Portable equipment for dispensing refrigerated beverages under pressure

Abstract

Portable equipment for dispensing refrigerated beverages under pressure. A portable, pressurized beverage dispensing device suitable for domestic use is described, featuring a portable cabinet (100) equipped with a pressurization pump (20) to convey the liquid (L) from the container (200) to the dispensing tap (102), eliminating the need for coupling to pressurized gas cylinders. Said pressurization pump (20) is equipped with an antimicrobial filter at the air inlet and has its pressure adjusted by a barometer, without external access by the user, so as to prevent the user from making adjustments that interfere with the pressure and temperature of the beverage, a common practice in beer dispensers with carbon dioxide cylinders. Said liquid (L) is refrigerated in a heat exchanger unit (30) that has coils (301) and (302) encased in a solidified mass of aluminum (303) thermally insulated by a layer of polymeric or elastomeric material (304).providing high thermal conductivity to enhance heat transfer between the refrigerant gas (F) in the refrigeration circuit and the liquid (L).

Description

1 / 9 Portable equipment for dispensing refrigerated beverages under pressure. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[01] This invention patent describes a portable device for dispensing chilled beverages under pressure, which is easy to operate and user-friendly, said device having a pressurization pump adjusted by a non-accessible barometer on the outside of the device, so as to prevent the adjustment conditions from being altered by the end user, said pressurization pump releasing pressurized gas into the supply line in order to expel the liquid contained in the keg to the dispensing tap, eliminating the need for pressurized gas cylinders;and a heat exchanger unit with coils encased in a solid aluminum structure thermally insulated by a layer of polymeric or elastomeric material, providing high thermal conductivity to enhance heat transfer to the beverage, so that the draft beer dispensed from the tap has a creamy, consistent, and persistent foam at the appropriate temperature for tasting. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[02] Beer dispensers are equipment that dispenses beer from the keg, pushed by the pressure of gas from cylinders and controlled by the taps of the dispenser, with pressure being a determining factor in the quality of the beverage.

[03] In beer dispensers, in addition to pressure, the temperature of the liquid to be dispensed is an equally important characteristic. In these devices, a cooling module is provided, equipped with coils, usually made of stainless steel, immersed in aqueous solutions, liquid mixtures at low temperature, metallic powders or ice, Petition 870200046269, dated April 13, 2020, page 5 / 23 2 / 9 so that the temperature is transferred to the liquid circulating in said coils through heat exchange.

[04] Despite the different models of beer dispensers, such as ice-cooled, electric or gas-cooled beer dispensers, cooling is done by means of coils and pressurized gas is required, usually stored in cylinders connected to the keg and which, through pressure adjustment in a regulating valve, propels the liquid from the keg to the dispensing tap, passing through the heat exchanger unit where it is cooled.

[05] Examples of draft beer dispensers commonly used in commercial installations are described in the state of the art, highlighting large structures for operation by users who master the technique of draft beer extraction, with knowledge to intervene in the pressure and temperature in accordance with the characteristics of the beverage.

[06] US2003024952 describes a beverage dispensed by a tap that features a dispensing pump in fluid communication with the beverage source and the tap, wherein the opening of the tap operates the dispensing pump to pump the beverage from the source to the tap; and a mixing pump in fluid communication with the beverage source operable to circulate the beverage from the source, through the mixing pump and back to the source, wherein the operation of the dispensing pump operates the mixing pump. The pumps may be operated by pressurized gas from a pressurized gas source and the exhaust gases from the dispensing pump may be fed to the mixing pump to operate the mixing pump. A regulator may control the pressure of the pressurized gas in the mixing pump and the dispensing pump.

[07] Document US2015128615 describes a distributor of Petition 870200046269, dated April 13, 2020, page 6 / 23 3 / 9 chilled beverages comprising a beverage cooling reservoir comprising a thermoelectric device and a temperature sensor, a beverage supply reservoir, a pump for pumping beverage from the beverage supply to the beverage cooling reservoir, a line for dispensing chilled beverage from the outlet of the beverage cooling reservoir, said line comprising a dispensing valve.

[08] Document WO9728082 describes a liquid temperature regulating apparatus suitable for use in a beverage dispensing system comprising a liquid storage means and a dispensing means comprising a liquid dispensing tube, pipe or tubing extending from the liquid storage means to the dispensing means; a liquid temperature regulating means; and means for circulating the liquid in the liquid dispensing tube in contact with the liquid temperature regulating means, allowing the beverage to be recirculated around the tubes and around the cooling coil of the cooling unit, maintaining the dispensing temperature recommended by the manufacturer.

[09] Document US2019337788 describes an electronic pressurization system for dispensing a beverage under pressure, allowing the user to electronically regulate the pressure inside a beverage container during regular use, without the use of a separate pressurized gas supply.

