DRINKS DISPENSER SYSTEM WITH CLEANING SYSTEM

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a beverage dispense system for dispensing a beverage (such as beer or cider) and a cleaning system for cleaning a beverage line of a beverage dispense system.Background

[0002] Beverage dispense systems are known for dispensing draught beverages. In such systems, the beverage is typically stored in a beverage supply (e.g. a keg) that is remote from a dispensing site (e.g. a tap) and is transferred on demand to the dispensing site. Such transfer of beverage is often provided by a pressurised gas system.

[0003] A common issue with such beverage dispense systems (especially of the type where the dispensing site is remote from the supply) is microorganism growth. Such growth can spoil beverage within beverage lines, components and kegs of a beverage dispense system. This severely impacts the quality of the beverage dispensed by such systems.

[0004] Preventing such microorganism growth can be particularly important in beverage dispense systems used to dispense non-alcoholic (or low alcohol) beers, which are becoming increasingly popular. This is because the lower alcohol content of these beverages can make them more susceptible to microorganism growth. Likewise, the presence of microorganisms in such beers can, in some cases, result in an undesirable increase in the alcoholic content of the beer.

[0005] To minimise such growth it is known to clean beverage lines of a beverage dispense system. This typically involves pushing a cleaning fluid through the beverage lines, and then flushing the cleaning fluid from the lines using water. Such cleaning, however, is often performed inconsistently (for example, there may be variability in how often the beverage lines are cleaned, or how the cleaning is performed). This can lead to inadequate cleaning of beverage lines, which increases the likelihood of microorganisms remaining within the system.

[0006] The present disclosure has been devised in light of the above considerations.

[0007] US20220371874A1 proposes a beer line dispensing and cleaning system including a keg tapping head for connection to an outlet of a beer keg wherein the beer dispensing line is connected between the keg tapping head and a beer dispensing tap.

[0008] US20060186137A1 proposes a dispensing system comprising a beverage tank, a tap which is located above the beverage tank and is situated at a distance therefrom, and a beverage line whose first, upper end is connected to the tap and whose second, lower end is connected to the beverage tank.

[0009] DE3538449A1 proposes a method for monitoring the cleaning state of a line for free-flowing, in particular liquid, foods, and a device for this purpose wherein a measuring sensor is arranged in the line wherein the measuring sensor responds to the electrical conductance of a liquid.Summary

[0010] The invention is defined by the appended set of claims.

[0011] In a first aspect according to the invention, there is provided a beverage dispense system comprising; a beverage line for flow of beverage; a connector at a first end of the beverage line for connecting the beverage line to a beverage supply; a beverage dispenser at a second end of the beverage line; and a cleaning system comprising: an ozone generator configured to introduce ozone into water to produce ozone water, the ozone generator comprising an inlet for receipt of water from a water source and an outlet for supply of ozone water to the beverage line; and a sanitation sensor configured to measure a property of liquid that is indicative of the sanitation of the liquid, the sanitation sensor being arranged to measure liquid within the beverage line, and to generate a signal indicative of the measured sanitation.

[0012] Ozone water can be effective at removing organic material from beverage lines and can likewise be effective for flushing cleaning fluid from beverage lines in a manner that doesn't introduce further organic material into the beverage lines (which can otherwise occur with e.g. mains water). Thus, by providing an ozone generator (able to produce ozone water), more effective cleaning of the beverage system can be performed.

[0013] The level of microorganism growth in a beverage line can, however, vary between cleaning cycles. This may, for example, be a result of variation in beverages (some beverages are more susceptible to microorganism growth) or e.g. variation in temperatures. Accordingly, the required level of cleaning (to remove or reduce such microorganism growth) can vary between cleaning cycles.

[0014] For the avoidance of doubt, the term "sanitation" is used herein to refer to the presence (and level of) of microorganisms within the liquid.

[0015] Further features of the first aspect will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination with any aspect.

[0016] The sanitation sensor is an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) sensor arranged to measure the ORP of liquid within the beverage line, and to generate a signal indicative of the measured ORP.

[0017] Oxidation-reduction potential can provide an indication of water quality or sanitation. Accordingly, the provision of an ORP sensor arranged to measure liquid in the beverage line can provide feedback on the level of cleanliness of the beverage line. This can allow a user, for example, to optimise cleaning of the beverage line to ensure organic material is removed from the beverage lines.

[0018] The sanitation sensor may be arranged to measure liquid at or proximate to the second end of the beverage line. The sanitation sensor may be mounted to or in the beverage dispenser. For example, the sanitation sensor be mounted to a tap of the beverage dispenser. In some embodiments, the sanitation sensor may be mounted at an outlet of the tap (in such embodiments a body of the sanitation sensor may define a passage providing the second end of the beverage line).

[0019] By providing the sanitation sensor at the second end of the beverage line, the sanitation of liquid at the second end can be measured. In normal use of the beverage dispense system, the second end of the beverage line may represent a downstream end of the beverage line. By measuring liquid at the downstream end of the beverage line, the liquid being measured will have passed through substantially the entirety of the beverage line. This will ensure that a sanitation (e.g. ORP) measurement made by the sensor is representative of the state of the entire beverage line.

[0020] The cleaning system may comprise means for delivering (e.g. pushing) ozone water from the ozone generator to the beverage line. The system may, for example, comprise a pump configured to deliver ozone water to the beverage line. The pump may be downstream of the ozone generator. In other embodiments the pump may be upstream of the ozone generator (or an additional pump may be provided upstream). The provision of a pump may ensure a consistent flow of water through the ozone generator, for the provision of consistent ozone generation.

[0021] The cleaning system may comprise a reservoir (e.g. in the form of a tank) for retaining liquid. The reservoir may be downstream of the ozone generator. The reservoir may be for retaining ozone water produced by the ozone generator. Thus, the reservoir may comprise an inlet for receipt of ozone water. Likewise, the reservoir may comprise an outlet for discharge of ozone water.

[0022] The reservoir may be upstream of the pump (when present). The provision of such a reservoir may allow the cleaning system to store a volume of ozone water, so as to ensure that the there is a consistent (and sufficient) supply of ozone water to the beverage line when required.

