Field of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a foam on beer ("FOB") detector. In particular,
the present invention relates to a FOB detector configured to allow for easier installation
and space saving in use.
Background
[0002] Beer dispensing systems are used in the commercial food and beverage industry to
provide on-demand dispensing of beer. One known beer dispensing system includes a
tap, a beer line, and a bulk container of beer which is known in the art as a keg.
In this known beer dispensing system, a user becomes aware that the keg is almost
empty when, upon moving the tap to an open position, beer foam is dispensed from the
tap instead of beer. At this point, the keg will need to be replaced, the tap will
need to be opened and the foam in the line will need to be replaced by beer before
beer can then be dispensed from the tap instead of foam. Replacing foam in the beer
line with beer can take time, and can result in beer being wasted.
[0003] Foam on beer ("FOB") detectors have been developed in the past to overcome this problem
of replacing foam in the beer line. A FOB detector is inserted into the line between
the keg and the tap in a further known beer dispensing system. The FOB detector acts
as a valve to stop fluid passing from the keg to the tap when foam reaches the FOB
detector. With a FOB detector installed in the system, the user becomes aware that
the keg is almost empty when foam reaches the FOB, and the line does not fill with
foam because the FOB detector closes the line and prevents further flow through the
line until the operator has replaced the keg and re-set the FOB detector.
[0004] A drawback of both of these known beer dispensing systems is that all equipment in
contact with the beer (e.g. beer lines; FOB detector) requires regular cleaning to
prevent microbial growth and avoid contamination. Regular cleaning can take time and
can result in the beer dispensing system being out of use for significant periods
of time. This operation also takes up time and related human and chemical resources
in the cleaning operation. There is therefore a need for improvement in beverage dispensing
systems.
[0005] A further known FOB detector is described in the inventor's own earlier patent application
GB2565299, which describes a cooled FOB detector which addresses the problem of microbial growth.
[0006] However, the inventor has identified the opportunity for further improvement in such
beverage dispensing systems.
Summary of the Invention
[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a foam detection
device for a beverage dispensing system comprising:
a chamber body having a first end and a second end, and a cavity disposed between
the first and second ends;
a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid flow path passing from the fluid inlet,
into and through the cavity, and out of the fluid outlet;
a flow path interrupter disposed in the fluid flow path within the chamber and configured
to interrupt the flow path from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet of the chamber
upon detection of foam in the chamber;
wherein the fluid inlet is disposed at the first end of the chamber body, and is arranged
so as to guide flow into the chamber body in an axial direction,
and wherein the fluid outlet is disposed at the second end of the chamber body, and
is configured to guide flow out of the chamber body in the axial direction. This has
the advantage of providing a foam detection device which is easier to install, as
will be explained further in relation to the figures.
[0008] The foam detection device may be configured or operable such that the fluid flow
path exits the cavity at the first end, and turns back on itself to flow back towards
the cavity at the first end.
[0009] The fluid flow path when exiting the cavity may be substantially or wholly parallel
to the fluid flow path flowing back towards the cavity.
[0010] The foam detection device may be configured or operable such that the fluid flow
path exits the cavity at the first end, and turns back on itself to guide flow back
towards the cavity at the first end, and to guide flow back through the cavity.
[0011] The fluid flow path may define a U-shape at the first end.
[0012] The fluid flow path may enter the cavity at the first end, exit the cavity at the
first end, and further exit the cavity at the second end. Preferably, the fluid flow
path is configured for, or operable such that these steps to occur in the order described.
[0013] The fluid flow path may turns back on itself after exiting the cavity at the first
end, to guide flow towards and then through the cavity, following which it may exit
the cavity at the second end.
[0014] The foam detection device may be configured or operable such that the fluid flow
path through the device substantially defines an S-shape.
[0015] The foam detection device may comprise at least one cooling fluid flow path. The
at least one cooling fluid flow path may pass through the cavity between the first
end and the second end.
[0016] The cooling fluid flow path may comprise a cooling inlet at the first end. The cooling
fluid flow path may comprise a cooling outlet at the second end. The cooling fluid
flow path may pass through the chamber body in an axial direction.
[0017] The foam detection device may comprise at least two cooling fluid flow paths. Each
cooling fluid flow path may pass through the chamber body between the first end and
the second end.
[0018] The or each cooling fluid flow path may be defined by a cooling flow pipe. The or
each cooling fluid flow path may be substantially straight.
