Patent Publication Number: US-2011061743-A1

Title: Beverage tapping apparatus, provided with a chemical pressure generator

Description:
The invention relates to a tapping device, provided with a pressure regulating device. 
     For dispensing beverage from beverage containers, different principles are known. For instance, use is made of gravity in gravity flow cans, use is made of external CO 2  sources, such as a gas bottle with reducing device for introducing CO 2  gas into the beverage container for pressurizing the beverage therein, and use is made of air pumps for pressurizing beverage in a bag-in-box (BIB) or bag-in-container (BIC) package. Gravity flow has as a drawback that the pressure is not constant and is furthermore low, so that a disadvantageous tapping behaviour develops, in particular in the case of, for instance, beer. Use of external CO 2  sources has as a drawback that they need to be maintained and connected while furthermore, they are to be made or kept available, which is expensive and time consuming. Furthermore, their use requires sufficient experience and special safety precautions. Use of a pump has as a drawback that an external device is required to that end, which is relatively expensive. Furthermore, in order to preserve the quality of the beverage, use of a container with an inner bag is required, which is expensive and furthermore leads to much packaging material. 
     In order to solve many of these problems, it has already been proposed to attach a pressure regulating device in or on the container, which pressure regulating device, during use, automatically arranges for the beverage in the beverage container to be held at a desired pressure. Such a tapping apparatus is known from, for instance, EP1170247. Here, the pressure regulating device comprises a compartment filled with CO 2  gas under pressure and a medium absorbing and/or adsorbing the CO 2  gas at least partly, such as activated carbon. Such a tapping device can be used without external pressure source for tapping beverage. However, with this device, CO 2  gas is to be introduced and held into the regulating device under pressure and to be disposed in a dosed manner. 
     An object of the present invention is to provide an alternative tapping apparatus, provided with a pressure regulating device for pressurizing beverage in the tapping apparatus. 
     In a first aspect, a tapping apparatus according to this invention is characterized in that a beverage holder and a pressure regulating device are provided, which pressure regulating device comprises at least one first compartment and one second compartment. The first compartment contains a first component and the second compartment a second component. Between the first and the second compartment, a dosing device is provided and at least one of the first and second compartments is in communication with an inner space of the beverage holder. 
     In one embodiment, the beverage holder can be an outer holder, such as a container, keg, BIC, BIB or other beverage containing holder. 
     In a second aspect, an apparatus according to this specification is characterized in that a regulating device is provided with a first compartment and a second compartment, wherein the first compartment contains a first component and the second compartment a second component. Between the first and the second compartment, a dosing device is provided and at least one of the first and second compartments is provided with a connection for an inner space of a beverage container. 
     In a further aspect, in this specification, a method is characterized for regulating pressure in a tapping apparatus, wherein, with a pressure reduction in a beverage comprising beverage holder, a first component is brought into contact with a second component, such that these components can react with each other while forming a gas, with which gas the pressure in the beverage holder is increased. 
    
    
     
       Apparatuses and methods according to this specification will be further elucidated on the basis of the Figures. In the Figures: 
         FIG. 1  schematically shows, in cross-sectional side view, a tapping apparatus according to the description; 
         FIG. 2  schematically shows, in cross sectional side view, a second embodiment of a tapping apparatus according to the description; 
         FIG. 3  shows, schematically and in cross section, a pressure regulating device; 
         FIGS. 4A-D  show four steps in the use of a tapping apparatus according to  FIG. 1  or  2 ; and 
         FIG. 5  shows a further alternative embodiment of a tapping apparatus according to the description. 