[0023] The cleaning system may comprise a coupler configured for releasable (i.e. fluid) connection to the beverage line. The coupler may, for example, be configured for releasable connection to the connector of the beverage line. In some embodiments, the connector of the beverage line may be a keg coupler, and the coupler of the cleaning system may be configured for releasable connection with a keg coupler.

[0024] The coupler may be fluidly connected to the reservoir (e.g. to the outlet of the reservoir), for example by tubing (e.g. flexible tubing).

[0025] The cleaning system may also be configured for supplying a cleaning fluid to the beverage line. Thus, the cleaning system may be configurable between two modes: a first mode in which cleaning fluid is supplied to the beverage line, and a second mode in which ozone water is supplied to the beverage line (e.g. for flushing cleaning fluid from the beverage line).

[0026] In the first mode, the cleaning system may be configured to direct water from the water source to the beverage line, bypassing the ozone generator. For example, the cleaning system may comprise a flow diverter moveable between a first position in which water from the water source bypasses the ozone generator, and a second position in which water from the water source is directed to the ozone generator.

[0027] As already described above, in the second mode the cleaning system may be configured to direct water from the water source to the ozone generator, and to direct ozone water from the ozone generator to the beverage line.

[0028] The cleaning system may comprise a reservoir for mixing a cleaning agent (e.g. in the form of a powder or liquid) with water to form a cleaning fluid. The reservoir may be the same reservoir as that already described above for storing ozone water (but in other embodiments two separate reservoirs may be provided). Accordingly, the cleaning system may comprise a single reservoir that (in the first mode) provides a mixing chamber for producing cleaning fluid, and (in the second mode) provides for storage of ozone water. In this way, the reservoir may provide dual functionality. This may be desirable, for example, for portability of the cleaning system (or simply because there is often limited space in cellars for such systems).

[0029] In the first mode, the cleaning system may be configured to direct water from the water source to the reservoir, bypassing the ozone generator (i.e. e.g. directly to the reservoir without prior treatment). In the second mode the cleaning system may be configured to direct water from the water source to the ozone generator, and to direct ozone water from the ozone generator to the reservoir.

[0030] The reservoir may comprise an inlet for receipt of water. The inlet may be the same inlet as that already described above (i.e. through which ozone water is received into the reservoir). In other embodiments, however, separate inlets may be provided for ozone water and water (e.g. respectively fluidly connected to the ozone generator and water source).

[0031] The reservoir may comprise a further inlet for receipt of a cleaning agent into the reservoir. This further inlet may be referred to as a secondary inlet herein, and the inlet discussed above (for water and / or ozone water) may be referred to as a primary inlet.

[0032] In some embodiments, the cleaning agent may be dosed manually in the reservoir. In other embodiments, the cleaning system may be configured for automatic dosing of cleaning agent (as will be described further below). To provide such automatic dosing, the cleaning system may comprise a cleaning agent dosing mechanism (such as a hopper) configured to dose a predetermined amount of cleaning agent into the reservoir. The dosing mechanism may be provided at the secondary inlet of the reservoir.

[0033] The reservoir may comprise an eductor configured to promote mixing of the cleaning agent and water. The eductor may be arranged such that water directed to the reservoir (e.g. in the first mode) passes through the eductor. The eductor may be in fluid communication with the primary inlet of the reservoir. The reservoir may comprise a conduit (e.g. a tube) for flow of water into the reservoir. The conduit may extend into the reservoir from the primary inlet. The conduit may comprise a distal end that is distal from the primary inlet. The distal end of the conduit may be positioned in a lower region of the reservoir. The eductor may provided at the distal end of the conduit.

[0034] The eductor may comprise an internal channel comprising a venturi region (i.e. a neck or narrowed region). The channel of the eductor may be spaced from the distal end of the conduit so as to define a gap for flow of liquid from the reservoir into the channel of the eductor. In this way, liquid flowing through the channel may be a combination of that flowing into the primary inlet and liquid already present in the reservoir. This may promote mixing of the liquid.

[0035] An outlet of the channel of the eductor may be arranged to discharge fluid in an axial direction (e.g. in a downward direction in normal use). Alternatively, the outlet of the channel of the eductor may be arranged to discharge fluid in a tangential direction (e.g. with respect to an in-use, central axis of the reservoir).

[0036] The cleaning system may comprise a pump configured to move (e.g. push) cleaning fluid (i.e. mixed water and cleaning agent) to the beverage line. The pump may be downstream of the reservoir. The pump may be the same pump as that described above with respect to movement of ozone water to the beverage line (but in other embodiments separate pumps may be provided). Accordingly, the same pump may be used (in the first mode) to move cleaning fluid and (in the second mode) to move ozone water.

[0037] The cleaning system may further comprise a supplementary reservoir provided upstream of the ozone generator. The supplementary reservoir may be connectable to (or may provide) the water source. The supplementary reservoir may be configured to store a volume of water, to ensure a consistent supply of water to the ozone generator. An inconsistent supply of water to the ozone generator could otherwise result in inadequate ozone water production. Likewise, the provision of the supplementary reservoir may ensure a laminar flow of water can be provided to the ozone generator. Again, this can aid in the consistent generation of ozone.

[0038] The beverage dispense system (e.g. cleaning system) may comprise a controller configured to control the cleaning system (e.g. configured to control various components of the cleaning system). For example, the controller may be operatively connected to (to control) one or more of the ozone generator, pump, flow diverter, and / or dosing mechanism. Such operative connection may be provided by a wired and / or wireless connection.

[0039] The cleaning system may also comprise various further mechanisms (e.g. flow diverters, such as valves) to control the flow of water, ozone water, cleaning fluid and / or cleaning agent through the cleaning system. The controller may be operatively connected to such further mechanisms to control such mechanisms.

[0040] The term "controller" may refer to one or more units for processing data, examples of which may include electrical circuitry, an ASIC, microcontroller, FPGA, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP) capability, state machine or other suitable component. The controller may be configured to execute a computer program, e.g. which may take the form of machine readable instructions, which may be stored on a non-transitory memory and / or programmable logic. As used herein, any machine executable instructions, or computer readable media, may be configured to cause a disclosed method to be carried out.

