Automatic in-situ cleaning unit, system, method and use of such in-situ cleaning unit

Abstract

An automatic in-situ cleaning unit (4; 41) is configured for cleaning at least one beverage dispensing line (DL) between an extraction station and a dispensing station of the beverage dispensing system. The automatic in-situ cleaning unit (4; 41) comprises a tub coupling, a cleaning coupling and / or a coupling unit (3) consisting of said couplings, said tub coupling, said cleaning coupling and / or said coupling unit (3) being mounted or able to be mounted to a tub (1) containing a beverage (15), a compressible beverage container, or both a tub (1) and a compressible beverage container, the tub coupling, the cleaning coupling and / or the coupling unit (3) consisting of the coupling have at least one coupling inlet (24a; 24b) and at least one coupling outlet (28). The automatic in-situ cleaning unit (4; 41) comprises a control valve (20) comprising an outlet port (23), a first inlet port (19) and, optionally, a second inlet port (22), the outlet port (23) being arranged to provide an inlet port (24) connected to the at least one coupler inlet (24a; 24a, 24b), said first inlet port (19) being arranged to provide fluid communication with an ozonized water source (18), and said second inlet port (22) being arranged to provide fluid communication with a pressurized gas source (21).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic in-situ cleaning unit, which is configured to clean at least one beverage dispensing pipeline between a take-out station and a dispensing station of a beverage dispensing system, wherein the automatic in-situ cleaning unit includes a barrel connector, a cleaning connector and / or a connecting unit composed of the connectors, wherein the barrel connector, the cleaning connector and / or the connecting unit are installed to or can be installed to a barrel containing beverages, a compressible beverage container or both a barrel and a compressible beverage container, and the barrel connector, the cleaning connector and / or the connecting unit composed of the connectors have at least one connector inlet and at least one connector outlet.

[0002] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to an automatic in-situ cleaning unit of the following type, which includes a barrel connector mounted to a barrel containing a beverage and is configured to clean at least a beverage dispensing line connected to the barrel connector; the barrel connector has at least one connector inlet and at least one connector outlet.

[0003] In particular, the invention relates to an automatic cleaning-in-place unit for cleaning a dispensing line of a draft beer system comprising a plurality of withdrawal receptacles in the form of beer kegs and a dispensing station comprising a plurality of faucets arranged in a dispensing tower. Background Art

[0004] Bacteria can spoil unpasteurized cask beer or other types of beverages. In order to maintain a high-quality draft beer system, it is important to regularly clean the components of the system. Conventionally, this would mean that the keg coupler is disassembled and reassembled from the keg and cleaning system many times and at regular intervals, during which the dispensing stops operating. However, the interval in which the container for the beverage and the associated dispensing line must be cleaned can depend on many different factors.

[0005] Commercially available cleaning agents are corrosive chemicals that remove organic materials from the inside of draft beer dispensing lines, hardware and accessories. The removal of this accumulation prevents the growth of beer spoilage bacteria such as Lactobacillus, Pediococcus and Pectin. Typical corrosive chemicals are sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide or a combination of the two. Some corrosive pipeline cleaning solutions add EDTA or another chelating agent to help remove calcium oxalate (beer stone) from the draft beer dispensing lines. Acidic chemicals can also remove inorganic materials such as calcium oxalate and calcium carbonate (water stone) from the inside of draft beer dispensing lines, hardware and accessories. Acid-based distribution line cleaners suitable for cleaning draft beer distribution lines include phosphoric acid solutions, but do not include hydrochloric acid that corrodes stainless steel and nitric acid that is incompatible with nylon products. Both corrosive chemicals and acidic chemicals are heated for use at temperatures of about 26°C and 38°C, and must remain in contact with the draft beer line (therefore, at least the distribution line and barrel coupling) for at least 15 minutes, during which the chemical solution is recirculated and in contact for at least 20 minutes, for static or pressure tank cleaning.

[0006] Due to the hazardous chemicals, cleaning of draft beer dispensing lines should only be performed by trained personnel. Personal protective equipment including rubber gloves and goggles must be used whenever handling such harsh cleaning chemicals. Material safety data sheets must be followed to avoid rapid temperature increases when mixing chemicals, thereby avoiding violent and dangerous splashes or eruptions of mixed chemicals.

[0007] Other dispensing line cleaning devices to be mentioned for cleaning the draft beer dispensing line are electrical or ultrasonic cleaning devices, but these devices are not suitable substitutes for chemical line cleaning. Although some sonic cleaning devices can inhibit the growth of bacteria and yeast, they have little or no cleaning effect on the draft beer dispensing hardware and accessories.

[0008] The above-described commercially available systems, methods and cleaners all suffer from a number of disadvantages. Summary of the invention

[0009] Therefore, a primary aspect of the present invention is to provide an automated cleaning-in-place unit.

[0010] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide an alternative system and method for cleaning and / or sanitizing one or more dispensing lines between a take-out station and a dispensing station.

[0011] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a system and method for cleaning and / or disinfecting one or more dispensing lines between a take-out station and a dispensing station that is environmentally friendly.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a system and method for cleaning and / or disinfecting one or more dispensing lines between a take-out station and a dispensing station with minimal human intervention.

[0013] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a system and method for cleaning and / or disinfecting one or more dispensing lines between a take-out station and a dispensing station to reduce the workload of staff.

[0014] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a system and method for cleaning and / or sanitizing one or more dispensing lines between a takeout station and a dispensing station that reduces the chance of human error that could result in unsafe cleaning.

[0015] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a system and method for cleaning and / or disinfecting one or more dispensing lines between a take-out station and a dispensing station that eliminates or at least significantly reduces chemical exposure to personnel.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a system and method for cleaning and / or sanitizing one or more dispensing lines between a take-out station and a dispensing station that minimizes the time that the dispensing line is shut down.

[0017] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a system and method for cleaning and / or disinfecting one or more dispensing lines between a take-out station and a dispensing station, which system and method eliminates the use of conventional harsh chemicals, such as conventional caustic chemicals, for example, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, or a combination of both, and eliminates the use of conventional acidic chemicals, for example, phosphoric acid and chelating agents.

[0018] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a system and method for cleaning and / or disinfecting one or more distribution lines, wherein the cleaning agent is generated substantially simultaneously with its consumption and thus is generated on demand.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a unit and method for cleaning and / or disinfecting one or more dispensing lines between a take-out station and a dispensing station that is reliable and repeatable.

[0020] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a unit and method for cleaning and / or disinfecting one or more draft beer dispensing pipelines without having to disassemble components of the dispensing lines of the beverage dispensing system before starting the method and using an automatic in-situ cleaning unit, or using a system including multiple automatic in-situ cleaning units, or using a system including one automatic in-situ cleaning unit for multiple beverage containers.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a unit and method for cleaning and / or sanitizing food dispensing lines, production lines for pharmaceuticals, medicaments, and similar / other dispensable products susceptible to contamination and bacterial growth.

