Coaxial connector, system and method

Abstract

A coaxial connector 100 has a body 10 with two inlets 12 and two outlets 14 for receiving two product lines 20 (e.g., carrying beverages like beer). A coolant flow path runs through the body 10 from a

Description

Background The present disclosure relates to a coaxial connector, and corresponding system and 5 method. These may specifically be used to cool beverage lines, such as beer lines in a pub or bar. Our existing system is shown in Figures 10A and 10B. This has a coaxial connector, such as that disclosed in WO 2020 / 084276 A1, connected to a keg. This has separate beer and 10 coolant inlets and a coaxial outlet which allows the exiting beer flow to be surrounded by coolant such that, as the beer flows from keg to tap, it is surrounded by a flow of coolant. Adjacent to the tap, a separate connector separates the two flows and the coolant is returned via a separate return line to a chiller, while the cooled beer flows to the tap. 15 The present disclosure relates to an improved coaxial connector, system and method. Summary According to the present disclosure, there is provided a coaxial connector comprising a 20 connector body, the connector body comprising: a first inlet and a first outlet for receiving a first tube carrying a first product stream; a second inlet and a second outlet for receiving a second tube carrying a second product stream; a coolant flow path through the body, the coolant flow path having a coolant inlet surrounding, in use, the first tube at first inlet and a coolant outlet surrounding, in use, the second tube at the second inlet. 25 The connector takes a coolant stream for the first product stream and redirects this back along the second product stream. This means that the separate return lines for each product line and their associated connectors are eliminated. 30 The first inlet may be coaxial with the first outlet along a first axis, and the second inlet may be coaxial with the second outlet along a second axis. In other words, the first axis passing through the centre of the first inlet may also pass through the centre of the first outlet. Such coaxial inlet and outlets readily allow a single product tube to pass straight through. The first axis and second axis may be substantially parallel with one another. This allows the product tubes to be aligned with one another. The first axis and second axis may be oblique to one another. That is, not parallel. This can be helpful for manufacturing of the coaxial connector as it can be injection moulded without the need for a central core pin that leaves a bore which needs to be capped. The first inlet may be transverse to the first outlet, and the second inlet may be transverse to the second outlet. For example, they may be at right angles to one another. This can be useful depending on the particular arrangement and available space. The coaxial connector may further comprise a plug sealed to the connector body between the first outlet and the second outlet. This plug can be used to cap a bore left by a core pin during injection moulding. This allows a connector to be moulded with parallel product streams. The first inlet may have a greater diameter than the first outlet, and the second inlet may have a greater diameter than the second outlet. This allows the inlets to receive both the coolant and product tubes and the outlet to receive only the product tube. The coaxial connector may further comprise: a first coolant shoulder providing an end stop for an end of a coolant tube between the first inlet and the first outlet, the first coolant shoulder having a diameter between the diameter of the first inlet and first outlet; and a second coolant shoulder providing an end stop for an end of a coolant tube between the second inlet and the second outlet, the second coolant shoulder having a diameter between the diameter of the second inlet and second outlet. The coolant shoulder prevents the coolant tube from being inserted fully into the connector, while ensuring a flow path is maintained. The coaxial connector may further comprise: a first upper coolant seal for sealing with the tube carrying the first product stream; a first lower coolant seal for sealing with a coolant tube; a second upper coolant seal for sealing with the tube carrying the second product stream; and a second lower coolant seal for sealing with a coolant tube. These seals can effectively retain coolant in the connector. The coaxial connector may further comprise: a first upper product seal for sealing with the tube carrying the first product stream; a first lower product seal for sealing with the tube carrying the first product stream; a second upper product seal for sealing with the tube carrying the second product stream; a second lower product seal for sealing with the tube carrying the second product stream. This allows the product tube to be split into two separate tubes inserted into opposite ends of the connector which can simplify installation and maintenance. The first lower product seal may also be the first upper coolant seal; and the second lower product seal may also be the second upper coolant seal. The same seal can perform both jobs, thereby simplifying the manufacturing. The coaxial connector may further comprise: a first attachment mechanism for retaining a coolant tube at the first inlet; and a second attachment mechanism for retaining a coolant tube at the second inlet. Retaining the coolant tube also ensures the product tube is held by virtue of the interaction between the two. The attachment mechanism may, for example, be a collet or grab ring. The body may further comprise: a third inlet and a third outlet for receiving a tube carrying a third product stream; a fourth inlet and a fourth outlet for receiving a tube carrying a fourth product stream. This can handle more product streams in a single connector body. The coaxial connector may further comprise a second coolant flow path through the body from the third inlet to the fourth inlet. In this sense products are cooled in sets of two. A system is provided. The system comprising: a first product tube; a second product tube; a first coolant tube; a second coolant tube; the coaxial connector of any preceding claim, wherein: the first product tube extends through the first inlet and the first outlet; the first coolant tube extends through the coolant inlet and surrounds the first product tube; the second product tube extends through the second inlet and the second outlet and the second coolant tube extends from the coolant outlet and surrounds the second product tube. This system cools both product tubes without the need for a separate dedicated return line. The system may further comprise a cooler having first cooler pipework connected to a first cooler outlet and second cooler pipework connected to a second cooler outlet, the first cooler pipework and second cooler pipework extending through a bath of coolant, wherein: the first product tube extends from the first cooler outlet; the second product outlet extends from the second cooler outlet; the first coolant tube is connected to receive coolant from the bath to the coaxial connector; and the second coolant tube is connected to return coolant from the coaxial connector to the bath. The same fluid is used for the bath and the coolant, thereby further optimising the system. The cooler may further comprise a first cooler