Device and plant for the production of mineralized table water

Abstract

Device (1) for the production of mineralized table water, comprising at least an interchangeable storage container (2) with a flexible, liquid-tight sealable inner container (3) for liquid mineral brine and an outer packaging (4) protecting the inner container (3), which is designed as a bag-in-box container, a buffer tank (5) which is arranged between the storage tank (2) and a metering pump (6), wherein the storage tank (2) is fluidly connected to the buffer tank (5) and the buffer tank (5) is fluidly connected to the metering pump (6), wherein the metering pump (6) of the device (1) is designed to be electrically controllable and / or adjustable and is designed for metered mixing of the liquid mineral brine from the buffer tank (5) into an inlet line (ZL) for drinking water.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for producing mineralized table water. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system for producing and dispensing mineralized table water.

[0002] Current technology includes centralized bottling plants where natural or artificially mineralized water is bottled and then distributed through retailers. However, this process involves considerable logistical effort, as it requires transport, storage, and the return of packaging. Furthermore, it generates high CO2 emissions and a significant amount of packaging waste.

[0003] Furthermore, plumbed-in water dispensers are known that filter, cool, and partially carbonate drinking water from the household plumbing. However, these systems have the disadvantage that precise mineralization with a defined mineral content is not possible. In particular, a flexible and hygienic dosing of mineral solutions depending on the flow rate of the water is lacking.

[0004] Furthermore, dosing systems are known that work with rigid canisters or so-called post-mix systems. However, these systems are unwieldy, require complex venting, are often unhygienic in operation, and have limited compatibility with different dispensing systems.

[0005] Against this background, the invention aims to provide a device and a system that enables the decentralized, resource-efficient, and precise production of mineralized drinking water. The system should be compact, modular in design, hygienically operated, and flexibly integrable into existing catering infrastructures.

[0006] This problem is solved by a device for producing mineralized table water according to the features of independent claim 1. Furthermore, this problem is solved by a system for producing and dispensing mineralized table water with the features of claim 14. The respective dependent claims relate to particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a device for producing mineralized table water. The device comprises at least one replaceable storage container with a flexible, liquid-tight sealable inner container for liquid mineral brine and an outer packaging that protects the inner container, which is designed as a bag-in-box container.

[0008] Furthermore, the device comprises a buffer tank which is arranged between the storage container and a metering pump, wherein the storage container is fluidly connected to the buffer tank and the buffer tank is fluidly connected to the metering pump.

[0009] Finally, the device includes at least one electrically controlled and / or adjustable dosing pump, which is designed for the metered addition of the liquid mineral brine from the buffer tank into a supply line for drinking water.

[0010] The system enables the decentralized production of mineralized drinking water directly at the point of consumption, completely eliminating transport and storage costs. Precise, flow-dependent dosing of the mineral solution ensures a constant mineral content, regardless of the dispensing volume or speed. The modular design allows the mineralization unit to be combined with various cooling and carbonation units, as well as different dispensing systems. Finally, by eliminating the need for single-use and reusable bottles, the system makes a significant contribution to sustainability and the reduction of CO2 emissions.

[0011] A particular advantage lies in the inventive design of the storage container, which is designed as a bag-in-box container. Such a storage container has a flexible, liquid-tight sealed inner container for holding the mineral brine, as well as an outer packaging that mechanically protects the inner container. The inner container preferably consists of a food-grade plastic material that collapses under atmospheric pressure during operation when mineral brine is dispensed. This prevents air from flowing into the inner container. Unlike rigid canisters, which inevitably draw in air after emptying and therefore require manual venting, the bag-in-box storage container ensures air-free dispensing of the mineral brine.In this way, microbiological contamination and oxidation processes are prevented, thus achieving hygienically safe operation without additional ventilation measures.

[0012] Furthermore, the bag-in-box storage container is preferably connectable to the buffer tank via a self-sealing quick-release coupling. This allows for quick and drip-free replacement of the storage container, while the buffer tank, due to its own volume, ensures continuous operation even during the exchange. Handling of the device is therefore particularly user-friendly, as the bag-in-box storage container is significantly lighter and smaller than rigid canisters and can be easily transported and stored.

[0013] In addition to these hygienic and ergonomic advantages, a storage container designed as a bag-in-box also offers ecological benefits. Since the inner container and outer packaging are made of different materials, they can be disposed of or recycled separately after use. Compared to rigid plastic canisters, this results in less packaging waste, which improves the sustainability of the overall system.