     
    
    
     In this specification, identical or corresponding parts have identical or corresponding reference numerals. The embodiments shown and described are shown merely by way of illustration and should not be construed to be limitative in any manner. In this specification, the starting point will be a carbonated (CO 2 ) beverage, in particular beer, such as a lager beer. However, the invention is not limited thereto. In the exemplary embodiments shown, in each case, a beverage holder is shown and described which is substantially cylindrical, with a bottom and a cover. Tapping means extend at least partly above and/or through the cover. However, the tapping means can also be at a different position, for instance in a sidewall adjacent the cover, a central area of the sidewall and/or in or adjacent the bottom, while the beverage holder can also have a different shape. The beverage holder can be manufactured from metal, plastic, glass or a combination thereof, or other suitable materials. The beverage holder can also comprise an inner holder, such as a bag, in which the beverage is included. The gas can be dispensed directly into the beverage but can for instance also inflate a bag in the beverage and/or compress a bag around the beverage so that beverage is pressurized without direct contact between the beverage and the gas. 
     In this specification, dosing is to be understood as at least comprising but not limited to joining components in measured quantities and/or specific joining of components. 
     With a package according to the invention, preferably, no external pressure source is required. What is thus prevented is that an external pressure source is to be connected to the package, or that the use of the package depends on the availability of this external pressure source, which would render flexible use particularly hard or even impossible, while furthermore, such an external pressure source is often cost-increasing. 
     In  FIG. 1 , in cross-sectional side view, a tapping apparatus  1  is shown. The tapping apparatus  1  comprises a beverage holder  2 , manufactured in this embodiment as a metal or plastic can. In other embodiments, the beverage holder can be manufactured from a combination of metal and/or plastic and/or paper or cardboard. In the embodiment shown, the beverage holder  2  comprises a wall  3 , a bottom  4  and a cover  5 . In one embodiment, these can be mutually connected by for instance known folding, welding or gluing techniques or otherwise. In another embodiment, different parts can be integrally manufactured. In the beverage holder  2 , an inner space  6  is provided in which beverage  7  can be included. A head space  8  can then be provided above the level V of the beverage  7 . 
     The tapping apparatus  1  is provided with a regulating device  9 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, the regulating device  9  is inserted through an opening  10  in the cover. In this and other embodiments, the regulating device can extend wholly or partly in the inner space  6  or be provided wholly or partly outside the tapping apparatus  1 , while a gas connection will be provided between the regulating device  9  and the inner space  6 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the regulating device  9  comprises a first compartment  11  and a second compartment  12  located at least partly thereabove. In another embodiment, the second compartment  12  can be located next to or below the first compartment  11 . In a further embodiment, different first  11  and/or second compartments  12  can be provided. In the regulating device  9 , a dosing device  13  may be provided. In one embodiment, the dosing device can comprise a valve  14 , which, in an opened position such as shown in  FIG. 1 , can connect the second compartment  12  to the first compartment  11  and, in a closed position, separates the second compartment  12  from the first compartment  11 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the dosing device  13  can be pressure-controlled. In one embodiment, the dosing device  13  comprises to that end a pressure controlled valve  14 . In one embodiment, the dosing device  13  can be provided with a chamber  15  with at least one wall part  16  movable relative to the chamber  15 . In one embodiment, the wall part  16  can form or comprise a piston. In another embodiment, the wall part  16  can be wholly or partly deformable, for instance elastically deformed, and may be formed from plastic or metal. The movable wall part  16  offers the possibility that the volume of the chamber  15  can change. In different embodiments, the volume of the chamber  15  can change through displacement of and/or deformation of the wall part  16  relative to the further chamber  15 . In embodiments, the volume can change under the influence of for instance, but not limited to pressure change in the inner space  6 , pressure change in the first compartment  11 , pressure change in the second compartment  12 , pressure change in the chamber  15  and/or through mechanical influencing of the wall part  16  and/or the chamber  15 , or a combination of two or more of these effects. 