inlet in fluid communication with the first cooler pipework and a second cooler inlet in fluid communication with the second cooler pipework, the system further comprising: a first product reservoir in fluid communication with the first cooler inlet; and a second product reservoir in fluid communication with the second cooler inlet. The reservoirs act as the store of product which flows into the cooler. The first product reservoir may be in fluid communication with the first cooler inlet via a first reservoir product tube surrounded by a first coolant reservoir tube; and the second product reservoir may be in fluid communication with the second cooler inlet via a second reservoir product tube surrounded by a second coolant reservoir tube. This pre-cools the product as it flows to the cooler. A method of operating the system is provided. The method comprising the steps of: running a first product through the first product tube in a first product flow direction; running a second product through the second product tube in a second product flow direction; running a coolant along the first coolant tube in a same direction as the first product flow direction to thereby cool the first product; and returning the coolant via the coolant flow path of the coaxial connector along the second coolant tube in an opposite direction to the second product flow direction to thereby cool the second product. This method cools both product tubes without the need for a separate dedicated return line. The first product may be cooled to 3°C or cooler, and the second product may be cooled to 3°C or cooler. Such temperatures can help prevent build-up of bacteria, particularly where the product is beer. Brief Description of the Drawings The specification makes reference, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures 1A and 1B show a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view respectively of a first coaxial connector; Figures 2A and 2B show a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view respectively of a second coaxial connector; Figures 3A and 3B show a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view respectively of a third coaxial connector; Figures 4A and 4B show a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view respectively of a fourth coaxial connector; Figures 5A and 5B show a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view respectively of a fifth coaxial connector; Figures 6A and 6B show a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view respectively of a sixth coaxial connector; Figures 7A and 7B show a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view respectively of a seventh coaxial connector; Figures 8A and 8B show a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view respectively of an eighth coaxial connector; Figures 9A and 9B show a perspective view and a side cross-sectional view respectively of a ninth coaxial connector; Figures 10A and 10B show a schematic of a system which does not incorporate a coaxial connector as described herein; Figure 11 shows a schematic of a system incorporating a coaxial connector as described herein; and Figure 11A shows an exploded schematic of the system of Figure 11, focused on the coaxial connector and dispensers. Detailed Description A number of coaxial connectors 100 are shown in Figures 1A to 9B. For the avoidance of doubt, any disclosure in relation to one of these coaxial connectors 100 is equally applicable to any other coaxial connector 100 unless expressly recited otherwise. In particular, the first coaxial connector 100 of Figures 1A and 1B will be described in detail while the second to ninth coaxial connectors 100 of Figures 2A to 9B will primarily be described with reference to features which differ from the first coaxial connector 100. 21 10 25 Figures 1A and 1B show a first coaxial connector 100. This first coaxial connector 100 may be used to cool a flow of product (such as a beverage like beer) through the first coaxial connector 100. The product to be cooled is carried in first and second product tubes 20. In certain examples each product tube 20 may be a 3 / 8 inch (9.525 millimetres) tube (outer 5 diameter). However, the first coaxial connector 100 could be sized for any other size of product tube 20. The product tubes 20 generally pass through the first coaxial connector 100 to transport the product from a reservoir 42 (such as a keg) to a dispenser 48 (such as a tap). 10 The first coaxial connector 100 comprises a connector body 10. The connector body 10 can be formed in any suitable shape, and the manufacture thereof will be discussed in more detail below. For example, the connector body 10 may be in the form of a pair of cylinders such as the example of Figures 1A and 1B. 15 The connector body 10 comprises a first inlet 12 and first outlet 14 on one side of the connector body 10, and a second inlet 12 and a second outlet 14 on an opposite side of the connector body 10. A first product flow-path is formed between the first inlet 12 and the first outlet 14. In use, 20 the first product may flow entirely though a first product tube 20 which travels along this first product flow-path. This is formed as the connector has room for the first product tube 20 extending through the coaxial connector 100. A second product flow-path is similarly formed between the second inlet 12 and the second outlet 14. In use, the second product may flow entirely though a second product tube 20 which travels along this second product 25 flow-path. This is formed as the connector has room for the second product tube 20 extending through the coaxial connector 100. Each inlet 12 and outlet 14 are suitable for receiving a product tube 20. Specifically, the first inlet 12 and first outlet 14 receives in use a first product tube 20 which carries a first 30 product stream. The second inlet 12 and second outlet 14 receives in use a second product tube 20 which carries a second product stream. Each inlet 12 and / or outlet 14 can generally be formed as a bore which receives the corresponding tube. The inlet 12 and / or outlet 14 may be integral or unitary with a main integral / unitary moulded 35 part of the connector body 10. In other examples the inlet 12 and / or outlet 14 may be defined at least in part by a separate component of the connector body 10, such as a cartridge 22, 32, collet 22a, 32a, and / or guide 24 as discussed below. The first inlet 12 and first outlet 14 may be coaxial with one another along a first axis. Likewise, the second inlet 12 and the second outlet 14 may be similarly coaxial with one another along a second axis. The first inlet 12 and second inlet 12 may be spaced from one another in a direction transverse, or perpendicular, to each axis. Such an arrangement may be particularly useful where each product tube 20 extends all of the way through the coaxial connector 100 such as shown in Figure 1B. The first axis and second axis may be substantially parallel with one another, such as shown in the first coaxial connector 100 of Figures 1A and 1B. In certain examples they may be exactly parallel. In further coaxial connectors 100, such as the eighth coaxial connector 100 (discussed in detail below) of Figures 8A and 8B, the first axis and the second axis may be oblique to one another. While Figures 1A and 1B show such a first coaxial connector 100 with coaxial first inlet 12 and first outlet 14, and coaxial