System and method for injecting liquid into gas

Abstract

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention provide methods and systems for injecting a liquid into a gas. A method of one aspect of the invention includes: charging a first gas content into a chamber having a fixed volume at a first pressure; the gaseous content is brought into contact with the liquid content injected at high pressure into the chamber at a second pressure, wherein the second pressure is higher than the predetermined pressure saturation requirement of the liquid content. A system of one aspect of the present invention comprises: a tub (200) comprising at least one chamber having a fixed internal volume and having a first end (200a) and a second end (200b); a floating piston (202) disposed within the interior volume of the chamber; a first gas input port selectively connected with the first end of the chamber; a second gas input port selectively connected with a second end of the chamber; a first liquid input port selectively connected with the first end of the chamber; the second liquid input port is selectively connected with the second end of the chamber; a first discharge port selectively connected with a first end of the chamber; and a second discharge port selectively connected with the second end of the chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for injecting a liquid into a gas. One non-limiting example relates to injecting an aqueous solution into carbon dioxide. Background Art

[0002] The present invention focuses on a specific application of injecting a liquid into a gas, namely, the carbonation of a beverage. It should be understood that the systems and methods described herein are not limited to the injection of aqueous solutions into a gas, nor should the present invention be viewed as limiting the application of the present invention to such an application. For example, the systems and methods described herein can be applied to the controlled injection of various liquids (i.e., blood, plasma, or water) into a gas (i.e., oxygen or nitrogen, among other gases).

[0003] Carbonation of beverages involves dissolving a high-pressure gas into a base aqueous solution, usually water. Bottled carbonated beverages are typically prepared in factories in one of two ways: i) syrup and water are mixed in cans and carbonated in batches within the cans before filling and capping at low temperatures; or ii) separate streams of syrup and pre-carbonated water are mixed under pressure into a container (such as a can or bottle) through a mixing valve / tap and then sealed with a cap. In a home setting, carbonated water can be prepared by using a soda machine. Carbon dioxide is forced into a liquid under pressure to produce carbonated water. Syrup or other flavoring agents can be added to carbonated water before or after carbonation to make flavored carbonated beverages.

[0004] In commercial catering environments, there are generally two main types of beverage dispensers: i) pre-mix; and ii) post-mix. Pre-mix systems require a container of syrup that is pre-mixed with water. The mixed contents can be carbonated during preparation or in the container.

[0005] Post-mix systems are more complex and require separate storage of syrup and carbonated water. The syrup and water are delivered to a mixing tap for mixing. The resulting beverage can then be dispensed, for example, through a soda dispenser or soda gun.

[0006] In each of the above examples, the carbon dioxide is introduced into the liquid matrix through a gas injection process. Gas injection methods are generally divided into three different technology categories:

[0007] 1) Pressurized saturation, where the liquid is in surface contact with the injected gas under high pressure in a pressurized chamber (carboy), resulting in natural absorption. This method is usually supplemented by cooling the carboy or pre-cooling the liquid to increase the absorption rate;

[0008] 2) In-line gas injection, where the gas is injected directly into the liquid in a volume-controlled manner and saturation occurs in-line through a diffusion process. This method is often aided by passing the liquid through a cooling unit to increase the absorption rate; and

[0009] 3) Membrane transfer, where liquid is passed on one side of a hydrophobic material (such as polysulfone) while the other side is exposed to high pressure gas content so that the gas will transfer across the membrane through the unidirectional porous material to the product.

[0010] Each of the above methods is limited by time frame issues in terms of gas uptake rate. In the case of pressurized saturation, there are limitations related to system recovery. In the case of online gas injection and membrane transfer, the limitations of gas injection into the liquid are determined by a function of the gas pressure and the target saturation of the gas into the liquid.

[0011] It is against the foregoing background that aspects and embodiments of the present invention emerge. Summary of the invention

[0012] Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.While indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, the detailed description and specific examples are intended to be given by way of illustration only.

[0013] The term "infusion" as used herein should be interpreted in the context of dissolving / absorbing a gas into a liquid. For example, the liquid used for beverage preparation may include water, soft drinks, syrups, wine, cocktails, tea, coffee, non-alcoholic beverages, beer, cider or wine. For example, the gas used for beverage preparation may include carbon dioxide, nitrogen or oxygen.