[0041] The controller may be configured to control the cleaning system to perform a cleaning cycle. The cleaning cycle may comprise operating the cleaning system in the first mode and / or second mode. In some embodiments, the cleaning cycle may comprise delivering ozone water to the beverage line. In some embodiments, the cleaning cycle may comprise delivering cleaning fluid to the beverage line. The cleaning cycle may comprise delivering cleaning fluid to the beverage line for cleaning the beverage line, and subsequently flushing the cleaning fluid from the beverage line with ozone water. The cleaning cycle may comprise retaining the cleaning fluid in the beverage line for a period of time (which may be referred to as "soaking").

[0042] The controller may be configured to control the cleaning system in response to measurements made by the sanitation sensor. The controller may be configured to control the cleaning system to perform a first cleaning cycle, and to determine, based on a measurement made by the sanitation sensor, whether to control the cleaning system to perform a second subsequent cleaning. The determination may comprise comparing the measurement made by the sanitation sensor with a predetermined threshold value. The threshold value may be a minimum value. The controller may be configured to control the cleaning system to perform the second cleaning cycle if the measurement made by sanitation sensor is below the predetermined threshold value (and e.g. not to control the cleaning system to perform the second cleaning cycle if the measurement made by the sanitation sensor is above the predetermined threshold value.

[0043] In this way, a further cleaning cycle may be performed by the cleaning system if the measurements made by the sanitation sensor are indicative of inadequate sanitation of the beverage line. This can ensure that the beverage line is sufficiently clean after the cleaning system has been used.

[0044] The threshold value may, for example, be an ORP of between 500 and 800 mV, or e.g. between 600 and 700 mV, or e.g. about 650 mV The controller may be configured to adjust a cleaning cycle in response to measurements made by the sanitation sensor. For example, the controller may be configured to extend at least part of the cleaning cycle (e.g. supplying additional cleaning fluid to the beverage line) in response to measurements made by the sanitation sensor.

[0045] In some embodiments, a cleaning cycle may comprise varying the flow rate of cleaning fluid and / or ozone water through the beverage line to provide a pulsed flow of liquid through the beverage line. That is, the flow rate may be controlled oscillate between a higher flow rate and a lower flow rate. Such control may, for example, be provided by the controller being configured to control the pump and / or a valve of the beverage dispense system (e.g. cleaning system).

[0046] The beverage dispense system may comprise a user interface configured to display information to a user and / or receive a user input from the user. The user interface may form part of a portable handheld device. The user interface may be operatively connected (e.g. by wireless or wired connection) to the sanitation sensor and may be configured to display information regarding the sanitation (e.g. ORP) measured by the sanitation sensor.

[0047] The user interface may be operatively connected to the controller. The controller may be configured to control the cleaning system in response to a user input received by the user interface. In this way, a user may be able to control the cleaning system via the user interface.

[0048] In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to control the cleaning system according to a (user) selected cleaning programme of a plurality of different cleaning programmes. In general, the plurality cleaning programmes may differ in the level of cleaning they provide. For example, the cleaning programmes may differ in one or more of cleaning agent type, cleaning agent dosage, soaking duration and / or duration of the first and / or second modes of the cleaning cycle.

[0049] In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to adjust a cleaning cycle of a cleaning programme based on the sanitation measured by the sanitation sensor during the cleaning cycle. For example, the controller may be configured to extend a cleaning cycle (e.g. supplying additional cleaning fluid to the beverage line) in response to measurements made by the sanitation sensor.

[0050] The user interface may be configured to allow a user to select a selected cleaning programme of the plurality of cleaning programmes (and the controller may be configured to control the cleaning system to perform the selected cleaning programme upon selection). Thus, the user interface may be configured to present (e.g. display) the plurality of cleaning programmes to a user (i.e. for selection).

[0051] By providing the ability to select a pre-set cleaning programme, a user can choose an appropriate level of cleaning for a particular beverage line. The required level of cleaning may be determined based on a visual inspection, or e.g. based on the time that has elapsed since the beverage line has been cleaned and / or the type of beverage dispensed through the beverage line.

[0052] The cleaning system may comprise a further sanitation sensor (e.g. and ORP sensor), which may be arranged for measuring the sanitation (e.g. ORP) of water upstream of the ozone generator. The controller may be configured to generate an alert based on the ORP measured by the further sanitation sensor (for example, if the ORP measured by the further sanitation sensor is below a threshold value). The alert may be communicated to the user interface for indication to a user.

[0053] This may be beneficial to ensure that the water supplied to the ozone generator is of adequate quality.

[0054] Additionally or alternatively, the cleaning system may comprise an ozone water sensor (e.g. an ORP sensor) configured to measure a parameter indicative of the level of ozone in water. The ozone water sensor may be arranged to monitor the level of ozone in the ozone water produced by the ozone generator. The ozone water sensor may be arranged at or proximate to (but downstream of) the point at which the ozone generator introduces ozone into the water.

[0055] The controller may be operatively connected to the ozone water sensor. The controller may be configured to determine if the measured ozone level (which may be indicated by ORP), is below a threshold ozone level. The controller may be configured to control the cleaning system in response to the measured ozone level (e.g. in response to the measured ozone level falling below the threshold ozone level).

[0056] The controller may be configured to generate an alert if the measured ozone level falls below the threshold ozone level. The alert may be communicated to a user via the user interface. The alert may, for example, be indicated by way of a light (e.g. LED) on the ozone generator.

[0057] The controller may be configured to control the flow of water through the ozone generator in response to the measured ozone level (e.g. by control of the pump and / or a valve). The controller may be configured to increase the flow rate of water through the ozone generator when the measured ozone level is below the threshold ozone level and / or increase the flow rate of water through the ozone generator when the measured ozone level is above the threshold ozone level.

[0058] In a second aspect not according to the invention, there is provided a cleaning system for cleaning a beverage line of a beverage dispense system, the cleaning system comprising: a connector for connecting the cleaning system to a water source; a coupler for releasably connecting the cleaning system to the beverage line; an ozone generator configured to introduce ozone into water received from the water source to produce ozone water; and a reservoir for retaining liquid, the reservoir comprising a primary inlet for liquid flow into the reservoir, a secondary inlet for receipt of cleaning agent, and an outlet fluidly connected to the coupler for delivery of liquid contained in the reservoir to the beverage line; wherein the cleaning system is configurable between: a first mode in which, in use, water is directed from the water source to the reservoir, bypassing the ozone generator; and a second mode in which, in use, water is directed from the water source to the ozone generator for producing ozone water, and wherein the ozone water is supplied from the ozone generator to the reservoir.

