On-line gas / liquid infusion system with adjustable absorption output and self-tuning capability

Abstract

An on-line gas / liquid infusion system featuring electronic control logic and a subsystem having a signal processor configured to: receive signaling, the signaling contains information about the liquid pressure of the introduced liquid provided to the on-line gas-liquid absorption device from the pump and about the gas pressure of the introduced gas provided to the on-line gas-liquid absorption device; and determining corresponding signaling containing information to control the liquid pressure of the incoming liquid provided from the pump to the on-line gas-liquid absorption device to provide a real-time adjustable setpoint output level of gas absorption in the on-line gas-liquid absorption device based on the received signaling.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 201780070582.2, filed on September 18, 2017, entitled "In-line gas / liquid infusion system with adjustable absorption output and self-tuning capability."

[0002] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application serial number 62 / 395,566 (911-005.091-1 / F-FLJ-X0025US), filed September 16, 2016, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004] The present invention relates to a gas / liquid infusion system for providing a beverage. BACKGROUND

[0005] Principle of operation: A standard beverage water carbonator is a device designed to dissolve carbon dioxide gas (C02) in water to produce carbonated water. C02 gas is delivered to the carbonator tank gas inlet connection through a regulator. Simultaneously, fresh water supplied from a commercial water source is pumped into the tank by a vane pump. The C02 gas under pressure dissolves in the water and carbonated water is produced. Some systems include chilling the water before, during and / or after it passes through the carbonator. When the level of carbonated water reaches the upper position probe on the level sensing device (within the tank), a switch opens the circuit and the pump motor shuts off. As carbonated water is drawn from the tank, the level of carbonated water will drop. At some point, the level switch recognizes the drop in level and closes the circuit to turn on the pump motor, which replenishes the amount of carbonated water that has been removed from the tank. The resulting output carbonation level is constant based on the temperature and pressure conditions of the system.

[0006] In a typical soda beverage carbonation application, the liquid inlet pressure of the carbonator is affected by fluctuations in the incoming liquid pressure, which are based on changes in water usage in the facility that occur during the day. Due to the unpredictability of incoming water source pressure and flow characteristics, it is not possible to maintain or adjust a set point.

[0007] For example, see an online carbonator apparatus such as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,033,315 B2, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This apparatus and similar online apparatuses enable the mixing of liquid and gas in the stream flowing through the online mixing chamber as compared to the tank in the first example. The principle of operation is similar to a standard carbonator system, but since there is no vessel tank, the carbonation of the liquid must occur on demand. The pressure differential between the incoming gas and liquid streams determines the level of gas absorbed into the liquid at a given temperature. There are different models on the market that cite different advantages and performance characteristics, but they do not have the ability to adjust or maintain a set point target in real time.

[0008] The following is a description of some of the shortcomings of the above-described apparatuses:

[0009] In typical soda beverage carbonator systems on the market today, the output water carbonation level produced is constant based on the temperature and pressure conditions of the gas-liquid system. It is not possible for the end user to adjust the carbonation output level of the system in advance or in real time for achieving various desired final beverage quality characteristics. Additionally, the existing systems on the market lack the ability to compensate in real time for the typically expected fluctuations in incoming liquid and gas pressures. This ability is necessary to maintain a target carbonation level in the presence of unpredictable fluctuations in incoming liquid pressure based on changes in water usage through the facility that occur during the day.

[0010] In nitrogen infusion applications such as nitrogenated cold brew coffee or tea, the use of traditional tank carbonator systems for nitrogen infusion cannot achieve a constant output level due to the variation in liquid pressure. The flow and pressure of the liquid into and out of the holding tank can vary between 20 to 120 PSI as the liquid level in the tank is being replenished; this creates a variable flow rate output from the system during dispensing and creates a variable level of nitrogen infusion from beverage to beverage. Additionally, when used with pre-mixed beverages, the holding tank is not suitable for the requirements of clean in place and can create sanitation issues compared to inline infusion equipment. These issues and challenges make the use of inline gas absorption equipment superior to existing carbonators with tanks. The challenge with using inline carbonators for this purpose is that the pressure differential required for "inline" nitrogen absorption into the liquid is very low; the differential between the incoming gas and the liquid is on the order of 0.5 to 3 psi under typical system dispensing conditions. This low pressure differential requirement for inline equipment presents a significant problem: because the standard regulators and meters used in today's beverage systems do not have enough resolution to finely tune the regulator increments to adjust the set point value appropriately and reliably. Additionally, slight system fluctuations can cause the equipment to go out of infusion range and create a final beverage that is either not infused or heavily over-infused. Slight variations can have a significant impact on the final beverage quality. Without the technology presented in this invention, the use of existing inline nitrogenation is precluded.