[0022] In the context of the present invention, the term "keg" refers to a container or barrel constructed of stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, or a combination of these materials. Thus, according to embodiments of the present invention, the term "keg" refers to a rigid container that contains a beverage itself, such as an old-fashioned traditional beer keg, or to a rigid container that acts as a pressure chamber and contains a compressible beverage container that contains the beverage to be dispensed, such as Carlsberg's Bag-in-Kegony TM Technology and DraughtMaster Technology's outer containers.

[0023] In the context of the present invention, the term "compressible beverage container" refers to a pocket or bladder suitable for holding a beverage, which pocket or bladder can be compressed in response to an external force on the walls of the "compressible beverage container" to discharge the beverage through an associated dispensing line.

[0024] In the context of the present invention, the term "barrel coupler" or "coupling unit" refers to a "connector valve" or "combination of connector valves" for connecting a dispensing line to a beverage container, optionally via a barrel valve or a fitting on said beverage container, for controlling the introduction of gas into the barrel and the resulting release of a beverage (e.g., beer) through the dispensing line to a user. Thus, in one embodiment, a "barrel coupler" is a valve device inserted between the dispensing line and the beverage container, and is configured to allow the beverage to be pressed out of a conventional barrel by introducing gas into the barrel. In another embodiment, a "barrel coupler" is a valve device inserted between the dispensing line and the beverage container, and is configured to allow the beverage to be forced out of the compressible beverage container inside the barrel due to the gas pressure accumulated in the gap between the compressible beverage container and the barrel with the compressible beverage container mounted inside, thereby controlling the introduction of gas into the barrel or into the gap between the compressible beverage container and the barrel with the compressible beverage container mounted inside, and the release of the beverage (e.g., beer) from the barrel or from the compressible beverage container into the dispensing line during dispensing of the beverage.

[0025] In the context of the present invention, the term "cleaning coupler" refers to an intermediate "connector valve" that is combined with or can be combined with a keg coupler to facilitate connection to an automatic clean-in-place unit and is compatible with a "keg coupler," "keg valve," and / or "fitting." One clean coupling may be universal for all keg couplers and fittings, or the clean coupling may be customized to fit the structural design of a specific keg coupler and / or fitting.

[0026] The term "coupling unit" or "coupling unit consisting of said coupler" means that the barrel coupler and the cleaning coupler are an integral coupling unit having the combined functionality of the two couplers and being configured to be connected or capable of being connected to both a beverage dispensing system and an automatic cleaning-in-place system.

[0027] The barrel coupler, cleaning coupler or coupling unit is connected to a compressed gas source such as CO2 via a compressed gas conduit, whereby the compressed gas or compressed air enters the barrel or gap, respectively, and pushes out the beverage, such as beer from a beer barrel or from a compressible beverage container. The barrel coupler, cleaning coupler or coupling unit can be attached to a barrel valve or fitting at the top of the barrel or at a compressible beverage container, respectively, so that pressurized gas or air can flow into that side of the barrel through a gas conduit from, for example, a CO2 or nitrogen tank, or air from a compressor device. The barrel coupler, cleaning coupler or coupling unit can be sealingly fitted as a key in a barrel valve or other type of fitting, and when the pressurized gas or pressurized air is pressed into the barrel or gap, respectively, the gas or air displaces the beverage, causing the beverage to flow out through a dispensing line to a diverting tap.

[0028] It is emphasized that the present invention is not limited to use for disinfecting draft beer dispensing lines. The present invention is applicable to disinfecting any type of dispensing system, including but not limited to systems for dispensing other draft beverages (such as draft liquor, soft drinks and draft water), as well as dispensing systems in factory environments, such as diversion systems for dairy products, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and virtually any type of fluid, liquid, viscous or milky products.

[0029] In the context of the present invention, the term "cleaning in place (CIP)" refers to the automatic or semi-automatic cleaning of the interior surfaces of particular components, including a portion of a drum coupling, a distribution line (such as one or more pipes and hoses), a container, an apparatus, a

[0030] At least one of a filter and other related accessories required to obtain an operating beverage dispensing system, such as a keg valve with a dispensing line.

[0031] The above and other aspects are achieved by the present invention, because the automatic cleaning-in-situ unit comprises a control valve, the control valve comprising:

[0032] - an outlet port arranged in fluid communication with the at least one coupler inlet, and - a first inlet port arranged in fluid communication with a source of ozonated water.

[0033] The cleaning coupler may be removably or permanently secured to either the keg coupler and the dispense line, or may be an integral part of the keg coupler.

[0034] The control valve may be part of any of the barrel coupler, the cleaning coupler and / or the coupling unit consisting of the coupler, or may be separate from the barrel coupler, the cleaning coupler and / or the coupling unit. Therefore, within the scope of the present invention, the control valve may be located outside the barrel coupler, the cleaning coupler and / or the coupling unit for easy maintenance.

[0035] In one embodiment of the automatic in-situ cleaning unit according to the present invention, the control valve can be a three-way valve, which also includes a second inlet port, which is arranged to provide fluid connection with a pressurized gas source to provide pressurized gas to displace the beverage from a barrel containing the beverage, or to use compressed air or compressed gas to compress the compressible container containing the beverage in the barrel.

[0036] In another embodiment of the automatic in-situ cleaning unit according to the present invention, the control valve can be a two-way valve, wherein the first inlet port is arranged to provide fluid connection with an ozonated water source and fluid connection with a pressurized gas source in sequence, thereby providing pressurized gas to displace the beverage from a barrel containing the beverage, or providing pressurized gas or air to compress a compressible container containing the beverage within the barrel.

[0037] The control valve controls whether ozonated water and pressurized air should be allowed to pass through the control valve, out of the outlet port, and into the keg coupler, cleaning coupler, or coupling unit via the coupler inlet. When the coupler outlet is open and the passage to the keg or compressible beverage container is closed, ozonated water and / or pressurized gas or pressurized air can be supplied to the keg coupler, cleaning coupler, or coupling unit simultaneously or sequentially. The ozonated water then cleans, optionally disinfects, at least through the flow path of the distribution line attached to the coupler outlet, optionally more or less cleans the keg coupler, cleaning coupler, or coupling unit, and through the flow path of the tap or faucets, without having to assemble and / or disassemble any keg coupler and / or separate cleaning device as in conventional keg cleaning systems, and without the need to use harsh chemicals. Before and / or after flushing with ozonated water, a pressurized gas (such as air, nitrogen or CO2) or pressurized air may be injected to force deposits not to adhere to the surface and displace such deposits so that the ozonated water can finally complete the cleaning / sanitizing. The cleaning / sanitizing may have a final pressurized gas or pressurized air flushing step. The pressurized gas or pressurized air used to clean the dispensing line may simply be the same gas source as the gas source used to displace the beverage out of the keg or out of the compressible beverage container.

