Patent ID: 7107896
Filing Date: 2006-09-19
Classification: A23L,C12H

Abstract:
1. A method of inerting a vat including an upper wall and containing a consumable liquid and an overhead gas, comprising the steps of: injecting an inerting gas heavier than air at a velocity into the overhead gas above a free surface of said liquid and below the upper wall of the vat and, during this injection, removing excess gas through a purge orifice of the vat, wherein the step of injecting said gas comprises passing said inerting gas through at least one downward extending tube having an upper end and a lower end, thereby providing a piston effect which flushes the overhead gas; and wherein: the vat is provided with a single upper opening and a tubular connector fitted onto the opening; the upper end of said tube is connected to the upper opening; the lower end of said tube extends close to the free surface of the liquid; and an upper part of said tube is enclosed by a side wall of the tubular connector, the connector having two concentric passages comprising an inlet for the inerting gas and an outlet for the excess gas, the side wall being provided with said purge orifice.