Method for the centrifugal processing of a mixture in a protective gas atmosphere of a separator
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- GEA WESTFALIA SEPARATOR GROUP
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-17
Smart Images
Figure EP2024068704_13022025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] METHOD FOR CENTRIFUGAL PROCESSING OF A MIXTURE IN A PROTECTIVE GAS ATMOSPHERE OF A SEPARATOR
[0002] The present invention relates to a process for the centrifugal processing of a dispersion as a solid-liquid or liquid-liquid mixture with the formation of at least two phases in a protective gas atmosphere in a separator.
[0003] Creating a protective gas atmosphere is interesting for various applications, such as the food processing industry. For example, apple juice or apple juice concentrate can experience a change in flavor due to the influence of atmospheric oxygen. Beer also absorbs oxygen, resulting in undesirable flavor changes.
[0004] The same applies to the diverse chemical synthesis processes, which are carried out under protective gas. The processing of the synthesis products is usually carried out using alternative separation methods, such as filtration. Separators, on the other hand, often have one or more air chambers or air cushions during operation, particularly in the distribution chambers, which contain residual oxygen.
[0005] EP 3 894 083 A1 discloses a separator and a method for carbonating a liquid, in particular a beverage such as beer. A separate gas supply line extends into the drum interior. This document therefore deals with a different purpose. Only selected variants of the carbonation methods presented in this document are also suitable for creating a protective gas atmosphere. However, during carbonation, the liquid to be treated is typically first introduced and then enriched with carbon dioxide by introducing CO2. In this method, air-filled chambers are also initially formed, leading to undesirable oxidation of an initial fraction of the liquid, particularly at the beginning of the treatment process.
[0006] Based on the aforementioned prior art, it is the object of the present invention to provide a method with which a drum or regions of a drum can be placed under protective gas and thereby residual oxygen can be displaced.
[0007] The present invention solves this problem by providing a method having the features of claim 1 or alternatively by a method having the features of claim 16. The method relates to the centrifugal processing of a mixture in a protective gas atmosphere of a separator, wherein the protective gas atmosphere prevails in particular in the drum of the separator.
[0008] The method comprises providing a separator, in particular a separator with a vertical axis of rotation, and a rotatably mounted drum with a drum interior for centrifugal processing of a liquid.
[0009] The drum preferably has a supply pipe and a distribution chamber into which the supply pipe opens.
[0010] The distribution chamber can in turn preferably open into a chamber inside the drum with a plate pack and / or into a solids collection chamber inside the drum.
[0011] The separator has at least one gas supply line for introducing displacement gas, which opens into the drum interior and there particularly preferably into the distribution chamber. The gas supply line can comprise a gas line nozzle and a product supply pipe, via which, in addition to the gas supply line, product can also be supplied to the separator. In this way, the existing elements of a separator are also used particularly efficiently for the gas supply. The gas line nozzle can be arranged in the separator in an area of several outlets from the separator, commonly referred to as the discharge head, and can be designed as a lateral connection on the product supply pipe for the gas supply. Alternatively, the gas supply line can also be a separate pipe, e.g. in the product inlet pipe, and run parallel to this product inlet pipe.
[0012] The separator enables, for example, phase separation of a dispersion into two essentially clarified liquid phases, i.e., a liquid-liquid separation. Alternatively or additionally, clarification of a liquid from solids can also occur, i.e., a solid-liquid separation of a dispersion of solids and liquid. This creates a flowable sludge phase and a clarified liquid phase. A three-phase separation into two liquid phases and a solid phase, known as the sludge phase, is also possible.
[0013] In a second step, a rinsing liquid is introduced into the drum. The drum can be empty, partially full, or filled up to the liquid outlet system with grippers. This step reduces the volume of gas to be displaced within the drum. The rinsing liquid can be water or an aqueous solution, for example. The distribution chamber has areas filled with air and therefore also with oxygen. This is undesirable, as this is where the mixture to be processed comes into contact with air. In the case of oxidation-sensitive products, such as beverages or beverage precursors such as fruit juice, fruit juice concentrate, or beer, contact with atmospheric oxygen can lead to a change in the taste of the beverage or beverage precursor.