[0059] As may be appreciated, in the first mode the water supplied to the reservoir can be used to produce a cleaning fluid (i.e. combining the water with a cleaning agent received in the reservoir). Accordingly, depending on whether the cleaning system is in the first mode or the second mode, the cleaning system can deliver cleaning fluid or ozone water to the beverage line.

[0060] Likewise, depending on whether the cleaning system is in the first mode or the second mode, the reservoir is used to mix water and cleaning agent to form a cleaning fluid, or used to store a volume of ozone water to ensure a sufficient supply to the beverage line. In this way, the reservoir provides dual functionality. This reduces the complexity and bulk of the cleaning system.

[0061] Optional features of the second aspect will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination with any aspect.

[0062] The cleaning system may comprise a flow diverter moveable to reconfigure the cleaning system from the first mode to the second mode. The flow diverter may be movable between a first position in which water from the water source bypasses the ozone generator, and a second position in which water from the water source is directed to the ozone generator. The flow diverter may, for example, comprise a valve (e.g. a three-way valve) so as to receive water from the water source and direct water to either the reservoir or the ozone generator. As is set out further below, the flow diverter may be controllable to provide automated switching between the first and second modes.

[0063] The cleaning system may comprise means for delivering (e.g. pushing) ozone water and / or cleaning fluid from the reservoir to the beverage line, when connected. The cleaning system may, for example, comprise a pump configured to deliver ozone water and / or cleaning fluid to the beverage line. The pump may be configured to move (e.g. draw) water through the ozone generator.

[0064] The reservoir may be in the form of a tank. The pump (when present) may be downstream of the reservoir.

[0065] The coupler (for connection to the beverage line) may be configured for releasable connection to a keg coupler (i.e. of the type that may be provided on the end of a beverage line). The coupler may be fluidly connected to the reservoir (e.g. to the outlet of the reservoir), for example by tubing.

[0066] In some examples, cleaning agent may be dosed manually in the reservoir. In other examples, the cleaning system may be configured for automatic dosing of cleaning agent (as will be described further below). To provide such automatic dosing, the cleaning system may comprise a cleaning agent dosing mechanism (such as a hopper) configured to dose a predetermined amount of cleaning agent into the reservoir. The dosing mechanism may be provided at the secondary inlet of the reservoir.

[0067] The reservoir may comprise an eductor configured to promote mixing of the cleaning agent and water. The eductor may be arranged such that water received by the reservoir passes through the eductor. The eductor may be in fluid communication with the primary inlet of the reservoir. The reservoir may comprise a conduit (e.g. a tube) for flow of water into the reservoir. The conduit may extend into the reservoir from the primary inlet. The conduit may comprise a distal end that is distal from the primary inlet. The distal end of the conduit may be positioned in a lower region of the reservoir. The eductor may be provided at the distal end of the conduit.

[0068] The eductor may comprise an internal channel comprising a venturi region (i.e. a neck or narrowed region). The channel of the eductor may be spaced from the distal end of the conduit so as to define a gap for flow of liquid from the reservoir into the channel of the eductor. In this way, liquid flowing through the channel may be a combination of that flowing into the primary inlet and liquid already present in the reservoir. This may promote mixing of the liquid.

[0069] An outlet of the channel of the eductor may be arranged to discharge fluid in an axial direction (e.g. in a downward direction in normal use). Alternatively, the outlet of the channel of the eductor may be arranged to discharge fluid in a tangential direction (e.g. with respect to an in-use, central axis of the reservoir).

[0070] The cleaning system may further comprise a supplementary reservoir provided upstream of the ozone generator. The supplementary reservoir may be connectable to (or may provide) the water source. The supplementary reservoir may be configured to store a volume of water, to ensure a consistent supply of water to the ozone generator. An inconsistent supply of water to the ozone generator could otherwise result in inadequate ozone water production.

[0071] The cleaning system comprises a sanitation sensor (e.g. ORP sensor) connectable to the beverage line to measure the sanitation (e.g. ORP) of liquid within the beverage line, and to generate a signal indicative of the measured sanitation (e.g. ORP).

[0072] The sanitation sensor may be mountable to or in a beverage dispenser for dispensing beverage from the beverage line. For example, the sanitation sensor be configured for mounting to a tap of the beverage dispenser. In some examples, the sanitation sensor may be configured for mounting to an outlet of the tap (in such examples a body of the sanitation sensor may define a passage through which liquid may flow).

[0073] By providing the sanitation sensor, the quality (i.e. sanitation) of liquid can be measured. By providing an sanitation sensor that is mountable to the beverage dispenser (e.g. tap) of a beverage system, the liquid being measured has passed through substantially the entirety of the beverage line. This will ensure that a sanitation (i.e. ORP) measurement made by the sensor is representative of the state of the entire beverage line.

[0074] The cleaning system may comprise a controller configured to control the cleaning system (e.g. configured to control various components of the cleaning system). For example, the controller may be operatively connected to (to control) one or more of the ozone generator, pump, flow diverter, and / or dosing mechanism. Such operative connection may be provided by a wired and / or wireless connection.

[0075] The cleaning system may also comprise various further mechanisms (e.g. flow diverters, such as valves) to control the flow of water, ozone water, cleaning fluid and / or cleaning agent through the cleaning system. The controller may be operatively connected to such further mechanisms to control such mechanisms.

[0076] The term "controller" may refer to one or more units for processing data, examples of which may include electrical circuitry, an ASIC, microcontroller, FPGA, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP) capability, state machine or other suitable component. The controller may be configured to execute a computer program, e.g. which may take the form of machine-readable instructions, which may be stored on a non-transitory memory and / or programmable logic. As used herein, any machine executable instructions, or computer readable media, may be configured to cause a disclosed method to be carried out.