[0011] The challenges for use in beer dispensing carbonators and / or nitrogen infusion are also based on the fact that the incoming liquid pressure to the carbonation equipment varies and the complexity of the dispensing piping system that the constant flow must be tuned for. The pressure to the carbonation equipment in beer systems is typically a keg, cask or other pressurized vessel that requires a gas pressure setting. The keg (vessel) pressure setting in beer dispensing varies primarily based on the following factors:

[0012] The required gas input pressure to achieve the desired liquid output flow rate through the various piping systems including tubes, fittings, chiller cold plates in the end equipment.

[0013] The keg pressure setting required for different beer styles in order to achieve the required carbonation level or nitrogen level in the beer in the keg (vessel).

[0014] The keg pressure setting is also adjusted based on the type of gas being used for infusion and dispensing, typically nitrogen is mixed with CO2 in order to allow high pressure to be applied to long distance suction systems without creating over carbonation and foam from high pressure CO2 alone. The following are the disadvantages of standard beverage dispenser carbonation equipment (vane pump coupled with a tank):

[0015] The carbonation level of the liquid output is not user adjustable or real-time adjustable. They are not "self-tuning" and cannot compensate for changes in incoming liquid or gas input pressure while still maintaining a target carbonation level.

[0016] The need for a tank and not an in-line type that can be easily cleaned in place

[0017] The tank design is not favorable for beverages such as soda, coffee, tea, beer, milk based beverages that require a function to be cleaned in place.

[0018] The footprint and size is larger than in-line equipment

[0019] The following are the disadvantages of available in-line carbonator equipment

[0020] The carbonation level of the liquid output cannot be adjusted in real-time with the aid of changing liquid input pressure and flow conditions.

[0021] They cannot compensate for changes in incoming liquid or gas input pressure while still maintaining a target carbonation level.

[0022] In view of this, there is an industrial need for a better method of carbonating beverages that overcomes the disadvantages of known beverage carbonation equipment. SUMMARY

[0023] In summary, the following is a description of how the present invention overcomes the difficulties described above:

[0024] The amount of gas absorbed into the liquid is a function of the temperature and pressure at which the gas and liquid input streams are combined. For in-line carbonation equipment, the pressure differential between the gas and liquid input streams is the key control parameter for controlling the level of gas absorbed into the liquid at various temperatures. The present invention, an in-line variable gas / liquid absorption system, is able to provide a real-time adjustable set point output level of gas absorption by monitoring the input pressure and adjusting the liquid input pressure with an electronic controller executing a control algorithm on the pump and / or other system components. The pump in turn manipulates the pressure of the incoming liquid stream in such a way as to provide a stable and real-time adjustable inlet pressure to the in-line gas liquid absorption equipment. This is unlike any conventional carbonation (or other gas / liquid absorption) equipment on the market today.

[0025] Furthermore, the system is also able to maintain a constant target value of gas absorbed into the liquid in the presence of "inconsistent or variable" incoming system liquid or gas pressure. This novel capability is necessary for achieving a pre-set or real-time adjustable gas infusion level and maintaining the target set point in the presence of input pressure variations that are common in standard applications on the market today.

[0026] The present invention overcomes these application challenges / limitations through the use of a pressure sensing device and a controller having a control algorithm with the ability to make very precise incremental changes to pump performance, enabling precise fine-tuning of the differential pressure value, while maintaining the ultimate goal of precisely maintaining a setpoint value in the presence of system fluctuations, as well as enabling real-time setpoint manipulation for customized finished beverage characteristics such as carbonation level, nitrogen level, acidity, flavor, mouthfeel, creaminess, etc.