[0038] In a highly advantageous embodiment, the source of ozonated water may be an electrolytic ozone generator configured to produce ozonated water from a water source. The water source may be used directly by the electrolytic ozone generator, for example by connecting the electrolytic ozone generator to a tap water source, thereby directly and continuously delivering tap water to the reaction chamber of the electrolytic ozone generator. In an alternative, the source of water for producing the ozonated water may be a batch of water, such as a batch of demineralized water or sterile water, for example contained in a water tank in fluid communication with the reaction chamber of the electrolytic ozone generator.

[0039] Thus, the electrolytic ozone generator is conveniently configured to automatically produce ozonated water rapidly as needed.

[0040] With the help of an electrolytic ozone generator, highly effective cleaning and / or disinfectant ozone can be generated directly by the automatic CIP unit and can always remain in a closed system, at least during and between operations. Only occasionally may some disassembly be necessary for maintenance of the automatic CIP unit.

[0041] Another huge advantage gained by producing ozone using an electrolytic ozone generator is that higher concentrations of dissolved ozone in the water can be achieved quickly compared to bubbling ozone gas into the water.

[0042] In the latter case of mixing ozone gas from a pressure cylinder with water, for a reasonable start-up of such a cleaning system, the available concentration of dissolved gaseous ozone will take at least 15 minutes, but generally, it will take longer before the ozone gas is evenly mixed into the batch of water, at which stage the ozone concentration in the batch of ozonated water made by bubbling and mixing may be able to reach a maximum concentration of 2 ppm, which is considered insufficient to clean and / or disinfect a single beverage dispensing line within a reasonable time of up to 30 minutes. In addition, when the ozone cylinder is emptied, the production of ozonated water stops. Before the cleaning system is started and operated again, the ozone cylinder must be replaced, which is a heavy, time-consuming task and increases the risk of direct contact with ozone gas. Within the scope of the present invention, there is no need for the equipment required to dissolve ozone gas in water, and there is no need to handle and store ozone cylinders, nor the precautions required when storing compressed health-damaging gases (such as, ozone gas).

[0043] By using an electrolytic ozone generator, ozonated water can be provided rapidly as needed because the desired concentration of dissolved ozone in the electrolytically produced ozonated water is produced instantaneously, within seconds, and thus essentially in real time, and in parallel and synchronization with its consumption during cleaning / disinfection.

[0044] Furthermore, the ozone concentration in the ozonated water produced by the electrolytic ozone generator can reach a level much higher than 2 ppm, for example, 2-15 ppm, within a few seconds.

[0045] In some embodiments, the control valve (e.g., a three-way valve) can be configured to be directly coupled to a barrel containing a beverage, to be coupled to a barrel containing a beverage via a barrel coupler, to be directly coupled to an accessory on a compressible beverage container, and / or to be coupled to an accessory on a compressible beverage container via an intermediate coupler (optionally, a cleaning coupler) to establish fluid communication between the barrel and / or the compressible beverage container and the dispensing line in a dispensing mode. In an advantageous alternative embodiment, the control valve can be in fluid communication with the barrel coupler, the cleaning coupler, and / or a coupling unit consisting of the couplers via a separate external conduit.

[0046] The control valve may be implemented in or integral with a component such as a sanitary coupling or a keg coupling, or may be separate from the component.The fitting may be a keg valve and any flanges associated therewith.

[0047] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control valve can also be configured to shut down a dispensing mode, thereby shutting off fluid communication between the keg and / or compressible beverage container and the associated dispensing line, and establish a cleaning mode, so that fluid communication is established between at least one of the keg connector, accessories and / or associated dispensing line and one or both of the ozonated water source and the pressurized gas source simultaneously or sequentially.

[0048] The keg coupler, cleaning coupler or a single coupling unit consisting of said couplers may be configured with a body accommodating an outlet member. The outlet member is conveniently arranged to reciprocate as a piston within the body between a lower position and an upper position, in which, in a beverage dispensing mode, the inlet to the beverage in the keg or compressible beverage container is open and the beverage in the keg or compressible beverage container can be dispensed via the coupler outlet, and in an upper position, in a cleaning mode, the inlet to the beverage in the keg or compressible beverage container is closed and ozonated water can flow from an ozonated water source (e.g., an electrolytic ozone generator that can produce ozonated water as needed), and / or pressurized gas can enter a dispensing line via any of the keg coupler, cleaning coupler or a coupling unit consisting of said couplers, whereby ozonated water and / or pressurized gas can be dispensed via the coupler outlet.

[0049] In the lower position, both the second inlet port and the outlet port of the control valve are open to supply pressurized gas or air to the keg and to drive beverage from the keg or compressible beverage container out of the coupling outlet and into the dispensing line, for example when a diverter tap is opened.

[0050] The outlet member may have a central conduit and a transverse cleaning conduit, the central conduit being arranged to dispense beverage from a barrel or a compressible beverage container, and the transverse cleaning conduit being alignable when the outlet member reciprocates relative to the body to enter and leave either of the fluid communication with the ozonated water source via the first inlet port or the fluid communication with the pressurized gas source via the second inlet port. When the transverse flow conduit moves out of the alignment, nothing can pass through the transverse flow conduit, and no accidental entry of ozonated water occurs in the dispensing mode. Instead, the beverage in the barrel or the compressible beverage container can flow out of the connector outlet at the top of the outlet member. In the case where the control valve is a component separate from the above-mentioned connector, the control valve can be arranged upstream of the connector inlet from the flow direction of the ozonated water and the pressurized gas, so before the ozonated water reaches the barrel connector, the cleaning connector and / or the coupling unit composed of the connector. In an alternative, the control valve can be integrated in the barrel connector, the cleaning connector or the coupling unit composed of the connector, and arranged upstream of the transverse flow conduit.

[0051] Advantageously, the automatic cleaning-in-place unit may comprise means for reciprocating the outlet member along its longitudinal axis between a lower position and an upper position. The means for reciprocating the outlet member may comprise or may be an actuator and optionally a spring means which is compressed in the lower position of the outlet member in the dispensing mode and applies a spring force to the seat of the bucket valve or fitting in the upper position in the cleaning mode.

[0052] In the context of the present invention, an "actuator" is a device that achieves physical movement by replacing energy (usually electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic) with mechanical force. Thus, an "actuator" is a component that enables the outlet member to move.

[0053] In one embodiment, the actuator can be a motorized, electric linear actuator that provides up and down travel of the outlet member relative to the bucket or compressible beverage container. The travel length can vary depending on at least the travel distance required to open the bucket valve or fitting to enter the interior of the bucket or compressible beverage container to dispense the beverage and to close the bucket valve or fitting to stop dispensing the beverage and enter the cleaning mode.

