• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    The present invention relates to a dispenser for preparing and distributing a malt-based fermented beverage (MBFD) by mixing an MBFD concentrate with a carbonated diluent, said dispenser comprising a mixing chamber (2) for mixing the MBFD concentrate and the carbonated diluent, said mixing chamber being bounded by walls and being divided by a center plane, M1, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, X, in an upper part and a lower part, said mixing chamber comprising: (a) a concentrate opening (1d) located in the upper part and provided with a mounting device for mounting the container containing an MBFD concentrate; (b) a diluent opening (4d) located in the upper portion and provided with a diluent compound with a source of carbonated diluent, (c) an outlet (2d) oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis, X, and located in the lower portion, for discharging an MBFD composed of a mixture of MBFD concentrate and carbonated diluent, (d) a core (2c) defined by a core surface and mounted in the chamber, so that such a core surface with the walls of the chamber a flow route (2p) defines with a width, w measured perpendicular to the core surface, characterized in that the core is movably mounted in the chamber so that it can be translated along the longitudinal axis, X, about the width, w, of parts of the flow route.
    公开号:BE1025836B1
    申请号:E20175767
    申请日:2017-10-26
    公开日:2019-09-19
    发明作者:Daniel Peirsman；Lieven Dirx
    申请人:Anheuser Busch Inbev Sa；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    DIVIDING DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING FOAM FORMATION DIVIDING A MUT-BASED FERMENTED BEVERAGE (MBFD) PRODUCED IN SITU BY MIXING AN MBFD CONCENTRATE WITH A CARBON-LIQUID
    TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a beverage dispenser for in situ formation and distribution of a malt-based fermented beverage (MBFD) by mixing a carbonated liquid diluent with an MBFC concentrate. The foam level formed by the MBFC thus formed after distribution can be controlled very easily.
    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In recent years, home distribution devices for domestic use have become very popular. Many breweries are now producing smaller containers ranging from 1.5 to 12 liters that are easily available in stores. The reduced volumes of kegs for domestic use compared to kegs used in cafes result in a substantial increase in packaging costs per unit volume of beer.
    Furthermore, there is currently a trend for more imaginative types of beverage, with multiple beverage components or beverages being added together so that customers can create their own compositions adapted to their own taste at home. This trend also applies to fermented drinks, such as malt-based fermented drinks (MBFD), such as beers of various tastes and types.
    One way, on the one hand for reducing packaging costs per unit volume of beer and on the other hand for offering customers a large range of compositions, is to provide containers filled with MBFD concentrates that can only be used or mixed with each other and diluted with a liquid diluent. The containers may be in the form of unit doses such as a capsule or a pillow. By mixing such MBFD concentrates with a liquid
    BE2017 / 5767 diluent, a desired beverage can be created in situ and served simultaneously. The addition and mixing of the liquid diluent with the unit dose is generally performed in a dispenser.
    Examples of dispensers of this type are coffee makers, where hot water under pressure is forced to seep through a bed of coffee powder contained in such a unit dose before being served. There are similar dispensers for making tea. Other examples of such dispensers are soft drink devices, which are often used in fast food restaurants and other places where a customer can fill his glass with a soft drink of choice from a selection of soft drinks, all of which are available from the same dispenser. In such soft drink dispensers, syrups, which are concentrated versions of the intended soft drink and are contained in various bags, are mixed with carbonated water, whereby, after distribution, the intended soft drink is formed. Such soft drink dispensers are advantageous because the syrup bags have much smaller dimensions than a corresponding ready-made soft drink, and are therefore much cheaper to transport and store.
    Many brewers have tried to use the same distribution solution for fermented drinks as for soft drinks, but with very little or no success so far. One reason for these repeated failures is probably that fermented drinks are more difficult to concentrate and to store over long periods than soft drink syrups. Indeed, rapid degradation of the proteins present in beer concentrates was observed, which is not the case with soft drink syrups. Solutions have been proposed to solve the aforementioned degradation problems, such as in EP Patent Application No. 16163061.
    An example of in situ production and then distribution of an MBFD comprises mixing an MBFD concentrate contained in one or more containers to be mixed with a carbonated diluent, typically carbonated water or a carbonated base beer, characterized in that this has a rather neutral taste profile. The carbonated diluent is one
    BE2017 / 5767 liquid comprising CO2 in a concentration above saturation at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. It is generally stored or produced in situ at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, so that the CO2 is dissolved in the liquid diluent. After mixing the carbonated diluent with the MBFD concentrate in a mixing chamber, a pressure drop can cause CO2 to form foam in the mixing chamber before distribution. The amount of foam that is formed naturally depends on the CO2 concentration, temperature and pressure, but also depends on the composition of the MBFD concentrate with which the carbonated diluent is mixed. For a distribution device for distributing a range of MBFDs, it is therefore not possible to adjust the device at the factory in such a way that a desired amount of foam can be provided for all MBFD varieties. A "one size fits them all" system does not apply here.