[0027] Particular embodiments

[0028] According to some embodiments, and by way of example, the present invention can include, or take the form of, a new and unique inline gas / liquid infusion system having electronic control logic and subsystem features, the electronic control logic and subsystem having a signal processor configured to:

[0029] receive signaling containing information about a liquid pressure of an incoming liquid provided to the inline gas / liquid absorption device from a pump, and about a gas pressure of an incoming gas provided to the inline gas / liquid absorption device; and

[0030] determine corresponding signaling containing information to control the liquid pressure of the incoming liquid provided to the inline gas / liquid absorption device from the pump, to provide a real-time adjustable setpoint output level of gas absorption in the inline gas / liquid absorption device based on the received signaling.

[0031] By way of example, the system can also include one or more of the following features:

[0032] The signal processor can be configured to provide the corresponding signaling as an output signal to the pump to adjust the liquid pressure of the incoming liquid provided to the inline gas / liquid absorption device from the pump, including by changing a characteristic of a voltage signal output to the pump.

[0033] The signaling contains information about the sensed liquid pressure and the sensed gas pressure; and the signal processor can be configured to determine the real-time adjustable setpoint output level of gas absorption by monitoring the received signaling and adjusting the liquid pressure of the incoming liquid provided to the inline gas / liquid absorption device from the pump based on a differential pressure between the sensed liquid pressure and the sensed gas pressure.

[0034] The inline gas / liquid infusion system includes a pump configured to:

[0035] receive corresponding signaling provided as output signaling from the signal processor, and also receive the incoming liquid; and

[0036] pump the incoming liquid based on the received output signaling, including where the pump is a motor-driven pump.

[0037] The online gas / liquid infusion system comprises an online gas liquid absorption device configured to:

[0038] receive a liquid pressure of the incoming liquid provided from the pump and a gas pressure of the incoming gas provided from the pressurized gas tank, and

[0039] provide the gas infused liquid, comprising providing the gas infused liquid to a dispenser system or a valve.

[0040] The signaling can comprise a liquid pressure input signal, e.g. received from a liquid pressure sensing device configured to sense the liquid pressure of the incoming liquid provided from the pump and to provide the liquid pressure input signal containing information about the liquid pressure of the incoming liquid provided from the pump.

[0041] The online gas liquid absorption system can comprise a liquid pressure sensing device.

[0042] The signaling can comprise a gas pressure input signal, e.g. received from a gas pressure sensing device configured to sense the gas pressure of the incoming gas provided to the online gas liquid absorption device from the pressurized gas tank and to provide the gas pressure input signal containing information about the gas pressure of the incoming gas provided to the online gas liquid absorption device from the pressurized gas tank.

[0043] The online gas / liquid infusion system can comprise a gas pressure sensing device.

[0044] The pressurized gas tank can be configured to provide CO2 or nitrogen.

[0045] The online gas liquid absorption device can comprise or can be in the form of a mixing valve, a carbonator, a nitrogenator or an infuser.

[0046] The pump can comprise or can be in the form of a diaphragm, a gear, a lobe, a flexible impeller, a vane or a centrifugal pump.

[0047] The corresponding signaling can control the pump so as to provide an adjustable flow rate and pressure conditions of the incoming liquid provided to the online gas liquid absorption device.

[0048] The signaling can comprise at least one feedback signal, e.g. containing information about the liquid pressure of the incoming liquid provided from the pump to the online gas liquid absorption device.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the present invention can also take the form of a method, e.g. having steps for

[0050] A signal processor is used to receive signaling information, including information about the liquid pressure of the inlet liquid supplied from the pump to the online gas-liquid absorption device and the gas pressure of the inlet gas supplied to the online gas-liquid absorption device; and

[0051] A signal processor is used to determine the corresponding signaling containing information to control the liquid pressure of the inlet liquid supplied from the pump to the online gas-liquid absorption device, so as to provide a real-time adjustable setpoint output level for gas absorption in the online gas-liquid absorption device based on the received signaling.

[0052] The method may also include one or more of the features proposed herein, such as providing corresponding signaling as control signaling to the pump. Attached Figure Description

[0053] The attached figures include Figures 1 to 6 It is not necessarily drawn to scale; a brief description is as follows:

[0054] Figure 1 A standard beverage carbonator known in the art is shown.

[0055] Figure 2 An operation diagram of a standard beverage carbonator known in the art is shown.