[0077] The controller may be configured to control the cleaning system to perform a cleaning cycle. The cleaning cycle may comprise operating the cleaning system in the first mode and / or second mode. In some examples, the cleaning cycle may comprise delivering ozone water to the beverage line. In some examples, the cleaning cycle may comprise delivering cleaning fluid to the beverage line. The cleaning cycle may comprise delivering cleaning fluid to the beverage line for cleaning the beverage line, and subsequently flushing the cleaning fluid from the beverage line with ozone water. The cleaning cycle may comprise retaining the cleaning fluid in the beverage line for a period of time (sometimes referred to as "soaking").

[0078] The controller may be configured to control the cleaning system in response to measurements made by the sanitation sensor. The controller may be configured to control the cleaning system to perform a first cleaning cycle, and to determine, based on a measurement made by the sanitation sensor, whether to control the cleaning system to perform a second subsequent cleaning. The determination may comprise comparing the measurement made by the sanitation sensor with a predetermined threshold value. The threshold value may be a minimum value. The controller may be configured to control the cleaning system to perform the second cleaning cycle if the measurement made by sanitation sensor is below the predetermined threshold value (and e.g. not to control the cleaning system to perform the second cleaning cycle if the measurement made by the sanitation sensor is above the predetermined threshold value. Likewise, the controller may be configured to adjust a cleaning cycle in response to measurements made by the sanitation sensor. For example, the controller may be configured to extend at least part of the cleaning cycle (e.g. supplying additional cleaning fluid to the beverage line) in response to measurements made by the sanitation sensor.

[0079] In this way, a further cleaning cycle may be performed by the cleaning system if the measurements made by the sanitation sensor are indicative of inadequate sanitation of the beverage line.

[0080] The sanitation sensor is an ORP sensor, the threshold value may, for example, be an ORP of between 500 and 800 mV, or e.g. between 600 and 700 mV, or e.g. about 650 mV.

[0081] In some examples, a cleaning cycle may comprise varying the flow rate of cleaning fluid and / or ozone water through the beverage line to provide a pulsed flow of liquid through the beverage line. That is, the flow rate may be controlled oscillate between a higher flow rate and a lower flow rate. Such control may, for example, be provided by the controller being configured to control the pump and / or a valve of the beverage dispense system (e.g. cleaning system).

[0082] The system may comprise a user interface configured to display information to a user and / or receive a user input from the user. The user interface may form part of a portable handheld device. The user interface may be operatively connected (e.g. by wireless or wired connection) to the sanitation sensor and may be configured to display information regarding the sanitation (e.g. ORP) measured by the sanitation sensor.

[0083] The user interface may be operatively connected to the controller. The controller may be configured to control the cleaning system in response to a user input received by the user interface. In this way, a user may be able to control the cleaning system via the user interface.

[0084] In some examples, the controller may be configured to control the cleaning system according to a (user) selected cleaning programme of a plurality of cleaning programmes. In general, the plurality cleaning programmes may differ in the level of cleaning they provide. For example, the cleaning programmes may differ in one or more of cleaning agent type, cleaning agent dosage, soaking duration and / or duration of the first and / or second modes of the cleaning cycle.

[0085] The user interface may be configured to allow a user to select a cleaning programme of the plurality of cleaning programmes (and the controller may be configured to control the cleaning system to perform the selected cleaning programme upon selection). Thus, the user interface may be configured to present (e.g. display) the plurality of cleaning programmes to a user (i.e. for selection).

[0086] By providing the ability to select a pre-set cleaning programme, a user can choose an appropriate level of cleaning for a particular beverage line. The required level of cleaning may be determined based on a visual inspection, or e.g. based on the time that has elapsed since the beverage line has been cleaned and / or the type of beverage dispensed through the beverage line.

[0087] In some examples, the controller may be configured to adjust a cleaning cycle of a cleaning programme based on the sanitation measured by the sanitation sensor during the cleaning cycle. For example, the controller may be configured to extend a cleaning cycle (e.g. supplying additional cleaning fluid to the beverage line) in response to measurements made by the sanitation sensor.

[0088] The cleaning system may comprise a further sanitation sensor, which may be arranged for measuring the sanitation (e.g. ORP) of water upstream of the ozone generator. The controller may be configured to generate an alert based on the sanitation (e.g. ORP) measured by the further sanitation sensor (for example, if the sanitation level (e.g. ORP) measured by the further sanitation sensor is below a threshold value). The alert may be communicated to the user interface for indication to a user.

[0089] Additionally or alternatively, the cleaning system may comprise an ozone water sensor (e.g. an ORP sensor) configured to measure a parameter indicative of the level of ozone in water. The ozone water sensor may be arranged to monitor the level of ozone in the ozone water produced by the ozone generator. The ozone water sensor may be arranged at or proximate to (but downstream of) the point at which the ozone generator introduces ozone into the water.

[0090] The controller may be operatively connected to the ozone water sensor. The controller may be configured to determine if the measured ozone level (which may be indicated by ORP), is below a threshold ozone level. The controller may be configured to control the cleaning system in response to the measured ozone level (e.g. in response to the measured ozone level falling below the threshold ozone level).

[0091] The controller may be configured to generate an alert if the measured ozone level falls below the threshold ozone level. The alert may be communicated to a user via the user interface. The alert may, for example, be indicated by way of a light (e.g. LED) on the ozone generator.

[0092] The controller may be configured to control the flow of water through the ozone generator in response to the measured ozone level (e.g. by control of the pump and / or a valve). The controller may be configured to increase the flow rate of water through the ozone generator when the measured ozone level is below the threshold ozone level and / or increase the flow rate of water through the ozone generator when the measured ozone level is above the threshold ozone level.

[0093] The cleaning system of the second aspect may comprise one or more features of the cleaning system described above with respect to the first aspect.

[0094] In a third aspect according to the invention, there is provided a method of operating a cleaning system to clean a beverage line of a beverage dispense system, the method comprising: performing a cleaning cycle including moving a cleaning fluid and / or ozone water through the beverage line; measuring the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of cleaning fluid and / or ozone water in the beverage line; comparing the measured ORP to a predetermined threshold ORP value; performing a turtner cleaning cycle if the measured ORP is below the threshold ORP value and not performing a further cleaning cycle if the measured ORP is above the threshold ORP value.