    It would be desirable to provide a distribution device for distributing MBFD by mixing a carbonated diluent with a range of MBFD concentrates, whereby the amount of foam produced during the distribution of a load of MBFD in a container can be be fine-tuned. The present invention proposes a solution that meets such purposes. These and other objects of this invention become apparent when they are viewed with reference to the drawings, detailed description and appended claims.
    SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is defined in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims. More specifically, the present invention relates to a dispenser for preparing and distributing a malt-based fermented beverage (MBFD) by mixing an MBFD concentrate with a carbonated diluent, said dispenser comprising a mixing chamber for mixing the MBFD concentrate and the carbonated diluent, said mixing chamber being bounded by walls and being divided by a center plane, M1, perpendicular to a
    BE2017 / 5767 longitudinal axis, X, in an upper part and a lower part, said mixing chamber comprising:
    (a) a concentrate aperture located in the upper portion and provided with a mounting device for attaching the container containing an MBFD concentrate;
    (b) a diluent orifice located in the upper portion and provided with a diluent compound with a source of carbonated diluent, (c) an outlet oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis, X, and located in the lower portion, for discharging an MBFD composed of a mixture of MBFD concentrate and carbonated diluent, (d) a core defined by a core surface and mounted in the chamber, such core surface defining a flow route with the walls of the chamber having a width, w, perpendicular to the core area measured, characterized in that the core is movably mounted in the chamber so that it can be translated along the longitudinal axis, X, to control the width, w, of portions of the flow-through route.
    In order to direct the flow of MBFD concentrate from a container into the mixing chamber, it is preferable that the dispenser further comprises a gas tube that can be connected to a source of compressed gas arranged such that an outlet of said gas tube is in fluid communication comes with the inside of the container that contains the MBFD concentrate and is attached to the mounting device.
    To prevent sudden pressure drops in the flow route, it is preferable that a geometry of the core is such that at least 70% of the core surface runs substantially parallel to the walls of the chamber. In a preferred embodiment, the translation of the core along the longitudinal axis, X, to the upper portion reduces the width, w, of the portion of the flow route at a level of both concentrate opening and diluent opening. By translating the core along
    BE2017 / 5767 the longitudinal axis, X, the width, w, of the flow route can preferably be varied locally between 0.1 <w <10 mm, preferably between 0.5 <w <5 mm, more preferably 1 <w <3 mm. In some embodiments, a core surface may come into contact with a wall of the mixing chamber and, for example, close off one or more of the concentrate and / or diluent openings, and / or the outlet of the mixing chamber.
    For better control of the mixing ratio of concentrate to carbonated diluent, it is preferable that the concentrate orifice and diluent orifice are both provided with volumetric flow control units, such as volumetric pumps, or valves. The mixing of the MBFD concentrate and the carbonated diluent can be improved if the core surface and / or walls of the mixing chamber are structured with protrusions and / or recesses. Such structured surfaces also reduce the formation of a turbulent stream.
    The core can be translated along the longitudinal axis by one of the following preferred means:
    • A rack and pinion, manually or motor-driven. • A lever; or • An electric linear motor.
    Alternatively, the position of the core can be adjusted by the container when it is attached to the mounting device, depending on the concentrate composition contained in said container. For example, a portion of the core surface that faces directly to the concentrate aperture can be provided with a core coupling means adapted to be reversibly coupled to a complementary coupling means mounted on a condensate container and extending a predetermined distance from an opening of said concentrate condensate container. The predetermined distance defines the position of the core along the longitudinal axis, X, when the condensate container is attached to the mounting device and when the
    BE2017 / 5767 complementary coupling means is coupled in a reversible manner to the core coupling means at said portion of the core surface.
    The present invention relates to the distribution device per se, but also to the ready-to-use distribution device, with a container containing an MBFD concentrate attached to the mounting device, and a source of carbonated diluent, preferably carbonated water, connected to the diluent compound. If the MBFD is pressurized, a source of compressed gas, preferably CO2, can then be connected to the gas pipe.
    The present invention also relates to a method for controlling the amount of foam that is formed during the distribution of the malt-based fermented beverage (MBFD), said method comprising the following steps:
    (a) providing a distribution device as defined above;
    (b) Adjusting the core to an initial position relative to the center plane, M1, (c) Injecting MBFD concentrate and a carbonated diluent in a predetermined volume ratio in the mixing chamber; and dividing the MBFD thus formed from the outlet into a container;
    (d) Determining the level of the foam formed in the MBFD present in the container, (e) If the level of the foam does not correspond to a desired level, translating the core along the longitudinal direction, X, and (f) Repeating steps (a) to (d) until the desired foam level is obtained.
