IE87087B1 - Apparatus and method for gas and beer waste management - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for beer and gas management for a beer store anti-fobbing device (fob). In particular, the apparatus includes a fluid monitoring means, a closed fluid storage container (E) and a three port pipe junction (A) for receiving fluid under pressure at a first port from the beer anti-fobbing device (fob). A normally closed valve means at a second port of the three port pipe junction (A) controls a fluid outlet for the fluid and a pressure activated switch is at a third port of the three port pipe junction (A). Actuation means for opening the pressure activated switch or valve allow fluid to flow through the three port pipe junction (A) from the first port to the second port and into the fluid outlet into the closed storage container (E). It has a means for emptying the fluid contents, a means for monitoring the level of fluid in the closed container (F) and a pump (H) operable to empty the contents of the container (E) when the level of fluid in the container reaches a set level. Alarm means (L) and (G) are operable to be activated when a build up of pressure is detected in the three pipe junction (A). <Figure 1>

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR GAS AND BEER WASTE MANAGEMENT FIELD OF INVENTION.

The present invention relates to beverage dispense equipment. In particular, the invention relates to beverage anti fobbing devices (fobs) and waste control equipment. More particularly the invention relates to an apparatus for gas and beer waste management and to a method of gas and beer waste management.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION.

In the beverage dispense industry, anti fobbing devices are used to avert the possibility of gas entering the dispense tubing when the keg or container empties. Under normal conditions, a mechanical lever mechanism is used to vent the gas bubble which has gathered in the fob when the keg or container has emptied. The lever when pressed upon vents the gas into the vent tube and returns to a closed position when released.

However, from time to time and for many reasons, the vent mechanism on these fobs can stick and thus allow the beverage to vent uncontrolled into awaste storage container or drain, and when the beverage container has emptied, the beverage dispense gas from the same system will be vented in the same way creating an extremely dangerous situation which could result in injury or worse.

One of the problems with this type of mechanism is, that with age and wear, there is the possibility for the fob to begin venting after the operator has left the store room, and though this does not always end in the worst case scenario, it will lead to loss of product and therefore profits.

Another problem with this type of system is by venting waste beverage directly into the waste water drain, the venting fob can go unnoticed for quite some time. The alternative to this and most common method is vent storage, this is, to store the vented liquid from the fobs in a storage container until it can be calculated as part of the stock take before being disposed of. This in itself creates its own problems such as odours and inadvertent overflow of storage containers resulting in inaccurate stock take and the attraction of vermin and flies.

Accordingly, there exists a need for an apparatus to oversee the venting process of the beverage anti fobbing system so as to prevent the inadvertent discharge of liquid or gas into the store room, as well as storing waste beverage in a safe and hygienic manner, governed by a method of collection and storage which would allow for more prolonged storage times and bacterial control. Any such apparatus would also with be equipped an audible and visual alert system, and have the adaptability to integrate with third party devices such as electronic stock control systems.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION.

According to the invention there is provided and apparatus and method as set out in the appended Claims 1 to 29.

The invention includes a wall mounted monitoring and storage apparatus for the control of waste beverage and dispense gases from beverage anti fobbing devises (fobs) comprising, a three port fluid junction for receiving and distributing fluids under pressure from beer anti fobbing devices (fobs) with pressure seals and tube connectors, a normally closed solenoid valve with tubing, pressure seals and tube connectors, a pressure switch, warning light and sounder, a PIR motion sensor/timer activation switch, a manually activated pressure relive valve, a closed storage container with a tap/siphon and liquid level sensor, a fluid pump operated by a float switch for empting the container via a fluid counter or through third party stock control systems, and a wall mounting bracket assembly.

