Method for emptying beverage container

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for emptying beverage containers, comprising: supplying a predetermined number of closed beverage containers filled with a beverage wherein the predetermined number of supplied beverage containers are simultaneously opened by an uncapping system, and wherein the beverage containers are uncapped by the uncapping system. The beverage is then extracted from a predetermined number of opened beverage containers by an extraction system comprising a suction tube, where the suction tube is moved into the beverage container by a downward movement, and where the suction tube extracts the beverage from the beverage container at a pressure of up to 0.9 bar. The invention also relates to a device for emptying beverage packages.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a method for emptying a beverage container, and a device for this purpose. BACKGROUND

[0002] When filling beverage containers, it can occur for various reasons that a container containing a beverage cannot be distributed for sale. A beverage container, such as a bottle, can be inappropriately filled, for example because the amount of beverage in the container is insufficient to meet the requirements, because the beverage container itself does not meet certain requirements ("not properly adjusted or equipped"), or because the beverage container is returned from the distribution channel to the manufacturer. Furthermore, the contents of a correctly filled beverage container can expire before being sold.

[0003] In all these cases, the container should be opened again and the contents should be destroyed, or it should be poured into a collection tank before being reprocessed, such as by ethanol recovery in the case of alcoholic beverages.

[0004] Emptying a beverage container by inverting it after opening has the disadvantage of sucking in air, which slows down the emptying. Furthermore, a beverage containing CO2 produces foam, which also slows down the emptying process and can lead to incompletely emptied containers.

[0005] Other known methods use a needle, tube or straw introduced into the container. For example, WO2006035290 discloses a method for treating "incorrectly filled containers" containing a beverage, in which a gas under pressure is supplied to the container via a supply line, and in which a positive pressure is generated in the container, so that the beverage is driven out of the container. This process is disadvantageous because the supply of pressurized gas can also lead to the formation of foam. Furthermore, there is a high risk of leakage. The same problem exists with US4519427, US4662411, US3913802 and DE4122637, in which a gas under pressure is also provided in the container.

[0006] WO9212925 also describes a method in which a gas is introduced into the container to expel the contents.

[0007] US3870175 describes a system for piercing a closed can, after which the can is emptied and crushed.

[0008] Furthermore, the known methods and devices are generally based on moving the container towards the needle, tube or straw. This is not very efficient (slow) and requires a lot of energy.

[0009] The invention aims to find a solution to at least some of the above-mentioned problems. In particular, the invention aims to provide a method for emptying a beverage container with increased efficiency, in which a large amount of beverage can be processed and in which losses are minimized. SUMMARY

[0010] The invention relates to a method for emptying a beverage container according to claim 1. A beverage present in the beverage container is extracted from the beverage container using a suction tube at a pressure of at most 0.9 bar.

[0011] Preferred forms of the method are set out in claims 2 to 13.

[0012] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a device for emptying a beverage container according to claim 14. The device is provided with a suction tube adapted to extract a beverage from a beverage container connected to a vacuum line.

[0013] The invention is advantageous in that the formation of foam during extraction is reduced or even avoided. Furthermore, the method and device are advantageous in that a more energy-efficient emptying process is achieved. The inventors have also noted that the method and device of the invention provide an emptying process in which the risk of leakage is reduced or even avoided.

[0014] Furthermore, the invention provides a method and device that enable a large number of beverage containers to be emptied within a relatively short period of time.

[0015] A further advantage of the invention is that losses during the emptying process are minimised. This is also advantageous if a consumption tax refund is to be applied to the recovered beverage, and if further processing of the emptied containers is to be carried out. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] The invention relates to a method for emptying a beverage container.

[0017] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used in the specification of the invention are to be interpreted as is customary for a person skilled in the art to which this invention pertains. In order to better understand the specification of the invention, the following terms are explicitly explained.

[0018] The term "beverage container" as used in the text is to be understood as a container for storing and transporting a beverage, such as water, soft drinks, fruit juice, milk and alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine and spirits. These containers can have different shapes and materials, such as plastic bottles, cans, cartons, glass bottles, etc.

[0019] The term "decap" as used in the text is to be understood as removing a cap or closure from a bottle, carton, jar, tube or other similar container. The purpose of decapping can differ depending on the context. Decapping can be done manually, for example by turning or pulling, or with the aid of a decapper.