[0095] Optional features of the third aspect will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination with any aspect.

[0096] Performing a cleaning cycle may comprise delivering ozone water to the beverage line. In some embodiments, performing a cleaning cycle may comprise delivering cleaning fluid to the beverage line. The cleaning cycle may comprise delivering cleaning fluid to the beverage line for cleaning the beverage line, and subsequently flushing the cleaning fluid from the beverage line with ozone water. The cleaning cycle may comprise retaining the cleaning fluid in the beverage line for a period of time (sometimes referred to as "soaking").

[0097] Measuring the sanitation may comprise measuring the sanitation of cleaning fluid and / or ozone water at a downstream end of the beverage line. The step of measuring the sanitation may be performed at or towards an end of the cleaning cycle.

[0098] As ORP is measured, the threshold value may, for example, be an ORP of between 500 and 800 mV, or e.g. between 600 and 700 mV, or e.g. about 650 mV.

[0099] The method may be performed by a controller of the cleaning system. The cleaning system may be as otherwise described with respect to the first and / or second aspect.Brief Summary of the Figures

[0100] Embodiments will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a beverage dispense system; Figures 2A and 2B are schematic views of a cleaning system in a first mode and a second mode respectively; Figure 3 is a perspective section view of a reservoir of the beverage dispense system of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a flow chart depicting a method of cleaning a beverage line; and Figure 5 is a flow chart depicting a further method of cleaning a beverage line. Detailed Description

[0101] Aspects and embodiments will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0102] Figure 1 shows a beverage dispense system 10 for dispensing draught beverage. The beverage dispense system 10 includes a beverage supply 11 in the form of a keg, a beverage dispenser 12 (comprising a tap 13) and a beverage line 14 extending from (a first end at) the beverage supply 11 to (a second end at) the beverage dispenser 12 for flow of beverage such as beer). In particular, the beverage line 14 is releasably connected to the beverage supply 11 by a connector 15 in the form of a keg coupler. The beverage supply 11 is typically located in a cellar 16, while the beverage dispenser 12 is typically located at a dispense site 17 (which in this case is a bar).

[0103] In use, when the tap 13 of the beverage dispenser 12 is opened, beverage flows from the beverage supply 11 (in the cellar 16) to the tap 13 (at the dispense site 17) for dispensing from the tap 13.

[0104] A cooler 18 is provided along the beverage line 14, between the beverage supply 11 and the beverage dispenser 12. This ensures that beverage within the beverage line 14 is maintained at a temperature that helps to minimise microorganism growth.

[0105] The beverage system 10 further includes a cleaning system 19. The cleaning system 19 is configured to be connected to the beverage line 14 (e.g. via the connector 15) for cleaning the beverage line 14.

[0106] The cleaning system 19 is shown in more detail in Figures 2A and 2B. The cleaning system 19 includes a reservoir 20 for receipt of liquid, an ozone generator 21, a pump 22 (which may be housed in a common housing with the ozone generator 21), and a controller 23.

[0107] The cleaning system 19 is configurable between two modes: a first mode (in Figure 2A) in which a cleaning fluid 51 is supplied by the cleaning system 19 and a second mode (in Figure 2B) in which ozone water is supplied by the cleaning system 19. In both modes the cleaning system 19 is connected to the beverage line 14 (as per Figure 1) by a cleaning system coupler 24 configured to interface with the connector 15 of the beverage line 14 (i.e. after being disconnected from the beverage supply 11). Likewise, in both modes the pump 22 is activated to draw liquid through the cleaning system 19 and to push liquid along the beverage line 14 (to allow this movement of liquid to occur, the tap 13 of the beverage dispenser 12 is opened).

[0108] In the first mode (Figure 2A), the reservoir 20 is connected to a water source 25 (e.g. mains water) to receive water 50 from the water source 25. In the present embodiment, a supplementary tank 47 is provided between the water source 25 and the reservoir 20. This ensures a consistent supply of water 50 to the reservoir 20. Within an internal cavity 31 of the reservoir 20, the water 50 is mixed with a cleaning agent (e.g. in the form of a powder or liquid).

[0109] The reservoir 20 is shown in more detail in Figure 3 and has a planar upper wall 33 and a curved (hemispherical) lower wall 34, which is supported by a plurality of feet 35. The upper wall 33 of the reservoir 20 is provided with a primary inlet 26 (into which water 50 is received in the first mode) and a secondary inlet 27 into which cleaning agent can be received. Although not illustrated, the secondary inlet 27 may be covered by a removable closure to prevent contamination. Alternatively, in some examples cleaning agent dosing can be performed automatically by a cleaning agent dosing mechanism (such as a hopper) provided at the secondary inlet 27.

[0110] The reservoir 20 also includes a central conduit 28 along which liquid (in the first mode, water 50) flows from the primary inlet 26. An eductor 29 is mounted at a lower end of this central conduit 28. The eductor 29 includes an internal channel having a restriction (i.e. a venturi region), and an upstream gap 30 that is positioned between the central conduit 28 and the internal channel of the eductor 29. In use, liquid flows from the conduit 28 into the internal channel of the eductor 29 and at the same time liquid is also drawn into the internal channel from the internal cavity 31 of the reservoir 20.

[0111] This arrangement increases the movement (and thus mixing) of liquid within the reservoir 20. In the first mode of the cleaning system 19, the eductor ensures that cleaning agent received through the secondary inlet 27 is adequately mixed with water 50 received through the primary inlet 26.

[0112] Returning to Figures 2A and 2B, it can be seen that the reservoir 20 includes a reservoir outlet 32 at a lower end thereof. Although not shown, the outlet 32 may comprise a filter (e.g. a mesh element), which may prevent any undissolved powder from being discharged from the reservoir 20. The outlet 32 may be provided with a valve configured to control the flow of liquid through the outlet 32. For example, the water / cleaning agent (i.e. the cleaning fluid 51) combination may only be allowed to flow from the reservoir 20 by such a valve after sufficient mixing has been performed. Alternatively, such flow may be controlled by the pump 22.