second inlet 12 and second outlet 14 this is not always the case. In further coaxial connectors 100, such as the seventh coaxial connector 100 (discussed in detail below) of Figures 7A and 7B, the first inlet 12 may be transverse to the first outlet 14. That is, an axis extending from the first inlet 12 and an axis extending from the first outlet 14 may be transverse or perpendicular to one another. The same may be the case for the second inlet 12 and the second outlet 14. That is, the second inlet 12 may be transverse to the second outlet 14. An axis extending from the second inlet 12 and an axis extending from the second outlet 14 may be transverse or perpendicular to one another. A coolant flow path 11 is defined through the connector body 10. The coolant flow path 11 extends from the first inlet 12 to the second inlet 12. In use, coolant flows through the first inlet 12, along the coolant flow path 11 and out of the second inlet 12. The coolant flow path 11 may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, the connector body 10 may comprise one or more connected chambers making up the coolant flow path 11 connecting the first inlet 12 and the second inlet 12. In examples (such as Figures 9A and 9B) with multiple coolant flow paths 11, this may be denoted a first coolant flow path. 21 10 25 Accordingly, coolant may be delivered to the connector body 10. The coolant may be any suitable coolant fluid. In certain examples the coolant may simply be water. In further examples the coolant may further comprise or entirely consist of glycol, such as ethylene glycol and / or propylene glycol. 5 The coolant may be delivered to the coolant flow path 11 via coolant tubes 30. The coolant flow path 11 is effectively a fluid passage through the connector body 10 which puts the ends of the coolant tubes 30 in fluid communication. The coolant tubes 30 may be any suitable size. In certain examples each coolant tube may have an outer diameter of 18 10 millimetres, or 1 / 2 inch (12.7 millimetres). In use, the coaxial connector 100 may be attached to each product tube 20 below a dispenser 48 for each product, such as a beer tap 48. Each product tube 20 may carry the same product, or a different product. Each product tube 20 has a coolant tube 30 15 surrounding it for the majority of its length. Coolant therefore flows through the first coolant tube 30 to the coaxial connector 100, providing cooling to the first product tube 20. This may be in the same direction as product flows through the first product tube 20. The coolant then flows through the coolant flow path 11 to the second coolant tube 30. The coolant flows along the second coolant tube 30 away from the coaxial connector 100, 20 providing cooling to the second product tube 20. There is therefore no need for a separate coolant return line and instead the coolant is returned by the second coolant tube 30 which surrounds the second product tube 20. This avoids the need to have a separate fluid return line as in existing systems. 25 In the coaxial connector 100 of Figures 1A to 1B, to separately deliver the coolant, the first inlet 12 has a greater diameter than the first outlet 14. Similarly, the second inlet 12 has a greater diameter than the second outlet 14. The first inlet 12 has the same diameter as the second inlet 12. The first outlet 14 has the same diameter as the second outlet 14. Such different diameters can be selected such that the inlets 12 receive the coolant tubes 30, but 30 the outlets 14 only receive the product tubes 20. 21 10 25 The diameter of each inlet 12 corresponds to a diameter of coolant tubes 30. For example, the diameter of each inlet 12 may be to receive an 18 millimetre coolant tube 30. The diameter of each outlet 14 corresponds to a diameter of product tubes 20. For 5 example, the diameter of each outlet 14 may be to receive a 3 / 8 inch (9.525 millimetres) product tube 20. As can be seen in Figure 1B, the interior of the connector body 10 may have narrowing sections to connect the inlet 12 and outlet 14 having different diameters. A shoulder 16 (not 10 shown in Figures 1A &1B) may be provided as an end stop for each coolant tube 30 to abut against. To achieve this, the shoulder may have a diameter between the diameter of the inlet 12 and outlet 14. In use, each coolant tube 30 is pushed into the coaxial connector 100 via one of the inlets 15 12 until it abuts against the corresponding shoulder 16. This then leaves the end of the coolant tube 30 spaced from any internal walls to allow fluid flow into the coolant flow path 11. In certain examples, each shoulder 16 may be formed as a part of a shoulder insert 17 20 which may for example be a ring. This shoulder insert 17 may, in manufacture, be inserted via the corresponding inlet 12. This can allow the shoulder 16 to act as a radial overhang which otherwise may be difficult to manufacture. The first coaxial connector 100 of Figures 1A and 1B therefore allows for coolant to be 25 delivered to the first coaxial connector 100 in a first coolant tube 30 around a first product tube 20, and back from the first coaxial connector in a second coolant tube 30 around a second product tube 20. The first coaxial connector 100 has a first lower coolant seal 13 and a second lower coolant seal 13. Each lower coolant seal 13 may be arranged near to the corresponding inlet. The coolant flow path 11 is bounded by each lower coolant seal 13. In use, each lower coolant seal 13 seals against an outer surface of a coolant tube 30 inserted into the corresponding 5 inlet 12 and an inner surface of the connector body 10. While Figure 1B shows each lower coolant seal 13 as a single seal, it is also anticipated that each lower coolant seal 13 may be formed as a plurality of seals. The first shoulder insert 17 supports a first lower coolant seal 13. The second shoulder insert 17 supports a second lower coolant seal 13. 10 The first coaxial connector 100 further comprises a first upper coolant seal 15 and a second upper coolant seal 15. Each upper coolant seal 15 may be arranged near to the 21 10 25 corresponding outlet 14. The coolant flow path 11 is bounded by each upper coolant seal 15. In use, each upper coolant seal 15 seals against an outer surface of a product tube 20 extending through the corresponding inlet 12 and outlet 14, and an inner surface of the connector body 10. In the example of Figure 1B each upper coolant seal 15 abuts an internal shoulder. The connector body 10 of Figures 1A to 1B comprises product attachment mechanism 22 for gripping each product tube 20. For example, this may comprise a cartridge 22 with an internal collet 22a. The cartridge 22 and / or collet 22a have ramped surfaces. The collet 22a may have one or more teeth which engage an outer surface of the product tube 20. This allows the product tube 20 to be inserted (from bottom to top in Figure 1B). However, if the product tube 20 is then pulled in the opposite direction the ramped surface(s) engage such that the collet 22a is driven inwardly to grip the product tube 20 and prevent its removal. Figure 1B shows the collet 22a gripping the product tube 20 in this manner. The direction which the cartridge 22 and collet 22a allow movement through without gripping may be referred to as a bias direction of the cartridge 22 and collet 22a. To remove the product tube 20 from the cartridge 22 and collet 22a a removal tool may be inserted into the coaxial