Abstract:
A beverage sterilisation device comprises a housing defining an inner space, and having a first and a second end. An electrically insulated fluid path-defining conduit extends through the inner space from the first end to the second end. A first electrode has a first part positioned adjacent to the fluid path and a second part extending perpendicular to the first part. A first counter electrode defines together with the first electrode a first capacitor, and a second electrode having a third part and a fourth part. The third part is positioned adjacent to the fluid path, and the fourth part extends substantially perpendicular to the third part. A second counter electrode defines together with the second electrode a second capacitor. The first counter electrode and the second counter electrode are short-circuited by an electrical connection, and a conductive device is electrically connected between the first electrode and the second electrode. A first trigger point is defined at the second part and remote from the first part, and a second trigger point is defined at the first counter electrode opposite to the first trigger point. The device further comprises an electrical activation circuit for short-circuiting the pair of trigger points and for causing an electric field to propagate from the first trigger point and along the fluid path.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a national phase filing, under 35 U.S.C. §371(c), of International Application No. PCT/DK2008/000373, filed on Oct. 24, 2008, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not Applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The present invention relates to methods and apparatuses for sterilising beverages. Any beverage may comprise bacteria. Traditionally, during the process of sterilising beverages, i.e., substantially removing, killing or destroying micro organisms, the beverages have been pasteurised, i.e., heated to a temperature above which micro organisms, in particular bacteria, and not excluding yeast, fungi, virus and/or prions are killed. In some, or most instances this may ruin taste components. Thus there is a need to provide a system and a method for sterilising beverages without altering, changing or in any other way substantially changing the beverage. 
         [0004]    One way to kill micro organisms, such as bacteria, is electro-poration, or electro-permeabilisation, which is achieved by causing a significant increase in the electrical conductivity and permeability of the cell membrane by an externally applied electric field. This is also utilised in molecular biology, albeit without killing the cells. Pores are formed when the voltage across a cell membrane exceeds its dielectric strength. If the strength of the applied electric field and/or duration of exposure to it are properly chosen, the pores formed by the electrical pulse reseal after a short period of time, during which extra cellular compounds have a chance to enter into the cell. However, excessive exposure of live cells to electric fields can cause apoptosis and/or necroses, i.e. result in cell death, which is desirable when sterilising beverage. 
         [0005]    The present invention provides systems and methods for performing sterilisation of beverage based on such a principle. The systems and methods include subjecting beverage to electric fields, preferably without having any direct contact between the electric field generator and the beverage. 
         [0006]    Generally micro organisms in the beverage are also subjected to this electric field. Bacteria have a lipid bilayer membrane. The lipid bilayer membrane is a membrane or zone of a membrane composed of lipid molecules, usually phospholipids. Lipids are amphiphilic molecules since they have polar head groups and non-polar fatty acid tails. The bilayer is composed of two layers of lipids arranged so that their hydrocarbon tails face one another to form an oily core held together by Van der Waals interactions, while their charged heads face the aqueous solutions on either side of the membrane. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    A first aspect of the present invention relates to a beverage sterilisation device, which may comprise:
       a housing defining an inner space, the housing having a first and a second end,   an electrically insulated fluid path defining conduit extending through the inner space from the first end to the second end,   a first electrical conductive electrode having a first part and a second part, the first part being positioned adjacent to the fluid path at the conduit, the second part extending substantially perpendicular to the first part,   a first electrical conductive counter electrode defining together with the first electrical conductive electrode a first capacitor of a first specific capacitance,   a second electrical conductive electrode having a third part and a fourth part, the third part being positioned adjacent to the fluid path at the conduit, the fourth part extending substantially perpendicular to the third part and away from the second part of the first electrical conductive electrode,   a second electrical conductive counter electrode defining together with the second electrical conductive electrode a second capacitor of a second specific capacitance,   the first electrical conductive counter electrode and the second electrical conductive counter electrode being short-circuited by an electrical connection,   a conductive device electrically connected between the first electrical conductive electrode and the second electrical conductive electrode,   a pair of trigger points, a first trigger point being defined at the second part of the first electrical conductive electrode and remote from the first part thereof and a second trigger point being defined at the first electrical conductive electrode opposite to the first trigger point,   an electrical activation circuit for short-circuiting the pair of trigger points and for causing an electric field to propagate from the first trigger point and along the fluid path.       
 
         [0018]    The device according to the first aspect of the present invention is contemplated to be used in a variety of settings, including in beverage production facilities, beverage dispensing equipment, and beverage dispensing settings. 
         [0019]    The electrodes are used to transmit or emit an electrical signal or field through the insulated beverage or fluid path. As described above, it is contemplated that the presence of an electric field will cause the membrane of bacteria to open and thereby kill or destroy the bacteria. As will be discussed elsewhere the electric field may be static, varying, pulsated, alternating or any combination thereof. The actual electric field strength may be chosen depending on the implementation and setting. 
         [0020]    The device according to the first aspect of the present invention may include a power source in the housing. Alternatively, a power source may be connected to the device. This also applies to the other embodiments and aspects of the present invention. The housing is preferably made from plastic material, such as PP, ABS or the like. 
         [0021]    In one embodiment, the capacitance of the first capacitor and the second capacitor may be equal. An example could be a capacitance of 5 pF. An embodiment with a capacitance of 5 pF and a voltage of 10 kV would require a power in the order of 0.3 mW, which is a relative low electrical power. It is thus not required to use a large, high power electrical power supply, but allows the use of a small battery while retaining a relatively long service life. 
         [0022]    In the device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the housing may be composed of two parts hinged together at one side, the fluid path defined by a depression in each of the parts so that when the two parts are assembled the fluid path is established, the depressions forming a tube receiving structure. This is contemplated to allow the device according to the first aspect to be secured around a beverage dispensing tube, tubing or guide. The tube, tubing or guide should be made from a material allowing electric fields to pass, such material include polymer material, glass and other. 