[0014] The drum can be started up before the flushing fluid is introduced. As the drum rotates, the flushing fluid forms a barrier around the liquid phase drainage system, especially around grippers. This prevents further air ingress.
[0015] During rotation, the rinsing liquid and the residual air in the drum are distributed in such a way that one or more air chambers are formed, particularly in the distribution chamber and in other areas near the axis of rotation.
[0016] In a third step, the protective gas is introduced into the rotating drum, which is at least partially filled with rinsing liquid. This occurs via the gas supply line. This introduced protective gas can have a higher gas pressure than the air in the air chamber, thereby displacing the air from the chamber. Alternatively or additionally, the density difference of the introduced protective gas can also promote displacement. The drum is preferably sealed via a hermetic drain, which prevents the passage of gas. The residual oxygen is forced out via a drain line for a clarified liquid. Pre-filling the drum reduces the volume of inert gas that needs to be introduced. It is therefore particularly preferred if the gas pressure in the air chamber during the introduction of the protective gas is higher than in the environment outside the drum.
[0017] Finally, in a fourth step, the mixture or dispersion to be processed is introduced into the separator, and the rinsing liquid is discharged, e.g., by displacement through the dispersion. This gradually displaces the rinsing liquid from the drum, whereby a mixture or phase mixture may be discharged temporarily.
[0018] Finally, the mixture is processed in the separator in a protective gas atmosphere that is low in oxygen compared to air, or ideally oxygen-free. In the case of carbonated beverage production, in addition to creating the protective gas atmosphere by adjusting the pressure accordingly, carbonation of beverages such as beer can be achieved by introducing it into the mixture to be separated, similar to EP 3 894 083 B1, without any reduction in quality due to oxidation products initially occurring during processing.
[0019] In addition, an overpressure can be generated and adjusted by the protective gas during the centrifugal separation of the mixture, which prevents the escape of CO2 from the liquid, e.g. in beer or sparkling wine.
[0020] Further advantageous embodiments of the method according to the invention are the subject of the subclaims.
[0021] The protective gas can be carbon dioxide, nitrogen, a noble gas or a mixture thereof.
[0022] It is advantageous if the rinsing liquid is water.
[0023] To verify that a protective gas atmosphere has been achieved, it is advantageous to install an oxygen sensor at the separator outlet to determine the oxygen content in the draining liquid, especially the rinsing liquid. An oxygen sensor can determine both bound and free oxygen in a liquid, such as water. Oxygen can also be measured in a gas atmosphere. It can, for example, drop to a minimum value. The protective gas atmosphere is thus established.
[0024] The gas pressure can be adjusted, in particular, depending on the measured oxygen content in the effluent. For example, if no further change in the oxygen content is detected, the gas pressure can be reduced.
[0025] It is also advantageous if the separator has a distribution chamber for the radial discharge of the axially introduced liquid, wherein the gas supply line opens into the distribution chamber or wherein the gas supply line opens into a region of the separator in which several outlets of the separator are arranged, the so-called discharge head.
[0026] The opening of the gas supply line can advantageously be arranged at an axial position, with respect to the axis of rotation, between the upper and lower openings of an inlet pipe of the separator for introducing the mixture and / or the rinsing liquid into the drum, wherein the inlet pipe extends into the drum. The axial position refers to the axis of rotation; however, the opening does not have to be on the axis of rotation, but can in particular also be located next to the axis of rotation or even outside the inlet pipe of the liquid into the drum. By positioning the opening of the gas supply line above the opening of the inlet pipe, the gas is not introduced into the liquid, but into the air chamber above the liquid level.
[0027] Alternatively or additionally, the separator may have a drive spindle, wherein the drum is driven via the drive spindle, wherein the gas supply line is formed at least in regions as a channel within the drive spindle, which opens into the drum interior of the drum.
[0028] The air chamber is formed during operation of the centrifuge, particularly in the distribution chamber.
[0029] After filling with rinsing liquid, the further process takes place without interrupting the operation of the separator.
[0030] An oxygen sensor can also be installed at the separator outlet to determine the oxygen content in the effluent. The protective gas pressure in the gas supply line can be controlled based on the measured oxygen content.