[0020] The term "opener" as used in the text is to be understood as a device for removing a lid or closure from a bottle, carton, jar, tube or other similar container. Non-limiting examples are a bottle opener, an uncorker or a can opener, but also any device capable of loosening a screw cap.

[0021] The term "lid" as used in the text is to be understood as a closure for closing an opening of a bottle, jar, tube or other similar container. Depending on the type of container and the content stored inside, the lid has different shapes and materials. For example, the lid can be made of plastic, metal or cork and can be a screw cap, twist cap, press cap or flip cap. Most lids are easily removable to use the content of the container.

[0022] The term "case" is synonymous with the term "crates" and is to be understood as a container in which several bottles or cans are stored and transported. The case is designed to hold a predetermined number of beverage containers, for example six, twelve or twenty-four beverage containers. The case is often used to transport beverage containers from the store to the home or to store beer in the refrigerator or other storage location.

[0023] In this text, "a" and "the" refer to both the singular and the plural, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, "segment" refers to one or more segments.

[0024] When the terms "around" or "about" are used in this text in connection with a measurable quantity, parameter, duration or time, etc., then the margin of variation means approximately 20% or less, preferably approximately 10% or less, more preferably approximately 5% or less, even more preferably approximately 1% or less, and especially more preferably approximately 0.1% or less of the value cited, as long as such a margin of variation is applicable to the invention described. However, this must be understood to mean that the value itself, modified by the term "approximately" or "about", is specifically disclosed.

[0025] The terms "comprise", "comprising", "provided with" are synonyms and are inclusive or open-ended terms that indicate the presence of what follows and do not exclude or prevent the presence of other components, features, elements, members, steps known in the art or disclosed.

[0026] The terms "contain", "containing", "consist of", "consisting of", "include", "including" are synonyms and are exclusive or closed terms indicating the presence of what follows and exclude or prevent the presence of other components, features, elements, members, steps known or described in the prior art.

[0027] The numerical intervals cited by the endpoints include all integers, fractions and / or real numbers between the endpoints, including those endpoints.

[0028] In a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for emptying beverage containers.

[0029] The method preferably comprises supplying a predetermined number of closed beverage containers filled with a beverage, wherein the predetermined number of supplied beverage containers are opened simultaneously by a capping system, and wherein the beverage is subsequently drawn from the predetermined number of opened beverage containers simultaneously by a drawing system.

[0030] The current method can be applied to various beverage containers. Preferably, the supplied beverage containers are from the same type of beverage containers. Preferably, the supplied beverage containers are substantially identical in shape and material. In a preferred form, the beverage containers are provided with a cap as a closure. The cap is preferably made of plastic, metal or cork, more preferably of metal. In another preferred form, the cap is made of plastic. The cap is preferably a screw cap, a twist cap, a cork or a crown cork, preferably a crown cork. In another preferred form, the cap is a twist cap.

[0031] In a preferred form, the beverage containers are chosen from the list of glass bottles, plastic bottles, cans or cartons, preferably glass bottles or plastic bottles, even more preferably glass bottles.

[0032] The content of the supplied beverage containers can vary between 10 cl and 200 cl. For example, 25 cl, 33 cl, 50 cl, 75 cl, 100 cl, 200 cl, and every value in between.

[0033] The predetermined number of closed beverage containers supplied can be any number between 1 and 100, preferably any number between 1 and 50, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50. Preferably, the predetermined number is chosen from the list of 6, 12, 24 or 48.

[0034] In a preferred form, the beverage containers are supplied in a box. In these embodiments, the beverage containers supplied are positioned in the box. In another preferred form, the box is secured during uncapping by means of two pneumatic stops on the side surface of the box.

[0035] The box can be made of plastic, metal, cardboard or wood. In a preferred form, the box is made of plastic, preferably high-density polyethylene (HDPE). HDPE is a thermoplastic polymer known for its strength, stiffness and toughness, as well as its recyclable ability. HDPE is resistant to tearing, breaking and deformation, making it ideal for manufacturing reusable beer boxes. HDPE plastic is also resistant to chemicals and can be easily cleaned and sanitized, making it perfect for use in the food industry, for example, transporting beverage containers.

[0036] Wooden boxes are often used in microbreweries or for special events. They are often made of solid wood and can have a rustic appearance. Boxes made of metal, such as steel or aluminum, are durable and can be recycled. They are sometimes used for commercial applications or by breweries that want to distribute their own beer. Cardboard boxes are single-use and are often lightweight and easy to carry. They are sometimes used for events or parties where beer is provided in bulk.