[0014] The present invention describes a system and method for injecting a liquid into a gas. In one example, a carbonated beverage can be prepared at a supply point. Carbon dioxide can be filled in a chamber to a target pressure set according to a volume target. Subsequently, water can be injected into the chamber at a pressure higher than the pressurized carbon dioxide. The resulting gas / water mixture has a saturation set based on the beverage type and the water pressure. Then, before drinking, the gas / water mixture is discharged from the chamber through a dispenser into a container under pressure. The temperature of the liquid can be set to contribute to the target absorption rate of the gas therein. In addition, in some embodiments, the target pressure can be adjusted based on the observed liquid temperature. The ratio of the filling pressure of the carbon dioxide to the filling pressure of the liquid contents can be varied to drive and provide control of the temperature-pressure saturation process. The following disclosure details several embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] The claimed invention provides numerous advantages which are non-exhaustively summarized below:

[0016] 1) Improved volume control for carbonated beverage dispensing;

[0017] 2) The time range of saturation is significantly enhanced;

[0018] 3) The final product has consistent quality and foaming properties;

[0019] 4) the flavor of the final product can be controlled at the point of supply by variable gas pressure and the addition of make-up gas to the process; and

[0020] 5) The final product can be re-pressurized.

[0021] One aspect of the present invention provides a method for injecting liquid into a gas, the method comprising: filling a first gas content into a chamber having a fixed volume at a first pressure; allowing the gas content to contact a liquid content injected into the chamber at a second pressure under high pressure, wherein the second pressure is higher than a predetermined liquid content saturation pressure requirement of the liquid content.

[0022] In one embodiment, the method further comprises cooling the liquid contents prior to introducing the liquid into the chamber.

[0023] In one embodiment, the method further comprises diffusing the liquid contents when injected into the chamber.

[0024] In one embodiment, the liquid contents are introduced into the chamber by a spraying process.

[0025] The liquid contents are introduced by a spraying process and no mechanical stirring of the liquid contents is required.

[0026] In one embodiment, the spraying process is configured to be completed within a predetermined time relative to one or more of the volume of the chamber, the relative pressures of the liquid contents and the gas contents, and the temperature of the liquid contents.

[0027] Electrical or ultrasonic agitation of the liquid contents may be used as an alternative or in addition to spraying the liquid into the chamber.

[0028] In one embodiment, the gaseous content and the liquid content are filled or introduced into the chamber at a first end of the chamber.

[0029] In one embodiment, filling or introducing the gaseous contents and the liquid contents into the chamber forces a floating piston within the chamber to move from a first end of the chamber to a second end of the chamber.

[0030] In one embodiment, the method further comprises introducing a second gas content from its second end, the second gas content having a pressure higher than the saturation pressure of the liquid content, and causing the floating piston to move from the second end of the chamber to the first end of the chamber, thereby forcing the saturated or injected gas and liquid contents to leave the chamber through the dispensing port at its first end. The pressure of the second gas content can be set to be higher than a predetermined saturation control / temperature ratio of the liquid and gas contents. Therefore, when the second gas content is introduced into the chamber, the saturated or injected gas and liquid contents are simultaneously discharged from the chamber.

[0031] In one embodiment, the gas content includes: carbon dioxide, nitrogen or oxygen.

[0032] In one embodiment, the liquid contents are water based.

[0033] Another aspect of the present invention provides a system for injecting liquid into a gas, the system comprising: a barrel comprising at least one chamber having a fixed internal volume and having a first end and a second end; a floating piston arranged within the internal volume of the chamber; a first gas input port selectively connected to the first end of the chamber; a second gas input port selectively connected to the second end of the chamber; a first liquid input port selectively connected to the first end of the chamber; a second liquid input port selectively connected to the second end of the chamber; a first exhaust port selectively connected to the first end of the chamber; and a second exhaust port selectively connected to the second end of the chamber.

[0034] In one embodiment, at least one chamber includes multiple chambers, a first gas input port, a first liquid input port and a first exhaust port are defined by a first end plate at a first end of the rotating barrel, and a second gas input port, a second liquid input port and a second exhaust port are defined by a second end plate at a second end of the rotating shell.

[0035] In one embodiment, the tub is rotatable relative to the first and second end plates.

[0036] In one embodiment, as the barrel rotates, each of the first gas input port, the second gas input port, the first liquid input port, the second liquid input port, the first exhaust port, and the second exhaust port is sequentially connected with a successive barrel.

[0037] In one embodiment, the system further includes one or more diffusers within at least one of the plurality of chambers and / or as part of each end plate.

[0038] In one embodiment, the barrel is rotatable to sequentially connect each chamber to: i) a first gas input port; ii) a first liquid input port; iii) a second gas input port; iv) a first exhaust port; iv) a second liquid input port; vii) a first gas input port; and viii) a second exhaust port.