[0113] The outlet 32 of the reservoir 20 is fluidly connected to the pump 22, which (when activated) moves the cleaning fluid 51 from the reservoir 20 to the beverage line 14 of the beverage dispense system. Accordingly, the cleaning system 19 is able to supply cleaning fluid 51 (i.e. a water / cleaning agent combination) to the beverage line 14 for cleaning the beverage line 14.

[0114] In the second mode, shown in Figure 2B, ozone water 49 (instead of cleaning fluid 51) is supplied to the beverage line 14 by the cleaning system 19. In the second mode, the water source 25 is connected to the ozone generator 21. In the illustrated embodiment, this is achieved by a flow diverter 46 (e.g. a three-way valve), which is operable to redirect the water 50 from the water source 25 to the ozone generator 21.

[0115] The ozone generator 21 is configured to generate ozone and introduce the ozone into water 50 supplied from the water source 25, through an inlet 36 of the ozone generator 21. By introducing ozone into the water 50, the ozone generator 21 is able to form ozone water 49 (i.e. water containing ozone). The provision of the tank 47 and pump 47 (for moving water 50 from the tank 47) are beneficial in the second mode in that they help ensure a consistent supply of water 50 to the ozone generator 21, and thus help to ensure a consistent production of ozone water 49 (which can be important to ensure adequate cleaning of the beverage line 14).

[0116] The ozone generator 21 further includes an outlet 37 from which the ozone water 49 (created by the ozone generator 21) is discharged.

[0117] The ozone generator 21 includes a sanitation sensor in the form of an ORP sensor 38 for measuring the sanitation of the water 50 received from the water source 25. This allows a user to determine if the quality of the water 50 received from the water source 25 is of poor quality (which could be detrimental to the success of the cleaning process).

[0118] The outlet of the ozone generator 21 is fluidly connected to the primary inlet 26 of the reservoir 20. In this case, no cleaning agent is added to the ozone water 49 within the reservoir 20. Nevertheless, by directing ozone water 49 to the reservoir 20, a supply of ozone water 49 is able to stored prior to supply of the ozone water 49 to the beverage line 14. This can be advantageous in that it allows, for example, ozone water 49 to be accumulate in the reservoir 20 while cleaning fluid (supplied via the first mode of the cleaning system 19) is left to soak in the beverage line 14.

[0119] Likewise, the use of the reservoir 20 for both mixing of the cleaning agent and for accumulation of ozone water 49 means that it provides dual functionality, reducing the complexity and bulk of the cleaning system 19.

[0120] When required, the ozone water 49 can exit the reservoir 20 via the outlet 32 (e.g. controlled by a valve or the pump 22) and is pushed to the beverage line 14 by the pump 22.

[0121] An exemplary method of cleaning a beverage line 14 using the cleaning system 19 is illustrated by Figure 4. The method involves first disconnecting the beverage supply 11 from the beverage line 14, and then connecting the beverage line 14 to the cleaning system 19 (at step 40).

[0122] At step 41, the cleaning system 19 is operated in the first mode. This includes mixing water 50 with cleaning agent in the reservoir 20 according to a predetermined dosage, and then moving the water / cleaning agent mix (i.e. cleaning fluid) into the beverage line 14. At this point, the cleaning fluid may be left within the beverage line 14 for a period of time (referred to as "soaking").

[0123] At step 42, the cleaning system 19 is operated in the second mode. In some cases, this can begin while the cleaning fluid is soaked within the beverage line 14. Likewise, in some cases the reservoir 20 may be flushed with water prior to the cleaning system 19 entering the second mode to remove any residual cleaning fluid. The eductor 29 of the reservoir 20 may facilitate this. In the second mode, the cleaning system 19 flushes the beverage line 14 with ozone water 49 produced by the ozone generator 21. This removes cleaning fluid from the beverage line 14 and also acts to eliminate microorganisms within the beverage line 14.

[0124] At step 43, the cleaning system 19 is disconnected from the beverage line 14 by a user. Subsequently, the user can reconnect the beverage line 14 to a beverage supply 11 (so that beverage can continue to be dispensed from the beverage dispenser 12).

[0125] The method described above can be performed manually by a user, or the system 10 may be configured such that the method can be performed in an automated manner (i.e. controlled by the controller 45).

[0126] In the present example, there are two ways the cleaning system 19 can be controlled in an automated manner. Firstly, the cleaning system 19 can be controlled according to a selected cleaning programme of a plurality of cleaning programmes. Secondly, the cleaning system 19 can (alternatively) be controlled in response to a detected state of liquid within the beverage line 14.

[0127] To provide these two ways of operating the cleaning system 19, the cleaning system 19 includes a user interface 39 (see Figure 1), an ORP sensor 44 mounted within the beverage dispenser 12, and a controller 45.

[0128] The user interface 39 of the present example is a device located at the bar and operatively connected to the controller 45 (i.e. via wireless or wired connection). The user interface 39 is configured to receive a user input, such as the selection of a requested cleaning programme and communicate that user input to the controller 45. The user interface 39 is also configured to display information to a user (such as cleaning programmes available for selection and measurements made by the ORP sensor 44 mounted within the beverage dispenser 12).

[0129] The ORP sensor 44 is configured to measure the ORP of liquid passing through the beverage dispenser 12 (within the beverage line 14). By positioning the ORP sensor 44 at the downstream end of the beverage line 14, the measurements made by the ORP sensor 44 are generally indicative of the sanitation of the beverage line 14 as a whole.

[0130] The controller 45 is configured to control various components of the cleaning system 19.

[0131] As set forth above, the cleaning system 19 can be operated according to a selected cleaning programme (of a plurality of available cleaning programmes). This selection is made by a user providing a user input to the user interface. In general, the cleaning programmes may differ in the level of cleaning they provide. This allows a user to select an appropriate level of cleaning for a given beverage line 14. For example, for beverage lines 14 that are likely to be more heavily soiled (which may be due to the nature of the beverage in the beverage line 14), the user can select a more comprehensive cleaning programme.

[0132] As may be appreciated, there are several aspects of the above-described cleaning method that may vary between cleaning programmes in order to provide this.