connector 100 through the corresponding inlet 12. This may generally be any tool suitable to reach into the connector body 10 and press on the collet 22a. By pressing on the collet 22a the ramped surface(s) can be disengaged so that the product tube 20 can be removed. In certain examples the removal tool may be a generally C-shaped protrusion which is placed around the product tube 20 and slid along the product tube 20 to press on the collet 22a. The connector body 10 further comprises a coolant attachment mechanism 32 for gripping each coolant tube 20. As shown in Figure 1B, the coolant attachment mechanism 32 of the connector body 10 defines each inlet 12. The coolant attachment mechanism 32 may be generally the same as the product attachment mechanism 22, or one or both may be different. For example, each coolant attachment mechanism 32 may comprise a cartridge 32 with an internal collet 32a. The cartridge 32 and / or collet 32a have ramped surfaces. The collet 32a may have one or more teeth which engage an outer surface of the coolant tube 30. This allows the coolant tube 30 to be inserted (from bottom to top in Figure 1B). However, if the coolant tube 30 is then pulled in the opposite direction the ramped surface(s) engage such that the collet 32a is driven inwardly to grip the coolant tube 30 and prevent its removal. Figure 1B shows the collet 32a gripping the coolant tube 30 in this manner. As the coolant attachment mechanism 32 of Figure 1B is exposed a removal tool is not needed. However, if the coolant attachment mechanism 32 were more internal than in Figure 1B a similar removal tool may be provided as described above for the product attachment mechanism 22. The first coaxial connector 100 may be formed in any suitable method. For example this may be injection moulding. In further examples the first coaxial connector 100 may be formed by other manufacturing processes such as additive manufacturing, for example 3Dprinting. In examples where the first coaxial connector 100 is injection moulded, the connector body 10 may be shaped so as to assist with the injection moulding. In the moulding process, one or more core pins may be used to form the various bores in the connector body 10. However, to get the shape required for the connector body 10 it may be necessary to use core pins which extend into the connector body 10 from directions which, in use, need to be sealed. For example, it may be necessary to have a core pin which extends through the top (in Figure 1B) of the first coaxial connector 100. The bore left by this core pin is then sealed. To do so, a cap 18 is provided. The cap 18 is attached to the connector body 10. For example, this could be via ultrasonic welding. Alternatively, the cap 18 may be attached via an adhesive or any other fixing method. A seal 18a may be provided between the cap 18 and the connector body 10. This seal 18a may seal the coolant flow path 11. A method of manufacturing the first coaxial connector 100 is provided. A mould for injection moulding is provided, along with one or more core pins. A body material is then injected into the mould to form the connector body 10. The material may be any suitable material for injection moulding. The core pin(s) are removed from the moulded connector body 10. The moulded connector body 10 is removed from the mould. A bore left by one of the connector pins is then plugged with a plug 18. The plug 18 is attached to the connector body 10, for example by ultrasonic welding. A second coaxial connector 100 is shown in Figures 2A and 2B. Unless otherwise expressly stated, this second coaxial connector 100 is in accordance with the first coaxial connector 100 described in relation to Figures 1A and 1B. The connector body 10 of the second coaxial connector 100 may be elongate with respect to the connector body 10 of the first coaxial connector 100. That is, the connector body 10 of the second coaxial connector 100 may be longer than the connector body 10 of the first coaxial connector 100. The second coaxial connector 100 is used for examples where each product tube 20 is in two parts - a supply portion 20b extending from the coaxial connector 100 to a supply of the product, and a dispenser portion 20a extending from the coaxial connector 100 to a dispenser 48 of the product. This can be useful as the supply portion 20b and coolant tubes 30 can be attached to the coaxial connector 100 which can then be freely moved and attached / detached from the dispenser portion 20a. Collectively, each product tube 20 is defined as a combination of the dispenser portion 20a and supply portion 20b. For this second coaxial connector 100 there may also be seals for the product tubes 20. That is, there is an upper product seal 15a which seals between the dispenser portion 20a and the connector body 10, and a lower product seal 15b which seals between the supply portion 20b and the connector body 10. The lower product seal 15b may be a separate seal, or as in the second coaxial connector 100 of Figures 2A and 2B this may also function as the upper coolant seal 15. The ends of each of the dispenser portion 20a and supply portion 20b can be provided between the lower product seal 15b and upper product seal 15a. The second coaxial connector 100 may comprise an attachment mechanism 22 for each portion of the supply tube 20. Each attachment mechanism 22 may be as discussed above in relation to the first coaxial connector 100 of Figures 1A and 1B. The attachment mechanism 22 for the supply portion 20b is biased in an opposite direction to the attachment mechanism 22 for the dispenser portion 20a. This reflects the different direction that each portion is inserted into the second coaxial connector 100. Each product attachment mechanism 22 may comprise a cartridge 22 and collet 22a as described above in relation to the first coaxial connector 100. Figures 3A and 3B show a third coaxial connector 100. Unless otherwise expressly stated, this third coaxial connector 100 is in accordance with the first coaxial connector 100 described in relation to Figures 1A and 1B. The third coaxial connector 100 does not include an attachment mechanism 22 for each supply tube 20. A guide 24 is provided as a part of the connector body 10 for each supply tube 20. The guide 24 may be in frictional contact with the supply tube 20 to grip the supply tube 20. The third coaxial connector 100 still includes coolant attachment mechanisms 32. As each coolant tube 30 surrounds a supply tube 20 it is not necessary to grip the supply tube 20. Instead, gripping the coolant tube 30 may be sufficient to fix the third coaxial connector. Each guide 25 may include teeth which are embedded into the rest of the connector body 10. For example, the guide 24 may be placed in the mould during manufacture and before the body material is injected. The teeth then hold the guide 24 in the formed third coaxial connector 100. Each upper coolant seal 15 is provided between the guide 24 and the corresponding outlet 14. As a result, the guide 24 may contact the coolant. The guide 24 may retain the upper coolant seal 15. As can be seen in Figure 3B, for the third coaxial connector each outlet 14 is defined by the main integral / unitary part of the connector body 10. Figures 4A and 4B show a fourth coaxial connector 100. Unless otherwise expressly stated, this fourth coaxial connector 100 is in accordance with the third coaxial connector 