, and an inner channel 9 extending through the housing 8. The inner channel 9 has a cone shaped middle section wherein the adjustment means 2 are housed. Thus, a displacement of the conical adjustments means in the direction of the flow 2 inside the conical channel 9 will result in changes in the flow area available for the beverage. As an alternative to comprising a regular housing 8, a device 1 according to the invention, may be arranged as a part of a beverage line or tube, so that for instance adjustment means are housed inside a section of the beverage tube. Such a section of a tube could be specifically shaped for housing adjustment means 2, such as by being conical. The housing 8 may also be integrated into a beverage dispensing system, such as by being a part of the tap-housing.

In Fig. 1, manual adjustment means 11 are illus- trated as being integrated into the housing 8. The manual adjustment means 11 are located in the wall of the housing 8 and are shaped as a screw. Turning the screw will result in a displacement of the manual adjustment means 11 either further into the channel 9 or further out of the channel 9. In this manner, the manual adjustment means 11 may interact with the adjustment means 2 and alter the resting position of the adjustment means 2. Thus, the manual adjustment means 11 may for instance be used for fine-tuning of the device before or during use, and may also be used for setting a predetermined outlet flow rate of the device 1. The manual adjustment means 11 are optional and may be omitted entirely from the device 1 or may be present in some other embodiment or shape.

The different parts of the device 1 may be made of a number of different materials. Typically, plastics, such as thermoplastic materials, are used for the housing 8 as well as for most parts of the adjustment means 2. Other materials, such as rubber or metal may also form part of the device 1, such as for instance a metal spring and a rubber coating of the spring. The different parts may for instance be produced by injection moulding. Regardless of the choice of materials, it will in most cases be beneficial to avoid sharp corners or protrusions into the flow area. Such sharp corners or protrusions may cause unwanted an undesired turbulent flow inside the device, which may lead to altered flow and pressure properties of the beverage. For instance, turbulence will typically result in excessive foam-formation in carbonated beverages such as beer. Hence, some kind of smoothening of the inner parts of the device 1, will usually give the best re- suits.

In Fig. 2 is the embodiment of the device 1 shown in a sectional view. The housing 8 may preferably be made in two parts, a first part 12, which may house the adjustment means 2, and a second part 13. Preferably the two parts are separable so that inside cleaning, maintenance as well as adjustment of the device is feasible. The two parts may be assembled by a treaded connection, click action or press fitting. Also a sealing device 14, such as a sealing ring, may be arranged between the two parts. A sealing ring 15 may also be arranged in connection with the manual adjustment means 11.

The Figs. 3 to 25 show different embodiments of a device 1 according to the invention and will now be described in more detail. Fig. 3 shows a schematic view of second embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. The housing 8 houses a conical chamber 16, wherein the conical adjust- ment means 2 may be displaced axially. At the outlet end 5 a spring or resilient cone 7 is arranged. The spring or cone is influenced by the flow of the beverage, the larger the flow the smaller the area in which the beverage may flow and vice versa. This embodiment has the advantage that the shape of the adjustment means in combination with the chamber provide good flow properties for the beverage, i.e. substantially avoid turbulent flow. Furthermore, this embodiment is inexpensive to manufac- ture.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. In this embodiment the housing 8 houses an oval chamber 17, wherein an oval adjustment means 2 may be displaced axially. The operation of the device 1 of Fig. 4 functions substantially in the same way as the second embodiment shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a fourth embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. The housing 8 houses a conical chamber 16 wherein the adjustment means in the form of a ball is arranged for axial displacement. At the outlet end 5 a spring or resilient cone 7 is arranged. The spring or cone 7 is influenced by the flow of the beverage, the larger the flow the smaller the area in which the beverage may flow and vice versa. This embodiment has the advantage that the ball shape of the adjustment means in combination with the chamber provide good flow properties for the beverage around the ball. Furthermore, this embodiment is inexpensive to manufacture as well as a simple solution.

Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of a fifth embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. The housing 8 houses a conical chamber 16 wherein a bag 18, preferably made of a rubber material, is arranged as adjustment means. The opening of the bag 18 is arranged as facing the inlet end 4 of the device 1. The matter is that the beverage fills the bag, the flow of the beverage will provide for an expansion of the bag, which again provides for a smaller area around the bag. The larger the flow of beverage the larger the bag and vice versa. Fig. 7 shows the opening of the bag seen from the inlet end of the de- vice 1.

Fig. 8 shows a schematic view of a sixth embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. The housing 8 houses a conical chamber 16 wherein a resilient plate 19 is arranged. The flow of the beverage exerts a force onto the plate 19, which plate 19 then will move towards the wall of the chamber 16 as depicted via the dashed lines in Fig. 8. The larger the flow of beverage the smaller the area around the plate 19. Fig. 9 shows the plate 19 seen from the inlet end of the device 1. Fig. 10 shows a schematic view of a seventh embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. The housing 8 houses a chamber 20. At the inlet to the chamber a packing device 21 as adjustment means is arranged. In connection with the packing device 21 lips 22 are ar- ranged. The lips 22 preferably being made of an elastic material. Said lips being adapted to protrude against the flow direction, i.e. towards the inlet end 4 of the device 1. When the lips 22 come into contact with the flow of beverage, the flow will force the lips towards each other, thereby decreasing the flow area of the packing device 21.