         [0023]    In an alternative embodiment, the housing may include a first connector at the first end constituting a fluid inlet for establishing fluid communication with a first tube, and the housing includes a second connector at the second end constituting a fluid outlet for establishing fluid communication with a second tube. This is contemplated to allow the device to be inserted in a beverage dispensing line composed of two or more tubes or tubing. In such an embodiment, beverage flows through the inside of the housing and not, as above, in a separate tube. 
         [0024]    A second aspect of the present invention relates to a beverage sterilisation device that may comprise:
       a housing defining an outer surface and an inner space, the housing having a first and a second end,   an electrically insulated fluid path defining conduit form by the surface and adapted to receive a tube, the conduit having an open part for receiving and fixating the tube,   a first electrical conductive electrode having a first part and a second part, the first part being positioned adjacent to the fluid path at the conduit, the second part extending substantially perpendicular to the first part,   a first electrical conductive counter electrode defining together with the first electrical conductive electrode a first capacitor of a first specific capacitance,   a second electrical conductive electrode having a third part and a fourth part, the third part being positioned adjacent to the fluid path at the conduit, the fourth part extending substantially perpendicular to the third part and away from the second part of the first electrical conductive electrode,   a second electrical conductive counter electrode defining together with the second electrical conductive electrode a second capacitor of a second specific capacitance,   the first electrical conductive counter electrode and the second electrical conductive counter electrode being short-circuited by an electrical connection,   a constant current maintaining inductor electrically connected between the first electrical conductive electrode and the second electrical conductive electrode,   a pair of trigger points, a first trigger point being defined at the second part of the first electrical conductive electrode and remote from the first part thereof and a second trigger point being defined at the first electrical conductive electrode opposite to the first trigger point,   an electrical activation circuit for short-circuiting the pair of trigger points and for causing an electric field to propagate from the first trigger point and along the fluid path.       
 
         [0035]    The device according to the second aspect of the present invention is adapted to receive a tube or tubing for transporting a beverage in a recess or opening formed on the outside of the housing. The recess may include protruding areas for retaining the tube or tubing in the recess. Alternatively, or in combination therewith, further retaining means, e.g. straps, wires or the like may be used. 
         [0036]    The electrical components of the device according to the second aspect are similar to those mentioned in relation to the device according to the first aspect of the present invention. 
         [0037]    In a particular embodiment the trigger points may constitute Blumlein discharge propagation points and the electrical activation circuit may be a Blumlein short-circuiting circuit for short-circuiting the Blumlein propagation points. Alternatively the electrical activation circuit may be constituted by a spark gap, a spark coil, a spark plug, a thyratron, any other suitable electrical element or any combination of the mentioned elements. Also devices for magnetic pulse compression may be included in the system. Such a device may be used for generating the pulse or current just prior to activating the circuit and generating the electric field. 
         [0038]    The activation circuit is used to start an electric field or wave that eventually travels through the beverage and interacts with the membrane of micro organisms, such as bacteria, as described above. 
         [0039]    In an advantageous embodiment, the first electrical conductive counter electrode may be positioned opposite the second part of the first electrical conductive electrode and extending so that a substantially constant distance is maintained between the second part of the first electrical conductive electrode and the first electrical conductive counter electrode. This is contemplated to ensure that the capacitor defined by the electrodes functions correctly and without any defects or unwanted or uncontrolled electric field being generated. Similarly, the second electrical conductive counter electrode may be positioned opposite the second part of the second electrical conductive electrode and extending so that a substantially constant distance is maintained between the second part of the second electrical conductive electrode and the second electrical conductive counter electrode. 
         [0040]    In a further advantageous embodiment, the first electrical conductive counter electrode and the second electrical conductive counter electrode may be formed as a single electrode. This may simplify the implementation of the construction. Alternatively, the first electrical conductive counter electrode and the second electrical conductive counter electrode may be formed as discrete electrodes and a direct electrical connection is formed between the first electrical conductive counter electrode and the second electrical conductive counter electrode. This is contemplated to achieve the same effect as the single electrode embodiment above. 
         [0041]    In a special embodiment, a short-circuit point may be defined on the second part of the first electrical conductive electrode remote from the first part of the first electrical conductive electrode. 
         [0042]    In a further particular embodiment, the first electrical conductive counter electrode may be constituted by a first coaxial cable electrically connected to the first electrical conductive electrode. Still further, the second electrical conductive counter electrode may be constituted by a second coaxial cable electrically connected to the second electrical conductive electrode. Even still further, both the first and the second electrical conductive counter electrode may be constituted by coaxial cables. This is contemplated to provide an alternative embodiment of the capacitors. In a specific embodiment, a shielding part of the first coaxial cable may be electrically connected to a shielding part of second coaxial cable. 
         [0043]    As described above the fluid or beverage may flow through the housing. In that case, the fluid path may be constituted by a tubular conduit within the housing. The conduit is then contemplated to ensure that the beverage does not enter the inside of the housing. The cross-section of the conduit preferably has a geometry similar to that of the tube or tubing connected to the device according to the present invention. Usually this geometry is substantially circular. 
         [0044]    Advantageously, the conduit may be made from glass, plastic, Teflon® brand polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or any other suitable material. The material should preferably be electrically insulating or non-conductive. Alternatively, the material may be electrically conductive. 
         [0045]    The housing may be made from a plastic material. The material used for the housing is non-conductive and does not affect the electric field generated. 
         [0046]    An inner space may be defined by the housing and a gas may be included in the inner space in the housing and at least partly surrounding the fluid path. The inner space may alternatively be evacuated, i.e. substantially without gas. 
         [0047]    A thyratron may be positioned within the housing in electrical connection with the first electrical conductive electrode. The thyratron may be used for initiating the electric field. The thyratron may be electrically connected to the short-circuiting point. 
         [0048]    As described above, an electrical power source may be positioned in the housing. Further, the electrical power source may be a battery, such as a Lithium Ion battery. Any other suitable battery type may be used. 