[0019] The chamber body may comprise a first end wall at the first end, and/or a second
end wall at the second end, and/or at least one side wall. The side wall may extend
between the first and second end walls. The end walls and at least one side wall may
define the cavity therebetween.
[0020] The cooling fluid flow path may have a lateral dimension, i.e. diameter, of less
than an inch, preferably a half inch, or less. The cooling fluid flow path may have
a lateral dimension of more than 1/5, preferably more than 1/4 the diameter of the
chamber body.
[0021] The fluid flow path may have a lateral dimension of approximately 0.4, or 0.38, or
0.375 inches.
[0022] The foam detection device may be configured or operable such that in use, the first
end is disposed below the second end.
[0023] The foam detection device may be provided as part of a beverage dispensing system,
the system comprising:
a fluid source, the fluid source being configured or operable to contain a fluid to
be dispensed;
a fluid dispensing line, the fluid dispensing line being connectable to the fluid
source to allow fluid to leave the fluid source through the fluid dispensing line;
a fluid dispensing means, the fluid dispensing means being connectable to the fluid
dispensing line and being operable to restrict or allow fluid to pass through the
fluid dispensing means;
a foam detection device as described above, the foam detection device being arranged
in the fluid dispensing line, such that fluid passing from the fluid source passes
from the fluid inlet, to the fluid outlet, via the fluid flow path of the foam detection
device before passing to the fluid dispensing means.
[0024] The beverage dispensing system may comprise a cooling system. The cooling system
may comprise a cooling fluid flow path. The cooling fluid flow path may enter the
cavity at the first end. The cooling fluid flow path may exit the cavity at the second
end, turn back on itself and re-enter the cavity at the second end, and then exit
the cavity at the first end.
[0025] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a kit of parts for
the foam detection device as described above, comprising at least:
a chamber body;
a fluid inlet, fluid outlet and flow path;
a flow interrupter;
the kit of parts being configured or operable such that, when assembled, the chamber
body, fluid inlet, fluid outlet, flow path and flow interrupter provide the foam detection
device as described before.
Brief Description of the Figures
[0026] Further details of specific embodiments will be apparent from the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments, in which:
Figure 1 shows a prior art beer-dispensing system;
Figure 2 shows a FOB detector of the prior art system of figure 1;
Figure 3 shows a beer dispensing system comprising a FOB detector according to the
present invention;
Figure 4 shows a beverage flow path through the FOB detector of figure 3;
Figure 5 shows a cooling fluid flow path through the FOB detectors of figures 3 and
4;
Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the FOB detector of figures 3 to 5.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments
[0027] Figure 1 shows a known beer dispensing system 1 comprising a known FOB detector 100.
The known beer dispensing system 1 comprises a tap 110 for dispensing beer into a
drinking vessel such as a glass. A tap 110 is commonly disposed at a delivery position
such as on a bar 111. The tap 110 is fluidly connected to other parts of the beer
dispensing system 1 via a fluid delivery line 120.
[0028] The fluid delivery line 120 of this known system, as shown in figure 1, comprises
a first part 121, a second part 122 and a third part 123. The first part 121 is disposed
between a keg 140 and a coolant means 170. The second part 122 is disposed between
the coolant means 170 and a lower part of the FOB detector 100. The third part of
the fluid line 123 is disposed between the FOB detector 100 and the tap 110. This
enables fluid such as a beverage in particular beer, to flow from the keg 140, into
the first part 121 of the fluid delivery line 120, into the coolant means 170, then
into the second part 122 of the fluid delivery line 120, into the FOB detector 100,
then into the third part 123 of the fluid delivery line 120, then to the tap 110.
The known FOB detector 100 is equipped with a flow interruption means 160 which is
configured to interrupt the flow of beer through the FOB detector 100 when the FOB
detector 100 detects foam in the beverage flowing through it. This can be achieved
using a float 160 configured to drop when the density of fluid in the FOB detector
100 is sufficiently reduced by the presence of bubbles or gas in the fluid. This dropping
of the float 160 then blocks an exit chamber of the FOB detector 100 preventing further
flow through the system, until the keg 140 is changed, and the FOB detector is refilled
with liquid beverage without foam by an operator.