    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
    BE2017 / 5767 For a more complete understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description in combination with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
    Figure 1 shows a front view and a side view of distribution devices according to the present invention.
    Figure 2 shows a mixing chamber according to the present invention with the core in three different positions.
    Figure 3 shows an alternative mixing chamber according to the present invention with the core in three different positions.
    Figure 4 shows the saturation concentration of CO 2 in water and ethanol (EtOH) depending on the pressure at a temperature of 298 ° K.
    Figure 5 (a) shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a mixing chamber according to the present invention and (b) to (d) shows alternative mixing chamber designs according to the present invention.
    Figure 6 shows various embodiments of a translating mechanism for translating the core along the longitudinal axis.
    Figure 7 shows an embodiment for controlling the position of the core as a function of the composition of the concentrate that is loaded into the distribution device.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As shown in Figure 1, a dispenser according to the present invention is used as follows. A container (1) contains a concentrate of a malt-based fermented beverage (MBFD) and is in fluid communication with a mixing chamber (2). A source (4) of carbonated diluent is in fluid communication with the same mixing chamber. After mixing the MBFD concentrate with the carbonated beverage, the MBFD thus produced is passed from the outlet (2d) of the mixing chamber through a distribution tube (5) into a container (10), which can be a glass or a jar. The essence of the present invention relates more particularly to the mixing chamber (2) for mixing the MBFD concentrate and the carbonated
    BE2017 / 5767 diluent. The mixing chamber is defined by walls and is divided by a center plane, M1, perpendicular to a longitudinal axis, X, in an upper portion and a lower portion: The mixing chamber further comprises:
    (a) a concentrate aperture (1d) located in the upper portion and provided with a mounting device for attaching the container containing an MBFD concentrate;
    (b) a diluent orifice (4d) located in the upper portion and provided with a diluent compound for connection to a source of carbonated diluent, (c) an outlet (2d) oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis, X, and located in the lower part, for discharging an MBFD composed of a mixture of MBFD concentrate and carbonated diluent, (d) a core (2c) defined by a core surface and mounted in the chamber such that such a core surface with the walls of the chamber defines a flow route (2p) with a width, w, measured perpendicular to the core surface, As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the core is movably mounted in the chamber so that it can be translated along the longitudinal axis , X, to control the width, w, of sections of the flow route. Figures 2 and 3 show the widths of the flow route at different positions and with different configurations of the core. Three different positions of the core relative to the median plane M1 are shown in Figures 2 and 3: (a) a centered position, wim, (b) an upper position, wiu, and (c) a lower position, wid, with i = 1 or 2 where i = 1 indicates a part of the flow route located at the upper part and, i = 2 indicates a part of the flow route located at the lower part. The corresponding pressures Pij, with i = 1 or 2, and j = m, u, or d, as defined above with respect to the widths, are also indicated in the Figures.
    When a single container (1) containing an MBFD concentrate is illustrated in Figure 1, more than one container can be used, each containing different
    BE2017 / 5767 components in a concentrated form. One container can also comprise several chambers, each containing corresponding concentrated components. The present invention is not limited to the number and shape of the containers. The MBFD concentrate is in liquid form (or paste) so that it can flow into the mixing chamber from the container under pressure. The MBFD concentrate can comprise solid particles, but they must be in suspension in a liquid medium. A container can contain an amount of MBFD concentrate that is sufficient for a single dispensing operation in a glass (single-dose container) or, alternatively, an amount of MBFD concentrate that is sufficient for multiple dispensing operations (= container with multiple doses). The latter is more economical in terms of packaging costs per unit volume of MBFD concentrate.
    The MBFD concentrate present in the container (1) can be obtained by producing a fermented beverage in a traditional way (e.g., for a beer, by brewing it in any way known in the art) subject area), followed by concentrating the fermented beverage so produced. Concentration occurs by removing, on the one hand, a fraction of the water present therein and, on the other hand, a fraction of the ethanol present therein. A substantial amount of both water and ethanol can be removed from the beverage by filtration, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, or nanofiltration, using appropriate membranes known to those skilled in the art.