[010] US4711377 document describes an air pump for pressurizing a sealed beverage container with a valve, such as a beer keg, and for dispensing a beverage from that container. The housing of the manually operated air pump is connected to a metal coupler by a threaded collar. Petition 870200046269, dated April 13, 2020, page 7 / 23 4 / 9

[011] Document US4070133 describes an air supply unit that provides high-pressure air in beverage distribution. The components are housed in a portable cabinet and include a compressor and an automatic pressure switch to turn on the compressor and initiate airflow when the system pressure drops below a preset level. A check valve is located in the high-pressure line adjacent to the compressor to maintain line pressure when the compressor is off. A small air purge opening is located between the check valve and the compressor to allow compressed air to move through the air line, but bleeds off residual pressurized air to prevent compressor shutdown, which can occur if there is high-pressure air in the compressor when it is restarted.The high-pressure air discharge line includes a discharge check valve to allow high-pressure air to be manually purged from the system before the air lines are disconnected and to prevent fluid from flowing back into the air supply unit.

[012] Despite the numerous technical solutions applied to pressurized and refrigerated beverage dispensing equipment, a large part of the quality of the beverage served depends on the knowledge of the user who adjusts and operates the dispensing equipment, and this knowledge is restricted to those who work in the brewing market.

[013] In home-use beer dispensers, adjustments to the amount of pressurized gas are necessary, just as in commercial-use beer dispensers. This adjustment allows for the formation of a uniform and persistent head, with the foam having a lighter color than the liquid, shiny and with fine and stable pores, characteristics Petition 870200046269, dated April 13, 2020, page 8 / 23 5 / 9 indicating that the beverage is suitable for consumption. Thus, it is a common practice for the user to alter the barometer's settings, interfering with the amount of pressurized gas that moves the beer from the keg to the dispensing tap, which can cause excessive carbonation, generating a very large head, or insufficient carbonation that impacts head formation and the temperature of the served beverage.

[014] Furthermore, the supply of pressurized gas in these domestic beer dispensers is carried out by connecting an air supply unit, usually high-pressure gas cylinders which, apart from the inconvenience of transport and handling, require periodic recharging and adjustment of the pressure valve, precisely the component most sensitive to any intervention and which impacts the quality of the beverage.

[015] Therefore, although draft beer is a popular and appreciated beverage for its aromatic, gustatory and visual characteristics, obtaining a beverage with the revealed characteristics is not easily achieved in home draft beer dispensers.

[016] Thus, draft beer is still a widely consumed beverage in bars, pubs and restaurants or, when consumption in a domestic setting is desirable, through equipment rental and professional assistance. In all these scenarios, the quality of the extracted beverage is the result of the knowledge of professionals qualified to handle the equipment and make the necessary interventions as the volume in the keg decreases or adverse extraction conditions are detected that affect the quality.

[017] Thus, the subject of this patent of invention is a portable device for dispensing chilled beverages under Petition 870200046269, dated April 13, 2020, p. 9 / 23 6 / 9 pressure, easy to operate and user-friendly, said equipment equipped with a pressurization pump adjusted by a barometer not accessible on the outside of the equipment, so as to prevent the adjustment conditions from being altered by the end user, said pressurization pump that releases pressurized gas into the supply line in order to expel the liquid contained in the keg to the dispensing tap, eliminating the need for pressurized gas cylinders; and a heat exchanger unit with coils encased in a solid aluminum structure thermally insulated by a layer of polymeric or elastomeric material, providing high thermal conductivity to enhance heat transfer to the beverage, so that the draft beer extracted from the dispensing tap has a creamy, consistent and persistent foam, at the appropriate temperature for tasting. SUMMARY

[018] The invention describes a portable device for dispensing chilled beverages under pressure that features a pressurization pump that transfers liquid under pressure from an external container to the tap, eliminating the need for coupling to pressurized gas cylinders.

[019] The invention describes a portable device for dispensing chilled beverages under pressure, equipped with a heat exchanger unit that features coils encased in a solidified aluminum mass that maximizes heat transfer and ensures thermal insulation, drastically reducing heat loss to the external environment and thus allowing control of the liquid temperature during movement in the coil and internal tubing of the portable device. Petition 870200046269, dated April 13, 2020, page 10 / 23 7 / 9

[020] The invention describes a portable device for dispensing chilled beverages under pressure which, by virtue of the construction of the heat exchanger unit, eliminates condensation and internal dripping. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[021] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the portable equipment cabinet for dispensing chilled beverages under pressure.

[022] Figure 2 shows a view of the internal portion of the cabinet and the connection to the beer reservoir attached to the portable equipment via piping.

[023] Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the heat exchanger unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[024] For simplification purposes, the term liquid (L) used in this descriptive report may refer to beer, draft beer, carbonated or non-carbonated beverages, packaged in barrels or hermetically sealed containers.