[0031] Alternatively or in addition to the above-mentioned method according to the invention, a method for centrifugally processing a mixture in a protective gas atmosphere of a separator can also comprise the following steps:
[0032] First, the separator is provided analogously to the first method according to the invention.
[0033] The protective gas is then introduced by flooding the drum, completely displacing atmospheric oxygen from the drum. The entire interior of the drum initially contains air, which is then displaced by the protective gas as a result of the process.
[0034] Finally, the mixture to be processed, which is preferably sensitive to oxidation, is introduced into the separator.
[0035] The aforementioned process avoids the use of a rinsing fluid. However, the consumption of shielding gas is considerably higher, as the shielding gas must be introduced and discharged into the drum at considerable pressure to prevent backmixing of air with the shielding gas at the drum outlets. Depending on the type and availability of the shielding gas, e.g., argon or CO2, and the size of the separator, this approach can be significantly more expensive than the first process variant.
[0036] Both process variants can be combined with the process in which, following the introduction of the mixture in an optional step E, the mixture is carbonated to produce a carbonated liquid, in particular a carbonated beverage.
[0037] The gas supply line can advantageously be designed as a gas supply pipe arranged parallel to the inlet pipe outside the inlet pipe. The inlet pipe is linearly displaceable such that the mouth of the gas supply pipe assumes a first position for introducing protective gas into the air chamber during the introduction of protective gas and a second position for direct introduction into the liquid during carbonation in step E. Thus, the second position can be used for carbonating the liquid and the first position for optimally generating a protective gas atmosphere.
[0038] Furthermore, in both variants of the method according to the invention, the drum of the separator can be hermetically sealed against the supply of oxygen, preferably by introducing protective gas, during operation.
[0039] The separator preferably has a further gas supply line which enables a supply of protective gas into the gripper area, preferably into a barrier chamber adjacent to a gripper, for hermetic sealing.
[0040] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which several embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. Those skilled in the art will conveniently consider the features disclosed in the figures, the description, and the claims individually and combine them into useful further combinations. They show:
[0041] Fig. 1 schematic representation of a method according to the invention using a separator for centrifugal processing of a liquid;
[0042] Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of a first variant of a separator for centrifugally processing a liquid within the scope of a method according to the invention; Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of a second variant of a separator for centrifugally processing a liquid within the scope of a method according to the invention;
[0043] Fig. 4 schematic sectional view of a third variant of a separator for centrifugal processing of a liquid in the context of a method according to the invention;
[0044] Fig. 5 Process diagram of an embodiment of the method according to the invention;
[0045] Fig. 6 Diagram of the decomposition of atmospheric oxygen in a separator without the method according to the invention and using the method according to the invention; and
[0046] Fig. 7 schematic sectional view of a fourth variant of a separator for the centrifugal processing of a liquid in the context of a method according to the invention with supply of a protective gas into the peeling chamber (double hermetic);
[0047] Fig. 8 shows a schematic sectional view of a fifth variant of a separator for centrifugally processing a liquid in the context of a method according to the invention; and
[0048] Fig. 9 schematic representation of a filled separator.
[0049] The design variants described below show various ways in which a gas supply for introducing protective gas into a separator can be implemented. Identical components in a separator are designated by the same reference numerals.
[0050] Fig. 1 shows the schematic representation of separators as well as the supply and discharge lines required for the process when completely filling the drum with a substantially oxygen-free gas 2. Such a protective gas 2 can be, for example, nitrogen, carbon dioxide or a noble gas or mixtures thereof.
[0051] An oxygen-free or low-oxygen atmosphere within the meaning of the present invention understandably refers to the proportion of molecular oxygen and not to atomic oxygen. Therefore, a CO2 atmosphere is understood to be oxygen-free. Low-oxygen preferably refers to a proportion of molecular oxygen in a region-distributed gas mixture of less than 10 vol.%, preferably less than 5 vol.%, particularly preferably less than 1 vol.%.
[0052] To discuss the method, reference is first made to Figs. 1 and 5. In a first step 100, a separator 4 with a gas supply line is provided in the drum.