[0029] Actuation of this known FOB detector 100 may be best seen in figure 2, which shows
the prior art FOB detector 100 of figure 1. As can be seen in figure 2, the beverage,
such as beer, flows up and into the FOB detector from the second part of the fluid
line 122, and then is caused by gravity to flow down through and then out of the FOB
detector 100, at which point it enters the third part 123 of the fluid line 120 beneath
the FOB detector 100. In this known FOB detector 100, there is also provided a coolant
line 133. This coolant line 133 passes through the FOB detector 100 by passing from
a lower end of the FOB detector 100, up into, and then down and out through the bottom
of the FOB detector 100.
[0030] The known FOB detector 100 and fluid dispensing system 1 which are described above
with reference to figures 1 and 2 correspond to the known embodiment described in
published GB patent application
GB2565299 ("GB'299"). The flow dispensing system in GB'299 is best seen in figure 2 of this
document, in which the FOB detector 300 is shown between fluid lines 221 and 222.
As can be seen from figures 2 and 3 of GB'299, the beverage flows into the FOB detector
chamber 310 by means of an inlet which enters the FOB detector from a lower end. The
beverage inlet is not shown in figure 3 of GB'299, however, as the description states,
the beer flows into the FOB detector by a known fluid inlet (not shown) in figure
3, and flows out of the FOB detector through a fluid outlet 312. The inlet and outlet
312 of FOB detector 300 of GB'299 are both disposed at the lower, flow interrupting,
end 332 of the FOB detector 300.
[0031] Although the known FOB detector is adequate for its intended purpose, the inventor
of the present application has identified that various improvements can be made to
the known FOB detector described in GB'299 and described above in relation to figures
1 and 2 of the present application.
[0032] One identified improvement to the known FOB detector is that it can be made easier
to install. In the known FOB detector, pipes used to define the fluid inlet and fluid
outlet of the FOB detector in practice are quite similar in appearance, meaning that
at the point of installation by an operator, the inlet and outlet pipes (i.e. the
second and third parts 122, 123 of the fluid line 120 in figure 1) could be confused
with each other.
[0033] A second improvement to the known FOB detector is that the third part of the fluid
line 123 from the FOB detector 100 would need to be bent back upwards towards the
tap 110 when installed. In terms of practical installation this leaves several options
open to the operator when installing the FOB detector, as the required flexibility
of the third part 123 of the fluid line 120 provides several options for the location
of the fluid line 120, i.e. whether it passes behind, in front of, or to the sides
of the FOB detector 100. This in practice could complicate installation of the FOB
detector 100.
[0034] The inventor has also identified a further improvement to the known system 1 and
known FOB detector 300. In the known system 1, there is a cooling flow pipe 133 which
can advantageously cool the beverage inside the FOB detector 100. However, the cooling
flow pipe 133 can limit the movement of the float 160 within the FOB detector 100.
This means that for any given required length of movement of the float 160, the FOB
detector 100 has to be made longer to accommodate the cooling flow pipe 133 within
the chamber above the float 160.
[0035] When making these improvements, the inventor created the device shown in figure 4,
which is shown in an installed state as part of a fluid dispensing system in figure
3.
[0036] With reference to figure 4, there is provided a foam detection device 300 (i.e. a
"FOB detector") for a beverage dispensing system 2 comprising a chamber body 340.
The chamber body 340 has a first end 341, a second end 342 and a cavity 343 disposed
between the first and second ends 341, 342. The foam detection device 300 also comprises
a fluid inlet 321, a fluid outlet 320 and a fluid flow path (represented by arrows
in figure 4) passing from the fluid inlet 321 into and through the cavity 343 and
out of the fluid outlet 320. The foam detection device 300 also comprises a flow path
interrupter 360 disposed in the fluid flow path within the chamber 340. The flow path
interrupter 360 is configured to interrupt the flow path from the fluid inlet 321
to the fluid outlet 320 of the chamber 340 upon detection of foam in the chamber of
form the chamber 340. The fluid inlet 321 is disposed at the first end 301 of the
chamber body 340, and is arranged so as to guide flow into the chamber body 340 in
an axial direction 309. The fluid outlet 320 is disposed at the second end 302 of
the chamber body 340 and configured to guide flow out of the chamber body 340 in the
axial direction 309.
[0037] Compared to the known FOB detector of figures 1 and 2, the foam detection device
of figures 3 and 4 comprises a fluid inlet 321 on one side of the chamber 340 and
a fluid outlet 320 on the other side of the chamber 340.