[025] The portable equipment for dispensing chilled beverage under pressure, the subject of this invention patent, comprises a portable cabinet (100) with an analog or digital interface for temperature adjustment (101) and at least one dispensing tap (102) for releasing the liquid (L) at the temperature and pressure required for consumption, said equipment being powered by a power source.

[026] A conventional external container (200), such as a barrel, has an extractor valve (210) in which a first way is provided for connecting a first line (L1) that couples to the cabinet (100) at an inlet (E1) and a second way for connecting a Petition 870200046269, dated April 13, 2020, page 11 / 23 8 / 9 second line (L2) that couples to the cabinet (100) at an outlet (S1), said second line (L2) providing the entry of positive pressure (P) into the container (200), generated by a pressurization pump (20), in order to promote the expulsion of the liquid (L) stored in the container (200) which is transferred by the first line (L1) towards the heat exchanger unit (30) in the internal region of the cabinet (100).

[027] The pressurization pump (20) can be positioned in the internal region of the cabinet (100) or constitute an external unit coupled to the second line (L2), said pressurization pump (20) which generates positive pressure in the second line (L2) for the transfer of liquid (L) from the container (200) to the dispensing equipment for dispensing the beverage at the tap (102).

[028] The pressurization pump (20) has its pressure adjusted by a barometer (not shown) positioned inside the cabinet (100), preventing user access and the possibility of altering the pressure settings defined at the factory, thus avoiding the occurrence of mismatches that impact the quality of the draft beer.

[029] The function of the pressurization pump (20) is equivalent to the pressurized gas cylinders used in conventional beer dispensers. However, replacing the cylinders greatly facilitates the use of the beer dispenser, transportation and offers safety by dispensing with the use of cylinders containing very high pressure and, above all, preventing interventions in the barometer, a common procedure in conventional beer dispensers and which interferes with the quality of the beverage.

[030] The liquid (L) entering through the first line (L1) is directed to a heat exchanger unit (30) where it flows through a first spiral coil (301), which is juxtaposed to a second spiral coil (302) where a refrigerant gas circulates. Petition 870200046269, dated April 13, 2020, page 12 / 23 9 / 9 (F) of a conventional refrigeration circuit which includes a condensing unit equipped with a compressor (40), evaporator (50) and thermostat probe (60), said refrigerant gas (F) promoting the refrigeration of the liquid (L) in separate and independent circuits up to the dispensing at the tap (102).

[031] The coils (301) and (302) of the heat exchanger unit (30) are encased in a solidified mass of aluminum (303) coated with an outer layer of polymeric or elastomeric material (304) for thermal insulation, providing high thermal conductivity to enhance heat transfer without causing condensation of atmospheric moisture on the surface of the heat exchanger unit, as shown in figure 3.

[032] The liquid (L) released from the first coil (301) is transferred to the dispensing tap (102), at the appropriate temperature and pressure for consumption.

[033] The pressurization pump (20) has antimicrobial filters (not shown) in the air intake area that prevent microorganisms from entering the second line (L2) transmitting positive pressure (P) into the atmosphere that comes into contact with the liquid (L). Petition 870200046269, dated April 13, 2020, page 13 / 23

Claims

1 / 2 CLAIMS 1. PORTABLE EQUIPMENT FOR DISPENSING PRESSURE-REFRIGERATED BEVERAGE comprising a portable cabinet (100) with an analog or digital interface for temperature adjustment (101), at least one dispensing tap (102) for releasing the pressurized and refrigerated liquid (L), an inlet (E1) for coupling a line (L1) through which the liquid stored in the container (200) flows, an outlet (S1) for coupling a line (L2) for transmitting suitable positive pressure (P) to expel the liquid from the container (200) and a condensing unit equipped with a compressor (40), evaporator (50) and thermostat probe (60),comprising a pressurization pump (20) that generates positive pressure directed to the container (200) via the second line (L2) for the displacement of liquid (L) from the container (200) to the internal region of the cabinet (100) via a first line (L1) and a heat exchanger unit (30) comprising a first coil in spiral shape (301) where the liquid (L) flows under pressure and a second coil (302), juxtaposed to the first coil (301), in which the second coil (302) circulates refrigerant gas (F) from the refrigeration condenser unit,characterized by comprising: a) a pressurization pump (20) provided with an antimicrobial filter in the air intake area; b) a heat exchanger unit (30) with the first coil (301) and the second coil (302) enclosed by a solidified mass of aluminum (303) coated with an outer layer of polymeric or elastomeric insulating material (304); c) a barometer positioned in the internal region of the cabinet (100) to establish the pressure of the pressurization pump (20).

2. PORTABLE EQUIPMENT FOR DISPENSING REFRIGERATED BEVERAGES UNDER PRESSURE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressurization pump (20) is positioned inside the cabinet (100) or constitutes an external unit to the cabinet (100) connected to the line (L2). Petition 870260071769, dated 07 / 20 / 2026, page 9 / 12

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