    The stream of MBFD concentrate in the mixing chamber can only be driven by gravity and controlled by a valve (not shown). But this embodiment is not preferred because here the flow of carbonated diluent would also be driven by gravity so as not to create sharp pressure drops at the level of the diluent opening in the mixing chamber. Therefore, it is preferable to drive the stream of MBFD concentrate with a pump (not shown) or by pressurizing the inside of the container through a source of compressed gas, preferably compressed CO2. The compressed gas can be stored in a pressure vessel (3) as shown
    BE2017 / 5767 in Figure 1 (a). The gas can be pressurized with a pump (3p) as shown in Figure 1 (b). Alternatively, if available, a compressed gas may be available from a network. It is important to be able to control the volume ratio of MBFD concentrate and carbonated diluent that is supplied to the mixing chamber. Therefore, a valve (not shown) can be provided to control the flow rate of the MBFD concentrate and carbonated diluent. Alternatively, a volumetric flow controller such as a volumetric pump can be used to control the volumes of MBFD concentrate and carbonated diluent supplied into the mixing chamber.
    The carbonated diluent is a liquid diluent comprising an amount of CO 2 that is higher than the solubility of CO 2 in said liquid diluent at room temperature and at atmospheric pressure. The means that the carbonated diluent sparkles with CO 2 bubbles at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The liquid diluent is preferably water. However, other liquid diluents can also be used instead of water. More specifically, a beer with a rather neutral flavor profile can be used as a carbonated diluent. A flavored aqueous solution can also be used, with, for example, fruit flavors such as cherry, peach, and the like for producing fruity beers. Water has the great advantage that the source (4) of carbonated diluent can be a water tap that is present in every household, provided with a carbonation station. If a pressurized CO2 cartridge (3) is used to power the flow of MBFD concentrate in the mixing chamber, the same pressurized CO2 cartridge can be used to carbonate tap water. If the quality is not satisfactory, filters can be used to treat the water that comes out of the tap. If a carbonated diluent other than carbonated water is used, it can be stored in a container (not shown).
    As can be seen in Figure 4, the solubility of CO2 in water increases greatly with increasing pressure (bar curve) by about 0.1 to 0.2 mole% CO2 at 2.5 bar.
    1
    BE2017 / 5767
    CO2 has a higher solubility in pure ethanol (EtOH) (= continuous curve) with approximately 1.6 mol% at the same pressure of 2.5 bar. Any aqueous diluent comprising ethanol would provide a CO2 solubility between these two curves. The curves of Figure 4 show that any variation of pressure in a carbonated diluent can result in CO2 effervescence or solution. This is especially true for water as a liquid diluent, because the straight dashed line in Figure 4 has a very steep slope. This is crucial for MBFDs, because, unlike soft drinks, the foam formed remains for a long time.
    The introduction of the carbonated diluent and MBFD concentrate into a mixing chamber is a critical step in dispensers because a large pressure drop can occur in the mixing chamber, leading to the premature formation of foam, even before the beverage was dispensed into a vessel (10). The design of the mixing chamber could be optimized for a type of MBFD, but customers are not satisfied with a distribution device that can only distribute a very limited number of MBFDs. Customers want the freedom to create new drinks from different concentrates or to choose an MBFD from a large selection of products. Each MBFD concentrate and carbonated diluent reacts differently after mixing in a mixing chamber and one recipe results in the formation of more foam than desirable, while another recipe provides insufficient foaming.
    As illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, wherein the core (2c) is in the mixing chamber, which can move around the longitudinal axis, X, the width, w, of the flow route (2d) on selected portions of said flow route are varied. The width, w, is not necessary, and generally never, constant over the entire flow route of the concentrate and the diluent openings (1d, 4d) to the outlet (2d) of the mixing chamber. The design of the flow path must ensure that there is no sudden pressure drop in the flowing liquid before it reaches an outlet of the manifold (5) and is poured into a container (10) where foaming is desired. This can be achieved by preventing sharp steps in the transit stream. The flow route may be tapered locally, but at least it is preferable
    BE2017 / 5767 70% of the core surface runs substantially parallel to the walls of the chamber. It is also preferred that the concentrate orifice (1d) and diluent orifice (4d) are located on the walls of the mixing chamber so that the translation of the core along the longitudinal axis, X, to the upper portion is the width, w, of the portion of reduces the flow route at a level of both concentrate opening and diluent opening. The embodiments illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 5 and 6 are illustrative of this preferred embodiment. Both condensate and diluent apertures are located in the same wall that faces an upper surface of the core surface which, with the exception of Figure 5 (c) and (d), is substantially flat and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, X. The term "above" is defined with respect to the center plane, M1, in the same way as the upper part of the mixing chamber is defined. In the Figures, the longitudinal axis, X, is vertical and the term "above" corresponds to "vertical above", but because the mixing chamber is under pressure, it is not mandatory that the longitudinal axis, X, is vertical. In this case, the term "upper portion" refers to the portion of the mixing chamber comprising the condensate and diluent openings (1d, 4d) separated at the level of the (virtual) center plane, M1, from the "lower portion" which comprises the outlet (2d) of the mixing chamber.