[0038] This provides a foam detection device 300 in which a beverage (in particular beer)
can pass into one end of the device (i.e. the first end 301) and flow out of the other
end of the device (i.e. the second end 302). In practice, this makes the FOB detector
300 much easier to install. Compared to the known FOB detector 100 described in relation
to figures 1 and 2, the FOB detector 300 of the present invention provides a reduced
likelihood of confusion between the fluid inlet 321 and the fluid outlet 320, and
between the corresponding second and third parts 222, 223 of the fluid line 220. Compared
to the known FOB detector 100 described in relation to figures 1 and 2, the FOB detector
300 of the present invention provides a reduced number of possible installation positions
of the third part 223 of the fluid line 220.
[0039] An additional advantage provided by the FOB detector 100 is that the fluid inlet
321 and the fluid outlet 320 of the FOB detector can be arranged closer the means
to which they should be connected.
[0040] For example, a fluid inlet 321 can be provided at an end of the FOB detector which
is proximate to a coolant means 260, as best seen in figure 3. As a result of the
second part 222 of the fluid line 220 being provided directly between the coolant
means 260 and the fluid inlet 321 of the foam detection device 300, the second part
of the fluid line 222 can be shorter than if the fluid inlet 321 were provided at
a different position on the FOB detector 300. Equally, the fluid outlet 320 is provided
on an opposite side of the foam detection device 300 to the fluid inlet 321, such
that it is on a side of the foam detection device 300 which is close to the tap 210.
This reduces the need for any additional, and potentially unsecured, tubing which
would otherwise be required to connect the bottom of the foam detection device 300
to a tap 210 provided above the FOB detector, as is the case with the known FOB detector
100 of figure 2.
[0041] With reference to figure 4 in combination with figure 3, the first end 310 of the
foam detection device 300 may be a lower end. The second end 320 may be an upper end.
The foam detection device 300 may be configured for installation such that the first
end 310 is a lower end and the second end 320 is an upper end. The foam detection
device 300 may be configured such than when installed and/or when in use, the first
end 310 is directly below the second end 320. The first and second ends 310, 312 may
define between them an axial direction through the chamber 340, and the foam detection
device may be installed such that the axial direction is substantially or wholly vertical.
This orientation is particularly advantageous when the foam detection device 300 is
a gravitationally actuated device. However, a skilled person would appreciate that
the foam detection device 300 could be actuated by a means other than gravity. It
could for example be electronically actuated in response to an output from an electronic
foam sensor.
[0042] With reference to figure 4, the fluid inlet 321 may be provided as an inlet opening
323 and an inlet pipe 325. The inlet opening 323 may be an aperture in an outer surface
of the foam detection device 300. The inlet pipe 325 may extend from the inlet opening
323. The inlet pipe 325 may extend from the first end 310 of the FOB detector into
the fluid cavity 343, towards the second end 320. As a skilled person would appreciate,
the inlet pipe 325 may have any suitable shape or configuration. The inlet pipe 325
be any means configured to guide flow towards the first end 301 of the cavity 343.
Although the inlet pipe 325 is shown as surrounded by a space within the fluid cavity
343, the inlet pipe 325 could be provided as an integral part of one or more foam
detection device outer walls. Equally, the inlet pipe 325 could be disposed in contact
with and/or proximate to a foam detection device outer wall. The inlet pipe 325 may
be configured to extend through at least a half, or at least over two thirds, or at
least over three quarters of the fluid cavity 343.
[0043] The fluid interruption means 360 may be provided so as to interrupt fluid flow through
the foam detection device 300. Optionally, the fluid interruption means 360 is configured
to interrupt fluid flow at or proximate a lower end of the cavity 343. Optionally,
the fluid interruption means 360 is configured to fully close and open the fluid flow
path through the foam detection device. The fluid interruption means 360 may be a
float, such as the float 360 shown in figure 4. The fluid interruption means 360 may
operate as a float by having a density lower than a typical density of a beverage
such as beer, such that it may float on top of such a liquid in the chamber, but a
density higher than a foamed beverage, such as foamed beer, so that it may sink when
the chamber contains foam. The fluid interruption means 360 may have a dimension in
an axial direction 309 of at least half of the fluid cavity 343 dimension in the axial
direction 309. A skilled person would appreciate that various shapes, sizes and configurations
of fluid interruption means could be utilised with the foam detection device 300 of
the present disclosure.