         [0049]    Preferably, the first capacitor has a capacitance in the interval 1 pF to 50 pF. Further, the constant current maintaining inductor may be a coil. The coil may have an inductance in the order of 1 pH to 1 mH. 
         [0050]    The beverage sterilisation device according to the first and/or second aspects may be included in a beverage dispensing apparatus or connected to a beverage dispensing line included in a beverage dispensing line. This includes draught beer dispensing apparatuses and systems as well as water dispensing apparatuses. 
         [0051]    The electrical conductive device mentioned above may include or may be constituted by an inductor, a resistor, a capacitor or any combination thereof. The choice of component may depend on desired use or power consumption. 
         [0052]    A third aspect of the present invention relates to a method of sterilising a beverage conducted through an electrically insulated fluid path, the method may comprise the steps of:
       providing a sterilisation device including a housing defining an inner space, the housing having a first and a second end,   the electrically insulated fluid path defined by a conduit extending through the inner space from the first end to the second end,   a first electrical conductive electrode having a first part and a second part, the first part being positioned adjacent to the fluid path at the conduit, the second part extending substantially perpendicular to the first part,   a first electrical conductive counter electrode defining together with the first electrical conductive electrode a first capacitor of a first specific capacitance,   a second electrical conductive electrode having a third part and a fourth part, the third part being positioned adjacent to the fluid path at the conduit, the fourth part extending substantially perpendicular to the third part and away from the second part of the first electrical conductive electrode,   a second electrical conductive counter electrode defining together with the second electrical conductive electrode a second capacitor of a second specific capacitance,   the first electrical conductive counter electrode and the second electrical conductive counter electrode being short-circuited by an electrical connection,   a conductive device electrically connected between the first electrical conductive electrode and the second electrical conductive electrode,   a pair of trigger points, a first trigger point being defined at the second part of the first electrical conductive electrode and remote from the first part thereof and a second trigger point being defined at the first electrical conductive electrode opposite to the first trigger point,   an electrical activation circuit for short-circuiting the pair of trigger points and for causing an electric field to propagate from the first trigger point and along the fluid path;   providing the beverage in the electrically insulated fluid path,   charging the first and the second electrical conductive electrodes,   activating the short-circuiting point so as to generate an electric field through the electrically insulated fluid path; and   repeating the charging and the activating.       
 
         [0067]    A fourth aspect of the present invention relates to a method of sterilising a beverage conducted in an electrically insulated fluid path, the method comprising:
       a housing defining an outer surface and an inner space, the housing having a first and a second end,   the electrically insulated fluid path defining conduit form by the surface and adapted to receive a tube, the conduit having an open part for receiving and fixating the tube,   a first electrical conductive electrode having a first part and a second part, the first part being positioned adjacent to the fluid path at the conduit, the second part extending substantially perpendicular to the first part,   a first electrical conductive counter electrode defining together with the first electrical conductive electrode a first capacitor of a first specific capacitance,   a second electrical conductive electrode having a third part and a fourth part, the third part being positioned adjacent to the fluid path at the conduit, the fourth part extending substantially perpendicular to the third part and away from the second part of the first electrical conductive electrode,   a second electrical conductive counter electrode defining together with the second electrical conductive electrode a second capacitor of a second specific capacitance,   the first electrical conductive counter electrode and the second electrical conductive counter electrode being short-circuited by an electrical connection,   a constant current maintaining inductor electrically connected between the first electrical conductive electrode and the second electrical conductive electrode,   a pair of trigger points, a first trigger point being defined at the second part of the first electrical conductive electrode and remote from the first part thereof and a second trigger point being defined at the first electrical conductive electrode opposite to the first trigger point,   an electrical activation circuit for short-circuiting the pair of trigger points and for causing an electric field to propagate from the first trigger point and along the fluid path;   providing the beverage in the electrically insulated fluid path,   charging the first and the second electrical conductive electrodes,   activating the activation circuit so as to generate an electric field through the electrical insulated fluid path; and   repeating the charging and the activating.       
 
         [0082]    The method according to the third and/or fourth aspect may be performed using an apparatus according to the first and/or second aspect of the present invention. 
         [0083]    In one embodiment of the present invention, a flow meter may be present. The flow meter is contemplated to be used for detecting when beverage flows in a fluid guiding channel, such as the tube or tubing discussed above. This may allow the device to perform the sterilisation at two different rates, one fast rate when the beverage is being dispensed or at least flows in the tube or tubing, and one slower rate when the beverage does not flow or is not being dispensed. One example could be a draught beer dispensing apparatus where the flow meter is included at the coupling between the beer container and the beer line, i.e. a tube or tubing. When beer is dispensed, e.g. from a tap, the flow meter will detect a change in flow speed, and may activate the sterilisation device or at least cause it to be shifted into a different mode where an electric field is applied at a high repetition rate. When no beverage is being dispensed, the sterilisation device may emit the electric field less often. 
         [0084]    In a bar setting with one or more beverage storage containers being connected to a beverage guiding line to a beverage dispensing tap, it is contemplated to be an advantage to mount a sterilisation device according to the present invention at the place where the one or more beverage containers are connected to the beverage guiding tube or line and one more at the beverage dispensing tap. When a beverage container is empty, a new, filled one is connected to the beverage dispensing line or tube. When this coupling is performed it is possible that contaminants are introduced into the system. Also, the dispensing tap is exposed to the bar surroundings and thereby also to contaminants. At these places it may therefore be advantageous to place or mount a beverage sterilisation device according to the present invention. Further, the addition of a flow meter is contemplated to enhance the advantage, as the flow meter is further contemplated to reduce to energy consumption of the device over time. 