[0037] The dimensions of the box depend on the capacity of the box. The capacity of the box depends on the size of the bottles or cans placed in it. The height of the box is preferably between 10 cm and 100 cm, preferably between 10 cm and 50 cm, more preferably between 20 cm and 40 cm. The width of the box is preferably between 10 cm and 100 cm, preferably between 10 cm and 50 cm, more preferably between 20 cm and 40 cm. The length of the box is preferably between 10 cm and 100 cm, preferably between 20 cm and 60 cm.

[0038] The serving in the box is advantageous because the beverage containers are at least partly fixed during the opening of the beverage containers and the extraction of the beverage. Furthermore, the beverage containers do not have to leave the box during the method, which can then be transported back from the emptying process in the same box.

[0039] The beverage in the beverage containers can be alcoholic or non-alcoholic, such as water, soft drinks, fruit juice, milk, beer, wine and spirits. In a preferred form, the beverage in the beverage containers is a carbonated beverage, an alcoholic beverage or a carbonated alcoholic beverage.

[0040] The invention is particularly advantageous for carbonated beverages because the formation of foam is avoided. The invention is also particularly advantageous for alcoholic beverages because the reimbursement of any paid consumption tax can be calculated precisely by minimizing the loss.

[0041] In a particular preferred form, the method comprises the steps of serving a predetermined number of closed beverage containers filled with beverage, wherein the predetermined number of served beverage containers are opened simultaneously by an opening system, and wherein the beverage is subsequently extracted from the predetermined number of opened beverage containers simultaneously by an extraction system comprising a suction tube, wherein the suction tube is moved into the beverage containers by moving downwards, and wherein the suction tube extracts the beverage from the beverage containers at a pressure of up to 0.9 bar.

[0042] The low pressure below atmospheric pressure ensures that the beverage is sucked out of the container, instead of being pushed out of the container as in conventional techniques. As a result, no external pressure or pressurized gas is added to the container, and foam will therefore be produced less or not at all. This will allow the beverage containers to be better and more completely emptied.

[0043] In a preferred form, the beverage containers are served by means of a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt preferably passes through the opening system and the extraction system.

[0044] The opening system is adapted to open the served beverage containers. Preferably, the opening system comprises one or more openers. Preferably, the opening system comprises a number of openers equal to the predetermined number of served beverage containers.

[0045] In a preferred form, the served beverage containers are opened using openers. The openers are preferably moved downwards towards the beverage containers. Preferably, the opening system comprises a platform, on which the openers are arranged, which can be moved downwards and upwards.

[0046] In a preferred form, the uncapping system is a corking system. In this embodiment, the uncapper is a corking device adapted to remove a crown cork or a cork from a beverage container. Depending on the type of bottle and cork to be removed, the corking device can be of different types. In a preferred form, the uncapper is a corking device adapted to remove a crown cork. In another preferred form, the uncapper is a corking device adapted to remove a cork. In another preferred form, the uncapper is a corking device adapted to remove a twist-off cap. In a preferred form, the removed cap is collected in a container.

[0047] In a preferred form, the corking device is provided with an electromagnet. This is advantageous because during uncapping, the metal crown cork is attracted by the electromagnet and thus remains attached to the corking system. In this preferred form, the crown cork can then be collected in the container by switching off the electromagnet.

[0048] In a preferred form, the beverage container is fixed by a clamp during uncapping.

[0049] The extraction system is equipped with a suction pipe adapted to extract the beverage from the beverage container. For this purpose, the suction pipe is preferably connected to a vacuum line. In a particular preferred form, the suction pipe extracts the beverage from the beverage container at a pressure of maximum 0.9 bar. Preferably, this pressure is maximum 0.8 bar, even more preferably maximum 0.7 bar, even more preferably maximum 0.6 bar, even more preferably maximum 0.5 bar.

[0050] In a preferred form, the pressure is between 0.1 bar and 0.9 bar. Preferably, this pressure is between 0.2 bar and 0.8 bar, even more preferably between 0.3 bar and 0.7 bar, even more preferably between 0.4 bar and 0.6 bar, even more preferably about 0.5 bar.

[0051] This pressure can be achieved using a vacuum pump by moving air to create a low vacuum.