     In the exemplary embodiment represented in  FIG. 1 , the chamber  15  is provided above the second compartment  12 . However, this can also be provided at a different position, for instance between the two compartments  11 ,  12  or below the lower compartment  11 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , the wall part  16  is provided at an underside of the chamber  15  while the chamber  15  is placed on a side of the second compartment  12  opposite the first compartment  11 . A rod  17  is provided between the wall part  16  and a valve rod  18  of the valve  14 . Between the first compartment  11  and the second compartment  12 , a partition wall  19  is provided in which an opening  20  is provided that can be sealed off by the valve  14 . Between the partition wall  19  and the dish  21  on the valve rod  18  a spring  22  is provided, whereby the valve  14  is biased in the closed position. When pressure is exerted by the rod  17  on the valve rod  18 , in the direction F away from the chamber  15 , the spring  22  is compressed to some extent and the opening  20  is at least partly cleared by the valve  14 , so that a fluid communication is formed between the second compartment  12  and the first compartment  11 . If the pressure of the rod  17  on the valve rod  18  is removed, for instance in that the wall part  16  in  FIG. 1  moves upwards, the spring  22  will press the valve  14  in the direction of the closed position, optionally supported by pressure in the first compartment  11 . 
     In the first compartment  11 , a first component  23  can be included, in the second compartment  12  a second component  24 . In this specification, with regard to the first and second component  23 ,  24 , component is understood to mean at least but no exclusively single chemicals or compounds of chemicals, which can be provided in solid form, liquid form, suspension and/or solution. The first component  23  and the second component  24  can be selected such that they can react with each other and/or with a further component, such as for instance but not limited to water, beer, soft drink, while forming a gas. In one embodiment, the first and second component  23 ,  24  can react, optionally together with one or more further components, while forming carbon dioxide (CO 2 ). In one embodiment, the first component  23  can be a solid or a liquid. The second component  24  can for instance be a liquid, a solution or suspension. The first and/or second component  23 ,  24  can comprise different substances, for instance a mixture or a solution. In one embodiment, the first component  23  can comprise a (bi-) carbonate, and the second component  24  an acid, for instance an acid/water solution. 
     One of the compartments  11 ,  12  can be in communication with the inner space  6  of the beverage holder  2 , in particular a compartment  11 ,  12  in which during use a gas will develop. In one embodiment, the first compartment  11  can be provided with at least one passage in which a membrane  25  is included. The membrane  25  is for instance gas-transmissive yet liquid-tight. The membrane  25  can be a hydrophobic membrane. A non-limitative example of such a membrane  25  is stretched PTFE foil, commercially available under the brand name Goretex®. 
     In one embodiment, in the chamber  15 , a reference pressure P ref  can prevail, for instance a pressure P ref  which corresponds to a desired pressure P bev  in the inner space  6 . In an alternative embodiment, in the chamber  15  between the movable wall part  16  and the opposite wall  26  of the chamber  15 , a spring can be provided (comparable to  FIG. 2 ) which exerts a bias on the wall part  16  when the valve  14  is closed. With it, the pressure in the chamber can be reduced and still a desired pressure can be exerted in the direction of the wall  19 . When a spring is used in this manner, optionally there can be a direct, open communication between the surrounding atmosphere and the chamber, so that the outside air (atmospheric pressure) can function as pressure in the chamber  15 . 
     In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , in the wall  27  of the second compartment  12 , a second membrane  28  is provided. In one embodiment, this second membrane  28  can be liquid-tight and gas-transmissive. In such an embodiment, it can be a hydrophobic membrane. A non-limitative example of a material for manufacturing at least one part of such a membrane  28  is stretched PTFE foil, commercially available under the brand name Goretex®. In such an embodiment, the pressure in the second compartment  12  will be virtually equal to that in the beverage containing inner space  6 . With a pressure drop in the inner space  6 , as a result of, for instance, reduction of the amount of beverage therein, the pressure in the second compartment  12  will also fall, so that the wall part  16  with the rod  17  will move in the direction of the first compartment  11  and the valve  14  will open. As a result, a part of the second component  24  will be added to the first compartment  11  to the first component  23  and cause gas to develop. This gas will flow into the inner space  6 , through the membrane  25 , and increase the pressure therein to the desired pressure P bev . With this, the pressure in the second compartment  12  increases again too such that the wall part  16  is pressed upward again and the valve  14  is closed. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the second membrane  28  can be liquid-tight and gastight and be of flexible or movable design. With pressure difference between the beverage containing inner space  6  of the beverage holder  2  and the second compartment  12 , the second membrane  28  may deform and thus influence the pressure in the second compartment  12 . With a pressure drop in the inner space  6 , the second membrane  28  will move outwards, i.e. in the direction of the inner space  6 , whereby the volume of the second compartment increases and therefore the pressure decreases. Thus, in the above-described manner, the valve  14  is opened through movement of the wall part  16 . Gas will develop in the first compartment  11 , so that the pressure in the inner space will be returned towards, to or even be slightly higher than the desired pressure P bev . As a result, the second wall part  28  is pressed back in the direction of the second compartment  12 , the valve is closed again and the equilibrium is restored. 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , above the regulating device, a valve  29  is provided. In one embodiment, this can be a valve as used in aerosol containers. However, any suitable type of valve can be used to this end. On the outside of the beverage holder  2  a dispensing tube links up with the valve  29 , while on the side proximal to the inner space  6 , a riser  31  is provided which reaches from the underside of the valve  29  to adjacent the bottom  4  of the beverage holder  2 . During use, the valve  29  can be pressed down, for instance with the aid of an operating button  32 , whereby it is opened. As the pressure P in the inner space  6  has been brought to the desired pressure P bev , when the valve  29  is opened, beverage will flow away from the inner space via the riser  31 , the valve  29  and the dispensing tube  30 , so that the above-described pressure drop occurs which is compensated in the described manner through reaction of the first and second component  23 ,  24  in the suitable proportion, so that the pressure in the inner space  6  is returned to the desired pressure P bev . 
     Preferably, the regulating device  9 , together with the valve  29  and the riser  31 , is designed as a unit which can be integrally arranged in the beverage holder  2 . 
     In  FIG. 2 , schematically, in cross-sectional view, a tapping apparatus  1  according to the invention is shown, in an alternative embodiment. Identical parts have identical reference numerals. In this embodiment, the dosing device  13  is designed such that upon operation of the operating button  32  for opening the valve  29 , also the rod  17  is moved, so that the valve  14  can be opened so that the second component  24  can be added in a desired extent to the first component  23 . In one embodiment, the rod  17  can directly be connected to for instance a moving part of the valve  29  or the operating button  32  or abut thereagainst, so that a downward movement of the operating button  32  for opening the valve  29  simultaneously opens the valve  14 . In a variant shown in  FIG. 2 , between the wall part  16  connected to the rod  17  and the valve  29  or the operating button  32  a spring  33  is provided. When pushing in the operating button  32  for opening the valve  29 , the spring  33  will be compressed when the pressure in the second compartment  12  is higher than approximately the desired pressure P bev . Only when the pressure in the second compartment  12  is lower then the desired pressure P ret , the spring  33  will press the wall  16  away and downwards and open the valve  14 . As a result, the valve  14  is prevented from being opened when the pressure in the inner space  6  is sufficiently high. 
     In  FIG. 3 , a further embodiment of a pressure regulating device  9  is shown, which is substantially equal to the one in  FIG. 1  but can also be designed as shown in  FIG. 2 . This embodiment is described only in so far as it does not correspond with the above-described embodiments. 
     In this embodiment, the chamber  15  is designed as a bellows  15 A. Such a bellows can be manufactured from, for instance, plastic or metal. Metal offers the advantage that it is gastight without special measures having to be taken. The bellows  15 A has a flexible concertina wall so that the wall part  16  is movable. Such a bellows can be used in the embodiments of  FIG. 1 ,  2  or  5  while in a chamber  15  an embodiment of  FIG. 3  can also be used in an apparatus according to  FIG. 1 ,  2  or  5 . The rod  17  is coupled to the wall part  16 , which rod  17  is provided, on the end remote from the wall part  16 , with a bore  35 . This bore can be an axial bore. The valve rod  18  runs into the bore  34 . Adjacent the open side  36  of the bore  34  a restriction  37  is provided, for instance a ring element which is somewhat flexible. In  FIG. 3 , the regulating device  9  is shown in a position of use, as will be described further. On the valve rod, a spring plate  38  is provided, against which the spring  22  bears. On the side of the plate  38  remote from the wall  19 , a stop element such as a ring  39  is provided with a conical form tapering in the direction of the plate  38 . In the position of use shown in  FIG. 3 , this abuts against the outside of the restriction  37 . As a result, the valve  14  can be opened by moving the wall part  16  in the direction of the wall  19 . 