         [0085]    When no beverage is being dispensed from a tap, there may be a small residue of beverage in the tip of the tap, and as the tip is open-ended and exposed to surrounding environment, there is a risk that bacteria and other micro organisms enter the tip and thereby pollute the beverage. Therefore, it is contemplated to be advantageous to position or mount a beverage sterilisation device at the tip of a tapping device. Additionally, a flow meter for detecting when beverage is being dispensed may be included. When no beverage is being dispensed, any micro organisms present in the tip travel only relatively slowly, e.g. in a direction from the opening of the tip and upstream of the tip. Therefore, it may be sufficient to perform sterilisation of the beverage present in the tip fewer times per time unit than when beverage is being dispensed. The detection of beverage flowing or not may also be linked to a handle or operation part of the tap. 
         [0086]    The charging and short-circuiting or activation may be repeated with a frequency of 0.01 Hz to 1 kHz for a first period of time. Alternatively, the charging and short-circuiting or activation may be repeated non-periodically. The charging and the short-circuiting may be repeated non-periodically for a second period of time. The second period of time may be 10 seconds or may be controlled by a flow meter or other flow detection means as discussed above. 
         [0087]    In the method according to the third and/or fourth aspect of the present invention the system used may include any of the features according to the system or apparatus according to the first and/or second aspect. 
         [0088]    A fifth aspect of the present invention relates to a beverage guiding and sterilising system that may comprise:
       a beverage inlet section for receiving beverage, the beverage inlet section defining a first cross-sectional geometry allowing a laminar flow of the beverage or substantially laminar at a first maximum flow speed, the first cross-sectional geometry defining a first cross-sectional area, a first maximum width and a first minimum width defined by the first cross-sectional geometry, a first ratio of the first maximum width to the first minimum width being within the interval 1 to 10,   a first transitional section having a first and an opposite second end, a cross-sectional geometry identical to the first cross-sectional geometry being defined at the first end,   a beverage sterilisation section having a second cross-sectional geometry, the beverage sterilisation section including a set of electrodes for generating an electric field, the electric field passing through the beverage in the beverage sterilisation section,   the first transitional section defining at the second end a cross-section geometry identical to the second cross-sectional geometry, the first transitional section defining a first transitional section length from the first end to the second end, the cross-section of the first transitional section changing along the first transitional section length from the first cross-sectional geometry to the second cross-sectional geometry so that when the beverage flows through the first transitional section the beverage flows with a substantially laminar flow, the second cross-sectional geometry defining a second cross-sectional area, a second maximum width and a second minimum width defined by the second cross-sectional geometry, a second ratio of the second maximum width to the second minimum width being within the interval 10 to 10.000, and   the beverage sterilisation section being in fluid communication with the first transitional section at the second end thereof.       
 
         [0094]    An additional embodiment may have an electrode and a tube, tubing or pipe in a coaxial or concentric configuration, where the electrode is positioned either inside the inner part of the tube, tubing or pipe, or at the inner wall of the tube, tubing or pipe. The shape or geometry of the cross-section of the pipe, tube or tubing is preferably circular, but may also be elliptical, square, polygonal or any combination thereof. 
         [0095]    The electric field may propagate perpendicular to the direction of the beverage flow, parallel to the beverage flow or at a specific angle relative to the beverage flow direction. Preferably the beverage flow includes a part where the beverage flows in a substantially straight line, and the direction of the electric field may be defined relative to this part of the beverage flow. 
         [0096]    The electrodes may also be arranged in a Blumlein configuration where the electric field propagates fast along the flow direction of the beverage. The above remarks regarding the electrode configurations apply to all aspects of the present invention. 
         [0097]    The system according to the fifth aspect is contemplated to be used in beverage production facilities where it is important that the beverage flows with a laminar or substantially laminar flow. This may be the case when brewing beer, where it is undesirable to have brewed beer flow turbulently so that foam is formed in the production system. However, a small or insignificant amount of turbulent flow may be acceptable. This is similar for the production of carbonated soft drinks. 
         [0098]    The laminar flow should be maintained in order to prevent gasses to be released from the beverage however; a small amount of non-laminar flow may be acceptable. The transition section should be formed without any abrupt transitions. The transformation from the first cross-section geometry to the second cross-section geometry should be smooth. 
         [0099]    The set of electrodes may generate a static electric field, a pulsating electric field, a varying electric field, an alternating electric field, an AC-field, a DC-field, a RE-field, a HF-field, a DC-field with an AC-overlay or any combination thereof. The type of field may depend on several considerations, such as surroundings, EMC requirements or compliance, speed or velocity of beverage, and the size or width of the beverage sterilisation section to be exposed to the electric field. 
         [0100]    In one embodiment the electric field may be generated using a high voltage of 50 kV. The maximum width of the beverage sterilisation section may be in the order of 1 to 5 meters and the minimum width may be 1 to 5 mm. The flow speeds are usually less than 10 m/s. 
         [0101]    As the beverage flows in the system and the electrodes are kept stationary, there is still a relative movement between the beverage and the electrodes. 
         [0102]    In one embodiment the beverage sterilisation section may be formed by part of the first transitional section and/or the second transitional section. The electrodes may then be positioned on top of one or both transition section or sections. Further, the first and second transition sections may be integrally formed. 
         [0103]    The beverage sterilisation section may be a separate part interconnecting the first transitional section and the second transitional section. Further, the first and second transition sections may be integrally formed with the beverage sterilisation area or section. 
         [0104]    Specifically the first transitional section and/or the second transitional section may be made from a non-electrical conductive material. This is contemplated to ensure that the electric field is able to pass through the system and the beverage. Further the beverage sterilisation section may be made from a non-electrical conductive material. 
         [0105]    It is advantageous that the first cross-sectional geometry may be substantially circular, elliptical, polygonal with an overall round geometry, or any combination thereof. The first cross-sectional geometry may correspond to the geometry of a tube or pipe in a production facility, such as in a brewery. 
         [0106]    As above, an additional embodiment may have an electrode and a tube, tubing or pipe in a coaxial configuration, where the electrode is positioned either inside the inner part of the tube, tubing or pipe, or at the inner wall of the tube, tubing or pipe. 