[0053] In a second step 200, a rinsing liquid 1, in particular water, is introduced into the rotating drum of a separator 4 with a vertical axis of rotation. The separator is already rotating when the rinsing liquid 1 is introduced or is set into rotation or operation before the gas is introduced.
[0054] In this case, an area of the drum, particularly the distribution chamber, is not completely filled due to the prevailing centrifugal forces. An air-filled cavity or several air-filled cavities or air cushions form near the axis.
[0055] In beverage production, for example, this can trigger unwanted oxidation of ingredients and / or enzyme activity due to the oxygen content. Therefore, the rotating drum must ideally be completely free of air pockets.
[0056] This is achieved in a third step 300 by introducing the protective gas, preferably as a substantially oxygen-free gas. The protective gas is introduced with a higher or lower density than air or atmospheric oxygen, which displaces the air, or at least the oxygen, from the cavity through the rinsing liquid. At the same time, the rinsing liquid forms a water barrier in the peeling chamber, preventing the introduction of air from the outside. For the rinsing liquid, contact with atmospheric oxygen and the passage of atmospheric oxygen as a result of the displacement are irrelevant.
[0057] In a fourth step 400, the actual dispersion 50 to be processed, e.g., a beverage or a beverage precursor, is introduced into the drum of the separator, which is now under the protective gas atmosphere. The introduction of protective gas can be carried out analogously to some variants of WO 2020 / 120203 A1, which, however, was used here for the purpose of carbonating liquids. Of course, the carbonation of WO 2020 / 120203 A1 can be combined with the provision of a protective gas atmosphere. Some selected, particularly preferred embodiments of separators for creating a protective gas atmosphere are described below.
[0058] Figures 2-4 show the drum system and parts of the drive system of separators, for different variants of gas exchange, air against protective gas, in a drum of the separator.
[0059] Fig. 2 shows a first embodiment of a separator 4 according to the invention. The separator 4 has a drum 5. A plate stack 6 is arranged within the drum 5. The drum 5 is rotatably mounted and has a drive spindle 7 for performing a rotational movement about a rotation axis 8.
[0060] The separator 4 can be filled in the axial direction via an inlet pipe 15 with the rinsing liquid or with the dispersion 1 to be processed in the atmosphere created by gas introduction.
[0061] The inlet pipe 15 opens into a distribution chamber 17, from which one or more distribution channels 12 discharge the respective liquid, i.e., the supplied rinsing liquid or the dispersion, in a radial direction. The respective liquid is then directed into one or more bottom chambers 21 and from there, via an opening 13, into a centrifugal chamber 14, where solids can be centrifugally separated from the liquid. The centrifugally processed liquid is then directed from radially outward to radially inward.
[0062] For collecting and draining each processed first liquid phase 3, the separator 4 has a so-called peeling chamber 9, into which a gripper 10 opens. The peeling chamber 9 is located in the upper region of the separator 4, whereas the drive spindle 7, and optionally a drive unit connected to the drive spindle, are arranged in the lower region of the separator 4. The respective centrifugally processed liquid 3 can then be drained from the separator 4, in particular from the peeling chamber, via the gripper 10 via a drain pipe 16. A solid or sludge phase can be collected in a sludge collection chamber in the hood and drained separately via a line (not shown).
[0063] Fig. 2 shows, in the first variant of the separator 4, a gas line 11 for introducing the gas into the drum 5. In this variant, this line extends parallel to the supply pipe 15, for example, within the supply pipe 15. The gas line 11 opens into the distribution chamber 17 of the drum 5. The gas supply line 11 protrudes into the distribution chamber 17 relative to the supply pipe 15. Thus, in this variant, the gas is introduced in the axial direction, at least after the supply of the rinsing liquid 1 in the drum chamber.
[0064] Fig. 3 shows a further variant of a separator 4' for carrying out a method according to the invention. In contrast to Fig. 2, in this variant the gas 2 is introduced radially to the axis of rotation 8 into the distribution chamber 17, in particular into an upper part of the distribution chamber 17, i.e. above the liquid level of the respective introduced liquid. For this purpose, the gas supply line 1T extends through the supply pipe 15 and opens radially to the axis of rotation 8 into the distribution chamber 17. In the variants of Fig. 2, a space that is considerably smaller than the centrifugal chamber 14 is used to introduce gas into the drum. In this case, this is the distribution chamber 17, which has radial distribution channels 12.