    It is also preferred that the longitudinal axis, X, runs through the outlet (2d) of the mixing chamber. The walls of the mixing chamber, excluding the openings and outlets, preferably define a geometry of rotation about the longitudinal axis, X. All sharp edges in the mixing chamber are preferably rounded to reduce pressure drops as the flow passes such edges (the figures are schematically and include many sharp edges, which are preferably avoided in practice). The bottom surface of the core (i.e., the portion of the core surface that faces the outlet (2d) of the mixing chamber) preferably has a tapered geometry. The tapered geometry can be conical with the tip of the cone facing the outlet of the mixing chamber, in line with the longitudinal axis, X, as illustrated in Figures 2 and 3. Alternatively, the tapered geometry can be a pear shape, more complex shapes, such as a pear-like shape as illustrated in Figure 5 (c), or a spin volume generated by one
    BE2017 / 5767 curved generator, as shown in Figure 5 (b). The core may have a spherical geometry as illustrated in Figure 5 (d), or elliptical or the like.
    By varying the width, w, of the flow route (2p), the pressure of the liquid mixture formed by the condensate and the carbonated diluent can be controlled. This is important for controlling the amount of effervescence of CO2; even more important is the location where the CO2 starts to fizz and form foam. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the pressure, Pij, in the liquid locally varies with the width, we, of the flow route, where i = 1 or 2, with reference to the two positions in the flow route, 1 is located in the upper part, and 2 in the lower part, and where j = m, u, or d, depending on the fact that the core m = is centered on, (b) higher or (c) lower with respect to the median plane, M1, . Figures 2 (a) and 3 (a) show embodiments in which the core is centered on the center plane, M1. This configuration corresponds to the position in which the width, w, of the flow route is the most uniform (i.e., has the least variations). With a width, w1m, of the flow route in the upper part, adjacent to the condensate and diluent openings, and a width, w2m, in the lower part of the flow route, the pressure in the flowing liquid is P1m and P2m.
    In Figures 2 (b) and 3 (b), the core is translated along the longitudinal axis, X, toward the upper portion, thereby reducing the width, w1u <w1m, at the upper portion compared to a centralized core, and the width, w2u> w2m, at the lower portion that increases accordingly. The pressure, P1u> P1m, in the upper part is therefore higher than with a centered core. The pressure, P2u, decreases, and formation of CO2 bubbles in the mixing chamber is possible before the MBFD is discharged from the manifold (5).
    In Figures 2 (c) and 3 (c), the core is translated along the longitudinal axis, X, toward the lower portion, thereby increasing the width, w1d> w1m, but the width, w2d <w2m decreases at the lower part compared to a centered core. As a result, the pressures P1d and P2d remain high through the
    BE2017 / 5767 flow path of the mixing chamber, and the pressure drops only when the MBFD reaches the manifold (5) and is dispensed.
    As mentioned above, the width, w, of the flow route can be varied by translating the core along the longitudinal axis. In general, the width of the flow route can vary between 0.1 <w <10 mm, preferably between 0.5 <w <5 mm, more preferably 1 <w <3 mm. In some cases, the core can seal the condensate and diluent openings or, alternatively, seal the mixing chamber outlet, with a width, w, that can reach 0 mm locally (i.e., the core surface comes into contact with a wall of the mixing chamber).
    With the translation of the core, the level of foaming of the MBFD to be distributed can be controlled. This level of foaming naturally depends on the taste of the users. It also depends on parameters that are outside the reach of the users and the manufacturer of the devices. In practice, this depends inter alia:
    • of the pressure of the MBFD concentrate and of the carbonated diluent when they flow into the mixing chamber, • of the CO2 concentration in the carbonated diluent, • of the CO2 concentration in the MBFD concentrate (when the concentrate container is under pressure with CO2, dissolves part of the CO2 in the MBFD concentrate), • of the liquid diluent with properties such as the CO2 saturation concentration of said liquid diluent and the pressure depending on said CO2 saturation concentration;
    • the composition of the MBFD concentrate, • the temperature in the mixing chamber.
    Each new MBFD composition is characterized by its own set of values from the previous parameters. All of these values can vary over ranges that, at least to date, are too wide and too complex to permit auto-regulation of the pressure as a function of a desired foam formation level. The result is that a distribution unit with a series of dimensions of the mixing chamber width is only limited
    5
    BE2017 / 5767 can satisfactorily distribute selection of MBFDs, with acceptable foam levels.