[0054] In another embodiment, the actuator may be a pneumatic actuator such as a Compact Cylinder commercially available from Festo A / S, Islevdalvej 180, DK-2610R.dovre, double acting ADN-S, or any corresponding technology capable of moving the outlet member up and down.

[0055] The outlet member of the barrel coupler, cleaning coupler or coupling unit consisting of said coupler of the present invention is moved by an actuator and therefore is not manually moved up and down as in the outlet member of the barrel coupler of the prior art. Therefore, the barrel coupler, cleaning coupler or coupling unit consisting of said coupler of the present invention does not require a lever for this purpose. Therefore, the external design of the barrel coupler, cleaning coupler or coupling unit consisting of said coupler of the present invention is small in volume and is independent of manual interaction for coupling to a barrel or to a barrel holding a compressible beverage container and for detaching the barrel and the compressible beverage container.

[0056] The automatic cleaning-in-situ unit of the present invention may advantageously include an electronic control device configured to operate at least a control valve to open and close a port of the control valve, optionally operating an actuator, depending on whether the dispensing line and / or the coupler is to be cleaned with ozonated water, optionally with pressurized air or pressurized gas, or depending on whether the beverage is to be dispensed when the beverage is subjected to displacement of a barrel or a compressible beverage container by appropriately injecting pressurized air (optionally pressurized gas). The electronic control device may control one or more of the opening and closing of the port of the control valve, the stroke of the outlet member, and the opening and closing of the coupler inlet and the coupler outlet. The electronic control device may include a PLC, a PCB, and / or any advanced electronic computer system, enabling a user to input to the automatic cleaning-in-situ unit from a remote location to switch between a dispensing mode and a cleaning mode.

[0057] A graphical user interface can be provided on a PC screen or tablet for a user to interact with the electronic control devices for the corresponding automatic in-situ cleaning units, or for a user to interact via a central control unit, wherein the central control unit is used to control at least one automatic in-situ cleaning unit, preferably to control the corresponding electronic control devices of several separate automatic in-situ cleaning units, wherein the several separate automatic in-situ cleaning units are associated with or assigned to each of their barrels and / or compressible beverage containers, and / or the central control unit is used to monitor the automatic in-situ cleaning units and monitor the status of the barrels and / or compressible beverage containers.

[0058] In the alternative, one common control unit may control the functions of several automatic cleaning-in-place units without separate electronic control devices, in which case the corresponding control valves may be connected to the distribution lines via a manifold.

[0059] The outlet member may advantageously have a lower end configured to sealingly fit into a seat of a bucket valve or fitment in a dispensing mode, wherein the spring means is compressed and held compressed by the actuator. The lower end of the outlet member may optionally cooperate with any bucket coupler mounting means disposed on or mounted on a bucket and / or a compressible beverage container to establish fluid communication with the beverage within the bucket or compressible beverage container for dispensing the beverage.

[0060] The invention also relates to a method for cleaning a beverage dispensing line (DL), the method comprising an ozonated water flushing step.

[0061] Preferably, the ozonated water is produced by an electrolytic ozone generator from a water source, optionally the water source is tap water or batch water, such as batch demineralized water or sterile water.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, ozonated water can be produced as required.

[0063] Preferably, at least after an initial ozonated water start-up production, ozonated water can be produced in parallel and simultaneously with the consumption of the produced ozonated water, and therefore is produced on demand, so that consistent and reliable cleaning and / or sanitization can be completed quickly, thereby keeping beverage dispensing line downtime to a minimum.

[0064] The preferred concentration of dissolved ozone in the electrolytically produced ozonated water is a substantially constant concentration, for example a concentration between 2-15 ppm, thereby ensuring fast and reliable cleaning and / or disinfection of at least the dispensing lines of the beverage dispensing flow path.

[0065] The method of the present invention may utilize the on-the-go cleaning unit discussed and described above.

[0066] The barrel coupler, cleaning coupler and / or coupling unit consisting of said coupler of the present invention can remain stationary on the barrel and / or compressible beverage container, regardless of whether the barrel coupler, cleaning coupler and / or coupling unit consisting of said coupler is in dispensing mode or cleaning mode. The barrel coupler, cleaning coupler and / or coupling unit consisting of said coupler does not need to be disassembled from the barrel and / or compressible beverage container for cleaning, as is the case with conventional units or systems for cleaning beverage dispensing lines. Another advantage is that cleaning can be performed at any convenient moment.

[0067] If ozonated water is somehow accidentally (optionally unnoticed) mixed into a beverage, the concentration will be very small and it will have no detrimental effect on the flavor and potential foaming ability of the beer, nor will it create health issues. The ozone in the water will degrade quickly and is harmless to humans at this huge dilution.

[0068] In one embodiment of the clean-in-place unit, ozonated water residues from the cleaning mode cannot mix with the beverage due to the tight coupling between the seat and the lower end of the outlet member in the dispensing mode. The tight fit of the outlet member in the seat effectively prevents such contamination. It may be preferred to provide a suitable sealing gasket at the seat and around the outlet member to further prevent any fluid (such as ozonated water) from leaking into the beverage in the bucket or the compressible beverage container in the dispensing mode.

[0069] The body of the barrel coupler, the cleaning coupler and / or the coupling unit consisting of said coupler may have a coupling flange, which is configured to be coupled to any one of the barrel valve, the barrel neck flange portion and / or to the lance coupling flange. As the barrel valve, the barrel neck flange portion and / or the lance coupling flange may have many different designs, within the scope of the present invention, a barrel coupler, a cleaning coupler and / or a coupling unit consisting of said coupler having a coupling flange of matching design may be provided. Therefore, the corresponding coupling flange of the coupling of the present invention can be constructed similarly to any conventional keg coupling to cooperate with various known coupling systems, such as systems known to those skilled in the art, such as the D system (Sankey keg coupling in the United States), the U system, the S system (Sankey coupling in Europe), the A system (German Slider coupling designed for use with German beer), the G system (for UK brand beer), the M system (slides on the top of the keg; mainly used for German beer) and the KeyKeg (KeyKeg or K system), which is a relatively new system for keg diversion that uses a disposable plastic keg and compresses the beer in the plastic bag to displace the beer by using the external force of pressurized air or pressurized gas on the wall of the plastic bag.

[0070] The automatic cleaning-in-place unit of the present invention may include an adapter for docking between a barrel coupling flange and any one of a barrel valve, a barrel neck flange portion, and / or a spear coupling flange, thereby making a barrel coupler, a cleaning coupler, and / or a coupling unit consisting of the coupler universally applicable to many different types of barrel valve systems, accessories, and spear coupling flanges.