The advantages of the invention are that fluids from the anti fobbing devices can only be discharged when there is an operator in the store room to oversee the procedure, removing the possibility of unwanted discharge of product or gas, while the vented waste beverage where necessary is stored, utilising its own gases to prolong storage life and reduce foul odours by inhibiting bacterial development.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the control apparatus remains in standby until activated by an operator when passing before the PIR motion sensor mounted in the storeroom, on or off the apparatus which ever gives the best vantage point and therefore most responsive to movement, but may be replaced by a push button timer switch where excessive, movement makes this necessary.

Advantageously, the activation of the motion sensor powers the solenoid valve directly allowing fluids to flow from the fobs through the fluid junction and the monitoring system to the storage container. ideally, the three port fluid junction has tube connectors at port one and two for receiving and distributing pressurised fluids from the anti fobbing devices and has a pressure switch at port three.

Preferably, the tubing connected to port two of the fluid junction is connected at its other end to the entry point of the normally closed solenoid valve, which in turn is connected to the storage container.

Conveniently, the pressure switch mounted at port three of the fluid junction, monitors said fluid for any low level increase in pressure caused by an inadvertent discharge from the fobs or failure of the solenoid valve to open when triggered by the activation switch.

Additionally, when activated, the pressure switch completes the circuit of the sounder and warning light, independent of the rest of the invention. in one embodiment of the present invention, the mechanically activated pressure relief valve when activated allows the incoming fluid to bypass the solenoid valve moving directly to the storage container, used in the event of a failure, and relieves automatically if the pressure in the incoming tubing exceeds the preset safe limits. ideally, the storage container being wall mounted is fitted with a liquid level sensor connecting the normally closed solenoid valve to the negative terminal of the power source in order to break the solenoids circuit when necessary to prevent overflow of the storage container.

Advantageously, the liquid level sensor breaks on rise, causing the solenoid valve to fail, and in turn when an operator tries to vent a beer fob, increased pressure activates the alarm indicating the storage container is full.

Conveniently, the fluid entering the storage container is deposited directly onto the side wall of the container so as to agitate the incoming fluid in order to release any dissolved carbon dioxide contained, and allowing the incoming fluid to merge more gently with the liquid already in storage, causing minimal disturbance to the resting surface gas layer.

Preferably, short bursts of gas, being nitrogen and carbon dioxide entering the storage container from the fobs are used to reduce the oxygen content by diluting the gases already contained, and venting the excess gases through the narrow vent in the top of the container.

The storage container is fitted with a tap and siphon and also with a pump. This allows for two separate methods of empting the storage container, with or without power.

As part of the collection and storage method the gas layer resting on the liquid in the storage container remains in place when the container is emptied, as the tap/ siphon becomes air looked as soon as the gas comes into contact with the siphons opening, and therefore retaining the resting gas layers in place at the start of the next filling.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the float switch controlling the pump used to empty the container via a fluid monitor or third party stock control system, operates between preset maximum, minimum levels, preventing over flow while retaining a small amount of liquid at the bottom of the container, as with the tap/siphon this retains the gas layers in preparation for the next filling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of an embodiment thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic side view of the apparatus which shows an over view of the layout of the components according to the invention; Figure 2a and 2b are further schematic views which show the method by which the beverage is collected and stored according to the invention; and Figure 3 is a perspective view of a wail mounting bracket used to restrain and support the apparatus of the current invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Referring to the drawings and initiaily to Figure 1, there is shown the layout of the components of the apparatus in which the fluid enters the apparatus from the waste tube at port one of the three port fluid junction (A) and having at port three a pressure switch (F) and at port two the fluid outlet connected to the inlet of the solenoid valve (B).

All connections of the fluid junction (A) are sealed so as to allow for the rise in fluid pressure. The pressure switch (F) when pressurised connects the sounder (G) and the light (L) to the power source at (+), and as the sounder (G) is directly connected to the negative terminal (-) the action of the pressure switch completes the circuit activating the components independently of the rest of the invention.