[0039] In one embodiment, the barrel is movable by a motor driven at an RPM set according to: i) a predetermined flow rate; ii) data from a flow metering device; or iii) a relative liquid or gas flow rate. It should be understood that other drive devices may be utilized, such as turbines, hydraulic or pneumatic drives.

[0040] In one embodiment, the floating piston is configured to be driven under pressure from a gas and / or liquid filled chamber to the other end of the chamber.

[0041] In one embodiment, the floating piston may be driven within the chamber by a mechanical, electrical or electromagnetic drive device to compress the injected / saturated gas / liquid therein. In an embodiment of the present invention, a diaphragm may be used instead of a floating piston.

[0042] In one embodiment, the barrel is rotatable between as many positions as chambers within the barrel, wherein gas and liquid contents within the chambers are maintained under pressure between sequential connections to the first / second liquid input ports and the first / second exhaust ports.

[0043] In one embodiment, each of the first / second gas input ports, the first / second liquid input ports, and the first / second exhaust ports are offset from each other.

[0044] In one embodiment, the first gas input port and the second exhaust port, and the second gas input port and the first exhaust port, respectively, are aligned with each other. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings:

[0046] Figure 1 is a flow chart of a method according to the present invention.

[0047] Figure 2 The chamber of a system according to the invention is shown.

[0048] Figure 3 A barrel of the present invention comprising a plurality of chambers is shown.

[0049] Figure 3A An end plate according to the invention comprising a flow matrix diffusing a liquid into a gas is shown.

[0050] Figure 4 is a system diagram of a system according to the present invention.

[0051] Figure 5 The first step of the method according to the invention is shown.

[0052] Figure 6 The second step of the method according to the invention is shown.

[0053] Figure 7 The third step of the method according to the invention is shown.

[0054] Figure 8 The fourth step of the method according to the invention is shown.

[0055] Fig. 9 The fifth step of the method according to the invention is shown.

[0056] Fig.10 The sixth step of the method according to the invention is shown.

[0057] Fig.11 The seventh step of the method according to the invention is shown.

[0058] Fig.12 The eighth step of the method according to the invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] The following description of the preferred embodiment is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

[0060] The description of the illustrative embodiments according to the principles of the present invention is intended to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which should be considered as part of the entire written description. In the description of the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein, reference to directions or orientations is only for ease of description and does not limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Relative terms such as "lower", "upper", "horizontal", "vertical", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "top" and "bottom" and their derivatives (e.g., "horizontally", "downwardly", "upwardly", etc.) should be interpreted as referring to the orientation described or shown in the drawings discussed. These relative terms are only for ease of description and do not require the device to be constructed or operated in a specific orientation unless explicitly stated. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, "attachment", "fixation", "connection", "coupling", "interconnection" and the like refer to a relationship in which each structure is fixed or attached to each other directly or indirectly through an intervening structure, as well as a movable or fixed attachment or relationship. In addition, the features and benefits of the present invention are explained by reference to exemplary embodiments. Therefore, the present invention is clearly not limited to these exemplary embodiments, which illustrate some possible non-limiting feature combinations that can exist alone or in combination with other features; the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

[0061] Figure 1A method according to the present invention is shown. The method starts from step S100. In step S102, a gas is charged into a chamber of a fixed volume at a first pressure. For example, the chamber can be charged with carbon dioxide, which is determined based on the desired gas content of the final product. It is expected that a target gas content of 1 volume will require a gas pressure of 1 bar, a target gas content of 2 volumes will require a gas pressure of 2 bars, and a target gas content of x volumes will require a gas pressure of y volumes, where x=y. The gas is naturally charged into the chamber in a uniform manner. In step S104, a liquid is introduced into the chamber at a pressure determined according to the desired saturation or target gas content (volume) of the final product, in each case at a pressure higher than the pre-set gas pressure. In some embodiments, the pressure of the liquid is adjusted according to Boyle's law to take into account changes in the temperature of the liquid. In step S106, the contents of the chamber are pressurized to maintain the saturation of the contents of the chamber. In step S108, the contents of the chamber are discharged. For example, the contents of the chamber can be defined as a beverage poured into a drinking container for consumption.

[0062] In some embodiments, the liquid contents may be cooled prior to injection into the gas contents. It should be appreciated that the rate of absorption of gas into liquid, and the rate of absorption of liquid into gas, is affected by temperature, according to Charles' law, with higher pressures required to achieve saturation at higher temperatures. Therefore, it is beneficial to cool the liquid contents prior to injection.