[0014] Unlike post-mix systems, where the dosage of a concentrate solution is solely determined at the dispensing tap and sufficient accuracy can only be achieved with a constant flow rate, the combination of the bag-in-box with a buffer tank and an electronically controlled dosing pump allows for precise, flow-dependent addition of the brine directly in the supply line. This ensures a consistently high mineral content in the final product, regardless of the dispensing volume or flow rate.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, the buffer tank may have a riser pipe with an open end at its upper side, the open end being positioned above the maximum possible liquid level of the mineral brine contained in the storage tank, so that the liquid mineral brine can be fed from the storage tank to the buffer tank by gravity, and a filter, in particular a bacterial or sterile filter, is provided at the open end of the riser pipe. In this way, the mineral brine contained in the storage tank can flow into the buffer tank solely under the influence of gravity until an equilibrium is reached between the storage tank and the buffer tank. A filter element, in particular a bacterial or sterile filter, is preferably provided at the open end of the riser pipe.

[0016] This design makes refilling the buffer tank particularly simple and reliable. The brine flows in solely by gravity, eliminating the need for additional conveying units such as pumps or valves. This simplifies the device's construction and reduces the number of potential fault or wear parts. Positioning the open end above the maximum possible liquid level in the reservoir also prevents uncontrolled overfilling of the buffer tank. Overflows and leaks are thus reliably prevented.

[0017] The filter element at the open end of the riser pipe ensures hygienic operation. It prevents ambient air or any microorganisms it contains from entering the buffer tank should pressure equalization be necessary. At the same time, the brine flow remains air-free, effectively preventing microbiological contamination or oxidation of the mineral brine. This makes the system not only exceptionally hygienic but also ensures long-term operational reliability.

[0018] Furthermore, the gravity-based conveying principle enables virtually maintenance-free operation. When the storage container is replaced, especially if it is a bag-in-box system, the buffer tank refills automatically without requiring operator intervention or additional venting. The buffer tank also ensures a constant supply of mineral brine to the dosing pump, regardless of the fill level or pressure in the storage container.

[0019] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the device can be provided with a flow sensor that detects the flow rate of the drinking water supplied via the inlet pipe and controls the dosing pump in such a way that the mineral content in the mineralized table water is kept constant or approximately constant. The flow sensor is electrically coupled to the dosing pump and controls it depending on the detected water volume. In this way, the dosing pump can be operated so that the mineral brine is always introduced into the drinking water flow in a quantity that corresponds to the current flow rate.

[0020] This ensures that the mineral content of the produced table water remains constant, or at least approximately constant, regardless of fluctuations in flow rate. Even with varying dispensing volumes, such as when filling small glasses or larger carafes, the mineralization level of the produced table water remains consistent, thus guaranteeing uniform product quality.

[0021] Such a flow-dependent control loop offers several technical advantages: Firstly, it increases the precision of the brine addition, enabling exact adherence to specified formulations. Secondly, it improves operational reliability, as incorrect or underdosing is eliminated. Finally, the automatic adjustment of the dosing rate also contributes to resource-efficient use of the mineral brine, because only the actually required amount is ever used.

[0022] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the buffer tank can be equipped with a float switch that stops the dosing pump and triggers an empty level signal when the liquid level of the mineral brine in the buffer tank reaches a definable level. The "definable liquid level of the mineral brine in the buffer tank" is understood to be a structurally defined fill level at which a residual amount of mineral brine remains in the buffer tank. This residual amount is sufficient to ensure that the dosing pump continues to be reliably supplied with mineral brine from the buffer tank, while simultaneously allowing enough time to replace the reservoir before a critical empty level occurs.

[0023] This design ensures particularly reliable operation. Firstly, it prevents the dosing pump from running dry, which could lead to wear or damage. Secondly, the operator or a connected monitoring system receives immediate notification when the reservoir needs to be replaced.