[0056] Figure 3 An online gas-liquid infusion system with adjustable absorption levels is shown according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 4 The invention illustrates some embodiments of a device having Figure 3 The example shown is an online gas-liquid dispensing system with adjustable output, self-tuning application, and a single dispenser valve for dispensing, for example, coffee, tea, latte or other beverages containing nitrogen and / or CO2.

[0058] Figure 5 The invention illustrates some embodiments of a device having Figure 3 The example shown is an online gas-liquid dispensing system with adjustable output, self-tuning application, and one or more dispenser valves, for example, for dispensing carbonated water to / for beverages such as soda.

[0059] Figure 6 An electronic control logic subsystem with a signal processor is shown according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0060] Not every element or arrow in every diagram is labeled with a leader line and an appendix marker / label to reduce clutter in the diagram. Detailed Implementation

[0061] The following is a detailed description of the operation of the present invention, referring to all of its components and functions:

[0062] Figure 3 :

[0063] In summary, the present invention provides an adjustable in-line gas infusion system (generally indicated at 10) that operates by infusing gas into a liquid or beverage to achieve a desired level of quantity or end product dispensing gasification characteristics, as shown at Figure 3 Examples of descriptive gasification levels include: fizzy, foamy, gassy, bubbly, etc.

[0064] The adjustable in-line gas infusion system 10 is comprised of the following system elements:

[0065] 1) a motor driven pump 1,

[0066] 2) a liquid pressure sensing device 2,

[0067] 3) a gas pressure sensing device 3,

[0068] 4) an electronic control logic subsystem 4, and

[0069] 5) an in-line liquid / gas absorption device 5.

[0070] In Figure 3 , the electronic control logic subsystem 4 is also referred to herein as the "controller", and the in-line gas liquid absorption device 5 is also referred to herein as the carbjet. Figure 3 Also shown are pressure input signals provided from the liquid pressure sensing device 2 and the gas pressure sensing device 3 to the electronic control logic subsystem 4, and an output signal provided from the electronic control logic subsystem 4 to the motor driven pump 1. Additionally, Figure 3 it is shown that the electronic control logic subsystem 4 receives input signals, and that the output signal from the electronic control logic subsystem 4 is also provided as an output to control external devices, valves, etc. Figure 3 It is shown that the motor driven pump 1 receives incoming liquid pressure, for example, from a commercial water source, tank or pressurized vessel; it is also shown that the gas pressure sensing device 3 receives and senses a regulated gas input pressure (e.g., 0-100 PSI) from a tank, the gas can typically be in the form of CO2 or nitrogen; and it is shown that the carbjet 5 receives incoming liquid pumped from the motor driven pump 1 and pressurized gas from the tank (see Figure 4 to 5 ), and provides gas infused liquid to a dispensing system or valve, for example, as shown with respect to Figure 4 to 5 .

[0071] The incoming liquid flow pressure and flow provided to the inline gas infusion system 10 varies depending on the application, as shown in Figure 3 . For a typical soft drink beverage carbonation application, water is provided from the commercial building water system of a restaurant or store, for example, as shown in Figure 5 . For beer, coffee, tea, and other beverages, the incoming liquid can be provided from a keg or other pressurized container, a bag-in-box, a non-pressurized keg, a barrel, or any other liquid containing vessel, for example, as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 . Based on these applications, the incoming liquid pressure received by the motor driven pump 1 can be variable or fixed and range from 0-100 psi and up to 3 gallons per minute (GPM). The device can be tuned for various incoming liquid pressure and flow conditions, for example, beyond those described herein. The input signals provided to the electronic control logic subsystem 4 can include information about one or more incoming liquid pressure and flow conditions for programming and tuning the electronic control logic subsystem 4 for any particular application.

[0072] Motor driven pump 1: The incoming liquid can be provided to the motor driven pump 1 in Figure 3 via rigid or flexible tubing or hose and fittings used in standard beverage dispensing applications and plumbing systems. The motor driven pump 1 is used to manipulate the flow and pressure characteristics of the incoming liquid stream based on electronic communications received from the electronic control logic subsystem or controller 4. The motor driven pump 1 can be any type of pump suitable for the liquid and desired performance. Exemplary types can include diaphragm, gear, lobe, flexible impeller, vane or centrifugal, etc. The motor driven pump 1 provides adjustable flow and pressure conditions to the pumped incoming liquid that is sensed by the liquid pressure sensing device 2 and provided to the carbonator 5 where the liquid is mixed with gas.