[0065] Fig. 4 shows a third variant of a separator 4" for carrying out a method according to the invention. Here, the introduction of gas takes place by means of a gas supply line
[0066] 11 ' via the drive spindle 7 and through a drum wall connected to the drive spindle 7. The introduction of gas takes place radially to the axis of rotation 8 in the bottom chamber 21 of the separator 4" in which through the distribution channel(s)
[0067] 12 the liquid is diverted radially after the axial inlet.
[0068] A typical and preferred application within the scope of the present invention is the carbonation of a beverage, especially beer, under a protective CO2 atmosphere. Carbonation is an enrichment of CO2 in the respective beverage.
[0069] Fig. 6 then shows how quickly atmospheric oxygen is removed using the process according to the invention. While the oxygen content in the conventional variant A only degrades over a very long period of time, in variant B, the oxygen content is reduced very quickly by displacing air using the process according to the invention. Oxidation-sensitive products can be processed using the separator after this short time.
[0070] Fig. 7 shows a schematic sectional view of a fifth variant of a separator for centrifugally processing a liquid within the scope of a method according to the invention. A gas line nozzle 21 for protective gas is arranged on the product supply pipe 15. This gas line nozzle can be arranged on the so-called distributor head 22, in which one or more outlets for heavy and light liquid phases are arranged. In this case, the product supply pipe 15 and the gas line nozzle form the gas supply line 11.
[0071] Fig. 8 shows a fourth variant of the invention with a hermetic seal, in particular a double hermetic seal, in the area of the grippers 10 of the drum. This hermetic seal is known, among other things, from patent application DE 10 2021 10 611 A1. The gas supply line 1T" of Fig. 7 is supplemented by a further gas supply line 23 for protective gas in the area of the grippers. This prevents the entry of ambient oxygen in the area of the gripper, so that the drum is hermetically sealed against the ingress of oxygen during processing. The protective gas is introduced via the gas line 23 into a barrier chamber above the gripper 10. Both gas supply lines 1T" and 23 are arranged in some areas in the arrester head 22, whereby in the case of the gas supply line 23 a gas line nozzle 20 also protrudes in some areas from the arrester head 22.
[0072] A particular advantage of this "double hermetic" seal is that the supply and discharge of protective gas also takes in and removes any oxygen that may have diffused through the barrier chambers. This further increases the safety of preventing oxygen contact with the product.
[0073] Fig. 9 shows the location at which an air chamber 60 forms when the separator is filled with rinsing liquid 1. This chamber must be filled with protective gas after the introduction of a rinsing liquid.
[0074] Reference symbol
[0075] 1 liquid
[0076] 2 Gas
[0077] 3 Liquid
[0078] 4 Separator
[0079] 4' separator
[0080] 4” separator
[0081] 5 drum
[0082] 6 plate pack
[0083] 7 drive spindle
[0084] 8 axis of rotation
[0085] 9 Peeling chamber
[0086] 10 grippers
[0087] 11 Gas supply line
[0088] 11 ' Gas supply line barrier chamber
[0089] 11” gas supply drum
[0090] 11'" gas supply drum
[0091] 12 distribution channels
[0092] 13 Opening
[0093] 14 Spinning room
[0094] 15 Inlet pipe
[0095] 16 drain pipe
[0096] 17 Distribution room
[0097] 18 attic room
[0098] 19 Peeling chamber
[0099] 20 gas pipe nozzles
[0100] 21 gas pipe nozzles
[0101] 22 distributor head
[0102] 23 Gas supply line
[0103] 50 Dispersion
[0104] 60 air chamber
[0105] 100 Providing the separator
[0106] 200 Introducing the rinsing liquid
[0107] 300 Introduction of the protective gas
[0108] 400 Introducing the mixture to be processed
Claims
Patent claims 1. A method for the centrifugal processing of a mixture (50) in a protective gas atmosphere of a separator (4, 4', 4") characterized by the following steps A Providing (100) a separator (4, 4', 4"), in particular a separator (4, 4', 4") with a vertical axis of rotation (8), comprising a rotatably mounted drum (5) with a drum interior for the centrifugal processing of a liquid (1), wherein the separator (4, 4', 4") has at least one gas supply line (11, 11', 11 "") which opens into the drum interior; B Introducing (200) a rinsing liquid (2) into the drum (5) and starting up the separator (4, 4', 4"), wherein at least one air chamber (60) is formed in the drum (5) during operation of the separator (4, 4', 4"); C Introducing a protective gas (2) through the gas supply line (11, 11“, 11 11 “”) into the air chamber (60) while displacing the air therein by the protective gas (2) and D Introducing the mixture (50) into the separator (4, 4', 4") and draining the rinsing liquid (1 ), 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the protective gas (2) is carbon dioxide, nitrogen, a noble gas or a mixture thereof.