[0071] The present invention also relates to a clean-in-place cleaning system comprising at least two clean-in-place cleaning units of the above type. The clean-in-place cleaning system may also include: an ozonated water manifold for distributing ozonated water to one or more of the at least two clean-in-place cleaning units in the cleaning mode; and a pressurized gas or pressurized air manifold for distributing pressurized gas or pressurized air to the one or more clean-in-place cleaning units in the at least two clean-in-place cleaning units in the distribution mode. By implementing various valves, the ozonated water manifold and the pressurized gas or pressurized air manifold can be used as the same manifold.

[0072] In some embodiments, the various electronic control devices of the automatic in-situ cleaning unit can be external to the barrel coupler, the cleaning coupler and / or the coupling unit composed of the couplers, and can be placed or arranged in any other suitable position or location, such as in a manifold.

[0073] All individual electronic control devices of a system consisting of several automatic cleaning-in-place units, associated control valves and other required valves may be placed in any other relevant location associated with the system. All individual electronic control devices of a system consisting of several automatic cleaning-in-place units and associated control valves may be positioned, for example, relative to the above-mentioned manifold. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0074] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the invention is shown schematically in principle.

[0075] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a single clean-in-place unit mounted on a bagging drum and shown in dispensing mode,

[0076] Figure 2 Shows the cleaning mode and Figure 1 The same device,

[0077] Figure 3 shows the barrel replacement mode with Figure 1 The same device,

[0078] Figure 4 shows n parallel connections to the ozone manifold and parallel connections to the pressurized gas manifold Figures 1 to 3 The types of bagging drums shown in the figure are located in Figure 1 The distribution pattern shown,

[0079] Figure 5 Shows the cleaning mode and Figure 4 The same device,

[0080] Figure 6 An improved single clean-in-place unit is shown in cleaning mode, and

[0081] Figure 7 The improved clean-in-place unit is shown in a dispensing mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] In the drawings, the barrel 1 is illustrated as a bag-in-keg. TMTechnology), the size of which may be out of proportion relative to the coupling unit 3, in order to better illustrate the main components of the automatic in-situ cleaning unit 4 of the present invention and the interaction between the components of the automatic in-situ cleaning unit of the present invention. It is emphasized that the barrel 1 can be wider and taller than shown in the drawings and can be another barrel, such as a conventional beer barrel, which has a lance and injects CO2 into the beer to drive the beer out of the barrel.

[0083] By way of example, the control valve is shown and described as a three-way valve, however, within the scope of the present invention, embodiments implementing a two-way valve, a combination of valves, or other devices that can be used to open and close between cleaning mode and dispensing mode in a similar manner are contemplated.

[0084] The bagging drum 1 has a fitting 2 for fixing a coupling unit 3, which comprises a drum coupler with an integrated function of cleaning the coupler. For general purposes, the fitting is named drum valve 2. A drum coupler and coupling unit for any fitting design are foreseen within the scope of the invention.

[0085] The barrel valve 2 has a neck flange portion 2a and a barrel valve portion 2b. The neck flange portion 2a is fixed to the barrel 1 at the barrel opening 5 of the barrel 1, and the neck flange portion 2a accommodates the barrel valve portion 2b in a surrounding manner. The barrel valve portion 2b has a central hole 6, and a spring device 7 is arranged in the central hole 6. The spring device 7 includes a compression spring 8 with an upper head 9. The central hole 6 has an upper hole opening 10, which is configured as a seat 11 for the lower end 12 of the outlet member 13 of the coupling unit 3. The upper hole opening 10 is defined by a lip member 2c. The outlet member 13 is hereinafter referred to as a probe 13 and is in sealed fluid communication with a dispensing line (not shown). The probe 13 has a central conduit 14, which is arranged to dispense a beverage 15 from a beverage-containing plastic bag 16 located inside the barrel 1. In this embodiment, the function of the cleaning connector of the connecting unit 3 is obtained as follows: the probe also has a transverse cleaning conduit 17, which can be aligned when the probe 13 reciprocates relative to the main body 25 of the connecting unit 3 and relative to the barrel valve 2 (as shown by the double arrow A) to enter and exit any of the fluid connections with the ozonated water source 18 via the first inlet port 19 of the three-way valve 20 or the fluid connection with the pressurized gas source 21 via the second inlet port 22 of the three-way valve 20.

[0086] The three-way valve 20 also has an outlet port 23, which is arranged to provide fluid communication with either of the first coupling inlet branch 24a or the second coupling inlet branch 24b via the conduit C. In the present case, the branches 24a, 24b and the conduit C are shown as being integrated in the body 25 of the coupling unit 3. Likewise, the three-way valve 20 is shown as being integrated in the body 25 of the coupling unit 3, but the three-way valve 20 can be a separate unit in many configurations to be coupled in fluid communication with the branches 24a, 24b, the conduit C, and / or outside the cleaning coupling.

[0087] The body 25 has a coupling flange 26 configured to sealingly couple to the bucket valve 2. The body 25 has a main bore 27 to at least substantially align with the central bore 6 of the bucket valve 2 and reciprocally accommodate the probe 13. A coupling outlet 28 is provided at a free end 29 of the probe 13.

[0088] An actuator 30, such as an electric motor or other linear actuator, drives the probe 13 up and down the required stroke in the main bore 27 to open and close the seat 11 against the bucket valve portion 2b and open and close the fluid communication between the second coupler inlet branch 24b for the transverse cleaning conduit 17 and the conduit C. The movement of the probe 13 caused by the actuator 30 and the operation of the three-way valve 20 are controlled by an electronic control device 31 connected to a power source 32 by electrical wires W1, W2, W3.

[0089] exist Figure 1 In the distribution mode shown, the probe 13 is maintained in the lower position by the actuator 30, and the transverse cleaning duct 17 is in an offset position relative to the second connector inlet branch 24b of the duct C, and the second connector inlet branch 24b has been blocked by the body of the probe 13, so that the ozonated water OW cannot enter the transverse cleaning duct 17 and further enter the central duct 14.

[0090] exist Figure 1In the dispensing mode shown, the second inlet port 22 and the outlet port 23 of the three-way valve 20 are both open and in fluid communication with the first coupler inlet branch 24a to allow pressurized gas (e.g., CO2 or N2, or pressurized air, or a mixture thereof) to be injected into the space 33 between the outer wall 34 of the keg 1 and the compressible beverage container, and thus the beverage bag 16 (e.g., a compressible plastic bag 16 containing beer specifically configured for the keg 1 and secured to the keg valve portion 2b at its bag opening) via the conduit C (as indicated by arrow P). The pressurized gas or pressurized air enters the space 33 via the circumferentially spaced openings 35 between the neck flange portion 2a and the keg valve portion 2b to compress the plastic bag 16, thereby displacing the beverage upward through the central conduit 14, out of the coupler outlet 28 and into the dispensing line (not shown), as indicated by arrow D. The first inlet port 19 of the three-way valve 20 is closed so that no ozonated water can contaminate the beverage.