[0063] For beverages, according to the focus of the present invention, the target gas content or saturation of the final product can be 4 volumes for soft drinks and up to 10 volumes or more for sparkling wines. In principle, there is no limit to the target gas content of the final product.

[0064] Figure 2 A simplified chamber 200 is shown in A. The chamber 200 has a fixed predetermined volume. A floating piston 202 is disposed within the chamber 200, and the floating piston 202 is movable within the chamber 200 between a first end 200a and a second end 200b of the chamber 200. The chamber 200 may be cylindrical. A non-limiting example of the chamber 200 has a diameter of 30 mm and a length of 76 mm. The floating piston 202 may have a thickness of 5 mm. Thus, the volume of the exemplary barrel may be 3.142×(15 mm 2 )×71 mm=about 50 cu mm. Each end 200a, 200b of the chamber 200 is in sealing contact with a corresponding end plate 302, 304. Each end plate 202a, 202b may include a matrix of flow channels 303 to allow the gas content and water content to be diffusely injected into the chamber 200. For example, the matrix of flow channels 303 may include 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 or more flow channels 303 of small cross-sectional area compared to the cross-sectional area of ​​the chamber 200. This is Figure 3A 304. The plurality of flow channels 303 facilitate multiple flow paths for liquid and / or gaseous contents. In some embodiments, a one-way valve may be provided as part of the chamber 200 or as part of each end plate 302, 304. In other embodiments, each chamber 200 remains in sealing contact with a corresponding end plate until it is aligned with the gas or liquid input and / or exhaust of the end plate 302, 304. This arrangement will be described in more detail below.

[0065] In more complex embodiments, chamber 200 may be one of a plurality of chambers arranged in a rotational configuration about a central axis. Figure 3 As shown, the rotatable barrel 300 can be generally cylindrical and define a plurality of chambers 200 extending through the barrel 300. The barrel 300 is defined longitudinally by a first end plate 302 and a second end plate 304. Each end plate 302, 304 includes a flat plate having openings 306, 308, 310 passing therethrough, which are connected to gas content input, liquid content input and discharge output fluids, respectively. A drive shaft 312 extends from the first end plate 302 and serves as the central axis of the barrel 300 before terminating at the second end plate 304. The drive shaft 312 is drivable by a motor or other drive source, and is configured to rotate the barrel 300 around the central axis at a speed of 6.6 rpm to provide a distribution rate of 2 liters / minute when the barrel includes 6 chambers. All sizes, speeds and flow rates provided herein are given only as examples and are not meant to be restrictive. The orientation of each end plate 302, 304 is fixed relative to the barrel 300.

[0066] like Figure 4 As shown in the system diagram 400 of the embodiment, a liquid content source 402 is connected to a liquid content input port defined by an opening 308 of each of the first and second end plates 302, 304, a gas content source 404 is connected to a gas content input port defined by an opening 310 of the first and end plates 302, 304, and a distributor 406 is connected to a discharge port defined by an opening 312 of the first and second end plates 302, 304. As the barrel 300 rotates, each chamber 200 moves sequentially between being aligned with each of the liquid content input port 308, the gas content input port 310, and the discharge port 312. The barrel 300 may include 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 or more chambers 200.

[0067] The method steps related to the above system operation are as follows Figures 5 to 12 shown.

[0068] In the first step, if Figure 5As shown, the chamber 200 is aligned at its first end with the gas content input port 310 of the first end plate 302. Gas 500 having a predetermined pressure is injected into the chamber 200. The pressure of the gas 500 acts on the floating piston 202, pushing the floating piston 202 toward the second end 200b of the chamber 200. In the second step, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the chamber 200 is aligned at its first end with the liquid content input port 308 of the first end plate 302. The liquid 600 is injected into the chamber 200 at a pressure higher than the gas pressure in the chamber 200. In the third step, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, the gas and liquid 700 are fully saturated. In the fourth step, as Figure 8 As shown, the chamber 200 is aligned at its first end with the exhaust port 312 of the first end plate 302 and at its second end with the gas content input port 310 of the second end plate 304. The pressure of the gas 800 introduced into the chamber 200 is greater than the pressure of the saturated gas / liquid content and acts on the floating piston 202, pushing the floating piston 202 toward the first end 200a of the chamber 200, thereby dispensing the saturated gas / liquid content 700 from the chamber through the exhaust port 312 of the second end plate 304. In the fifth step, as shown in FIG. Fig. 9 As shown, the chamber is aligned at its second end with the gas content input port 312 of the second end plate 304. Gas 900 having a predetermined pressure is injected into the chamber 200. The pressure of the gas 900 acts on the floating piston 202, pushing the floating piston 202 toward the first end 200a of the chamber 200. In the sixth step, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 As shown, the chamber 200 is aligned at its second end with the liquid content input port 308 of the second end plate 304. The liquid 1000 is injected into the chamber 200 at a pressure higher than the gas pressure in the chamber 200. In the seventh step, as shown in FIG. Fig.11 As shown, the gas and liquid 1100 are fully saturated. In the eighth step, as Fig.12 As shown, the chamber 200 is aligned at its second end with the exhaust port 312 of the second end plate 304, and at its first end with the gas content input port 310 of the first end plate 302. The pressure of the gas 1200 introduced into the chamber 200 is greater than the pressure of the saturated gas / liquid content 1100, and acts on the floating piston 202, pushing the floating piston 202 toward the second end 200b of the chamber 200, thereby dispensing the saturated gas / liquid content 1100 from the chamber 200 through the exhaust port 312 of the first end plate 302.