The motion sensor (C) is connected to the power source at the terminals (+) and (-) and the connection marked (L1) is connected to the solenoid valves positive terminal. The negative of the solenoid valve (B) is connected via the float switch (D) to the power source negative terminal. Being configured in this way, the motion sensor can only open the solenoid valve so long as the storage container has room to accept the incoming fluid. It the action of the motion sensor (C) fails to open the solenoid valve (B), the increase in pressure will activate the light (L) and the sounder (G) indicating a full container or failure.

As shown in Figure 1 the tube connecting the outlet of the solenoid valve (B) to the storage container (E) deposits fluid on the side wall of the container (E) at (4) above the height of the sensor (D) so as not to become immersed in the rising fluid level (3).

An electrical layout of the invention as shown in Figure 1 is given by way of example only, as the power type of the user region wiil define this aspect. in Figure ‘l is shown as an example, the movement of the float switch l (2+3) controlling the monitor/ pump (H) which empties the container before the fluid level reaches the sensor (D). In this configuration the sensor (D) acts to prevent overflow by closing the solenoid valve (B) should the float switch or the pump fail to operate.

In Figure 1 is shown a tap/siphon (T) from which the fluid may be drained from the storage container when full to the minimum level (5) as set by the siphon as it airlocks to prevent the rich gas layer from being drained out through the tap.

In Figure 1 is shown a manually activated pressure relief valve (j), connecting port 2 of the junction (A) to the storage container (E), used to bypass the closed solenoid in the event of a failure, but also to relieve excess pressure automatically. in Figures 2a and 2b is shown the operation and method in which the fluid is collected and stored. This innovative method of collection and storage insures that the waste beverage is at all times contained within a similar atmosphere to that of the beverage container and in a safe and hygienic manner. in Figure 2a is shown the path of the fluid through the fob (K) to the storage container in which the solenoid valve (B) acting also as a check valve, protects the fluid remaining in the waste line (W) from outside air contamination.

In Figure 2b is shown the essential components involved in the method of collection and storage in which the fluids passing through the solenoid valve to the storage container (E) are deposited on the container’s side wall. This acts to slow the incoming fluid helping it to integrate gently with the stored liquid while agitating the fluid as it enters, causing any remaining dissolved carbon dioxide contained within the fluid to break out. This breakout helps to create an enriched layer of carbon dioxide on the surface of the stored liquid, separating this liquid from the ordinary air in the container as shown in Figure 2b (1). Also entering the storage container through the same pipe are short bursts of gas (CO2/N2) from the fobs. This gas mixes with the air in the container enriching it with nitrogen and carbon dioxide, and as a result of the excess being expelled through the vent (v) in the top of the container the overall oxygen (02) level is reduced with use.

As shown in Figure 2b, the entry point of the ftuid (4) is above the float switch (D). This acts to shut off the solenoid valve before the fluid level reaches the entre pipe and therefore reducing the disturbance to the gas layer (1) by the fobbing process, and as shown when the container is emptied by the tap siphon or by the pump, the enriched surface layer of gas (1) remains in place for the next filling as the storage container never empties completely.

Shown in Figure 3, is the wail mounting bracket for the storage container, constructed of steel in two parts, in which part 3A being folded around to form an approximate 90 degree angle and mounted vertically on the wall so as to support the weight of the container. The part of the bracket shown as part 3A is folded to form the shape of the container and mounted on the wall over part (B) in a horizontal fashion so as to restrain the container tightly against the wall.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF METHOD in one embodiment of the present invention the innovative method of collection and storage created and utilised by the invention is central to its operation and can be divided into two parts, collection and storage, each part ensuring the apparatus fulfils its purpose, to safely manage and store waste product for prolonged periods of time while alerting the operator to any inadvertent discharge of fluids into the store room.