[0091] exist Figure 1 In the figure, the beverage is indicated by a bubble graphic, and the pressurized gas and ozonated water are indicated by different coloring. Because the components are shown only in a purely functional principle, no shading of any component is appropriate. In addition, the position of the three-way valve 20 relative to the body 25 shown in the figure should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the present invention, nor should it be interpreted as any size.

[0092] Figure 2 is Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the automatic cleaning in place unit 4 as viewed in FIG. 1 , but in cleaning mode. In cleaning mode, the first inlet port 19 and the outlet port 23 of the three-way valve 20 are open, and the second inlet port 22 is closed.

[0093] The actuator 30 has placed the probe 13 in its upper position. The spring device 7 applies a spring force to the seat 11 of the barrel valve 2, whereby the upper head 9 abuts the seat 11 to sealably close the upper hole opening 10. In this position of the upper head 9, no ozonated water can enter the beverage 15. From the outlet port 23, the ozonated water enters the conduit C having the second coupler inlet branch 24b aligned with the transverse cleaning conduit 17, thereby allowing the ozonated water to enter the transverse cleaning conduit 17 and further into the central conduit 14, as well as into the first coupler inlet branch 24a and into the main hole 27 between the lower end 12 of the probe 13 and the upper head 9 to rise against the central conduit 14. From the central conduit 14, the ozonated water flows into the distribution pipeline (not shown) and flows out via the diverter tap (not shown) and into the discharge device (not shown), where the ozone is degraded without causing harm to the human body. In this way, all surfaces contacted by the ozonated water will be cleaned and disinfected. The electronic control may allow a residence time for the ozonated water to react to disinfect the surface before the tap at the end of the dispensing line is opened.During cleaning, the tap may be connected to the discharge conduit, for example via a resilient push-fit fitting or via a snap-on coupling.

[0094] exist Figure 2 In the cleaning mode shown, the coupling unit 3 and the dispensing line (not shown) can be purged of sediment and / or ozonated water by opening the second inlet port 22 and closing the first inlet port 19. In the cleaning mode, the opening 35 provided by, for example, the circumferential space or gap between the neck flange portion 2a and the barrel valve portion 2b is securely sealed because the spring means presses the neck flange portion 2a against the barrel valve portion 2b.

[0095] In an alternative embodiment, the opening 35 may also be provided in a lower portion of the probe 13 which may be rotated relative to the upper portion to open and close the opening 35 while still maintaining control over potential alignment and offset of the lateral cleaning conduit 17 with the conduit C and the first and second connector inlet branches 24a, 24b.

[0096] The electronic control unit may perform one or more cleaning cycles in the form of a series of repeated alternating flushes with ozonated water and / or pressurized gas and / or dwell times of selected duration.

[0097] exist Figure 3In the illustrated keg replacement mode, all ports 19, 22, 23 of the three-way valve 20 and the coupler outlet 28 are closed, and the probe 13 is in its upper position. The plastic bag 16 has been compressed and is almost empty of beverage. The space 33 has been degassed or de-aired. A new keg 1 is required or a new full plastic bag 16 is provided in the reusable keg 1. To this end, the coupling unit 3 of the present invention is simply disassembled from the keg valve 2 and placed on a new full keg 1, or a new full plastic bag 16 is placed in the reusable keg 1 used as a pressure chamber. Disassembly can be performed by sliding, pulling or twisting the coupling unit 3 away from the keg valve 2.

[0098] Due to the presence of the three-way valve 20, the coupling unit 3 does not require additional valve means at the coupling inlets 24a, 24b.

[0099] Figure 4 Show n Figures 1 to 3 The types of bagging barrels 1a, 1b, 1c, ..., 1n shown are all in Figure 1 Each barrel 1a, 1b, 1c, ..., 1n is connected in parallel to an ozonated water manifold 36 and a gas manifold 37, the gas manifold 37 having n gas manifold outlets 1a', 1b', 1c', ..., 1n'. Figure 4 In the dispensing mode, the pressurized gas or pressurized air delivered to the gas manifold 37 is provided by the compressor 38 and supplied to the second inlet port 22 of the corresponding three-way valve 20 (see 1) via the corresponding gas conduits Ga, Gb, Gc, ..., Gn, so as to discharge the beverage via the corresponding dispensing pipelines DLa, DLb, DLc, ..., DLn, and discharge the beverage from the corresponding taps 39a, 39b, 39c, ..., 39n at the take-out station.

[0100] The ozonated water manifold 36 has n ozonated water manifold outlets 1a", 1b", 1c", ..., 1n", and Figure 5 In the cleaning mode shown, the ozonated water manifold 36 receives ozonated water OW from an ozonated water source 40 (e.g., an electrolytic ozone generator that produces ozonated water as needed) and distributes the ozonated water OW via the ozonated water conduits Owa, Owb, Owc, ..., Own due to the corresponding three-way valves 20a, 20b, 20c, ..., 20n of the associated corresponding coupling units 3a, 3b, 3c, ..., 3n of the n bagging drums 1a, 1b, 1c, ..., 1n, under the overall control of the electronic control unit E that communicates with at least the corresponding electronic control device. The first inlet port 19, the outlet port 23 and the coupling outlet 28 are open, but the coupling inlet is closed, also as described with respect to Figure 2 As shown and described.

[0101] The electronic control unit E is configured to operate one or more of the coupling units 3a, 3b, 3c, ..., 3n of the barrels 1a, 1b, 1c, ..., 1n in any mode of the dispensing mode and the cleaning mode, such as Figure 5 As shown in, such as, the electronic control device 31 of each barrel 1a, 1b, 1c, ..., 1n and therefore also the corresponding actuator and the movement of the probe, the opening and closing of the three-way valve and the ports of the connector inlet and the connector outlet, and the generation and supply of ozonated water, and control of the ozonated water manifold and the gas manifold. Since the barrels are arranged in parallel when connected to the ozonated water manifold, the electronic control unit E can then put one or more barrels in the distribution mode, and the rest of the barrels in the cleaning mode, in operation or out of operation. A distribution line can be cleaned individually, and multiple distribution lines can be cleaned simultaneously.

[0102] The electronic control unit E is electrically connected to any components of the automatic cleaning-in-situ unit 4 of the present invention by wires; however, Bluetooth operation may be employed if appropriate.

[0103] For an overview, Figure 4 and Figure 5 Shown without indication of beverage, ozonated water and pressurized gas.

[0104] Figure 6 A single modified cleaning-in-situ unit 41 is shown in cleaning mode. The modified cleaning-in-situ unit 41 substantially corresponds to the previously described cleaning-in-situ unit 4 and for identical parts, the same reference numerals are used.

[0105] The improved in-situ cleaning unit 41 differs from the aforementioned in-situ cleaning unit 4 in that the outlet member 13 does not have a transverse cleaning conduit 17 which needs to be aligned with the second connector inlet branch 24b of the control valve when the outlet member 13 reciprocates relative to the body 25 for flushing with ozonated water.