[0052] The term "low vacuum" refers to an environment with a low air pressure, wherein the pressure is lower than atmospheric pressure. Typically, a low vacuum is defined as a pressure range between about 1 bar and 0.001 bar.

[0053] The inventors have surprisingly found that this low pressure is ideal for extracting the beverage from the beverage container. This is especially the case in the case of carbonated beverages, because no additional air or pressure needs to be added to the beverage container. The beverage container also does not need to be sealed.

[0054] In a preferred form, the opened beverage container is not sealed during extraction of the beverage. This is necessary in conventional emptying techniques and requires an additional process step.

[0055] Preferably, the extraction system comprises a number of suction pipes equal to the predetermined number of supplied beverage containers.

[0056] In a preferred form, the suction tube is moved downwards towards and into the beverage container. In another preferred form, the beverage is extracted from the beverage container during the downward movement of the suction tube. Preferably, the extraction system comprises a platform which can be moved downwards and upwards, the suction tube being arranged on the platform. In another preferred form, the beverage is extracted when the suction tube reaches the bottom of the beverage container.

[0057] In a preferred form, the time required to extract the beverage from the beverage container is at most 5 seconds, preferably at most 4 seconds, even more preferably at most 3 seconds, even more preferably at most 2 seconds, even more preferably at most 1 second. In this case, the time period is calculated from the start of the extraction of the beverage until the suction tube contacts the bottom of the bottle.

[0058] In a preferred form, the suction tube is provided with a suction valve, preferably a spring-loaded suction valve. A spring-loaded suction valve is advantageous because damage to the suction tube upon impact with the bottom can be reduced or even avoided. In addition, this allows the bottle to be emptied optimally because it can be emptied to the bottom.

[0059] In a preferred form, at least 90% by volume of the beverage is extracted from the beverage container, preferably at least 95% by volume of the beverage is extracted from the beverage container, more preferably at least 99% by volume of the beverage is extracted from the beverage container.

[0060] In a preferred form, the beverage is extracted from the individual beverage containers simultaneously. This is advantageous in combination with the short extraction time and ensures a time-efficient method.

[0061] In a preferred form, the extracted beverage is collected in a collection tank. In another preferred form, the volume and the alcohol percentage of the collected beverage are measured. In another preferred form, a refund of the excise duty already paid is calculated on the basis of the measured volume and the measured alcohol percentage.

[0062] The volume and the alcohol percentage are preferably measured when the collected beverage is pumped from the collection tank to a subsequent storage location or a delivery device. In this process, the collected beverage will be pumped through a flow meter, whereby the volume and the alcohol percentage of the collected beverage can be measured and recorded. This data can for example be communicated to the supplier of the beer bottles, so that a reclaim of the excise duty paid in excess can be applied for.

[0063] In a particular preferred form, the method comprises supplying a predetermined number of glass beer bottles, the glass beer bottles being filled with beer and sealed with a crown cork, wherein the predetermined number of supplied beer bottles is simultaneously opened by an uncorking system, and wherein the beer is then simultaneously extracted from the predetermined number of opened beverage containers by an extraction system comprising a suction tube, wherein the suction tube is moved into the beverage container by moving it downwards, and wherein the suction tube extracts the beverage from the beverage container at a pressure of up to 0.9 bar.

[0064] In a particular preferred form, the method comprises supplying a predetermined number of plastic bottles, the plastic bottles being filled with a soft drink and closed with a twist-off cap, wherein the predetermined number of supplied plastic bottles is simultaneously opened by a cap- opening system, and wherein the soft drink is then simultaneously extracted from the predetermined number of opened plastic bottles by an extraction system comprising a suction tube, wherein the suction tube is moved into the plastic bottle by moving it downwards, and wherein the suction tube extracts the beverage from the plastic bottle at a pressure of up to 0.9 bar.

[0065] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a device for emptying beverage containers.

[0066] In an embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises:

[0067] - an uncorking system;

[0068] - an extraction system;

[0069] - a conveyor belt, the conveyor belt being positioned to pass through the uncorking system and the extraction system, adapted to guide beverage containers through the uncorking system and the extraction system.

[0070] In a preferred form, the uncorking system comprises a predetermined number of corkscrews, wherein the corkscrews are movable downwards and upwards. Preferably, the uncorking system comprises a platform, which is movable downwards and upwards, and on which the corkscrews are arranged. In a preferred form, the extraction system comprises a predetermined number of suction tubes, wherein the suction tubes are movable downwards and upwards. Preferably, the extraction system comprises a platform, which is movable downwards and upwards, and on which the suction tubes are arranged. In another preferred form, the number of corkscrews and the number of suction tubes are identical.