         [0107]    The second cross-sectional geometry may be substantially rectangular, square or elliptical or a combination thereof. The second cross-sectional geometry should be formed so that the electric field should travel a minimum distance. Large distances require higher voltages and thus higher power consumption and possible problems with interference with other equipment etc. 
         [0108]    The system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention may include features mentioned in relation to the first, second, third and/or fourth aspect of the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0109]    The present invention will now be discussed in more detail with reference to the figures, in which. 
           [0110]      FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a first embodiment of a sterilisation system, 
           [0111]      FIGS. 2   a  and  2   b  are schematic illustrations of capacitor systems, 
           [0112]      FIGS. 3 to 8  are schematic illustrations of tubes with integrated sterilisation devices, 
           [0113]      FIG. 9   a  is a schematic illustration of an apparatus incorporating a sterilisation device for sterilising beverage in containers, 
           [0114]      FIG. 9   b  is a zoomed view of the apparatus of  FIG. 9   a,    
           [0115]      FIG. 9   c  is a schematic illustration of an apparatus for filling containers with a beverage and incorporating a sterilisation device for sterilising beverage as it is being dispensed, 
           [0116]      FIG. 9   d  is a zoomed view of the apparatus of  FIG. 9   c,    
           [0117]      FIG. 10  is a schematic illustration of beverage in a can being sterilised, 
           [0118]      FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  are schematic illustrations of circuits for sterilising beverages, 
           [0119]      FIGS. 12   a  and  12   b  are schematic views of a system for sterilising beverage in a production facility, 
           [0120]      FIGS. 13   a  and  13   b  are schematic views of one embodiment of an apparatus for sterilising beverage flowing in a tube, 
           [0121]      FIGS. 14   a  and  14   b  are schematic views of another embodiment of an apparatus for sterilising beverage flowing in a tube, 
           [0122]      FIG. 15   a  is a schematic illustration of a system comprising three beverage containers and a beverage dispensing tap, 
           [0123]      FIG. 15   b  is a schematic zoomed view of a beverage dispensing tap, 
           [0124]      FIG. 15   c  is a schematic zoomed view of a connector for a beverage container, 
           [0125]      FIG. 16  is a schematic illustration of a draught beer dispensing system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0126]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a system  10  for sterilising beverage. In the presently preferred embodiment the beverage is beer but other beverages may be used such as water, fruit juice, soft drink or wine. The system  10  comprises a housing  12  with adaptors  14  and  16  for connecting to a beverage fluid path, e.g. in a brewery or in a beverage dispensing setup, such as in a bar or the like. 
         [0127]    The housing  12  includes a fluid guiding tube  18  in fluid communication with the adaptors  14  and  16  for establishing a fluid path through the housing  12 . 
         [0128]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1  the housing  12  is made from glass material. The tube  18  is also made from glass and may be formed integrally with the housing  12 . The housing  12  is hollow and evacuated to form a vacuum inside the housing  12 . In alternative embodiments the housing may be filled with a gas, e.g., an inert gas or metal vapour. 
         [0129]    The housing  12  further comprises two metallic plates  20  and  22 . The two plates  20  and  22  are positioned along the length of the fluid guiding tube  18 . As the tube  18  is substantially straight, the plates  20  and  22  are positioned parallel to the tube  18 . 
         [0130]    The plates  20  and  22  each comprise two parts,  24 ,  26  and  28 ,  30 , respectively. Illustrated by the plate  20 , the two parts  24  and  26  are positioned substantially perpendicular to each other. The construction will be described in more detail with reference to the other drawings. The plates  20  and  22  are made from an electrically conductive metallic material. The plates  20  and  22  form part of a capacitor system. 
         [0131]    The system  10  further comprises two grids  32  and  34 . The grids are part of a thyratron used to start an electromagnetic wave travelling in the plate  20 , through the tube  18  to the plate  22 . The grids  32  and  34  provide a trigger effect. The normal grid potential is negative with respect to the cathode and prevents electrons from flowing to the plate. Other suitable ignition devices may be used. Also, devices for magnetic pulse compression may be included in the system. This may be used for allowing the signal to be generated at the last moment before short-circuiting the system and activating the Blumlein circuit. 
         [0132]    A thyratron is a type of gas filled tube used as a high energy electrical switch. Triode, Tetrode and Pentode variations of the thyratron have been manufactured in the past, though most are of the triode design. Usable gases include mercury vapour, xenon, neon, and, in special high-voltage applications or applications requiring very short switching times, hydrogen, or deuterium. 
         [0133]    An electric field is contemplated to be formed through the tube  18  with field components perpendicular to the parts  24  and  30 . The beverage travelling in the tube  18  is then subjected to the electric field. 
         [0134]    The grids  32  and  34  are coupled to a controllable electrical power source. 
         [0135]    Generally, bacteria in the beverage are also subjected to this electric field. Bacteria have a lipid bilayer membrane. The lipid bilayer membrane is a membrane or zone of a membrane composed of lipid molecules, usually phospholipids. Lipids are amphiphilic molecules since they have polar head groups and non-polar fatty acid tails. The bilayer is composed of two layers of lipids arranged so that their hydrocarbon tails face one another to form an oily core held together by Van der Waals interactions, while their charged heads face the aqueous solutions on either side of the membrane. Electroporation, or electropermeabilization, of a cell is a significant increase in the electrical conductivity and permeability of the cell membrane caused by an externally applied electric field. This is also utilised in molecular biology. Pores are formed when the voltage across a plasma membrane exceeds its dielectric strength. If the strength of the applied electric field and/or duration of exposure to it are properly chosen, the pores formed by the electrical pulse reseal after a short period of time, during which extracellular compounds have a chance to enter into the cell. However, excessive exposure of live cells to electric fields may cause apoptosis and/or necrosis i.e. result in cell death. 
         [0136]    The membrane shifts so that the membrane is turned inside out. The electric field is turned on and off causing the membrane to pulsate and eventually be destroyed. 