[0073] Liquid pressure sensing device 2: The liquid pressure sensing device 2 is used to provide liquid pressure feedback in the form of input signals to the electronic control logic subsystem 4. The liquid pressure sensing device 2 can be a separate device inline or can be a device integrated as an integral part of the motor driven pump 1, gas pressure sensing device 3, electronic control logic subsystem 4, and carbonator 5 or other external system components. The liquid pressure sensing device 2 can sense pressure directly or indirectly and deliver feedback through various types of process signal communication values and methods. The liquid is then introduced into the inline liquid / gas absorption device 5.

[0074] Online liquid / gas absorption device 5: The online liquid / gas absorption device 5 in the online gas infusion system 10 is used to mix the gas and liquid streams to achieve the end result of infusing the gas into the liquid phase. The pressure and flow characteristics of the incoming streams determine the extent of gas absorption into the liquid under given temperature, pressure, and flow conditions. The gas input is typically an adjustable supply provided by a gas storage cylinder and by other types of pressurized vessels via appropriate rated tubing or hoses and fittings, for example, as shown in Figures 4-5

[0075] Gas pressure sensing device 3: The gas pressure sensing device 3 is used to provide gas pressure feedback in the form of a pressure input signal to the electronic control logic subsystem 4. The gas pressure sensing device 3 can be a separate device online, or can be a device integrated as an integral part of the motor driven pump 1, pressure sensing device 2, electronic control logic subsystem 4, carbonator 5, or other external system components. Item 3 can sense the pressure directly or indirectly, and deliver feedback through various types of process signal communication values and methods.

[0076] ​Electronic control logic subsystem 4: Electronic control logic subsystem 4 receives input communication signals from liquid pressure sensing device 2 and gas pressure sensing device 3 and / or other sensors in the system, and implements control logic. Electronic control logic subsystem 4 provides output communication signals as output signals to motor-driven pump 1 to achieve and maintain the pressure difference between the introduced liquid and gas supply flows, ultimately aiming to maintain or change the desired gas absorption setpoint in the liquid output. The absorption level setpoint is achieved by monitoring and maintaining the pressure difference between the gas and liquid flows entering carbon injector 5 at the desired level, and by changing the characteristics of the voltage signal output to motor-driven pump 1. Electronic control logic subsystem 4 can receive communication from other sensors in the online gas infusion system 10 and use this information to implement control actions, or output communication signals to motor-driven pump 1, liquid pressure sensing device 2, gas pressure sensing device 3, and carbon injector 5 (which are internal to the described system) and other internal or external components or devices, such as valves, switches, relays, displays, lights, etc., which support auxiliary functions and other system operation objectives as needed. As those skilled in the art will understand, suitable control signaling can be implemented between the electronic control logic subsystem 4 and the motor-driven pump 1, the liquid pressure sensing device 2, the gas pressure sensing device 3, and the carbon injector 5, to achieve control actions or output communication signals, for example, via hardwired control lines and other techniques known in the art (such as wireless communication). The electronic control logic subsystem 4 may simultaneously include: electronic hardware components and software programs(s), parameters, variables, and logic required to execute control algorithms and support system operations.

[0077] Figure 4

[0078] Figure 4 An example of a first application, generally designated 20, according to some embodiments of the present invention, is shown, the first application having in Figure 3 The online gas-liquid dispensing system shown in the figure features adjustable output, self-tuning applications, and also includes a single dispenser valve for dispensing, for example, coffee, tea, latte, or other beverages containing nitrogen and / or CO2.

[0079] like Figures 3 to 4 As shown, the motor-driven pump 1 can pressurize the cold brew coffee hopper K ( Figure 4 ) Receive the introduced liquid pressure ( Figure 3 The pressurized container K can receive pressurized gas (e.g., CO2 and / or nitrogen) from the pressurized gas tank T1, as shown in the figure. The pressurized gas tank T1 may include a gas regulator R1 for pressurizing the liquid container or container K (e.g., about 16 PSI).