[0133] Thus, for example, the type or dosage of cleaning agent may vary between cleaning programmes. To enable this, the cleaning system 19 may comprise a cleaning agent dosing mechanism (e.g. a hopper), controllable by the controller 45, that is provided at the secondary opening 27 of the reservoir 20. Likewise, the controller 45 may be configured to control the supply of water 50 from the water source 25 to the reservoir 20 (i.e. to control the concentration of cleaning agent in the cleaning fluid).

[0134] Further, the cleaning programmes may vary in the time that cleaning fluid and / or ozone remains within the beverage line 14. This may be at least partly achieved, for example, by control of the pump 22 by the controller 45.

[0135] Even further, the cleaning programmes may vary based on number of cycles. For example, cleaning the beverage line 14 with cleaning fluid (step 41) and flushing the beverage line 14 (step 42) with ozone water 49 may be repeated depending on the cleaning programme.

[0136] As set forth above, the cleaning system 19 is also configured to operate according to a detected state of liquid within the beverage line 14. In this case, the controller 45 controls the cleaning system 19 according to measurements made by the ORP sensor 44 mounted to the beverage dispenser 12.

[0137] One example of such cleaning is illustrated in Figure 5. In the illustrated process, a cleaning cycle is performed in much the same way as described above with respect to Figure 4: first the beverage line 14 is cleaned with a cleaning fluid (at step 51) and is then flushed with ozone water (at step 52). At the end of each cleaning cycle, however, the controller 45 is configured to compare the ORP measured by the ORP sensor 44 against a minimum threshold ORP value (at step 54). If the measured ORP value is below the minimum threshold ORP value (e.g. 650 mV), then the controller 45 controls the cleaning system 19 to repeat the cleaning cycle. On the other hand, if the measured ORP value is above the threshold, the controller 45 controls the cleaning system 19 to end the cleaning process.

[0138] The exemplary embodiments set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting.

[0139] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0140] Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and "include", and variations such as "comprises", "comprising", and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0141] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and / or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a numerical value is optional and means for example + / - 10%.

Claims

1. A beverage dispense system (10) comprising; a beverage line (14) for flow of beverage; a connector (15) at a first end of the beverage line (14) for connecting the beverage line (14) to a beverage supply (11); a beverage dispenser (12) at a second end of the beverage line (14); and a cleaning system (19) comprising: an ozone generator (21) configured to introduce ozone into water (50) to produce ozone water (49), the ozone generator (21) comprising an inlet (36) for receipt of water (50) from a water source (25) and an outlet (37) for supply of ozone water (49) to the beverage line (14); and a sanitation sensor (44) configured to measure a property of liquid that is indicative of the sanitation of the liquid, the sanitation sensor (44) being arranged to measure liquid within the beverage line (14), and to generate a signal indicative of said measured property; wherein the sanitation sensor (44) is an oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) sensor arranged to measure the ORP of liquid within the beverage line (14), and to generate a signal indicative of the measured ORP.

2. The beverage dispense system (10) according to claim 1 wherein the sanitation sensor (44) is arranged to measure liquid at or proximate to the second end of the beverage line (14), and optionally, wherein the sanitation sensor (44) is mounted to or in the beverage dispenser (12).

3. The beverage dispense system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cleaning system (19) comprises a pump (22) configured to deliver ozone water (49) to the beverage line (14).

4. The beverage dispense system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a reservoir (20) for retaining liquid, the reservoir (20) being downstream of the ozone generator (21) and upstream of the beverage line (14).

5. The beverage dispense system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the cleaning system (19) is configurable between: a first mode in which cleaning fluid (51) is supplied to the beverage line (14); and a second mode in which ozone water (49) is supplied to the beverage line (14).

6. The beverage dispense system (10) according to claim 5, wherein: in the first mode the cleaning system (19) is configured to direct water (50) from the water source (25) to the beverage line (14), bypassing the ozone generator (21); and in the second mode the cleaning system (19) is configured to direct water (50) from the water source (25) to the ozone generator (21), and to direct ozone water (49) from the ozone generator (21) to the beverage line (14).

7. The beverage dispense system (10) according to claim 6, when dependent on claim 4, wherein: in the first mode the cleaning system (19) is configured to direct water (50) from the water source (25) to the reservoir (20), bypassing the ozone generator (21); and in the second mode the cleaning system (19) is configured to direct water (50) from the water source (25) to the ozone generator (21), and to direct ozone water (49) from the ozone generator (21) to the reservoir (20); and optionally, wherein the reservoir (20) comprises an inlet (27) for receipt of cleaning agent into the reservoir (20).

8. The beverage dispense system (10) according to claim 7 wherein the reservoir (20) comprises an eductor (29) arranged such that water (50) directed to the reservoir (20) passes through the eductor (29).

9. The beverage dispense system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a controller (45) configured to control the cleaning system (19) in response to measurements made by the sanitation sensor (44), and optionally wherein the controller (45) is configured to control the cleaning system (19) to perform a first cleaning cycle, and to determine, based on a measurement made by the sanitation sensor (44), whether to control the cleaning system (19) to perform a second subsequent cleaning.

10. The beverage dispense system (10) according to claim 9 wherein the controller (45) is configured to control the cleaning system (19) according to a user selected cleaning programme of a plurality of different cleaning programmes.

11. The beverage dispense system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising a further sanitation sensor (38) arranged for measuring the sanitation of water upstream of the ozone generator (21).

12. The beverage dispense system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims comprising an ozone water sensor configured to measure a parameter indicative of the level of ozone in water (50), the ozone water sensor arranged to monitor the level of ozone in the ozone water (49) produced by the ozone generator (21), and optionally, wherein the controller (45) is configured to determine if the measured ozone level is below a threshold ozone level and to generate an alert if the measured ozone level falls below the threshold ozone level.

13. A method of operating a cleaning system (19) to clean a beverage line (14) of a beverage dispense system (10), the method comprising: performing a cleaning cycle including moving a cleaning fluid (51) and / or ozone water (49) through the beverage line (14); measuring the oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) of cleaning fluid (51) and / or ozone water (49) in the beverage line (14); comparing the measured ORP to a predetermined threshold ORP value; performing a further cleaning cycle if the measured ORP is below the threshold ORP value and not performing a further cleaning cycle if the measured ORP is above the threshold ORP value.