         [0137]    The electric field may be pulsed with a frequency of e.g. 1000 Hz. The membrane is able to turn inside out in approximately 1 μsec-1 msec without being damaged. The system  10  still further comprises a wire  36 . 
         [0138]    The system  10  may be part of a brewery system, e.g. at the outlet of a boiler or e.g. just prior to a filling station where the beverage is filled in containers, e.g. bottles, cans or kegs. 
         [0139]    The width of the beverage guiding tube  18  is in the order of 1 cm and the capacitor is charged to around 10 5  V, resulting in the electric field having a field-strength in the order of 10 4  V/mm. 
         [0140]      FIG. 2   a  is a schematic view of one way of implementing the capacitor part of the system  10  in  FIG. 1 . Three plates  38 ,  40  and  42  form a capacitor-like structure. A dielectric medium  44  is used to maintain the distances between the plates  38  and  40  relative to the plate  42 . The plates  38 ,  40  and  42  are made from an electrically conductive material. The coil  46  is an illustration of a connection between the two plates  38  and  40  for maintaining a substantial constant current. In alternative embodiments other suitable electrical components may be used. The structure is repeatedly charged and discharged so as to cause an electric field to be generated between the parts  47  and  48  of the plates  38  and  40  respectively. 
         [0141]    Between the parts  47  and  48  a beverage conduit or tube  50  is positioned. The conduit  50  is made from a non-conductive material, preferably plastic, glass or the like. The beverage flows through the conduit  50  in the direction of the arrows  52  and  54 . 
         [0142]    The wires  56  and  58  are used to short-circuit the system to generate an electric wave from the point  60 . The electric wave travels toward the part  47 . As described above, the beverage in the conduit  50  is subjected to the electric field, and the electric field is pulsed with a frequency around 1000 Hz. This causes the polar double membrane of the bacteria to flip-flop inside-out and eventually destroy the membrane, thereby killing the bacteria. The electric field is changed at such a high speed that the bacteria are not able to adapt and undergo many periods during the travel from the inlet of the conduit  50  until it reaches the outlet. 
         [0143]      FIG. 2   b  is a schematic view of another way of implementing the capacitor part of the system  10  in  FIG. 1   
         [0144]    The capacitor part comprises two plates  62  and  64 . Each plate  62 ,  64  comprises a first part  66  and  68 , respectively, and a second part  70 ,  72  positioned perpendicular to the first part  66  and  68 , respectively. Beverage flows in the channel  73 , which is positioned in between the parts  70  and  72 . 
         [0145]    As an electric field emanates from the point at  74  from the coaxial cable  76 , the first part  66  of the plate  62  may be triangular shaped, thus reducing material and space use. 
         [0146]    An electrical connection  78  between two coaxial cables  76  and  80  is established. The connection  78  is between the screen of the coaxial cables  76  and  80  and not the core parts. 
         [0147]      FIGS. 3 to 8  are schematic illustrations of a sterilisation device embedded or included in a beverage guiding tube or pipe. The sterilisation device utilises the metal in the tube or pipe to generate the electric field. 
         [0148]      FIG. 3  schematically illustrates a section of a pipe or tube  164 . An encircling electrode  166  is embedded in the tube  164 . Electrical connections from a power source  168  are provided. A switch  170  allows switching between two electrodes  172  and  174  on a body  176  inside the tube  164 . This allows an electric field, indicated by the arrows  180 , to be generated between the electrode  174  and the electrode  166 . 
         [0149]      FIG. 4  schematically illustrates the same section of pipe  164  shown in  FIG. 3 . In  FIG. 4  however, an electric field, as indicated by the arrows  182 , is generated between the electrode  172  and the electrode  166 . 
         [0150]    The body  176  causes beverage to flow in the direction of the arrow  178 . Numerals identical to those in  FIG. 3  denote similar elements. 
         [0151]      FIG. 5  schematically illustrates a section of a pipe  184  with an electrode  186  embedded therein. A body  188  is positioned within the tube  184 . The body  188  includes an electrode  190 . An electric field  192  is generated between the electrode  186  and the electrode  190 . The arrow  178  indicates the flow of beverage. 
         [0152]      FIG. 6  schematically illustrates a section of a pipe  196  with a body  198 . The body includes two electrodes  200  and  202 . Electrical power is supplied from the power supply  204 . The electrical currents in the electrodes generate an electric field  206  in the beverage. 
         [0153]      FIG. 7  schematically illustrates a section of a pipe  207  where two electrodes  208  and  210  are embedded in the pipe  207 . Beverage flows around a body  212  inside the pipe  207 . Electrical power is supplied from the power supply  218 . Electric field is indicated by arrows  215 . 
         [0154]      FIG. 8  schematically illustrates a pipe  216  with an electrode  218  embedded therein. A body  220  is positioned within the pipe  216 . Two electrodes  222  and  224  are embedded in the body  220 . The two electrodes  222  and  224  are supplied with electrical power from power supply  226 . 
         [0155]    In the embodiments in the above figures where two electrodes are shown, the two electrodes may be activated simultaneously or independently or alternating or combinations thereof. 
         [0156]      FIG. 9   a  is a schematic illustration of a system  106  for sterilisation of beverage in containers, specifically for sterilisation of beverage in glass containers, i.e. glass bottles. The system  106  includes two electric field generators  108  and  110 . The generators are movable in one direction so that they may surround a bottle. When the bottle is surrounded by the field generator, an electric field is applied which field then penetrates the bottle and interacts with the double lipid membrane as described elsewhere in the present specification. 
         [0157]    The two electric field generators  108  and  110  are reciprocally moved by the apparatuses  112  and  114 . The two electric field generators  108  and  110  are moved in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the containers, i.e. the bottles shown. 