     In  FIGS. 4A-D , schematically, it is shown in four steps how a tapping apparatus  1  can be set and used, in particular but not limited to an embodiment having a regulating device according to  FIG. 3 . 
     In  FIG. 4A , a regulating device  9  is shown in inactive position. The regulating device  9  is preferably in this position prior to filling of the beverage holder  2 . In this condition, pressure change in the compartments  11 ,  12  and/or in the inner space  6  or the chamber  15  cannot lead to opening of the valve  14 . To that end, the stop element  39  is pressed beyond the restriction  37  in the bore  34 , such that the valve rod  18  can move freely over a range D with respect to the rod  17 . Pressure changes in the inner space  6  with respect to the reference pressure P ref  in the chamber  15  will therefore indeed move the rod  17  but within the pressure changes that can be expected, the rod  17  will not carry the valve rod  18  along and the valve  14  will therefore not be opened. Therefore, the first and second component  23 ,  24  will not be joined and no gas development will be obtained. 
     In  FIGS. 4A-D , an interrupted line R has been drawn at the location of the position of the wall part  16  when the reference pressure P ref  in the chamber  15  and the pressure in the second compartment  12  are at an equilibrium, with the pressure regulating device  9  in active position. As shown in  FIG. 4A , in the inactive position, the wall part  16  is preferably under this line R. 
     In  FIG. 4B , a supply tube  40  is placed on the valve  29 . With it, an excess pressure is provided in the inner space  6 , for instance by introducing a small amount of CO 2  gas into the inner space. As a result, the pressure in the second compartment  12  is increased to clearly above the reference pressure P ref . The wall  16  is moved above the line R, i.e. in the direction of the cover  5 . As a result, the rod  17  is moved along the valve rod  18 , such that the stop element  39  is pulled through the restriction  37  which is simplified by the conical shape thereof. In this condition, the regulating device  9  is activated. A part of the additional CO 2  will be absorbed by the beverage, so that the pressure drops to some extent and the wall part  16  moves down again, approximately to the line R as shown in  FIG. 4C . Here, the restriction comes to lie at the top of the stop element  39 . 
     In  FIG. 4D , it is shown that the valve  14  is opened during tapping. To that end, the operating button  32  is moved downwards so that beverage can flow away via the riser, valve and dispensing tube. As a result, the pressure in the inner space  6  will be reduced, with corresponding or at least representative reduction of the pressure in the second compartment  12 . Owing to this pressure reduction, the wall part  16 , as a result of the reference pressure P ref  in the chamber and/or the pressure through the spring arranged therein, will be moved down again in the second compartment  12 . Here, the rod  17  pushes the valve rod  18  down and opens the valve  14 . Then, an amount of the second component  24  flows via the valve  14  into the first compartment  11  and mixes and reacts with the first component  23  present therein, so that a desired amount of gas develops. This gas will flow at least substantially through the first membrane  25  and optionally along the valve  14  and via the second membrane  28  into the inner space  6  and into the second compartment  12 , increasing the pressure proportionally. As a result, the wall part  16  is pressed back to the line R and the spring  22  will close the valve  14 . Thus, the development of gas and the associated pressure increase are stopped. 
     In  FIG. 5 , a further alternative embodiment of a regulating device according to the invention is shown. In this embodiment, the first and second component  23 ,  24  are provided in side-by-side compartments  11 ,  12 . A rod  17  of the dosing device  13  is connected, on the one side, to the wall part  16  of the chamber  15  and, on the other side, to the valve  14 . Below the two compartments  11 ,  12  a third compartment  41  is provided, which is separated via a sealing  42  such as a foil or valves (not shown) from the first and second compartment  11 ,  12 , respectively. The rod  17  is provided with an element  43  for opening the sealing  42 , so that the first and second component  23 ,  24  are added to the third compartment  41 . By opening the sealing  42  to a greater or lesser extent, the mixing of the components can be regulated in a dosed manner. Preferably, opening the sealing  42  is obtained by a user, for instance when the operating button is pushed in for the first time. The wall part  16  is separated from the first and second compartment  11 ,  12  by a partition wall  19 A through which the rod  17  extends. It will be clear that gas development will occur when the components  23 ,  24  mix. As a result, the pressure in the compartments  11 ,  12 ,  41  will increase. When in the inner space  6  the pressure decreases the wall part  16  will move downwards and thus open the valve  14 . As a result, gas under pressure is allowed from the compartments  11 ,  12 ,  41  into the inner space  6  for bringing the pressure therein back to almost the desired pressure. 