    With its moving core, the present invention allows fine-tuning of the characteristics of the distributor, so that the optimum distributor conditions can be defined that allow distribution of a wide range of MBFDs with the required level of foaming. For each new MBFD composition, the optimum position of the core must be determined in order to distribute said MBFD with the desired amount of foam. Once the optimum core position has been found, it is set and should not be changed again as long as the same MBFD composition is distributed (and as long as there are no variations in temperature, CO2 concentration, and pressure in the carbonated diluent and MBFD concentrate ). When a new MBFD composition is desired, the optimum core position must be redetermined, as explained below. A database can be set up that indicates optimal core position ranges that are suitable for a selection of previously determined MBFD compositions.
    The core can be translated along the longitudinal axis, X, in any known manner. For example, as shown in Figure 6 (a), the core can be coupled to a rail provided with a rack. A pinion (2t) can be coupled to the rack and activated by hand or with a motor. In an alternative embodiment, the core can be translated manually with a handle, as illustrated in Figure 6 (b). In a preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 6 (c) an electric linear motor can be used, with coils (2m) wound around the mixing chamber, and the core comprising magnets. The above translation mechanisms are only included as illustrative examples; other translating mechanisms may also be used instead.
    In an alternative embodiment, the position of the core can be controlled by the container (1) containing the concentrate. Because the foam level formed after distribution of an MBFD from a dispenser according to the present invention strongly depends on the composition of the concentrate, a preset position of the core may be associated with a particular concentrate composition. To execute
    BE2017 / 5767 In this embodiment, all other distribution parameters must of course meet the preset conditions, including the carbonated diluent, pressure at the source of the carbonated diluent and in the condensate container, etc. For example, as illustrated in Figure 7, a portion of the core surface may facing directly to the concentrate aperture (1d) are provided with a coupling means (72) suitable for reversible coupling to a complementary coupling means (71) mounted on a condensate container (1). The complementary coupling means extends from an opening of the concentrate container, at a certain distance, LA, LB, from said opening. The distance, LA, LB, is predefined at the factory, depending on the type of concentrate, A, B, present in the concentrate container. When the concentrate container (1) is attached to the attachment device of the distributor, and the complementary coupling means is reversibly coupled to the core coupling means, the distance LA, LB defines the position of the core along the longitudinal axis, X.
    The complementary coupling means can be attached to an end of a stem with a predetermined length, LA, LB. The stem should not be rigid, depending on the type of (complementary) coupling agent (71, 72) that is used. For example, the core and the complementary coupling agent (71, 72) can be magnets. In this case the stem can be flexible and can be replaced with a rope. The core and the complementary coupling means (71, 72) can be male / female threaded screws, which may possibly be combined with an attachment device between the concentrate container and the mixing chamber which also includes a similar thread. By attaching a concentrate container by screwing it over the threaded attachment device of the dispenser, the complementary attachment means (71) will simultaneously receive the core attachment means (72). The same would happen with the unscrewing of an empty container, this operation simultaneously detaching the complementary coupling means from the core coupling means.
    BE2017 / 5767 Figure 7 illustrates two concentrate containers that contain a concentrate A and a concentrate B. The distance, LB, for concentrate B is longer than the distance, LA, for concentrate A. As a result, when the container of concentrate B is attached to the attachment device of the dispenser, the core is pushed further forward in the lower portion of the mixing chamber than if a container of concentrate A were attached, with a distance LA <LB. As a result, a higher back pressure is generated in the mixing chamber when a condensate B is mixed with a carbonated diluent than when a concentrate A is used and CO2 remains dissolved in the mixture for a longer period of time.
    As schematically illustrated in Figure 5 (a), the core surface can be provided with structured elements (2s) such as protrusions or recesses in the form of continuous or interrupted grooves or edges, individual protrusions or recesses in the form of dots, beans, baffles, protrusions with a convex or concave geometry facing the upper part of the mixing chamber, and the like. A structured surface of the core can help direct the flow of liquids into a desired pattern and improve mixing of the carbonated diluent and MBFD concentrate. Care should be taken when designing such a textured surface to avoid compromising the cleaning of the mixing chamber after use. Alternatively, or additionally, the walls of the mixing chamber may be structured with respect to the core as described above (not shown in the Figures).