         [0158]    The bottles are supplied or transported via a conveyor system  116  and after sterilisation the bottles are transported further by a second conveyor system  118 . The bottles are supplied to the sterilisation system after being filled with a beverage and being fitted with a cap. In alternative embodiments the cap may be applied later. The bottles are transported to further treatment or packaging stations. 
         [0159]    In a further alternative embodiment the system  106  may be used to sterilise empty bottles. 
         [0160]      FIG. 9   b  is a schematic cut-through view of a bottle  120  inside the electric field generator  108 . The electric field is indicated by the wavy lines  122 . The electric field is not affected to any substantial effect by the metallic cap. 
         [0161]      FIG. 9   c  is a schematic illustration of a system  228  for sterilisation of beverage in containers, specifically for sterilisation of beverage in glass containers, i.e. glass bottles. The main difference compared to the system  106  illustrated above is that the system  228  sterilises the beverage as it is being transferred into a specific container. It is assumed that the container itself has been cleaned and sterilised. 
         [0162]    The system  228  comprises a plurality of beverage dispensing rods or guides  230  which are rotated counter clock-wise, i.e. in the same direction as the containers  232  on the conveyor system  234 . Each of the containers  232 , e.g. glass bottles, is filled during the travel from the inlet at  236  to the opposite outlet at  237 . The rods  230  are movable in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the containers, i.e. up and down. 
         [0163]      FIG. 9   d  is a schematic zoomed view of a container  232  being filled via a rod  230 . At the open end  238  of the rod  230  two electrodes  240  and  242  are positioned. The electrodes  240  and  242  are part of a beverage sterilisation device according to the present invention, and as described throughout the present description. 
         [0164]    Advantageously, a flow meter may be incorporated in the rod or in the system  228 , so that the electrodes  240  and  242  only produce an electric field when beverage is being filled into a container. Alternatively an electric field may also be produced when no beverage is being dispensed so that it is ensured that no contaminants are present in the rod  230  before passing beverage into a container. 
         [0165]      FIG. 10  is a schematic illustration of an alternative way of sterilising a beverage in a container  124 . In general, the container may be metallic or conductive or at least partly conductive and may include coating or be at least partly coated. The container may further be a can, keg or bottle. An electrode  126  is lowered into the beverage  128 . An electric field is generated in the beverage  128  between the electrode  126  and the can  124 . The can  124  comprises a coating on the inner wall so that the electric field does not cause any material of the wall of the can  124  to be dissolved in the beverage due to electrolytic processes caused by the presence of the electric field or any other form of chemical interaction between the wall and the beverage. 
         [0166]      FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b  schematically illustrate the setup and circuit diagram, respectively.  FIG. 11   a  shows two plates  82  and  84  between which a beverage guide  86  is located. A coil  88  connects the two plates  82  and  84 . The two plates  82  and  84  share a common plate  90  establishing the capacitor system described above. 
         [0167]      FIG. 11   b  schematically shows a circuit including two capacitors  92  and  94  having a common electrode  96 . A voltage of U Bo  is applied at  98  while  100  is kept at 0 V. The coil  102  ensures that a voltage is maintained over the two capacitors  92  and  94 . The circuit further comprises a spark gap  104 . 
         [0168]      FIGS. 12   a  and  12   b  are schematic views of a system  146  for sterilising beverage in a production facility. The system  146  receives a flow of beverage via inlet  148 . The beverage flows with a laminar flow. The inlet section  148  has a circular cross-sectional geometry. The beverage travels in the direction indicated by the arrow  150 . 
         [0169]    The beverage flows from the inlet  148  to a first transitional section  152 . The geometry at the inlet of the first transitional section  152  corresponds to the geometry of the inlet section  148 . The first transitional section  152  changes shape in that it becomes thinner and wider, from a substantially circular cross-section to a more rectangular cross-section. The change in the cross-section is formed gradually so that the flow of the beverage is kept a substantially laminar flow. As described above, a small amount of non-laminar flow may be acceptable. 
         [0170]    The first transitional section  152  is joined to a second transitional section  154  which provides an opposite transition from a substantially rectangular cross-section to a substantially circular cross-section. The second transitional section  154  is connected to an outlet section  162 . At the interface  156  between the first  152  and the second  154  transitional sections, an electrode  158  is positioned. On the opposite side of the interface  156 , a second electrode  160  is positioned parallel to the first electrode  158 . The two electrodes together allow an electric field to be transmitted through the beverage in the system  146 . 
         [0171]    The electric field generated by the electrodes  158  and  160  may be stationary or pulsed, either periodically with a fixed frequency such as 1 kHz, or within a frequency band or interval. 
         [0172]    The system  146  is preferably made from a non-electrical conductive material, preferably either glass or PTFE (e.g., Teflon®). Alternatively any other suitable material may be used. 
         [0173]      FIGS. 13   a  and  13   b  are schematic illustrations of a sterilisation device  130  attached to a beverage dispensing line  132 . The beverage dispensing line  132  may be part of a bar setting or the like. Also, the sterilisation device  130  may be included in a water dispensing apparatus. The sterilisation device  130  is formed by two halves  134  and  136  where a recess is formed in each half, so that when assembling the two halves, a tube may be received in the opening or passage formed by the recesses. 
         [0174]    The tube or dispensing line  132  may be made from glass or PTFE (e.g. Teflon®) or any other suitable material. 
         [0175]    The embodiment shown in  FIGS. 13   a  and  13   b  has an electrode  138  and  140  in each half, as indicated by the punctured or dashed lines. In alternative embodiments the electrodes may be placed in one half only. The halves need not be identical, e.g. an embodiment with one part being significantly larger than the other may be implemented, e.g. a tube receiving part and a corresponding lid or other tube retaining means. 