100 described in relation to Figures 3A and 3B (and hence, by extension in accordance with the first coaxial connector 100 described in relation to Figures 1A and 1B). For the fourth coaxial connector 100 the location of the guide 24 has been changed when compared to the third coaxial connector 100. Each upper coolant seal 15 is now provided between the guide 24 and the coolant flow path 11. This means that coolant does not flow to the guide 24. In this arrangement, each outlet 14 is defined by the corresponding guide 24. Again, the guide 24 is held to the rest of the coolant body 10 by way of teeth. Figures 5A and 5B show a fifth coaxial connector 100. Unless otherwise expressly stated, this fifth coaxial connector 100 is in accordance with the fourth coaxial connector 100 described in relation to Figures 4A and 4B (and hence, by extension in accordance with both the third coaxial connector 100 described in relation to Figures 3A and 3B, and the first coaxial connector 100 described in relation to Figures 1A and 1B). The form of the guide 24 has been changed for the fifth coaxial connector 100 when compared to the fourth coaxial connector 100. This guide 24 is provided in the same location, with the upper coolant seals 15 separating each guide 24 from the coolant flow path 11. However, this guide 24 does not include the teeth. Instead, the guide 14 is inserted into the rest of the connector body 10 after moulding. For example, the guide 14 may be press-fit into the rest of the coolant body 10 and held in place by friction. Alternatively, or additionally, the guide 14 may be attached to the rest of the coolant body 10 such as by adhesive and / or sonic welding. Again, each outlet 14 is defined by the corresponding guide 24. This guide 24 may be used, where appropriate, with any of the coaxial connectors 100. Figures 6A and 6B show a sixth coaxial connector 100. Unless otherwise expressly stated, this sixth coaxial connector 100 is in accordance with the first coaxial connector 100 described in relation to Figures 1A and 1B. Each coolant attachment mechanism 32 is not provided with teeth and instead is inserted into the rest of the connector body 10, such as after moulding. Again, each coolant attachment mechanism 32 may be press-fit into the rest of the coolant body 10 and held in place by friction. Alternatively, or additionally, the coolant attachment mechanism 32 may be attached to the rest of the coolant body 10 such as by adhesive and / or sonic welding. Each inlet 12 is still defined by the corresponding coolant attachment mechanism 32. This coolant attachment mechanism 32 may be used, where appropriate, with any of the coaxial connectors 100. Figures 7A and 7B show a seventh coaxial connector 100. Unless otherwise expressly stated, this seventh coaxial connector 100 is in accordance with the second coaxial connector 100 described in relation to Figures 2A and 2B (and hence, by extension in accordance with the first coaxial connector 100 described in relation to Figures 1A and 1B). While the seventh coaxial connector 100 is primarily shown as a modification of the second coaxial connector 100 it is appreciated that this modification (of transverse outlets 14 and inlets 12) may be applied to any of the coaxial connectors 100. As briefly noted above, the first inlet 12 is transverse to the first outlet 14. Specifically, the first inlet 12 is perpendicular to the first outlet 14 to form a right-angle therebetween. That is, an axis extending from the first inlet 12 and an axis extending from the first outlet 14 are transverse to one another, such as perpendicular to one another. Likewise, the second inlet 12 is transverse to the second outlet 14. Specifically, the second inlet 12 is perpendicular to the second outlet 14 to form a right-angle therebetween. An axis extending from the second inlet 12 and an axis extending from the second outlet 14 are transverse to one another, such as perpendicular to one another. With this transverse arrangement, each product tube 20 is split into a dispenser portion 20a and a supply portion 20b such as described above. Alternatively, a single product tube 20 may be provided which bends accordingly. Figures 8A and 8B show an eighth coaxial connector 100. Unless otherwise expressly stated, this eighth coaxial connector 100 is in accordance with the first coaxial connector 100 described in relation to Figures 1A and 1B. While the eighth coaxial connector 100 is primarily shown as a modification of the first coaxial connector 100 it is appreciated that this modification (of oblique axes) may be applied to any of the coaxial connectors 100. As described above in relation to the first coaxial connector 100, a cap 18 is attached to the connector body 10 to fill a bore left by a core pin for this first coaxial connector 100. This is required as the core pin is necessary to form the shape of the connector body 10 during injection moulding. The eighth coaxial connector 100 is designed to have a connector body 10 which does not require this core pin and hence no cap 18 is required. Specifically, the first inlet 12 and first outlet 14 are coaxial with one another along a first axis. In other words, the first axis passing through the centre of the first inlet 12 may also pass through the centre of the first outlet 14. Likewise, the second inlet 12 and the second outlet 14 are similarly coaxial with one another along a second axis. The first axis and the second axis are oblique to one another in the eighth coaxial connector 100. That is, angled with respect to one another. For example, with an angle between 0 and 90 degrees. As a result of this angling, the central core pin which results in the need for cap 18 can be omitted. The eighth coaxial connector 100 therefore does not require the cap 18. Instead, only core pins extending through each inlet 12 may be used. This eighth coaxial connector 100 may be manufactured as described above in relation to the first coaxial connector 100, without the need to cap a bore left by the core pin. Figures 9A and 9B show a ninth coaxial connector 100. Unless otherwise expressly stated, this ninth coaxial connector 100 is in accordance with the first coaxial connector 100 described in relation to Figures 1A and 1B. While the ninth coaxial connector 100 is primarily shown as a modification of the first coaxial connector 100 it is appreciated that this modification (of additional inlets 12 and outlets 14) may be applied to any of the coaxial connectors 100. As best seen in Figure 9A, the ninth coaxial connector 100 is used for more than two product tubes 20. A coaxial connector 100 with any number of product tubes 20 is possible, but Figure 9A shows a coaxial connector 100 for four product tubes 20. To achieve this, the ninth coaxial connector 100 has a connector body 10 further comprising a third inlet 12 and a third outlet 14. The body 10 further comprises a fourth inlet 12 and a fourth inlet 14. A third product flow-path is defined between the third inlet 12 and the third outlet 14. In use, a third product may flow entirely though a third product tube 20 which travels along this third product flow-path. A fourth product flow-path is defined between the fourth inlet 12 and the fourth outlet 14. In use, a fourth product may flow entirely though a fourth product tube 20 which travels along this fourth product flow-path. A second coolant flow path 11 may be defined through the