Collection. The apparatus when installed creates a situation where the beer fob vent tube (waste line) being permanently connected to the apparatus inlet forms an oxygen free environment between the fobs and the closed solenoid valve. From this point on, only supplied gases or fluids can enter this now one way tube, and therefore prevents bacterial development and contamination of the fobs. When an operator enters the store room, the motion sensor opens the solenoid valve to allow fluids to move through to the storage container, before the timer closes it again, having giving time for the pressure in the tubing to dissipate. The fluid now remaining in the tube is kept there under low pressure caused only by the dissolved gasses in the beverage breaking out. lt is this pressure which is monitored, as any increase will denote an inadvertent fob discharge and create an alert.

Storage. The method of storage utilised by the invention requires those fluids in storage to be kept level and still as possibie, and to this end the apparatus should always be mounted on the store room wall, protected from disturbance and spillage. The fluids entering the storage container, having passed through the solenoid valve, are deposited directly onto the side wall at the top of the container. This action forms an important part of the process, as it produces an appropriate means to slow the speed at which the fluids merge with the liquid already stored with minimal disturbance to the gas layer resting on the liquid as the level rises. it also agitates the fluid in order to release any remaining dissolved gases it may contain. The dissolved gas being carbon dioxide, and as the heavier of the gases in the container, is retained in higher concentration, and more so on the surface of the stored liquid, while the lighter gasses are expelled through the narrow vent at the top of the storage unit. The overall effect of this method is to produce a protective layer of enriched gas between the liquid and the ordinary air. The entry angle also slows and disperses short bursts of gas from the fobbing process in order to minimize the disturbance to the resting surface gas layer. These bursts of gas being nitrogen and carbon dioxide are utilised to enrich the atmosphere within the container and therefore reducing the oxygen content over time. When the stored liquids are to be emptied there are two options available, the tap siphon which is used to drain the liquid from the container where a fluid counter is not being used or in the event of power loss. This method drains the fluid until the gas layer comes into contact with the siphon opening at which time the siphon air locks preventing the gas layer from being drained out retaining it for the next filling. Option two is the pump controlled by a float switch operating between preset maximum, minimum levels, used to pump the liquid to a fluid counter or third party stock control system. This system like the tap siphon retains a small amount of the liquid in the container in order to prevent the loss of the resting gas layer.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for beer and gas management for a beer store anti-fobbing device (fob). In particuiar, the apparatus provides a monitoring means to prevent and alert to inadvertent fluid discharge, liquid or gas from beverage dispense anti fobbing devices while storing waste beverage in a semi controlled atmosphere. This is achieved by the use of a PlR motion sensor (C) or push button timer switch controlling a normally closed solenoid valve (B) activated only in the presence of an operator, with a pressure switch (F) before the solenoid valve (D). When detecting any increase in pressure, the switch (F) powers a sounder (G) to alert an operator. The waste beverage from the fobs is stored in a closed container (E) with the gas discharge from the same system in order to produce a semi—controlled atmosphere reducing bacterial growth odours and the attraction of vermin.

The present invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described but may be varied in both construction and detail without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended Claims.

Claims (29)

CLAIMS:

1. An apparatus for fluid waste management for a beer store anti—fobbing device, the apparatus including a fluid monitoring means, a closed fluid storage container, a three port pipe junction for receiving fluid under pressure at a first port from the beer anti—fobbing device (fob); a normally closed valve means at a second port of the three port pipe junction controlling a fluid outlet for the fluid, a pressure activated switch at a third port of the three port pipe junction; actuation means for opening the pressure activated switch or valve to allow fluid to flow through the three port pipe junction from the first port to the second port and into the fluid outlet into the closed storage container; the container having a means for emptying the fluid contents of the container, a means for monitoring the level of fluid in the closed container, a pump operable to empty the contents of the container when the level of fluid in the container reaches a set level; and alarm means operable to be activated when a build up of pressure is detected in the three pipe junction.

2. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in Claim 1, wherein a tube connector and pressure seal is connected to the entry port of the three port fluid junction; and optionally wherein the actuation means comprises a motion sensor and / or manually activated pressure relief valve.

3. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in Claims 1 and 2, wherein a pressure switch and a pressure seal is connected to port three of the three port fluid junction.

4. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a tube connector and pressure seal is connected to port two of the fluid junction.

5. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein port two of the fluid junction is connected to the fluid inlet of the normally closed solenoid valve by means of tubing. 11

6. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the fluid inlet of the normally closed solenoid valve is fitted with a tube connector and a pressure seal.

7. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the normally closed solenoid valve is powered directly by the actuation switch through the positive terminal of the solenoid valve.

8. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the negative terminal of the normally closed solenoid valve is connected to the liquid level sensor in the storage container.

9. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the normally closed liquid level sensor connects the solenoid valve to the negative terminal of the power supply.

10. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the storage container fitted with a liquid level sensor which acts to complete the circuit of the solenoid valve when closed and therefore the rising liquid level within the storage container opening the switch brakes this circuit preventing the normally closed solenoid valve from opening.

11. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the normally closed solenoid valve failing to open will cause pressure to increase at the pressure switch before the solenoid valve.

12. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the pressure switch observing an increase in pressure connects the warning light and the sounder to the power supply independently of the rest of the invention indicating a fluid discharge, full storage container or failure.

13. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a pressure build up caused by mechanical or electrical failure can be relieved by operating the manual bypass, a manually activate able pressure relieve valve connecting the fluid inlet at port two to the storage container directly.

14. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the storage container is fitted with a float (tilt) switch and fluid pump used to empty the storage container through a fluid counter for stock control purposes.

15. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the normal action of the liquid level switch acts to prevent overflow of the storage container in the event that the pump or float switch should fall.

16. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is wall mounted in order to prevent spillage and disturbance of the contained fluids collected and stored by the apparatus.

17. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in any preceding claim, comprising a normally closed solenoid valve, a pressure switch with a warning light and sounder and having a mechanical bypass valve connected to the storage container by tubing the float switch, pump and liquid level sensor are governed in accordance with the fundamental operation of the apparatus.

18. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus being connected to a third party anti fobbing device retains liquid under low pressure in the tubing before the pressure switch and normally closed solenoid valve to give time for the liquid to fully de-carbonate and to maintain an oxygen free environment between the fobs and the apparatus at all times.

19. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the carbonated liquid passing through the monitoring system into the storage container is deposited directly onto the side wall of the container to agitate the incoming fluids and separate any dissolved gas remaining in the liquid with little or no disturbance to the gas layers or liquid already in storage.

20. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the liquid deposited on the side wall of the container forms small bubbles 13 which burst on the surface of the liquid in storage forming a layer of near pure carbon dioxide separating the liquid from the air above it.

21. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein short bursts of gas being nitrogen and carbon dioxide are also directed into the storage container where excess gases are vented through the narrow vent at the top of the container.

22. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the venting of gases through a vent in the container with every input of fresh gas N2 and CO2 from the fobs reduces the overall content of oxygen within the storage system by means of dilution while retaining the heavier gas CO2 in higher concentration at the liquid surface.

23. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the enriched gas layers resting on the contained liquid remains in place when empting the container by means of the pump which removes the liquid from the bottom of the storage unit leaving a small quantity behind.

24. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the liquid being removed from the storage container by means of the tap siphon will stop when the liquid level drops to the opening of the siphon as a result of a small amount of gas entering the siphon causing an airlock.

25. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the liquid remaining in the storage container is in full contact with the entrance of the siphon when emptied trapping the enriched gas layer within the container.

26. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the gas remaining in storage after the container is emptied is fundamental to the operation of the apparatus as this provides semi controlled atmosphere at the start of the next filling and not having to restart the process every time. 14

27. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein fluids emptied from the storage container by means of the pump or tap may be directed through the onsite fluid monitoring system.

28. An apparatus for beer and gas waste management substantially as herein described with reference to and as shown the accompanying drawings.

29. A method for managing beer and gas waste using the apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.