Patent ID: 8579156
Filing Date: 2013-11-12
Classification: B67D

Abstract:
1. A method of cleaning and flushing a beverage dispensing system comprising a sealable pressure chamber for receiving a collapsible keg containing a beverage, said pressure chamber having a beverage outlet, said collapsible keg being detachably connectable to said beverage outlet so as to be in fluid communication therewith, said beverage dispensing system further comprising a pressure fluid source connected to said pressure chamber for pressurizing said pressure chamber, a dispensing line, a dispensing valve, and a dispensing device, said dispensing valve being operably associated with said dispensing device, said dispensing line having a proximal end fluidly connected to said beverage outlet and a distal end fluidly connected to said dispensing valve, said dispensing valve having a closed position and an open position, said open position allowing said beverage to be dispensed from said dispensing device when said pressure chamber is pressurized, and said closed position preventing said beverage from being dispensed from said dispensing device, the method comprising: (i) providing a first cartridge containing a cleaning fluid, said first cartridge comprising a first base part configured for detachable connection to said dispensing line in fluid communication with said beverage outlet, said first base part being detachably attached to a rim element: (ii) positioning said first cartridge in said pressure chamber and connecting said first base part to said dispensing line in fluid connection with said beverage outlet, and pressurizing said pressure chamber and said first cartridge; (iii) opening said dispensing valve and dispensing said cleaning fluid from said dispensing device by causing said cleaning fluid to flow from said first cartridge through said first base part, said beverage outlet, said dispensing valve, and said dispensing line to be dispensed from said dispensing device; (iv) removing said first cartridge from said pressure chamber by detaching said first base part from said dispensing line and said rim element, thereby separating said rim element from said first base part and leaving said rim element on said dispensing line; (v) providing a second cartridge containing a flushing fluid, said second cartridge comprising a second base part configured for detachable connection to said dispensing line in fluid communication with said beverage outlet, said second base part including a gripping element; (vi) positioning said second cartridge in said pressure chamber and connecting said second base part to said dispensing line in fluid connection with said beverage outlet, so that said gripping element attaches to said rim element, and pressurizing said pressure chamber and said second cartridge; (vii) opening said dispensing valve and dispensing said flushing fluid from said dispensing device by causing said flushing fluid to flow from said second cartridge through said second base part, said beverage outlet, said dispensing valve, and said dispensing line, to be dispensed from said dispensing device; and (viii) removing said second cartridge from said pressure chamber by disconnecting said second base part from said dispensing line and thereby removing said rim element from said dispensing line with said gripping element.