    The mixing chamber must be cleaned regularly. This can be done by rinsing with a rinsing solution, such as water, possibly with a detergent, after a certain number of dispensing operations. If the liquid solvent is water, it can be injected through the diluent orifice (4d) without CO2 to thoroughly flush the mixing chamber. Alternatively, an additional flushing opening (6) can be provided in the mixing chamber and connected to a source of the flushing liquid. This rinse opening is only for rinsing and detergents can be used. The flushing opening (6) may be located on the wall of the mixing chamber facing the core, as illustrated in Figure 5 (b), or
    BE2017 / 5767 can be on a wall of the mixing chamber and form a tubular fluid connection between the mounting device and the core, without being directed directly to the core. This embodiment is interesting because the flushing solution is in such a fluid connection. A valve ensures that the MBFD concentrate does not flow away through the flushing opening. As illustrated in Figure 5 (c), the diluent opening may also be in a wall of such a tubular fluid connection.
    The present invention relates to the distribution device per se. It naturally also relates to the dispenser with a container containing an MBFD concentrate and attached to the fastener, as well as to a source of carbonated diluent, preferably carbonated water, connected to the diluent compound. Loaded and connected, the dispenser of the present invention is thus operational and can be used to distribute an MBFD with an optimum amount of foam. If the distribution device comprises electrically driven functions, it must of course be connected to a power source. For example, the dispenser may include a cooling unit for cooling the carbonated diluent, electrically driven pumps, flow regulators, valves, etc.
    The present invention also relates to a method for controlling the amount of foam that is formed during the distribution of the malt-based fermented beverage (MBFD), said method comprising the following steps:
    (a) Providing a dispenser as described above, with a container containing an MBFD concentrate and attached to the attachment, and with a source of carbonated diluent connected to the diluent compound;
    (b) Adjusting the core to an initial position relative to the center plane, M1,
    BE2017 / 5767 (c) Injecting MBFD concentrate and a carbonated diluent into a predetermined volume ratio in the mixing chamber; and dividing a small amount of the MBFD thus formed from the outlet into a container (10);
    (d) Determining the level of the foam formed in the MBFD present in the container, (e) If the level of the foam does not correspond to a desired level, translating the core along the longitudinal direction, X, and (f) Repeating steps (a) to (d) until the desired foam level is obtained.
    These operations appear to be cumbersome, but they are performed quickly and it is fairly easy to find an optimum core position, which provides the desired foam level with very limited waste of beverage. Once the correct position of the core has been found, it can be kept at that position as long as the same components and distribution conditions are used.
    BE2017 / 5767
    REF DESCRIPTION 1 MBFD concentrate container ld concentrate opening 2 mixing chamber 2c core 2d outlet of the mixing chamber 2P flow route between the core surface and the walls of the mixing chamber 2s structured surface of the core 3 source of compressed gas to MBFD concentrate container 3g tube from source of compressed gas to MBFD concentrate container 3p pump for compressing gas to MBFD concentrate container 4 source of carbonated diluent 4d diluent opening 4P pump for compressing carbonated diluent 5 distribution tube 6 flush opening 10 container for receiving the beverage created in situ 1 1 Distribution Cabinet 71 complementary coupling agent 72 nuclear coupling agent M1 median plane perpendicular to longitudinal axis, X P1d fluid pressure at the upper portion with the core lowered relative to the median plane M1 P1m fluid pressure at the upper portion with the core centered with respect to the median plane M1 P1u fluid pressure at the upper portion with the core raised relative to the median plane M1 P2d fluid pressure at the lower portion with the core lowered relative to the median plane M1 P2m fluid pressure at the lower portion with the core centered with respect to the median plane M1 P2u fluid pressure at the lower portion with the core raised relative to the median plane M1 w1d width of the flow route at the upper part with the core lowered relative to the median plane M1 w1 m width of the flow route at the upper part with the core centered with respect to the median plane M1 w1 u width of the flow route at the upper part with the core increased relative to the median plane M1 w2d width of the flow route at the lower part with the core lowered relative to the median plane M1 w2m width of the flow route at the lower part with the core centered with respect to the median plane M1 w2u width of the flow route at the lower part with the core increased relative to the median plane M1 X longitudinal axis perpendicular to plane M1
    权利要求:
    Claims (2)
    [1]
    1
    [2]
    A method of controlling the amount of foam that is formed during the distribution of the malt-based fermented beverage (MBFD), said method comprising the following steps:
    (a) Providing a distribution device according to claim 9 or 11;
    (b) Adjusting the core to an initial position relative to the center plane, M1, (c) Injecting MBFD concentrate and a carbonated diluent in a predetermined volume ratio in the mixing chamber; and dividing the MBFD thus formed from the outlet into a container;
    (d) Determining the level of the foam formed in the MBFD present in the container, (e) If the level of the foam does not correspond to a desired level, translating the core along the longitudinal direction, X, and (f) Repeating steps (a) to (d) until the desired foam level is obtained.