     By way of illustration, an example will be described of used components  23 ,  24 , which example should not be construed to be limitative in any manner. Depending on the desired use, the skilled person will be able to each time select a suitable set of components in a simple manner without further invention. 
     In one embodiment, as a first component  23 , sodium bicarbonate is used and as second component citric acid. Upon mixture, this gives a chemical reaction with the following components: 
       3NaHCO 3 +C 6 H 8 O 7 →3CO 2 +3H 2 O+Na 3 C 6 H 5 O 7  
 
     For instance 84 g of sodium bicarbonate and 64 g of citric acid can yield 12 litres of CO 2 , at 2 bars pressure. 35 g sodium bicarbonate and 27 g of citric acid yield approximately 5 litres of CO 2  at approximately 2 Bar. By way of illustration, another possible reaction can be 
       NaHCO 3 +KHC 4 H 4 O 6 +H 2 O→+KNaC 4 H 4 O 6 +H 2 CO 3 +H 2 O
 
       H 2 CO 3   H 2 O+CO 2    
     For instance 84 g of sodium bicarbonate and 188.2 g of potassium bitartrate yield approximately 12 litres of CO 2  at approximately 2 bar pressure. 35 g of sodium bicarbonate and 78.4 g of potassium bitartrate give approximately 5 litres of CO 2  at approximately 2 bar pressure. 
     It will be clear that a skilled person can select suitable amounts of chemicals depending on, inter alia, the amount of liquid (beverage) to be dispensed, desired dispensing pressure, flow resistances, temperature and the like. 
     Naturally, other chemicals and combinations thereof can be utilized, such as (bi) carbonates and acids and/or bases. Acids can for instance be selected from a group comprising but not limited to calcium phosphate and lactic acids, bases can be selected from, for instance, a group comprising but not limited to potassium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate. As reference pressure P ref  a pressure between 0.5 and 1.2 bar excess pressure can for instance be utilized, more particularly between 0.7 and 1.0 bar excess pressure. In an advantageous embodiment, a reference pressure of approximately 0.9 excess pressure or approximately 1.09 bar absolute is used. Such a pressure can be somewhat higher than the equilibrium pressure for CO 2  gas that is ideal for the beverage, while it can thus be achieved that the pressure in the inner space can be raised somewhat above such an equilibrium pressure, and therefore the regulating device will switch on less often. However, naturally, the reference pressure can also be set to the equilibrium pressure, for instance approximately 1.4 to 1.6 bar absolute. Alternatively, a first and second component can be selected which substantially enter into an equilibrium reaction such as for instance an acid and a buffer. Such reactions are described in, for instance, WO 2008/000272, for instance on p. 4 and the examples. Such a combination of components is in particular but not exclusively suitable in an embodiment according to  FIG. 5  of the present specification. 
     The invention is not limited in any manner to the embodiments represented in the specification. Many variations thereon are possible within the framework of the invention as outlined by the claims. For instance, the chamber  15  can be fixedly connected to the rod  17 , while the movable wall part  16  is provided on the side of the valve  29  and the entire chamber  15  moves with pressure changes. Other components can be utilized for forming CO 2  or a different propellant. The regulating device  9  can be provided at other positions, optionally in combination with the valve and/or the riser. The regulating device can also be placed at a distance from the valve, for instance in the bottom or wall or outside the beverage holder, as long as gas can be introduced from the regulating device into the beverage holder.