[0080] like Figures 3 to 4As shown, the carbon injector 5 receives pressurized gas from a pressurized gas tank T2 containing CO2 or nitrogen. The pressurized gas tank T2 may include a gas regulator R2 for providing gas to pressurize the gas input to the online absorber equipment (e.g., about 40 PSI), for example, for regulating the pressure of the gas supplied to the carbon injector 5.

[0081] like Figures 3 to 4 As shown, the carbon injector 5 will inject liquid containing gas ( Figure 3 Provided to Figure 4 The dispensing valve DV shown is, for example, used to dispense coffee, tea, latte, or other beverages or drinks B containing nitrogen and / or CO2. Advantages of this application include, for example, adjustable nitrogen level output, self-tuning variation in system conditions, and the ability to maintain accuracy and performance under variable input pressures.

[0082] Figure 5

[0083] Figure 5 An example of a second application, generally designated 30, according to some embodiments of the present invention, is shown, the second application having in Figure 3 and Figure 4 The online gas-liquid filling system shown in the figure has adjustable output, self-tuning applications, and also has one or more dispenser valves for dispensing carbonated water supplied to / for beverages such as soda.

[0084] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the motor-driven pump 1 can receive pressure from a commercially available water inlet fixture F (such as...). Figure 4 The introduced liquid pressure (as shown) Figure 3 The pressurized gas tank T1 may include a gas regulator R1 for pressurizing the liquid container or barrel K (e.g., about 16 PSI).

[0085] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the carbon injector 5 receives pressurized gas from a pressurized gas tank T2 containing CO2 or nitrogen. The pressurized gas tank T2 may include a gas regulator R2 for providing gas pressure to the gas input of the online absorber equipment (e.g., about 0 to 100 PSI), for example, for regulating the pressure of the gas supplied to the carbon injector 5.

[0086] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the carbon injector 5 will inject liquid containing gas ( Figure 3 Provided to Figure 5The dispensing valve D shown is, for example, used to dispense syrup-based beverages or drinks infused with nitrogen and / or CO2. As shown, dispenser D receives, for example, syrup / concentrate from a combination of a bag-in-box syrup pump 32, a bag-in-box beverage concentrate container 34, and a pressurized gas tank T1. The pressurized gas tank T1 may include a gas regulator R1 for pressurizing gas (e.g., typically 65 PSI) to drive the bag-in-box syrup pump 32. The bag-in-box beverage concentrate container 34 contains the syrup / concentrate pumped to dispenser D.

[0087] Figure 6 :

[0088] For example, Figure 6 An electronic control logic subsystem, generally designated 10, according to some embodiments of the present invention, is illustrated, for example having at least one signal processor or signal processor or processing module 12 (hereinafter referred to as "signal processor") for implementing signal processing functions. In operation, the signal processor 12 can be configured to:

[0089] Receive signaling, which includes information about the liquid pressure of the inlet liquid supplied from the pump to the online gas-liquid absorption device and the gas pressure of the inlet gas supplied to the online gas-liquid absorption device; and

[0090] Determine the corresponding signaling containing information to control the liquid pressure of the inlet liquid supplied from the pump to the online gas-liquid absorption device, so as to provide a real-time adjustable setpoint output level for gas absorption in the online gas-liquid absorption device based on the received signaling.

[0091] As another example, the signal processor can be configured to provide corresponding signaling as an output signal or control signaling to control the pump.

[0092] The functionality of the signal processor 12 can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In a typical software implementation, the processor module may include one or more microprocessor-based architectures having a microprocessor, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), input / output devices, and control, data, and address buses connecting the above, for example, with... Figure 3 The consistency shown is illustrated, for example, see element 14. Those skilled in the art will be able to program such a microprocessor-based architecture to perform and implement the signal processing functions described herein without excessive experimentation. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to specific implementations using any such microprocessor-based architecture or technology now known or to be developed in the future.