[0069] The above described embodiments are merely exemplary and other possibilities and alternatives within the scope of the appended claims will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A method for injecting a liquid into a gas, the method comprising: Filling a chamber having a fixed volume with a first gas content at a first pressure; contacting the gaseous contents with the liquid contents injected into the chamber at a second pressure under high pressure, The second pressure is higher than a predetermined pressure saturation requirement of the liquid contents.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising cooling the liquid contents prior to introducing the liquid contents into the chamber.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising diffusing the liquid contents when injected into the chamber.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the spraying process is configured to be completed within a predetermined time relative to one or more of the volume of the chamber, the relative pressures of the liquid contents and the gas contents, and the temperature of the liquid contents.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the liquid content is injected into the chamber by a spraying process.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the gaseous content and the liquid content are filled or introduced into the chamber at a first end of the chamber.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein filling or introducing the gaseous content and the liquid content into the chamber forces a floating piston within the chamber to move from a first end of the chamber to a second end of the chamber.

8. The method according to claim 7 further includes introducing a second gas content from its second end, the pressure of the second gas content is higher than the saturation pressure of the liquid content, and causing the floating piston to move from the second end of the chamber to the first end of the chamber, thereby forcing the saturated or injected gas and liquid contents to leave the chamber through the distribution port at its first end.

9. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the gas content comprises carbon dioxide, nitrogen or oxygen.

10. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the liquid content is water based.

11. A system for injecting a liquid into a gas, the system comprising: a barrel including at least one chamber of fixed interior volume and having a first end and a second end; a floating piston disposed within the interior volume of the chamber; a first gas input port selectively connectable to the first end of the chamber; a second gas input port selectively connectable to the second end of the chamber; a first liquid input port selectively connectable to the first end of the chamber; a second liquid input port selectively connectable to the second end of the chamber; a first exhaust port selectively connectable to the first end of the chamber; and A second exhaust port is selectively connected to the second end of the chamber.

12. A system according to claim 11, wherein at least one chamber includes a plurality of chambers, and a first gas input port, a first liquid input port and a first exhaust port are defined by a first end plate located at a first end of the barrel, and a second gas input port, a second liquid input port and a second exhaust port are defined by a second end plate located at a second end of the barrel.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the bucket is movable relative to the first end plate and the second end plate.

14. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein when the barrel rotates, the first gas input port, the second gas input port, the first liquid input port, the second liquid input port, the first exhaust port and the second exhaust port are connected to the successive barrels in sequence.

15. The system of claim 13, wherein each chamber of the barrel Connected in order to: i) a first gas input port; ii) a first liquid input port; iii) a second gas input port; iv) a first exhaust port; iv) a second liquid input port; vii) a first gas input port; and viii) a second exhaust port.

16. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the bucket The drive means is rotatable by being driven at an RPM set according to: i) a predetermined flow rate; ii) data from a flow metering device; or iii) a relative liquid or gas flow rate.

17. The system of any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the floating piston of the barrel Configured to be driven under pressure from a chamber filled with gas and / or liquid to the other end of the chamber.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the floating piston is actuable within the chamber by mechanical, electrical or electromagnetic actuation means.

19. The system of claim 12, wherein the barrel is rotatable between as many positions as chambers within the rotatable housing, wherein the gas and liquid contents within each chamber are maintained under pressure between the first / second liquid input port and the first / second exhaust port.

20. The system of claim 21, wherein each of the first / second gas input ports, the first / second liquid input ports, and the first / second exhaust ports are offset from one another.

21. The system of claim 22, wherein the first gas input port and the second exhaust port and the second gas input port and the first exhaust port, respectively, are aligned with one another.

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