[0024] Another advantage of this solution is that the mineral brine does not need to be completely pumped out, but rather a defined residual level remains in the buffer tank. This helps prevent air from entering the pipes, ensuring the system remains air-free at all times and reliably reducing the risk of microbiological contamination or oxidation of the brine. Combined with a bag-in-box system, this guarantees continuous, hygienic, and safe operation without the need for complex venting measures.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the dosing pump can be equipped with a cloud-enabled electronic unit for controlling and monitoring the device, allowing the dosing pump to be controlled and / or regulated based on control and monitoring data acquired by the electronic unit. The electronic unit acquires relevant operating data, such as the flow rate of the drinking water, the fill level of the buffer tank, as well as fault messages or other system states. Based on the acquired data, the dosing pump can be operated in a controlled and / or regulated manner, enabling the mineral content in the drinking water to be kept continuously constant or adjusted to predefined setpoints. Furthermore, the connection to a cloud-enabled electronic unit allows for remote monitoring and comprehensive data logging, which enables proactive maintenance planning and minimizes downtime.Simultaneously, the dosage of the mineral brine is precisely adjusted to the current flow rate or other relevant operating conditions, ensuring consistent mineralized water quality at all times. Continuous monitoring of fill levels, flow rates, and system status also contributes to increased operational reliability, as malfunctions or underdosing are detected and reported early, before they can disrupt operations. Furthermore, the cloud-enabled electronic unit allows for flexible configuration of dosing parameters, adaptation to different system layouts, and integration into existing piping and dispensing systems, making the device exceptionally flexible and efficient from both an operational and organizational perspective.

[0026] According to another advantageous embodiment, the cloud-enabled electronic unit can be configured and set up to provide control and monitoring data, such as empty status messages, flow data, fault messages, and / or maintenance information, via a cloud connection. This allows all relevant operating parameters to be transmitted to a central data platform in real time, enabling remote monitoring, predictive maintenance, and continuous control of the device. Furthermore, providing data via the cloud supports the optimization of operational processes by enabling the early detection of malfunctions and ensuring device availability.At the same time, cloud-based transmission allows operating personnel, maintenance personnel or higher-level systems to access up-to-date information at any time and initiate necessary measures in a timely manner without having to intervene directly on site.

[0027] According to another advantageous embodiment, the buffer tank can have a volume of 100 to 200 milliliters. This volume is dimensioned such that the buffer tank can hold sufficient mineral brine to continuously supply the dosing pump even with varying withdrawal rates, while simultaneously allowing enough time to refill the reservoir. Choosing this volume ensures reliable operation, as a definable residual fill level remains, minimizing the risk of air ingress or the pump running dry. At the same time, the selected volume allows for a compact design of the buffer tank, facilitating its integration into the modular system of the device.

[0028] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the device may be provided with a coupling device with a coupling connection, wherein the storage container is designed as a bag-in-box and equipped with a quick-release coupling corresponding to the coupling connection, which can be connected to the coupling connection of the coupling device in a self-sealing manner. In this case, the storage container is designed as a bag-in-box and provided with a quick-release coupling that corresponds to the coupling connection of the device. The quick-release coupling is self-sealing and enables simple, safe, and hygienic docking of the bag-in-box to the device without the possibility of liquid leakage or the need for additional manual sealing measures.This design simplifies handling and increases operational and hygiene safety, as it ensures an air-free, closed flow of the mineral brine from the storage container to the buffer tank.

[0029] A quick-release coupling, as defined in the present invention, is a mechanical connecting element that allows two fluid lines or a fluid container and a line to be connected quickly, securely, and repeatedly without the need for additional tools. The quick-release coupling has at least one push-in or plug-in connection that automatically seals when the reservoir is docked to the coupling port, preventing any fluid leakage. Preferably, the quick-release coupling is self-sealing, so that the flow of the mineral brine is interrupted when the reservoir is disconnected or attached, without allowing air into the system or any fluid loss. The assembly can consist of spring-loaded valve elements, seals, or elastomers that automatically create the seal as soon as the coupling is connected.

[0030] According to another advantageous embodiment, the dosing pump can be configured to add approximately five milliliters of mineral brine per liter of drinking water to produce mineralized table water. This precise dosing ensures that the desired mineral concentration remains constant, regardless of the amount of water drawn or the flow rate. This design guarantees consistent quality of the final product and adherence to specified requirements. Simultaneously, it enables efficient use of the mineral brine, as only the required amount is added to the drinking water, thus preventing overdosing or material loss.

[0031] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the dosage quantity can be automatically adjusted to the measured flow rate of the drinking water. According to another advantageous embodiment, the mineral brine can be added to the drinking water flowing through the supply line in a flow-controlled manner, such that a constant mineral content is maintained in the mineralized drinking water. For this purpose, the dosing pump can be equipped with and connected to a flow sensor that continuously measures the volume of water flowing through it. Based on these measurements, the dosing pump can adjust the added quantity of mineral brine in real time, so that the mineral content of the produced drinking water is always constant or approximately constant.This automatic adjustment enables precise adherence to the specified formula regardless of fluctuations in the withdrawal quantity, increases operational safety, reduces the risk of over- or underdosing and ensures efficient use of the mineral brine.