connector body 10. The second coolant flow path 11 extends from the third inlet 12 to the fourth inlet 12. In use, coolant flows through the third inlet 12, along the second coolant flow path 11 and out of the fourth inlet 12. The second coolant flow path 11 may be formed in any suitable manner. For example, the connector body 10 may comprise one or more connected chambers therein making up the coolant flow path 11. In further examples, the first coolant flow path 11 may include any of the third and / or fourth inlets 12. For example, the first coolant flow path 11 may comprise three of the inlets 12. In this sense, coolant may flow into the connector body 10 via one of the inlets 12 and out of the coolant body through two or more inlets 12, or vice-versa. In general, for a coaxial connector 100 for N product tubes 20 there may be N inlets 12 and N outlets 14. Each of the N product tubes 20 may be defined in pairs, with a shared coolant flow path 11 across each pair as described herein. In further examples, a coolant flow path 11 may be shared across more than two product tubes 20. Figures 10A and 10B show an existing system 400 for cooling a product. For example, the product may be a beverage such as beer. The product is stored in a reservoir 42, such a beer keg 42. This reservoir 42 is spaced from a dispenser 48, such as a beer tap 48. The keg 42 is typically in a separate room such as a beer cellar. This cellar can be kept at a desired temperature for storage of the beer. The product leaves the reservoir 42 via a reservoir product tube 20c which delivers the product from the reservoir 42 to a cooler 44. The cooler 44 may be any suitable device for reducing the temperature of a product passing therethrough. In one example, the cooler 44 comprises a bath of coolant with pipework in this bath. The coolant may be cooled, for example, using a refrigeration process. In this sense, the cooler 44 can act as a heat exchanger. Product from the reservoir product tube 20c passes through the bath of coolant and is thereby cooled. The product then leaves the cooler 44 and is carried by product tube 20 to a dispenser 48. The product may additionally be cooled in in the reservoir product tube 20c. To achieve this, coolant can flow in a coolant tube 30c which is provided adjacent to the reservoir product tube 20c. The coolant tube 30c may surround the reservoir product tube 20c. Coolant may flow in the coolant tube 30c in the same direction as the product (i.e. from reservoir 42 to cooler 44). This means that the coolant needs to be delivered to the reservoir 42. This can be, for example, by coolant reservoir tube 43. While coolant reservoir tube 43 is shown adjacent to the reservoir product tube 20c this is not necessarily the case. Of course, the opposite arrangement is also possible where the flow in the coolant tube 30c is opposite to the flow direction of the product and the coolant reservoir tube 43 returns coolant. The coolant may be cooled in the cooler 44. For example, the coolant may be from the bath in the cooler 44. The product moves through the cooler 44 pipework until it reaches the outlet 44b of the cooler 44 pipework. Here it enters product tube 20. Product tube 20 is surrounded by a coolant tube 30. This cools the product as it travels from the cooler 44 to the dispenser 48. The coolant is returned to the bath of the cooler 44 along a separate line such as coolant return line 45. Thus, for each dispenser 48 two lines are required. The first line is formed of the product tube 20 surrounded by the coolant tube 30. The second line is the coolant return line 45. Figure 10B shows various attachments which can be used in such a system 400. A reservoir connector 41, such as a keg connector 41, is used to extract the product from the reservoir 42. The reservoir connector 41 comprises an inlet for product and an inlet for coolant. An outlet of the reservoir connector 41 comprises the reservoir product tube 20c surrounded by the coolant tube 30c. Thus, the coolant reservoir tube 43 is attached to this reservoir connector 41 to deliver the coolant to flow in the coolant tube. An example of such a reservoir connector 41 is described in WO 2020 / 084276 A1, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated by reference. At the cooler 44 there may be one or more elbow connectors 46. These elbow connectors 46 comprise attachment mechanisms for attaching product tubes 20 and coolant tubes 30. A splitter 43 is provided to separate the product flow from the coolant flow. Figure 10B shows two examples of splitter 43 which may be used. This splitter 43 then connects the product flow to an inlet 44a for the cooler 44 pipework for the product. The coolant may be returned to the bath of the cooler 44. Between the cooler 44 and the dispenser there may be a connector such as straight connector 49. This straight connector 49 comprises attachment mechanisms for attaching product tubes 20 and coolant tubes 20. At the dispenser 48 there may be one or more elbow connectors 46 to redirect the flow. These elbow connectors 46 comprise attachment mechanisms for attaching product tubes 20 and coolant tubes 20. A splitter 43 is provided to separate the product flow from the coolant flow. This splitter 43 then connects the product flow to the dispenser 48. Figures 11 and 11A shows a system 400 which incorporates the coaxial connector 100 described herein. Figure 11 shows the coaxial connector 100 in purely schematic form as a box around the relevant parts, while Figure 11A shows an exploded schematic of the coaxial connector 100 and dispensers 48. While the coaxial connector 100 shown in Figure 11A is generally in accordance with the first coaxial connector of Figures 1A and 1B, any of the coaxial connectors 100 described herein may be used with the system 400. In this system 400, there are two product reservoirs 42. Each reservoir 42 may include the same product, or a different product. Each reservoir 42 is connected to the cooler 44 in the same manner as described in relation to Figures 10A and 10B. The cooler 44 may comprise a corresponding plurality of inputs 44a and outputs 44b. However, on the output 44b of the cooler 44 coolant flows in the same direction as only one of the product tubes 20. In Figures 11 and 11A this is the right-hand product tube 20. This product tube 20 is surrounded by a coolant tube 30. For the purposes of the following description this product tube 20 will be referred to as a first product tube 20 and the corresponding cooling tube 30 as a coolant supply tube 30a. This coolant supply tube 30a is effectively defined, in use, by the direction of coolant flow. It is a coolant supply tube 30a as coolant flows from the cooler 44 into this coolant supply tube 30a. At or near to the dispensers 48, a coaxial connector 100 as described herein is provided. In general, the coolant supply tube 30a may be referenced as a first coolant tube 30 since whether it is a supply tube 30a or return tube 30b is defined by how it is connected in the system 400. The first product tube 20 runs through the coaxial connector 100 to the dispenser 48. The coolant supply tube 30a terminates in the coaxial connector 100 as described above. Figure 11A shows how the coaxial connector 100 can be incorporated into the system 400. The upper ends of each product tube 20 and coolant tube 30 are shown, but these may extend around the rest of the system 400 as shown