Fig. 11 shows a schematic view of an eight embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. The housing 8 houses an oval chamber 17, wherein a rubber membrane 23 is arranged as adjustment means. When the flow of the beverage reaches the membrane 23, the membrane 23 will start to compress. The more the membrane is compressed the smaller the flow area of the chamber 17. Figs. 12-13 show schematic views of a ninth embodi- ment of the device 1 according to the invention. The housing 8 houses a conical chamber 16, wherein a conical adjustment means 2 is arranged. At each end of the coni- cal adjustment means 2 guide elements 24, 25 are provided for guiding the adjustment means in the chamber. At the outlet end 5 of the device 1 the adjustment means 2 is arranged with a spring 26. Said spring 26 extends into the adjustment means as shown in the figure. Across the outlet a pressure plate 27 is arranged. When the flow of the beverage increases the adjustment means 2 will be displaced towards the outlet end 5 of the device 1. The spring 26 will then come into contact with the pressure plate 27 whereby the flow area around the adjustment means 2 is adjusted continually as well as automatically in relation to the inlet flow of beverage. In Fig. 13 is the spring 26 shown in detail. Furthermore, a membrane 28 is arranged around the spring for avoiding beverage de- positing around the spring as well as for facilitating laminar flow.

Figs. 14-15 show a schematic view of a tenth embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. The housing 8 houses an oval chamber 17 wherein the oval ad- justment means 2 is arranged. At each end of the oval adjustment means 2 guide elements 24, 25 are provided for guiding the adjustment means in the chamber. At the outlet end 5 of the device 1 the adjustment means 2 is arranged with an element 29, which is made of an elastic material. As explained in connection with the first embodiment of the device 1 in relation to Figs. 1 and 2, a manual adjustment means 11, such as a screw, is arranged for providing a stop for the displacement of the adjustment means 2 in the chamber 17. In Fig. 15 the element 29 as well as the manual adjustment means 11 are shown in detail.

Figs. 16-17 show schematic views of an eleventh embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. The housing 8 houses a conical chamber 16, wherein substan- tially at the middle of the chamber an elastic stop 30 is arranged. The elastic stop 30 is in this embodiment designed with a middle section and three so-called spokes 32, said spokes 32 are adapted to fixate the middle section. Preferably, the spokes are made of elastic material such as rubber. The stop element 30 is shown in detail in Fig. 17. A ball 33 is attached to the elastic stop 30. When the flow of beverage increases a pressure will be exerted onto the ball whereby the elastic stop 30, due to its resiliency, will move towards the outlet end, whereby the flow area is decreased around the ball. If the flow decreases, the resiliency of the elastic stop 30 will make the ball move back towards the inlet end and thereby increasing the flow area.

Figs. 18-19 show schematic views of a twelfth embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. This

1 embodiment is substantially identical to the embodiment described in connection with Figs. 6 and 7, with the exception that a plurality of holes are arranged in the bag 18, which is shown in Fig. 19.

Fig. 20 shows a schematic view of a thirteenth embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. This embodiment is substantially identical to the embodiment described in connection with Figs. 8 and 9, with the exception that the chamber 17 is oval.

Fig. 22 shows a schematic view of a fourteenth embodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. This embodiment is substantially identical to the embodiment described in connection with Fig. 10, with the exception that the housing 8 is made of two parts, which are joined at the packaging device 21.

Figs. 23-25 show schematic views of a fifteenth em- bodiment of the device 1 according to the invention. This embodiment is substantially identical to the embodiment described in connection with Fig. 11, with the exception of that the chamber 16 is double conical.

The Figs. 26-28 show different embodiments of the spring elements or elastic/resilient elements for use in connection with the adjustment means 2. Although the invention above has been described in connection with preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be evident for a person skilled in the art that several modifications are conceivable without departing from the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A device (1) for regulating an outlet flow rate of a liquid, such as a beverage, in a beverage dispensing system, characterized by said device (1) being adapted for continual automatic adjustment of the outlet flow rate to a predetermined value irrespective of variations in an inlet flow rate of the beverage.

2. A device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the continual automatic adjustment of the outlet flow rate is achieved by a continual automatic adjustment of a flow area, through which flow area beverage may flow.

3. A device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the continual automatic adjustment of the flow area occurs in response to the inlet flow rate.

4. A device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the flow area is automatically increased in response to a decrease in the inlet flow rate.

5. A device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the flow area is automatically decreased in response to an increase in the inlet flow rate.

6. A device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said device is adapted for continually maintaining an essentially constant predetermined outlet flow rate of beverage across said device irrespective of variations in the inlet flow rate.

7. A device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said device (1) comprises continually automatically adjustable adjustment means (2), which are adapted for altering a flow area, through which flow area beverage may flow.

8. A device (1) according to claim 7, wherein the adjustment means (2) is arranged in connection with spring means (7) for allowing displacement of the adjust- ment means (2) .

9. A device (1) according to any one of claims 7-8, wherein said adjustment means (2) are mechanically dis- placed, and the flow area thereby changed, in response to the inlet flow rate.

10. A device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said device (1) comprises a housing (8) with an inner channel (9) defining a flow area of the beverage, through which flow area beverage may flow.

11. A device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said device (1) is adapted for mechanical continual automatic adjustment of the outlet flow rate.

12. A system for dispensing beverage, said system comprising a tapping cock, a tap-housing and a beverage supply line, said beverage supply line during use being connected to a beverage container, characterized in, that the system further comprises a device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims for continual and automatic adjustment of an outlet flow rate of the beverage to a predetermined value irrespective of variations in an inlet flow rate of the beverage.

13. A system according to claim 12, wherein said beverage container has a pressure, said pressure continuously decreasing as the container is being emptied.