[0044] Also shown in figure 4 is the fluid outlet 320. The fluid outlet 320 may provide
a flow path, and/or may be configured to guide beverage flow, from the cavity 343
to the outside of the foam detection device 300. The fluid outlet 320 may comprise
an outlet opening 326 and an outlet pipe 327.
[0045] The outlet opening 326 may be configured for connection to a fluid line 220, such
as fluid line 223. The outlet opening 326 may be disposed in the second end 320 of
the foam detection device 300. The outlet opening 326 may be disposed in the second
end 320 of the foam detection device such that when installed and/or in use, the outlet
opening 326 is on a side of the cavity closest to the bar 211 and/or the tap 210.
The outlet opening 326 may be disposed on the upper end of the foam detection device,
such that it faces upwardly when the foam detection device is installed and/or in
use.
[0046] The outlet pipe 327 may be configured to guide flow from the first end 310 of the
foam detection device 300 towards the outlet opening 326. The outlet pipe 327 may
be elongate, straight, hollow and/or cylindrical, however the skilled person would
appreciate that various suitable shapes and configurations could be used. The outlet
pipe 327 may be disposed in contact with and/or proximate to a foam detection device
outer wall. The outlet pipe 327 may be configured to extend along the entire length
of the fluid cavity 343. The outlet pipe 327 may be configured to extend along the
entire length of the cavity 343 from the first end 310 to the second end 320. The
outlet pipe 327 may be connected or connectable to the outlet opening 326. The outlet
pipe 327 may not be in direct fluid communication with the fluid cavity 343. As a
skilled person will appreciate, the phrase "not in direct fluid communication" in
this context means that when flowing from the cavity 343 into the fluid outlet pipe
327, fluid must first pass out of the cavity 343 through another component, such as
an end wall 381 of the foam detection device 300.
[0047] The chamber body 340 of the foam detection device 300 may comprise a first end wall
381 at the first end 320, and/or a second end wall 382 at the second end 320, and/or
at least one side wall 344. The side wall 344 may extend between the first and second
end walls 381, 382. The end walls 381, 382 and at least one side wall 344 may define
the cavity 343 therebetween. The foam detection device 300 may comprise one or more
tie bars 390. The end walls 381, 382 may be attached to one another by means of the
one or more tie bars 390. The one or more tie bars 390 may extend through the cavity
343, and/or hold the end walls 381, 392 and the side wall 344 together in compression.
The one or more tie bars 390 may exert a clamping force on the end walls 381, 382
and the side wall 344. There may be provided two tie bars 390 as shown in figure 6.
The one or more tie bars 390 may be configured as described in GB patent application
GB2565299.
[0048] There may be provided an inner wall 348, disposed proximate and inside the side wall
344, which may form a double-walled device 300. The inner wall 348 and side wall 344
may be located so as to define an air cavity therebetween, which may be configured
to act as an insulating jacket for the cavity 343. The foam detection device 300 may
be configured so that the air cavity is not fluidly connected to the cavity 343 and/or
an area outside the foam detection device 300. The inner wall 348 and side wall 344
may be configured as described in GB patent application
GB2565299.
[0049] The foam detection device 300 may be configured such that a beverage can flow from
the fluid inlet 321 up into the fluid cavity 343, then down through the fluid cavity
343, and then turn back on itself to flow back towards the cavity 343 at the first
end 310, following which it may flow back up through the fluid cavity 343 within the
outlet pipe 327. The outlet pipe 327 may guide flow out of the cavity 343. When fluid
passes back up through the fluid cavity 343, it may be separated from fluid within
the fluid cavity 343, by means of the outlet pipe 327. The direction of fluid flow
out of cavity 343 and back up through the cavity 343 by means of the fluid outlet
pipe 327 may be facilitated by means of an inner outlet 329.
[0050] The inner outlet 329 may be configured to contact the fluid interrupting means 360.
The inner outlet 329 may be configured to act as a valve seat, against which the fluid
interrupting means 360 may abut so as to interrupt, and optionally block, fluid flow
through the foam detection device 300. The inner outlet 329 may be configured to receive
at least part of the fluid interrupting means 360 so as to block the fluid flow path
through the foam detection device 300. The inner outlet 329 maybe fluidly connected
to the fluid outlet pipe 327 by means of an inner fluid connection 328.