[0032] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the device can be designed as a self-contained modular unit that can be combined with common catering dispensing systems. The device preferably has a housing that advantageously accommodates at least the replaceable storage container, the buffer tank, and the metering pump. The housing is advantageously made of stainless steel. This modular design allows the device to be flexibly integrated into existing installations without requiring extensive modifications or adjustments to the existing piping or dispensing systems. At the same time, the self-contained design allows the device to be operated as a compact, closed unit, thereby simplifying installation and increasing the hygienic safety of the system.The modular design also allows for easy maintenance and replacement of individual components without interrupting the operation of the entire system.

[0033] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the geodetic height of the open end of the buffer tank's riser pipe can be positioned above the maximum liquid level of the storage tank to ensure gravity filling of the buffer tank. This arrangement allows the mineral brine to automatically flow from the storage tank into the buffer tank until equilibrium is reached between the two tanks. This ensures a continuous supply to the buffer tank without the need for additional conveying units or pumps. Simultaneously, this vertical arrangement helps to keep the system free of air and minimizes the risk of microbiological contamination or oxidation of the mineral brine.In this way, both the operational safety and the hygienic integrity of the device are increased, while at the same time simple and low-maintenance handling is ensured.

[0034] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the mineral brine can be designed as a concentrated mineral brine which is introduced into the drinking water in a metered quantity, wherein the mineral brine comprises in particular at least the following ingredients per 1000 ml: • Sodium chloride (NaCl), • Calcium lactate, • Magnesium chloride, • Magnesium lactate, • Magnesium gluconate, and that the mineral brine is dosed such that approximately 5 ml of mineral brine is added to the mineralized table water per liter of drinking water. The mineral brine may also contain other ingredients. This precise dosing ensures that the mineral content in the final product remains constant, regardless of the amount dispensed or the flow rate of the drinking water. At the same time, the concentrated form of the mineral brine allows for efficient use of the ingredients and a compact design of the storage container, thus simplifying handling, replacement, and storage.

[0035] According to a further aspect, the present invention relates to a plant for the production and dispensing of mineralized table water, comprising a filter system for filtering the drinking water supplied via a supply line, at least one device according to the preceding description for the production of mineralized table water, a cooling and carbonation unit that cools and / or carbonates the mineralized table water to serving temperature, and a dispensing unit for dispensing the mineralized table water via at least one dispensing system.

[0036] The system comprises at least one device, as described above, for the production of mineralized drinking water. Mineralization is advantageously achieved by an electronically controlled dosing pump, depending on the measured flow rate, thus ensuring a consistently defined mineral content in the final product. The mineral solution is preferably supplied from a hygienic bag-in-box system, which is connected to the dosing pump via a buffer tank with a venting device. A cloud-enabled electronic unit controls, regulates, and monitors the mineralization unit. A cooling and carbonation unit is connected to the device, which cools the mineralized drinking water to a predetermined serving temperature and adds carbon dioxide as needed.Separate lines are provided for still and sparkling water, so both varieties are available in the same system. The finished product is then dispensed via a dispenser, which is either integrated into existing catering dispensing systems or designed as a standalone dispenser with separate outlets for still and sparkling water.

[0037] The system enables the decentralized production of mineralized drinking water directly at the point of consumption, completely eliminating transport and storage costs. Precise, flow-dependent dosing of the mineral solution ensures a constant mineral content, regardless of the dispensing volume or speed. The hygienic storage container with buffer tank allows for air-free operation without complex venting. The modular design allows the mineralization unit to be combined with various cooling and carbonation units, as well as different dispensing systems. Finally, by avoiding single-use and reusable bottles, the system makes a significant contribution to sustainability and the reduction of CO2 emissions.

[0038] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the figures, using an exemplary embodiment. The figures show: Fig. 1. A highly simplified and schematically represented block diagram shows an exemplary embodiment of the device, and Fig. Figure 2 is a highly simplified and schematically represented example of a design variant of the system.

[0039] For identical or similarly functioning elements of the invention, identical reference numerals are used in the figures, where appropriate. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference numerals necessary for describing the respective figure are shown in the individual figures. The invention is also presented in the figures only as a schematic view to illustrate its operation. In particular, the representations in the figures serve only to explain the fundamental principle of the invention.