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    CN107074517B|2020-02-11|Beverage dispenser
    US7490638B2|2009-02-17|Method and device for dispensing from liquid concentrates beverages having multi-layer visual appearance
    EP1909590B1|2015-03-18|Automatic flavoring dispenser for automated espresso machine
    US8522668B2|2013-09-03|Systems and methods for on demand iced tea
    JP2004528143A|2004-09-16|Apparatus and method for making a foamed beverage suitable for eating and drinking
    AU2018216742A1|2019-08-29|Method and apparatus for injecting a gas into a beverage
    JP6737806B2|2020-08-12|Beverage dispenser for preparing layered beverages
    CN106687015B|2020-04-14|Method for dispensing beverages with variable pressure
    JP6737804B2|2020-08-12|Beverage dispenser for preparing layered beverages
    BE1025836B1|2019-09-19|DIVIDING DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING FOAM FORMING DIVIDING A MUT-BASED FERMENTED BEVERAGE | PRODUCED IN SITU BY MIXING AN MBFD CONCENTRATE WITH A CARBON-LIQUID
    KR20120095966A|2012-08-29|Accessory for beverage preparation
    GB2475290A|2011-05-18|Nozzle for beverage preparation machines
    JP5928157B2|2016-06-01|Liquid pouring nozzle and cup-type vending machine equipped with the same
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    RU2019113048A|2020-11-30|
    AR109878A1|2019-01-30|
    CN110121479A|2019-08-13|
    AU2017350303A1|2019-05-23|
    MX2019004700A|2019-09-18|
    JP2019532881A|2019-11-14|
    EP3532427A1|2019-09-04|
    KR20190084064A|2019-07-15|
    BR112019008586A2|2019-07-09|
    US20190241420A1|2019-08-08|
    CA3041943A1|2018-05-03|
    EP3315458A1|2018-05-02|
    WO2018078007A1|2018-05-03|
    RU2745422C2|2021-03-25|
    RU2019113048A3|2021-01-22|
    BE1025836A1|2019-07-19|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    US2558700A|1946-10-30|1951-06-26|Marion L J Lambert|Carbonated beverage dispensing valve|
    DE8713372U1|1987-10-05|1987-11-19|Feller, Friedrich, 8050 Freising, De|
    US5685639A|1996-04-08|1997-11-11|Abc Dispensing Technologies Inc.|Juice mixing nozzle|
    EP1120377A1|2000-01-11|2001-08-01|AGA AKTIEBOLAG|A container device, a plant and a method for the distribution of fluids|
    US20040052158A1|2002-09-11|2004-03-18|Holl Richard A.|Methods and apparatus for high-shear mixing and reacting of materials|
    DE102010044549A1|2010-09-07|2012-03-08|Brita Kohlfuerst-Millard|Automatic dispensing equipment for beverage i.e. beer, has compensator for adjusting flow rate of beverage flowing through tap, and sensor, regulation algorithm, actuator and compensator for regulating flow rate|
    EP3000779A1|2014-09-26|2016-03-30|Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A.|Beverage dispensing device comprising at least two pod or capsule receiving means|
    US2234816A|1939-06-03|1941-03-11|John N Anagno|Faucet|
    US2748982A|1951-08-23|1956-06-05|Bruce G Copping|Beverage dispensing apparatus|
    US3359996A|1965-07-19|1967-12-26|Cornelius Co|Post-mix valve|
    GB8430324D0|1984-11-30|1985-01-09|Alumasc Ltd|Dispense tap|
    IT1272579B|1993-09-07|1997-06-23|Tetra Dev Co|EQUIPMENT FOR FILLING PACKAGING CONTAINERS|
    JP2000272698A|1999-03-19|2000-10-03|Fuji Electric Co Ltd|Sirup beverage feed nozzle apparatus|
    US6845886B2|2000-08-23|2005-01-25|Paul Henry|Valve for dispensing two liquids at a predetermined ratio|
    US7537138B2|2005-06-20|2009-05-26|Nestec S.A.|Methods and systems for delivering foamed beverages from liquid concentrates|
    EP2165968A1|2008-09-19|2010-03-24|InBev S.A.|Bag-in-container with prepressurized space between inner bag and outer container|
    EP2889264A1|2013-12-27|2015-07-01|Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A.|Method of dispensing a malt-based beverage, as well as device for dispensing a malt-based beverage|
    法律状态:
    2019-11-04| FG| Patent granted|Effective date: 20190919 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    EP16196358.2A|EP3315458A1|2016-10-28|2016-10-28|Dispensing appliance for the control of froth formation during dispensing of a malt based fermented beverageproduced in situ by mixing an mbfb concentrate with a carbonated diluent|
    [返回顶部]