3. Method according to one of the preceding claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the rinsing liquid (1) is a solvent, in particular water.
4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas supply line (1T”) comprises at least one gas line nozzle (21) and a product inlet pipe (15), which preferably opens into a distribution space (17) of the separator (4, 4', 4”).
5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the method comprises adjusting the gas pressure of the protective gas (2) supplied via the gas supply line (11, 1 T, 11”).
6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the protective gas (2) is continuously supplied during operation of the separator (4, 4', 4").
7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an oxygen sensor is arranged at the outlet of the separator (4, 4', 4") for determining the oxygen content in the outflowing liquid (1, 50).
8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas pressure is adjusted as a function of the determined oxygen content in the effluent liquid.
9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separator (4, 4”) has a distribution space (17) for the radial discharge of the axially introduced liquid (1 ), wherein the gas supply line (11, 1 T) opens into the distribution space (17).
10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mouth of the gas supply line (11, 1 T, 11") is arranged at an axial position, with respect to the axis of rotation (8), between the upper and the lower mouth of an inlet pipe (15) of the separator (4, 4', 4") for introducing the mixture (50) and / or the rinsing liquid (1 ) into the drum (5), wherein the inlet pipe (15) extends into the drum (5).
11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separator (4") has a drive spindle (7), wherein the drum (5) is driven via the drive spindle (7), wherein the gas supply line (11") is formed at least in regions as a channel within the drive spindle (7), which opens into the drum interior of the drum (5).
12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air chamber (60) is formed in the distribution space (17).
13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that steps BD are carried out without interrupting the operation of the separator (4, 4', 4").
14. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drum (5) of the separator (4, 4', 4”) is hermetically sealed against a supply of oxygen, preferably by introducing protective gas (2), during operation.
15. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the separator (4, 4', 4”) has a further gas supply line (20) which enables a supply of protective gas (2) into the gripper area, preferably into a barrier chamber adjacent to a gripper (10), for hermetic sealing.
16. Method for the centrifugal processing of a mixture (50) in a protective gas atmosphere of a separator (4, 4', 4") characterized by the following steps A Providing (100) a separator (4, 4', 4"), in particular a separator (4, 4', 4") with a vertical axis of rotation (8), comprising a rotatably mounted drum (5) with a drum interior for the centrifugal processing of a liquid (1), wherein the separator (4, 4', 4") has at least one gas supply line (11, 11', 11") which opens into the drum interior; B Introducing protective gas (2) by flooding the drum (5) while completely displacing atmospheric oxygen from the drum (5); and C Introducing the mixture (50) into the separator (4, 4', 4").
17. Method according to one of the preceding claims 1-14, characterized in that following the introduction of the mixture (50) in an optional step E, carbonation of the mixture (50) takes place to produce a carbonated liquid, in particular a carbonated beverage.
18. Method according to one of the preceding claims 1-15, characterized in that the gas supply line (11, 1T) is designed as a gas supply pipe which is arranged parallel to the inlet pipe (15) outside the inlet pipe (15), wherein the supply pipe is linearly displaceable such that the mouth of the gas supply pipe assumes a first position for introducing protective gas into the air chamber (60) when introducing protective gas (2) and a second position for direct introduction into the liquid (1, 50) during carbonation in step E.
19. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the gas supply line (1T”) comprises a gas line nozzle (21) and a product inlet pipe (15), which preferably opens into a distribution space (17).