[0051] The inner fluid connection 328 maybe configured to guide flow from the inner outlet
329 to the fluid outlet pipe 327. The inner connection 328 may be provided as a fluid
guiding means such as a pipe, through part of the chamber body of the foam detection
device 300. As shown in figure 4, the inner connection 328 may be provided as a flow
path through an end piece 381 of the device. The inner fluid connection 328 may be
configured to define a fluid flow path in which a portion exiting the cavity 343 is
substantially or wholly parallel to the fluid flow path flowing back towards the cavity
343. The inner fluid connection 328 may define a substantially U-shaped fluid flow
path.
[0052] The fluid flow path through the foam detection device 300 may define a substantially
S-shaped fluid flow path. The fluid flow path through the foam detection device 300
may be at least partially defined by the inlet pipe 325, the cavity 343, the inner
fluid connection 328 and the outlet pipe 327.
[0053] When devising the present invention, the inventor established that an advantageous
coolant system can be provided with the foam detection device 300 described herein.
The improved coolant system can be best seen in figure 5.
[0054] The foam detection device 300 may comprise at least one cooling fluid flow path 331,
332. The cooling fluid flow path 331, 332 may pass through the cavity 343 between
the first end 310 and the second end 320, and may pass through the chamber body in
an axial direction 309. The cooling fluid flow path 331, 332 may be configured to
guide coolant through the foam detection device 300. The term coolant may refer to
any appropriate cooling fluid. The at least one cooling fluid flow path 331, 332 may
be configured to pass through the cavity 343 between the first end 301 and the second
end 302 of the foam detection device 300. The at least one cooling fluid flow path
331, 332 may comprise a coolant inlet 333, 334, and/or a coolant outlet 336, 337.
The at least one cooling fluid flow path 331, 332 may have a lateral dimension of
more than ¼ of the diameter of the chamber body 340.
[0055] The at least one cooling fluid flow path may be provided as a cooling flow pipe,
having an elongate, hollow, straight and/or cylindrical shape. The at least one cooling
flow pipe 331, 332 may be arranged within the foam detection device 300 in an axially-extending
direction. A skilled person will appreciate that various different shapes and configurations
of cooling flow pipe 331, 332 could be used. The at least one cooling flow pipe 331,
332 may comprise or be composed of a substantially or wholly impermeable and/or heat
conductive material such as a metal or alloy. The at least one cooling flow pipe may
comprise or be composed of stainless steel.
[0056] There may be provided a first cooling fluid flow path 331 and a second cooling fluid
flow path 332, each having a coolant inlet 333, 334 and a coolant outlet 336, 337.
[0057] The first cooling fluid flow path 331 may comprise an inlet 333 disposed at the first
end 301 of the foam detection device 300 and/or an outlet 336 disposed at the second
end 302 of the foam detection device 300.
[0058] The second cooling fluid flow path 332 may comprise an inlet 334 at the first end
of the foam detection device 300 and/or an outlet 337 at the first end 301 of the
foam detection device 300.
[0059] The outlet 336 of the first cooling fluid flow path 331 may be fluidly connected
with the inlet 334 of the second cooling fluid flow path 332. This maybe be facilitated
by means of a connecting piece 339, such as the connecting piece 339 schematically
represented in figure 3.
[0060] The connecting piece 339 may be configured for connection to each cooling fluid flow
path 331, 332. The connecting piece may be connected to the outlet 336 of the first
cooling fluid flow path 331, and to the inlet 334 of the second cooling fluid flow
path. The connecting piece may be hollow, and/or have a curved shape. The connecting
piece may be substantially arc-shaped.
[0061] As a skilled person will appreciate, although the terms inlet 333, 334 and outlet
336, 377 have been described in relation to the cooling fluid flow path, the direction
of coolant flow could be reversed, and as such the terms inlet and outlet in relation
to the cooling fluid flow path could be reversed.
[0062] In contrast to the U-shaped cooling flow pipe described in relation to the known
device of figures 1 and 2, provision the cooling fluid flow path system of figure
5 allows for there to be more efficient use of the fluid cavity 343. This enables
movement of the fluid interrupting means 360. Provision of a connecting piece 339
outside of the cavity 343, and even outside of the foam detection device chamber body
as shown schematically in figure 3, allows for an improved use of space in and around
the foam detection device 300.