[0040] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the device 1 comprises an interchangeable storage container 2, which is designed as a bag-in-box container with a flexible, liquid-tight sealable inner container 3 and a surrounding protective outer packaging 4. The storage container 2 can be connected to a coupling port 12.1 of the device 1 via a coupling device 12. The storage container 2 has a self-sealing quick-release coupling 12.2, which is designed to correspond to the coupling port 12.1, so that an air-free and hygienic transfer of the mineral brine into the device 1 is ensured when connecting or disconnecting the storage container 2.

[0041] The storage container 2 is fluidically connected to a buffer container 5, which, as in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the buffer tank 5 is located between the storage container 2 and a metering pump 6. The buffer tank 5 serves as an intermediate storage tank and has a riser pipe 8 on its upper side 5.1, the open end of which 8.1 is geodetically positioned above the maximum possible liquid level of the storage container 2. The maximum possible liquid level of the storage container 2 is reached when it is completely filled with liquid mineral brine. Further details are provided in Figure 1, which shows the inner container 3 completely filled with liquid mineral brine.

[0042] In this way, the mineral brine from the storage container 2 can flow into the buffer container 5 by gravity until equilibrium is reached. A filter 9, in particular a bacteria or sterile filter, is provided at the open end 8.1 of the riser pipe 8, which ensures that no ambient air, but rather air purified by the filter 9, enters the buffer container 5 during the flow.

[0043] The buffer tank 5 is additionally equipped with a float switch 11, which monitors a definable liquid level. When this liquid level is reached, an empty level signal is generated, which can be forwarded to the control unit. At the same time, a residual quantity of mineral brine remains in the buffer tank 5, so that sufficient time remains for replacing the storage tank 2 without interrupting the supply to the dosing pump 6.

[0044] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the buffer tank 5 is fluidically connected to the dosing pump 6. The drinking water to be mineralized is supplied to the dosing pump 6 via an inlet line ZL, and the mineralized drinking water is discharged via an outlet line AL. The dosing pump 6 is electrically controllable and / or adjustable and is designed for the precise addition of the mineral brine to the drinking water inlet line ZL. To measure the drinking water volume, the dosing pump 6 is coupled to a flow sensor 10, which is located in the inlet line ZL. The mineralized drinking water can then be drawn from the outlet line AL. Based on the data determined by the flow sensor 10, the dosing pump 6 is controlled so that the mineral brine is always added in the required quantity to ensure a constant mineral content in the produced drinking water.

[0045] As in Fig. As further shown in Figure 1, the metering pump 6 has a cloud-enabled electronic unit 6.1, which serves to control and monitor the device 1. This electronic unit 6.1 is configured to collect operating and monitoring data, such as flow rates, empty level messages, fault messages, or maintenance information, and to make this data available via a cloud connection. In this way, the device 1 can be remotely monitored and integrated into existing digital operating and maintenance structures.

[0046] The dosing pump 6 is preferably designed to add a dosage of approximately five milliliters of mineral brine per liter of drinking water. In conjunction with the mineral brine formulation, this results in a final product with a defined and consistent mineral content.

[0047] The device 1 is housed in a casing 1.1, which compactly integrates the individual components and allows for a hygienic, modular design. The casing 1.1 is suitable for both wall and floor mounting and allows for easy integration into existing dispensing systems.

[0048] Fig. Figure 2 shows a plant 100 for the production and dispensing of mineralized table water, in which the device 1 according to Fig. 1 is used as a central processing unit. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the system 100 initially comprises a filter system 101, which removes particles and unwanted components from the drinking water supplied via an inlet pipe. The treated drinking water is then fed to the device 1 for mineralization.

[0049] In particular, the filter system 101 is fluidically connected to the inlet line ZL of the device 1.

[0050] How Fig. As further shown in Figure 2, the device 1 is connected to a cooling and carbonation unit 102. This cooling and carbonation unit 102 is designed to bring the mineralized table water to serving temperature and optionally carbonate it. For this purpose, the cooling and carbonation unit 102 has separate lines so that both still and carbonated water can be provided. In particular, the cooling and carbonation unit 102 is fluidically connected to the outlet line AL of the device 1.

[0051] The table water produced in this way is then fed to a dispensing unit 103, which is designed for dispensing via at least one dispensing system. The dispensing unit 103 can be designed as a standalone dispensing column or integrated into existing catering counter equipment.