in Figure 11. The coolant flows into the first inlet 12 (on the right hand side), across the coolant flow pathway 11, and out of the second inlet 12 (on the left hand side). Product flows along the first product tube 20 through the connector 100 to the first dispenser 48, and a separate product flows along the second product tube 20 through the connector 100 to the second dispenser 48. The other, second, product tube 20 has a corresponding coolant return tube 30b surrounding it. This coolant return tube 30a is effectively defined, in use, by the direction of coolant flow. It is a coolant return tube 30b as coolant flows into the cooler 44 from this coolant return tube 30b. The coolant return tube 30b is performing the function of the coolant return line 45 of Figures 10A and 10B, returning coolant to the cooler 44. This second product tube 20 also extends through the coaxial connector 100 to the dispenser 48. Again, the coolant return tube 30b terminates in the coaxial connector 100 as described above. In general, the coolant return tube 30b may be referenced as a second coolant tube 30 since whether it is a return tube 30b or supply tube 30a is defined by how it is connected in the system 400. In use, coolant travels up the coolant supply tube 30a, cooling the first product tube 20. The coolant then travels through the coolant flow path 11 of the coaxial connector 100, and back down the coolant return tube 30b, cooling the second product tube 20. In this sense, for the two product tubes 20 there are only two lines required from the cooler 44. The first line is formed of the first product tube 20 and the coolant supply tube 30a, and the second line is formed of the second product tube 20 and the coolant return tube 30b. This means that additional lines are not required between the cooler 44 and dispenser 48. With this system 400 it may be the case that the second product tube 20 is slightly warmer than the first product tube 20 as it receives cooling from coolant that has already cooled the first product tube 20. However, the amount of cooling provided is still within tolerance. In some examples, the products themselves may be selected accordingly. For example, if a first product should be dispensed at a lower temperature than a second product then the first product may be run through the first product tube 20 and the second product run through the second product tube 20. This system 400 ensures that the product is cooled along its entire journey from the reservoir 42 to the dispenser 48, while avoiding increasing the number of lines necessary. This can be used to help prevent warm spots developing along the product tube 20. These warm spots can lead to bacterial growth, particularly if the product reaches 5°C or greater. Thus, the coolant may be selected to keep the product at 3°C or lower. Where the product is beer, these warm spots can also result in breakdown of CO2. This leads to frothing of the beer and hence wastage as the lines are cleaned. While Figures 11 and 11A show this for two dispensers 48, it is anticipated that the system 400 can be scaled as appropriate for any number of dispensers 48. In its general form, a system 400 is provided. This system 400 comprises: a first product tube 20 and a second product tube 20. The system 400 further comprises: a first coolant tube 30 and a second coolant tube 30. The first coolant tube 30 may be, in use, a coolant supply tube 30a and the second coolant tube 30 may be, in use, a coolant return tube 30b, or vice-versa. These may be as described above in relation to Figures 11 and 11 A. A coaxial connector 100 as described herein in relation to any of Figures 1A to 9B is provided. The first product tube 20 extends through the first inlet 12 and the first outlet 14, such as to a dispenser 48. The first coolant tube 30 extends through the first inlet 12. The first coolant tube 30 may terminate in the coaxial connector 100. For example, the first coolant tube 30 may contact a first shoulder 16. The second product tube 20 extends through the second inlet 12 and the second outlet 14, such as to a dispenser 48. The second coolant tube 30 extends through the second inlet 12. The second coolant tube 30 may terminate in the coaxial connector 100. For example the second coolant tube 30 may contact a second shoulder 16. The system may further comprise a cooler 44 having a first cooler pipework connected to a first cooler outlet 44b and second cooler pipework connected to a second cooler outlet 44b. The first cooler pipework and second cooler pipework extending through a bath of coolant. Of course, further coolant pipework may be provided as required when the cooler 44 is cooling more products. The first product tube 20 extends from the first cooler outlet 44b. The second product tube 20 extends from the second cooler outlet 44b. This is to cool product flowing through each product tube 20. The first coolant tube 30 is connected to receive coolant from the bath. This coolant is carried to the coaxial connector 100 in the first coolant tube 30 around the first product tube 20. The second coolant tube 30 is connected to return coolant from the coaxial connector 100 to the bath, via the coolant flow path 11 of the coaxial connector 100. This coolant is carried from the coaxial connector in the second coolant tube 30 around the second product tube 20. The cooler 44 may further comprise a first cooler inlet 44a in fluid communication with the first cooler pipework and a second cooler inlet 44a in fluid communication with the second cooler pipework. A first product reservoir 42 is provided in fluid communication with the first cooler inlet 44a. A second product reservoir 42 is provided in fluid communication with the second cooler inlet 44a. Each of these connections may be through suitable tubing. In certain examples the first product reservoir 42 is in fluid communication with the first cooler inlet 44a via a first reservoir product tube 20c surrounded by a first coolant reservoir tube 30c. The second product reservoir 42 may be in fluid communication with the second cooler inlet 44a via a second reservoir product tube 20c surrounded by a second coolant reservoir tube 30c. In this sense an improved system 400 is provided for cooling product. A method of operating the system 400 is also provided. First, a first product is ran through the first product tube 20 in a first product flow direction. The first product flow direction may be, for example, from the cooler 44 to the dispenser 48. A second product is ran through the second product tube 20 in a second product flow direction. The second product flow direction may be, for example, from the cooler 44 to the dispenser 48. In other words, the second product flow direction may be substantially the same as the first product flow direction. A coolant is ran along the first coolant tube 30 in a same direction as the first product flow direction to thereby cool the first product. This coolant then runs through the coolant flow path 11 of the coaxial connector 100. The coolant is then returned along the second coolant tube 30 in an opposite direction to the second product flow direction to thereby cool the second product. The cooling of the first product may be to 3°C or cooler. Additionally, or alternatively, the 5 cooling of the second product may be 3°C or cooler. In this sense, a method taking advantage of the present system 400 is provided. 10