[0063] By using the improved beverage flow path described in relation to figure 4 and the
improved cooling fluid flow path configuration described in relation to figure 5,
a foam detection device which benefits from a synergistic effect from improvements
of both of these systems is provided. The space saving of the coolant system and the
improved flow configuration provided by an outlet at the second end 320 complement
each other by providing a system which is not only easier to install, but also provides
improved cooling, by having an arrangement in which the length of flow path of beverage
proximate to a cooling fluid is increased.
[0064] Each component described above may be suitable for contacting a food or beverage
for human consumption. Alternatively, only components or parts of components which
come into contact with the beverage in use may be suitable for contacting a food or
beverage for human consumption.
[0065] Although a specific form and arrangement of foam detection device and beer dispensing
system is shown in the figures, it will be appreciated that various changes could
be made to the device shown whilst still performing the function of the present invention
as defined in the appended claims.
1. A foam detection device for a beverage dispensing system comprising:
a chamber body having a first end and a second end, and a cavity disposed between
the first and second ends;
a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a fluid flow path passing from the fluid inlet,
into and through the cavity, and out of the fluid outlet;
a flow path interrupter disposed in the fluid flow path within the chamber body and
configured to interrupt the fluid flow path from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet
of the chamber upon detection of foam in the chamber;
wherein the fluid inlet is disposed at the first end of the chamber body, and is arranged
so as to guide flow into the chamber body in an axial direction,
and wherein the fluid outlet is disposed at the second end of the chamber body, and
is configured to guide flow out of the chamber body in the axial direction.
2. A foam detection device according to claim 1, wherein the foam detection device is
configured such that the fluid flow path exits the cavity at the first end, and turns
back on itself to flow back towards the cavity at the first end.
3. A foam detection device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the foam detection
device is configured such that the fluid flow path exits the cavity at the first end,
and turns back on itself to guide flow back towards the cavity at the first end, to
then guide flow back through the cavity.
4. A foam detection device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid
flow path enters the cavity at the first end, exits the cavity at the first end, and
further exits the cavity at the second end.
5. A foam detection device according to claim 4, wherein the fluid flow path turns back
on itself after exiting the cavity at the first end, to guide flow towards and then
through the cavity, following which it exits the cavity at the second end.
6. A foam detection device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least
one cooling fluid flow path, passing through the cavity between the first end and
the second end.
7. A foam detection device according to claim 6, wherein the cooling fluid flow path
has a cooling inlet at the first end, a cooling outlet at the second end, and passes
through the chamber body in an axial direction.
8. A foam detection device according to claim 6 or claim 7, comprising at least two cooling
fluid flow paths, each cooling fluid flow path passing through the chamber body between
the first end and the second end.
9. A foam detection device according to any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the or each cooling
fluid flow path is defined by a cooling fluid pipe, wherein the or each cooling fluid
flow path is preferably substantially straight.
10. A foam detection device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber
body comprises a first end wall at the first end, a second end wall at the second
end, and at least one side wall extending between the first and second end walls,
the end walls and at least one side wall defining the cavity therebetween.
11. A foam detection device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least
one cooling fluid flow path has a lateral dimension of at least ¼ of the diameter
of the chamber body.
12. A foam detection device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the foam
detection device is configured such that in use, the first end is disposed below the
second end.
13. A beverage dispensing system comprising:
a fluid source, the fluid source being configured to contain a fluid to be dispensed;
a fluid dispensing line, the fluid dispensing line being connectable to the fluid
source to allow fluid to leave the fluid source through the fluid dispensing line;
a fluid dispensing means, the fluid dispensing means being connectable to the fluid
dispensing line and being operable to restrict or allow fluid to pass through the
fluid dispensing means;
a foam detection device as claimed in any preceding claim, the foam detection device
being arranged in the fluid dispensing line, such that fluid passing from the fluid
source passes from the fluid inlet, to the fluid outlet, via the fluid flow path of
the foam detection device before passing to the fluid dispensing means.
14. A beverage dispensing system according to claim 14, further comprising a cooling system
having a cooling fluid flow path which enters the cavity at the first end, exits the
cavity at the second end, turns back on itself and reenters the cavity at the second
end, and then exits the cavity at the first end.
15. A kit of parts for the device of any of claims 1 to 12, comprising at least:
a chamber body;
a fluid inlet, fluid outlet and flow path;
a flow interrupter;
the kit of parts being configured such that, when assembled, the chamber body, fluid
inlet, fluid outlet, flow path and flow interrupter provide the device of any of claims
1 to 12.