[0093] For example, the electronic control logic subsystem 4 can also include other signal processor circuitry or components 14, e.g., including input / output modules, one or more memory modules, data, address and control bus architecture, etc., that do not form part of the present application. In operation, the signal processor 12 can cooperate and exchange appropriate data, address and control signaling with the other signal processor circuitry or components 14 in order to implement the signal processing functions in accordance with the present application. For example, the signaling can be received by such input modules, provided along such data buses and stored in such memory modules for subsequent processing, e.g., by the signal processor 12. After such subsequent processing, the processed signaling resulting from any such determinations can be stored in such memory modules, provided from such memory modules along such data buses to such output modules and then provided, e.g., by the at least one signal processor 12 from such output modules as the primary control C.

[0094] Possible applications:

[0095] Possible references can include the following:

[0096] Infusion of CO2 or other gases such as nitrogen into liquids for water, soda, beer, coffee, tea, milk and yogurt based beverages (see Figure 3 and 4 ), and / or infusion of CO2 or other gases such as nitrogen into liquids for enhanced cleaning, disinfecting, etc. effects, e.g., general surface cleaning, soil extraction, beverage line cleaning, water purification.

[0097] Scope of the invention

[0098] While the application has been described with reference to example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the application.

[0099] Additionally, modifications can be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the application without departing from its central scope. Accordingly, the intention is to confine the application not by the precise description contained herein, but by the claims that follow.

Claims

1. An online gas / liquid infusion system (10), comprising: Online gas-liquid absorption equipment (5), and Pump (1), used to supply the introduced liquid to the online gas-liquid absorption device (5), characterized in that, A liquid pressure sensing device (2) is configured to sense the liquid pressure of the introduced liquid. A gas pressure sensing device (3) is configured to sense the gas pressure of the introduced gas supplied to the online gas-liquid absorption device (5), and The electronic control logic subsystem (4) has a signal processor (12) configured as follows: Receive a signal from the liquid pressure sensing device (2), the signal containing information about the liquid pressure of the introduced liquid supplied from the pump (1) to the online gas-liquid absorption device (5); Receive signaling from the gas pressure sensing device (3), the signaling containing information about the gas pressure provided to the online gas-liquid absorption device (5); Based on the signaling received from the liquid pressure sensing device (2) and the gas pressure sensing device (3), a corresponding signaling containing information is determined to control the liquid pressure of the introduced liquid supplied from the pump (1) to the online gas-liquid absorption device (5); and The pump (1) is controlled based on the determined corresponding signaling to provide a real-time adjustable setpoint output level for gas absorption in the online gas-liquid absorption device (5). The received signaling includes information about the sensed liquid pressure and the sensed gas pressure; and The signal processor (12) is configured to determine the real-time adjustable setpoint output level of the gas absorption based on the pressure difference between the sensed liquid pressure and the sensed gas pressure, by monitoring the received signaling and adjusting the liquid pressure of the introduced liquid supplied from the pump (1) to the online gas-liquid absorption device (5).

2. The online gas / liquid infusion system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the signal processor (12) is configured to provide the corresponding signaling as an output signal to the pump (1) to regulate the liquid pressure of the introduced liquid supplied from the pump (1) to the online gas-liquid absorption device (5).

3. The online gas / liquid infusion system (10) according to claim 2, wherein the corresponding signaling is provided to the pump to regulate the liquid pressure by changing the characteristics of the voltage signal output to the pump (1).

4. The online gas / liquid infusion system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the online gas / liquid infusion system (10) includes the pump (1), the pump being configured to: The signal processor (12) receives a corresponding signaling provided as an output signaling, and also receives the introduced liquid; and Based on the received output signaling, the introduced liquid is pumped.

5. The online gas / liquid infusion system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the pump is a motor-driven pump (1).

6. The online gas / liquid infusion system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the online gas / liquid infusion system (10) includes the online gas-liquid absorption device (5), the online gas-liquid absorption device (5) being configured to: The liquid pressure of the introduced liquid supplied from the pump (1) and the gas pressure of the introduced gas supplied from the pressurized gas tank (T2) are received. Providing a gas-filled liquid includes supplying the gas-filled liquid to a distributor system or valve (DV; D).

7. The online gas / liquid infusion system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the signaling includes a liquid pressure input signal (P2) received from the liquid pressure sensing device (2), the liquid pressure sensing device (2) being configured to: sense the liquid pressure of the introduced liquid supplied from the pump (1), and provide the liquid pressure input signal (P2) containing information about the liquid pressure of the introduced liquid supplied from the pump (1).