[0052] As in Fig.As can be seen in Figure 2, the modules of the system 100 are functionally interconnected, ensuring a continuous, hygienic and precisely mineralized water flow from the filter system 101 via the device 1 and the cooling and carbonation unit 102 to the dispensing unit 103.

[0053] The invention has been described above using an exemplary embodiment. It is understood that numerous modifications or adaptations are possible without departing from the underlying inventive concept.

Claims

[1] Device (1) for the production of mineralized table water, comprising at least an interchangeable storage container (2) with a flexible, liquid-tight sealable inner container (3) for liquid mineral brine and an outer packaging (4) protecting the inner container (3), which is designed as a bag-in-box container, a buffer tank (5) which is arranged between the storage tank (2) and a metering pump (6), wherein the storage tank (2) is fluidly connected to the buffer tank (5) and the buffer tank (5) is fluidly connected to the metering pump (6), wherein the metering pump (6) of the device (1) is designed to be electrically controllable and / or adjustable and is designed for metered mixing of the liquid mineral brine from the buffer tank (5) into an inlet line (ZL) for drinking water. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by, that the buffer tank (5) has a riser pipe (8) with an open end (8.1) on its upper side (5.1), wherein the open end (8.1) is arranged above the maximum possible liquid level of the mineral brine contained in the storage container (2), so that the liquid mineral brine from the storage container (2) can be supplied to the buffer tank (5) by gravity and wherein a filter (9), in particular a bacteria filter or sterile filter, is provided at the open end (8.1) of the riser pipe (8). [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the device (1) has a flow sensor (10) which detects the flow rate of the drinking water supplied via the supply line (ZL) and controls the dosing pump (6) in such a way that the mineral content in the mineralized table water is set to be constant or approximately constant. [4] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the buffer tank (5) has a float switch (11) which stops the metering pump (6) and triggers an empty level message when the liquid level of the mineral brine contained in the buffer tank (5) is defined. [5] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the metering pump (6) has a cloud-enabled electronic unit (6.1) for controlling and monitoring the device (1), so that the metering pump (6) can be controlled and / or regulated based on control and monitoring data acquired by the electronic unit (6.1). [6] Device according to claim 5, characterized by , that the cloud-enabled electronic unit (6.1) is configured and set up to provide vacancy messages and / or flow data and / or fault messages and / or maintenance information as control and monitoring data via a cloud connection. [7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the buffer tank (5) has a volume of 100 to 200 milliliters. [8] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the device (1) has a coupling device (12) with a coupling connection (12.1), wherein the storage container (2) is equipped as a bag-in-box container with a quick coupling (12.2) corresponding to the coupling connection (12.1), which can be connected to the coupling connection (12.1) of the coupling device (12) in a self-sealing manner. [9] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the dosing pump (6) adds a dosage of approximately five milliliters of the mineral brine per liter of drinking water to the drinking water to produce mineralized table water. [10] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the dosage amount can be automatically adjusted to the measured volume flow of the drinking water. [11] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the mineral brine can be added to the drinking water flow in a flow-controlled manner to ensure a constant mineral content in the mineralized table water. [12] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the device (1) is designed as an independent modular unit which can be combined with common catering dispensing systems, wherein the device (1) preferably has a housing (1.1) in which at least the replaceable storage container (2), the buffer container (5) and the metering pump (6) are advantageously accommodated. [13] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the geodetic height of the open end of the riser pipe (8) of the buffer tank (5) is above the maximum liquid level of the storage tank (2) in order to ensure gravity filling of the buffer tank (5). [14] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the mineral brine is formed as a concentrated mineral brine, which is introduced into the drinking water in a measured quantity, wherein the mineral brine comprises at least in particular the following ingredients per 1000 ml: • Sodium chloride (NaCl), • Calcium lactate, • Magnesium chloride, • Magnesium lactate, • Magnesium gluconate, and that the dosage of the mineral brine is such that an addition of approximately 5 ml of mineral brine per liter of drinking water is achieved in the mineralized table water. [15] Plant (100) for the production and dispensing of mineralized table water, comprising a filter system (101) for filtering the drinking water supplied via an inlet pipe, at least one device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14 for the production of mineralized table water, a cooling and carbonation unit (102) that cools and / or carbonates the mineralized table water to serving temperature, and a dispensing unit (103) for dispensing the mineralized table water via at least one dispensing system.

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