[0106] exist Figure 6 In the cleaning mode shown, the actuator 30 has placed the probe 13 in its upper position, whereby the neck flange portion 2a and the barrel valve portion 2b are in sealing contact, thereby preventing the ozonated water from entering the opening 35 between the neck flange portion 2a and the barrel valve portion 2b, and further entering the space 33 between the outer wall 34 of the barrel 1 and the beverage bag 16. At the same time, the spring device 7 then applies a spring force to the upper head 9, so that the upper head 9 abuts against the lip member 2a, so that the upper hole opening 10 is sealed against the compressible beverage container 16. In this position of the upper head 9, no ozonated water can enter the beverage 15.

[0107] The ozonated water follows a path in which it enters conduit C from outlet port 23 and further toward and into gap 11a between seat 11 and upper head 9 to advance upward into central conduit 14 from which it flows into the distribution line to clean and / or disinfect the distribution line (not shown), as described above.

[0108] In the improved cleaning-in-place unit 41 Figure 7 In the dispensing mode seen in FIG. 1 , the actuator 30 has placed the probe 13 in its lower position and sealed against the upper head 9, whereby the neck flange portion 2a and the barrel valve portion 2b are in sealing contact without the actuator 30, similar to Figure 1 The seat 11 is closed against the upper head 9, whereby pressurized gas or air can be injected via the duct C. The lip member 2c and the upper head 9 seal against each other so that pressurized gas cannot enter the central duct 14 in the dispensing mode. The pressurized gas or air enters the space 33 between the outer wall 34 of the bucket 1 and the beverage bag 16 via the duct C and via the opening 35 between the neck flange portion 2a and the barrel valve portion 2b to compress the beverage bag 16.

[0109] With regard to the first embodiment of the cleaning-in-place unit 4 , for the improved cleaning-in-place unit 41 , the three-way valve 19 also controls the various modes and the movement of the probe 13 .

[0110] The point is that the modified CIP unit 41 can be implemented in series in a similar manner to the CIP unit 4, such as Figure 4 and 5 shown.

[0111] All parts that may come into contact with ozonated water are made of ozone-resistant materials. The concentration of ozone in the ozonated water can vary depending on the need for cleaning and the frequency of cleaning, however, the inventors of the present invention have determined that the optimal concentration of dissolved ozone in the ozonated water for disinfecting the draft beer dispensing pipeline is between 2ppm and 15ppm. Preferably, the concentration of dissolved ozone is at least 3ppm, preferably at least 5ppm, or at least 8ppm, or at least 10ppm. 6ppm may be preferred for most types of beer dispensing pipelines, however, fruity or very sweet uneven or turbid beer types may require higher concentrations to clean and disinfect the dispensing pipeline.

[0112] By using a clean-in-place unit and / or a clean-in-place system and / or method, one distribution line can be completely cleaned and / or disinfected in about 10 minutes, as opposed to up to an hour using conventional cleaning systems. By means of the present invention, two or more distribution lines can be cleaned simultaneously or at different times.

[0113] In one or more embodiments of the cleaning-in-place unit or cleaning-in-place system, a first additional valve (not shown), such as a shut-off valve, may be inserted in the supply line for the ozonated water between the ozonated water source and the control valve to further ensure that the supply and stop of the ozonated water can be further controlled. The first additional valve may be coupled in electronic communication with the electrolytic ozone generator to automatically start or stop ozonated water production, for example in response to a signal from an electronic control device or electronic control unit to open or close the first additional valve. The first additional valve may be used as a safety precaution to close in association with a change of the barrel.

[0114] Similarly, a second additional valve (not shown) (such as an additional shut-off valve) can be conveniently inserted into the conduit C to further ensure that the supply or stop of the ozonated water can be further controlled, and the supply and stop of the pressurized gas or pressurized air can be controlled. In addition, the second additional valve can be connected to the electrolytic ozone generator and the pressurized gas or pressurized air source in electronic communication to start and stop the generation of ozonated water and / or the injection of pressurized gas or pressurized air in response to opening and closing the second additional valve. The second additional valve can be used as a safety precaution to be closed in association with the change of the barrel.

Claims

1. An automatic in-situ cleaning unit (4; 41), the automatic in-situ cleaning unit is configured to clean at least one beverage dispensing line (DL) between a take-out station and a dispensing station of a beverage dispensing system, wherein, The automatic in-situ cleaning unit (4; 41) comprises a barrel connector, a cleaning connector and / or a connecting unit (3) composed of the connectors, wherein the barrel connector, the cleaning connector and / or the connecting unit (3) are mounted to or can be mounted to a barrel (1) containing a beverage (15), a compressible beverage container or both the barrel (1) and the compressible beverage container, and the barrel connector, the cleaning connector and / or the connecting unit (3) composed of the connectors have at least one connecting inlet (24a; 24b) and at least one connecting outlet (28), wherein the automatic in-situ cleaning unit (4; 41) comprises a control valve (20), and the control valve (20) comprises - an outlet port (23) arranged to provide fluid communication with the at least one coupling inlet (24a; 24b), and - a first inlet port (19) arranged to provide fluid communication with a source of ozonated water (18).

2. The automatic in-situ cleaning unit (4; 41) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control valve (20) is a three-way valve further comprising a second inlet port (22) arranged to provide fluid communication with a pressurized gas source (21).

3. The automatic in-situ cleaning unit (4; 41) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control valve (20) is a two-way valve, wherein the first inlet port (19) is arranged to provide fluid communication with an ozonated water source (18) and a pressurized gas source (21) in sequence.

4. The automatic in-situ cleaning unit (4; 41) according to any one of claims 1, 2 or 3, characterized in that: The control valve (20) is a part of any one of the barrel coupler, the cleaning coupler and / or the coupling unit (3) composed of the couplers, or is separate from the barrel coupler, the cleaning coupler and / or the coupling unit (3).

5. An automatic cleaning-in-situ unit (4; 41) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The ozonated water source is an electrolytic ozone generator configured to produce ozonated water from a water source, optionally tap water or batch water, such as batch demineralized water or sterile water.

6. The automatic in-situ cleaning unit (4; 41) according to claim 5, characterized in that: The electrolytic ozone generator is configured to automatically generate ozonated water as needed.

7. An automatic cleaning-in-situ unit (4; 41) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The concentration of dissolved ozone in the ozonated water used for disinfection of distribution lines is between 2 ppm and 15 ppm.

8. An automatic cleaning-in-situ unit (4; 41) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The control valve (20) is configured to be directly connected to a barrel (1) containing a beverage, to the barrel (1) containing a beverage via the barrel connector, to a fitting (2) directly connected to the compressible beverage container (16), and / or to the fitting (2) connected to the compressible beverage container (16) via an intermediate connector, optionally via the cleaning connector or the coupling unit (3), so as to establish fluid communication between the barrel (1) and / or the compressible beverage container (16) and the dispensing line (DL) in a dispensing mode.