8. The online gas / liquid infusion system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the signaling includes a gas pressure input signal (P1) received from the gas pressure sensing device (3), the gas pressure sensing device (3) being configured to: sense the gas pressure of the introduced gas supplied from the pressurized gas tank (T2) to the online gas-liquid absorption device (5), and provide the gas pressure input signal containing information about the gas pressure of the introduced gas supplied from the pressurized gas tank (T2) to the online gas-liquid absorption device (5).

9. The online gas / liquid filling system (10) according to claim 8, wherein the pressurized gas tank (T2) is configured to provide CO2 or nitrogen, or both.

10. The online gas / liquid infusion system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the online gas-liquid absorption device (5) comprises a mixing valve, a carbonizer, a nitrider or an infusion device, or is in the form of the mixing valve, the carbonizer, the nitrider or the infusion device.

11. The online gas / liquid infusion system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the pump (1) comprises a diaphragm, gear, valve, flexible impeller, blade or centrifugal pump, or is in the form of the diaphragm, the gear, the valve, the flexible impeller, the blade or the centrifugal pump.

12. The online gas / liquid infusion system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the corresponding signaling controls the pump (1) to provide adjustable flow and pressure conditions for the introduced liquid, which is supplied to the online gas-liquid absorption device (5).

13. The online gas / liquid infusion system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the signaling includes at least one feedback signal, the at least one feedback signal containing information about the liquid pressure of the introduced liquid supplied from the pump (1) to the online gas-liquid absorption device (5).

14. A method for online gas / liquid infusion in an online gas / liquid infusion system (10), characterized in that: The signal processor (12) receives a signal containing information about the liquid pressure of the introduced liquid supplied from the pump (1) of the online gas / liquid infusion system (10) to the online gas / liquid absorption device (5) of the online gas / liquid infusion system (10); The signal processor (12) receives a signal containing information about the gas pressure of the introduced gas supplied to the online gas-liquid absorption device (5); Based on the received signaling, the signal processor (12) determines the corresponding signaling containing information to control the liquid pressure of the introduced liquid supplied from the pump (1) to the online gas-liquid absorption device; as well as The pump (1) is controlled based on the determined corresponding signaling to provide a real-time adjustable setpoint output level for gas absorption in the online gas-liquid absorption device (5). The signaling, which includes information about the liquid pressure and the signaling, which includes information about the gas pressure, are sensed by means of the pressure sensing devices (2, 3) of the online gas / liquid infusion system (10); as well as The method further includes: using the signal processor (12), based on the pressure difference between the sensed liquid pressure and the sensed gas pressure, by monitoring the received signaling and adjusting the liquid pressure of the introduced liquid supplied from the pump (1) to the online gas-liquid absorption device (5), to determine the real-time adjustable setpoint output level of the gas absorption.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the method further comprises: The signal processor (12) provides the corresponding signaling as an output signal to the pump (1) to regulate the liquid pressure of the introduced liquid supplied from the pump (1) to the online gas-liquid absorption device (5), the regulation including changing the characteristics of the voltage signal output to the pump (1).

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the method further comprises: By changing the characteristics of the voltage signal output to the pump (1), the corresponding signaling is provided to the pump to regulate the liquid pressure.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 15, wherein the method further comprises: The pump (1) is configured to receive a corresponding signaling provided as an output signaling from the signal processor (12), and also to receive the introduced liquid; And based on the received output signaling, the introduced liquid is pumped.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the method further comprises: The pump is configured as a motor-driven pump (1).

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the method further comprises: The online gas / liquid infusion system (10) is configured as follows: The liquid pressure of the introduced liquid supplied from the pump (1) and the gas pressure of the introduced gas supplied from the pressurized gas tank (T2) are received. Providing a gas-filled liquid includes supplying the gas-filled liquid to a distributor system or valve (DV; D).

20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the method further comprises: The liquid pressure sensing device (2) receives a liquid pressure input signal (P2) as the signaling from the liquid pressure sensing device (1), the liquid pressure sensing device (2) being configured to: sense the liquid pressure of the introduced liquid provided from the pump (1), and provide the liquid pressure input signal (P2) containing information about the liquid pressure of the introduced liquid provided from the pump (1).

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