[0071] In a particular preferred form, the suction tubes are connected in fluid communication to a vacuum line.

[0072] In a particular preferred form of the present invention, the device comprises:

[0073] - an uncorking system, the uncorking system comprising a predetermined number of corkscrews, the corkscrews being movable downwards and upwards;

[0074] - an extraction system comprising a predetermined number of suction pipes, the suction pipes being movable downwards and upwards, wherein the suction pipes are connected in fluid communication to a vacuum line;

[0075] - a conveyor belt positioned to pass through the uncapping system and the extraction system, adapted to guide beverage containers through the uncapping system and the extraction system.

[0076] The connection between the suction pipes and the vacuum line is advantageous as it will provide a low pressure below atmospheric pressure in the suction pipes. This ensures that the beverage is sucked out of the container, instead of being pushed out of the container as in conventional techniques. As a result, no external pressure or pressurized gas is added to the container and foam will therefore be produced less or not at all. This will allow the beverage container to be emptied better and more completely.

[0077] The vacuum line is preferably connected to a vacuum pump, such that a low vacuum can be created by moving air.

[0078] The inventors have surprisingly found that the vacuum line and pump make a low pressure possible. This low pressure is ideal for extracting the beverage from the beverage container. This is especially the case in the case of carbonated beverages, as no additional air or pressure needs to be added to the beverage container. The beverage container also does not need to be sealed.

[0079] In a preferred form, the suction pipes are provided with spring-loaded suction valves.

[0080] In a preferred form, the uncapping system is a corking system. In this embodiment, the uncapper is a corking device adapted to remove a crown cork or a cork from the beverage container. The corking device can have different types depending on the type of bottle and cork that needs to be removed. In a preferred form, the uncapper is a corking device adapted to remove a crown cork. In another preferred form, the uncapper is a corking device adapted to remove a twist-off cap. In a preferred form, the removed cap is collected in a container.

[0081] In a preferred form, the corking device is provided with an electromagnet. This is advantageous as during uncapping, the metal crown cork is attracted to the electromagnet and is thus kept attached to the corking system. In this preferred form, the crown cork can then be collected in a container by switching off the electromagnet.

[0082] In a particular preferred form of the invention, the device comprises:

[0083] - a corking system comprising a predetermined number of corking devices, the corking devices being movable downwards and upwards;

[0084] - an extraction system comprising a predetermined number of suction pipes, the suction pipes being movable downwards and upwards, wherein the suction pipes are connected in fluid communication to a vacuum line;

[0085] - a conveyor belt positioned to pass through the uncapping system and the extraction system, adapted to guide the beverage containers through the uncapping system and the extraction system.

[0086] In a preferred form, the apparatus is adapted to perform the method according to the first aspect.

[0087] In the following, the application is described by exemplifying non-limiting examples of the application, and the application is not intended to, and should not be interpreted to, limit the scope of the application.

[0088] Example

[0089] Example 1 : emptying 25 cl beer bottles

[0090] Standard European glass beer bottles with a capacity of 25 cl, a height of 215 mm and a bottom diameter of 56 mm are supplied in beer crates with dimensions of 40 cm x 30 cm x 25 cm, supplied to the uncapping system by a conveyor belt.

[0091] The bottles are filled with beer with an alcohol content of 5.2% by volume and sealed with a crown cork. The uncapping system comprises 24 uncappers positioned on a platform. The platform is moved downwards towards the bottles and positioned at the correct height to uncap the bottles. The uncappers have an electromagnet on their support point which attracts the crown cork after the bottle has been opened. During the opening, the crate is fixed by two pneumatic stops on two opposite side surfaces of the crate. The bottles themselves are also clamped before uncapping to fix them. After uncapping, the platform is moved back upwards.

[0092] The up and down movement of the platform of the uncapping system is done with a double linear guide with two electric cylinders and two servo motors, which are driven synchronously. The crate height, proportional to the bottle height, can be input by the operator via a touch screen. The uncapping system is also equipped with photo cells which can monitor the movement of the crate and the bottles.