         [0176]      FIGS. 14   a  and  14   b  schematically illustrate a further embodiment of a sterilisation device  142 . A tube  144  passes through a passage in the housing of the device  142 . In alternative embodiments, the device  142  may include fastening means or couplings for coupling the device  142  to a tube, so that beverage flows through the device  142 , in a manner similar to the device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0177]    The embodiment in  FIGS. 13   a  and  13   b  as well as the embodiment in  FIGS. 14   a  and  14   b  include an electrical power source inside the housing, power source not illustrated. The power source is a battery. As the effect used by the device is low, a standard battery may provide a sufficiently long service life. A battery level indicator may be included for allowing inspection of the status of the power source. 
         [0178]      FIG. 15   a  is a schematic view of a system  244  comprising three beverage storage containers  246 ,  248  and  250 . The containers  246 ,  248  and  250  are via pipes  252 ,  254  and  256  connected to a tap  258 . Pressure medium is supplied to the containers  246 ,  248  and  250  from a pressure medium storage  260 . In this embodiment the pressure medium is CO2. 
         [0179]    Each of the containers  246 ,  248  and  250  is connected to the pipes  252 ,  254 ,  256  via a coupling device  262  as shown in  FIG. 15   c . The device  262  comprises a handle  264  operable between an open state, where beverage is allowed to exit a respective container, and a closed state where beverage does not enter a respective pipe or tube. In the closed state it is also possible to exchange a container, e.g. when it has been emptied. 
         [0180]    The tube  266  shown in  FIG. 15   c  comprises a beverage sterilisation device according to the teachings of the present invention. The beverage sterilisation device ensures that no contamination in the form of bacteria and other micro organisms are allowed to enter a pipe or tube alive. It is contemplated that there may be a risk of contamination when exchanging or changing a beverage container. This leaves the coupling device  262  exposed to the surrounding environment and thus also to exposure of bacteria and other micro organisms as described above. The presence of a beverage sterilisation device at the coupling between a beverage container and the pipe or tube system is contemplated to provide a cleaner beverage compared to systems not including such a device. 
         [0181]    At the tapping device  258 , as shown in the zoomed schematic view in  FIG. 15   b , a beverage sterilisation device according to the basic teachings of the present invention is present, represented by the electrodes  268  and  270 . Similar to the case at the coupling device  262  the tap  258  is exposed to the surrounding environment, but the beverage dispensing tip  272  is continuously exposed, possibly allowing micro organisms such as bacteria to enter the tip  272 . 
         [0182]    A flow meter as discussed above may be included in the tap  258  to allow distinction between situations where beverage is being dispensed and situations where no beverage is being dispensed. Alternatively a sensor may detect the position of the handle  274 . The tap  258  is usually placed in a bar or the like. 
         [0183]    In situations where no beverage is dispensed via the tap  258  the beverage sterilisation device may transmit or generate the electric field to kill micro organisms at a first rate, e.g. with a frequency of 1 Hz. When beverage is being dispensed, the beverage sterilisation device may transmit or generate the electric field to kill micro organisms at a second rate, e.g. with a frequency of 1000 Hz. 
         [0184]      FIG. 16  is a schematic view of a system  276  for dispensing draught beer. The system  276  comprises a housing  278  with a pressure chamber  280  wherein a beverage container  282  is received. The system illustrated uses a flexible, collapsible beverage container  282 , which is compressed by a gas, preferably CO2 is used, but other gases may be usable. The beverage container  282  is in fluid communication with a beverage tube  284 . The tube  284  is further in fluid communication with a tap  286 . A valve  288  is controlled by the handle  290  for selectively dispensing beverage, i.e. draught beer. 
         [0185]    A sterilisation device, illustrated by the two blocks  292  and  294 , is mounted in the tip  296  of the tap. In the tip  296  an open-ended channel  298  is formed for dispensing beverage. After beverage has been dispensed though the channel  298  a small liquid film is bound to be formed at the walls of the channel  298 , also there is a possibility that liquid drops are formed in the inner wall. As the open-ended channel  298  is exposed to the surrounding environment there is a risk that micro organisms, such as bacteria and the like, e.g. airborne or present on the outer surface of the tip, enter the open-ended channel  298 . 
         [0186]    In order to ensure that the beverage dispensed is not contaminated, the sterilisation device  292  and  294  may be operated both when beverage is being dispensed, and when no beverage is being dispensed. When beverage is being dispensed the beverage sterilisation device may be operated at a high frequency, e.g. 1000 Hz, meaning that an electric field is generated 1000 times each second. 
         [0187]    When beverage is not being dispensed then it is possible to reduce the frequency and thereby reduce energy consumption. 
         [0188]    If a water or beverage film is formed on the inside of the channel  298 , and no beverage is flowing through the channel, any micro organisms present therein will travel or move relatively slowly. Therefore it is not necessary to use the sterilisation device as frequent to ensure that the channel is kept clean, or at least to keep bacteria from being present in the channel  298 . 
         [0189]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 16  the elements  292  and  294  are relatively small compared to the tip  296 , but in other embodiments these elements may have a larger extent, e.g. along the entire length of the channel  198  from the open end to valve  288 . 
         [0190]    In the housing  278  at the point where the tube  284  is connected to the beverage container  282  a second beverage sterilisation device, indicated by the elements  298  and  300 , is positioned. The second sterilisation device is contemplated to ensure that micro organisms do not enter the tube  284  from the area around the connection between the tube  284  and the beverage container  282 . 
         [0191]    The beverage container  282  is replaceable and when replacing an empty beverage container with a filled one, there is a risk that the tube and/or connection may be exposed to micro organisms. 
         [0192]    As the area at the second beverage sterilisation device is not exposed to surroundings the second beverage sterilisation device does not need to be operated at the same frequency as the first beverage sterilisation device at the tip. The second beverage sterilisation device may also be connected or controlled by the detection of flow of beverage, e.g. flow sensor or the state of the handle  290 , e.g. as described in relation to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 15   a, b  and  c.    
         [0193]    It is contemplated that the presence of two beverage sterilisation devices, one at each end of the tube  284 , ensures that the beverage present in the tube  284  between the valve  288  and the beverage container is not contaminated, and therefore does not contaminate the beverage present in the beverage container  282 .