9. The automatic cleaning-in-situ unit (4; 41) according to any one of the preceding claims 2 to 8, characterized in that The control valve (20) is also configured to close the dispensing mode to close fluid communication between the keg (1) and / or the compressible beverage container (16) and the associated dispensing line (DL), and simultaneously or sequentially establish fluid communication between at least one of the keg coupler, the cleaning coupler, the fitting (2), the keg valve and / or the associated dispensing line (DL) and one or both of the ozonated water source (18) and the pressurized gas source (21).

10. An automatic cleaning-in-situ unit (4; 41) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The barrel connector, the cleaning connector or the coupling unit (3) consisting of the connector has a body (25), the body (25) accommodating an outlet member (13), the outlet member (13) being arranged to reciprocate as a piston within the body (25) between a lower position and an upper position, in which the inlet to the barrel (1) or the beverage (15) in the compressible beverage container is opened, so that the beverage (15) in the barrel (1) or the compressible beverage container can be dispensed via the connector outlet (28), and in the upper position, the inlet to the barrel (1) or the beverage (15) in the compressible beverage container is closed, and ozonated water and / or pressurized gas can enter the dispensing line via any one of the barrel connector, the cleaning connector or the coupling unit (3) consisting of the connector, thereby dispensing ozonated water and / or pressurized gas via the connector outlet (28).

11. The automatic in-situ cleaning unit (4; 41) according to claim 10, characterized in that: The outlet member (13) has a central conduit (14) arranged to dispense a beverage (15) from the keg (1) or the compressible beverage container.

12. The automatic in-situ cleaning unit (4; 41) according to claim 11, characterized in that The central conduit (14) is arranged to be in fluid communication with the source of ozonated water.

13. The automatic cleaning-in-situ unit (4; 41) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The central conduit (14) is arranged to be in fluid communication with the source of pressurized gas or air.

14. The automatic cleaning-in-situ unit (4; 41) according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 13, characterized in that The outlet member (13) has a transverse cleaning conduit (17) which can be aligned when the outlet member (13) reciprocates relative to the body (25) to enter and exit any one of the fluid connections with the ozonated water source (18) via the first inlet port (19) or the pressurized gas source (21) via the second inlet port (22).

15. The automatic cleaning-in-situ unit (4; 41) according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 14, characterized in that The automatic cleaning-in-situ unit (4; 41) comprises means (30) for reciprocating the outlet member (13) along its longitudinal axis.

16. The automatic cleaning-in-situ unit (4; 41) according to claim 15, characterized in that The means for reciprocating the outlet member (13) comprises an actuator (30) for reciprocating the outlet member (13) along its longitudinal axis.

17. An automatic in-situ cleaning unit (4; 41) according to any one of claims 15 or 16, wherein the automatic in-situ cleaning unit (4; 41) comprises an electronic control device (31), which is configured to control one or more of the following: opening and closing of the port of the control valve, the stroke of the outlet member, the device for reciprocating the outlet member (13), and opening and closing of the connector inlet (24a, 24b) and the connector outlet (28).

18. The automatic cleaning-in-situ unit (4; 41) according to claim 17, characterized in that The electronic control device (31) includes a PLC, a PCB and / or a computer system, and the PLC, the PCB and / or the computer system are configured to enable a user to input to the automatic in-situ cleaning unit from a remote location to switch between a dispensing mode and a cleaning mode without disassembling any component of the beverage dispensing system.

19. The automatic cleaning-in-situ unit (4; 41) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 18, characterized in that A graphical user interface is included, configured for user interaction with a central control unit to control at least one automatic cleaning-in-place unit.

20. The automatic cleaning-in-situ unit (4; 41) according to claim 19, characterized in that The central control unit controls the corresponding electronic control devices of several individual automatic cleaning-in-situ units, which are associated with or assigned to each of their beverage containers, and / or the central control unit monitors the automatic cleaning-in-situ units and monitors the status of the barrel and / or the compressible beverage container.

21. The automatic cleaning-in-situ unit (4; 41) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 20, characterized in that The outlet member (13) has a lower end (12) configured to sealingly fit into a seat (11) of a keg valve (2) of the keg (1) and / or a fitment of a compressible beverage container within the keg.

22. The automatic cleaning-in-situ unit (4; 41) according to claim 21, characterized in that The lower end (12) of the outlet member (13) is configured to compress and release a spring device (7) in response to reciprocating movement of the outlet member (13) along the longitudinal axis of the outlet member (13).

23. An automatic cleaning-in-situ unit (4; 41) according to any one of the preceding claims 10 to 22, characterised in that The body (25) of the barrel coupler, the cleaning coupler and / or the coupling unit (3) consisting of the coupler has a coupling flange (26), which is configured to be coupled to any one of the barrel valve (2), the fitting, the neck flange portion (2a) of the barrel (1) or the compressible beverage container, and / or to a lance-shaped coupling flange of a lance inserted into the barrel to dispense the beverage.

24. Use of an automatic cleaning-in-situ unit (4; 41) according to any of the preceding claims for cleaning at least one beverage dispensing line, preferably the at least one beverage dispensing line being a beer dispensing line of a beer dispensing system.

25. A method of cleaning a beverage dispensing line (DL), the method comprising an ozonated water flushing step.

26. The method according to claim 25, characterized in that The ozonated water is produced by an electrolytic ozone generator from a water source, optionally, tap water or batch water, such as batch demineralized water or sterile water.

27. The method according to claim 25 or 26, characterized in that The ozonated water is produced on demand, preferably at least after initial ozonated water start-up production to achieve a start-up concentration of ozone in the produced ozonated water, optionally in parallel and simultaneously with the consumption of the produced ozonated water.

28. The method according to claims 25, 26 and 27, characterized in that The concentration of dissolved ozone in the ozonated water is between 2 ppm and 15 ppm.

29. The method according to any one of the preceding claims 25 to 28, characterized in that Utilization of a clean-in-place cleaning unit (4; 41) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 23.

30. A cleaning-in-place system comprising at least two cleaning-in-place units (4; 41) according to any one of claims 1 to 23, characterized in that: The clean-in-place system includes an ozonated water manifold (36) and an optional pressurized gas or air manifold (37).

31. The cleaning-in-place system according to claim 30, characterized in that The respective electronic control means associated with each of the at least two cleaning-in-place systems (4; 41) are operable via a central control unit comprising control software, optionally via a graphical user interface configured for user interaction with the control software.

32. The cleaning-in-place system according to any one of claims 30 or 31, characterized in that The control software comprises monitoring software for monitoring at least the status of the at least two automatic cleaning-in-place units as defined in any one of the preceding claims, the status of the beverage container and the status of the method.

33. Use of a clean-in-place system and / or method as defined in any one of the preceding claims in a draft beer dispensing system.

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