[0093] After uncapping, the platform is moved upwards. A collection container is rotated under this platform. The electromagnet which holds the crown cork is switched off and the crown cork is collected in the collection container. The collection container itself can be emptied by turning and tilting.

[0094] The conveyor belt then transports the container with the opened beer bottle to the extraction system. The extraction system comprises 24 suction tubes positioned on a platform. The platform is moved downwards towards the bottles. When the platform is moved downwards, the beer is sucked out of the bottle. When the suction tube reaches the bottom of the bottle, more than 90% by volume of the beer, preferably more than 99% by volume of the beer, is extracted from the bottle.

[0095] The suction pipe is at the bottom (i.e. the part of the suction pipe that faces the bottle and that first contacts the surface of the liquid) equipped with a spring-loaded suction valve. The spring-loaded suction valve is advantageous because damage to the suction pipe upon impact of the bottom can be reduced or even avoided. Furthermore, this allows the bottle to be optimally emptied. The suction pipes are each connected to a vacuum line, so that the pressure in the suction pipe is approximately 0.5 bar. Emptying of the bottle takes about 0.9 seconds. The sucked beverage is collected in a collection tank. Then, the platform is moved upwards again, so that the suction pipe is removed from the bottle.

[0096] The emptied bottles in the bin are then further transported via a conveyor belt, after which they can be stacked and reloaded for transport.

[0097] The volume and alcohol percentage are measured in the collection tank containing the extracted beer. This data is passed on to the supplier of the beer bottles, so that any overpaid excise duty can be claimed back.

[0098] With the described method, 595 bins of 24 25 cl bottles can be emptied per hour.

[0099] The invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the above-described embodiments, and certain modifications or changes can be added to the described examples without necessarily re-evaluating the attached claims. For example, the invention has been described with reference to 25 cl beer bottles, but it is clear that the invention can be applied to, for example, beer bottles of any size and soft drink bottles or bins with a number of bottles in the range of 1 to 50.

[0100] Examples 2 to 8: Beverage containers

[0101] The following tables 1 and 2 show some beverage containers that can be emptied using the current method and apparatus:

[0102] Table 1

[0103]

[0104] Table 2

[0105]

Claims

1. A method for emptying a beverage container, the method comprising the following steps: A predetermined number of sealed beverage containers filled with beverages are supplied, wherein the predetermined number of supplied beverage containers are simultaneously opened by a cap-opening system, and wherein the beverages are then simultaneously drawn from the predetermined number of opened beverage containers by a drawing system including a suction tube, wherein the suction tube is moved into the beverage container by downward movement, and wherein the suction tube draws the beverages from the beverage containers at a pressure of up to 0.9 bar.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The beverage container is a bottle, preferably a glass bottle, and even more preferably a glass beer bottle.

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The supplied beverage containers are positioned in a box.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The opened beverage container is not closed during the dispensing of the beverage.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The suction tube is equipped with a spring-loaded suction valve.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The maximum time required to extract the beverage from the beverage container is 1 second.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least 90% by volume of the beverage, preferably at least 99% by volume, is drawn from the beverage container.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The suction tube draws the beverage at a maximum pressure of 0.7 bar, preferably at a maximum pressure of 0.5 bar.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Simultaneously, the beverages are drawn from each beverage container.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The beverage containers are opened using a corkscrew system, wherein the corkscrew system comprises a number of corks equal to the number of beverage containers supplied.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The stopper includes an electromagnet.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The extracted beverage is collected in a collection tank, and the volume and alcohol percentage of the collected beverage are measured when the liquid is pumped from the collection tank through a flow meter to a subsequent storage location or transport device.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The refund of consumption tax already paid is calculated based on the measured volume and the measured percentage of alcohol.

14. An apparatus for emptying a beverage container, the apparatus comprising: - A lid opening system, the lid opening system comprising a predetermined number of lid openers, the lid openers being capable of moving downward and upward; - An extraction system comprising a predetermined number of suction tubes, the suction tubes being movable downward and upward, wherein the suction tubes are fluidly connected to a vacuum line. - A conveyor belt positioned to pass through the capping system and the extraction system, adapted to guide beverage containers through the capping system and the extraction system.

15. The apparatus according to claim 14, wherein, The suction tube is equipped with a spring-loaded suction valve.

16. The apparatus according to claim 14 or 15, wherein, The cap opening system is a cork opening system, and the cap opener is a cork opener.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein, The stopper includes an electromagnet.

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