Claims

1. A coaxial connector comprising a connector body, the connector body comprising: a first inlet and a first outlet for receiving a first tube carrying a first product stream; a second inlet and a second outlet for receiving a second tube carrying a second product stream;a coolant flow path through the body, the coolant flow path having a coolant inlet surrounding, in use, the first tube at first inlet and a coolant outlet surrounding, in use, the second tube at the second inlet.

2. The coaxial connector of claim 1, wherein the first inlet is coaxial with the first outlet along a first axis, and the second inlet is coaxial with the second outlet along a second axis.

3. The coaxial connector of claim 2, wherein the first axis and second axis are substantially parallel with one another.

4. The coaxial connector of claim 2, wherein the first axis and second axis are oblique to one another.

5. The coaxial connector of claim 1, wherein the first inlet is transverse to the first outlet, and the second inlet is transverse to the second outlet.

6. The coaxial connector of any preceding claim, further comprising a plug sealed to the connector body between the first outlet and the second outlet.

7. The coaxial connector of any preceding claim, wherein the first inlet has a greater diameter than the first outlet, and the second inlet has a greater diameter than the second outlet.

8. The coaxial connector of claim 7, further comprising:a first coolant shoulder providing an end stop for an end of a coolant tube between the first inlet and the first outlet, the first coolant shoulder having a diameter between the diameter of the first inlet and first outlet; anda second coolant shoulder providing an end stop for an end of a coolant tube between the second inlet and the second outlet, the second coolant shoulder having a diameter between the diameter of the second inlet and second outlet.

9. The coaxial connector of any preceding claim, further comprising:a first upper coolant seal for sealing with the tube carrying the first product stream;a first lower coolant seal for sealing with a coolant tube;a second upper coolant seal for sealing with the tube carrying the second product stream; anda second lower coolant seal for sealing with a coolant tube.

10. The coaxial connector of claim 9, further comprising:a first upper product seal for sealing with the tube carrying the first product stream;a first lower product seal for sealing with the tube carrying the first product stream;a second upper product seal for sealing with the tube carrying the second product stream;a second lower product seal for sealing with the tube carrying the second product stream.

11. The coaxial connector of claim 10, wherein:the first lower product seal is also the first upper coolant seal; andthe second lower product seal is also the second upper coolant seal.

12. The coaxial connector of any preceding claim, further comprising:a first attachment mechanism for retaining a coolant tube at the first inlet; anda second attachment mechanism for retaining a coolant tube at the second inlet.

13. The coaxial connector of any preceding claim, wherein the body further comprises: a third inlet and a third outlet for receiving a tube carrying a third product stream;a fourth inlet and a fourth outlet for receiving a tube carrying a fourth product stream.

14. The coaxial connector of claim 13, further comprising a second coolant flow path through the body from the third inlet to the fourth inlet.

15. A system comprising: a first product tube; a second product tube; a first coolant tube;a second coolant tube;the coaxial connector of any preceding claim, wherein:the first product tube extends through the first inlet and the first outlet;the first coolant tube extends through the coolant inlet and surrounds the first product tube;the second product tube extends through the second inlet and the second outlet; andthe second coolant tube extends from the coolant outlet and surrounds the second product tube.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a cooler having first cooler pipework connected to a first cooler outlet and second cooler pipework connected to a second cooler outlet, the first cooler pipework and second cooler pipework extending through a bath of coolant, wherein:the first product tube extends from the first cooler outlet;the second product outlet extends from the second cooler outlet;the first coolant tube is connected to receive coolant from the bath to the coaxial connector; andthe second coolant tube is connected to return coolant from the coaxial connector to the bath.

17. The system of any of claims 15 to 16, wherein the cooler further comprises a first cooler inlet in fluid communication with the first cooler pipework and a second cooler inlet in fluid communication with the second cooler pipework, the system further comprising:a first product reservoir in fluid communication with the first cooler inlet; anda second product reservoir in fluid communication with the second cooler inlet.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein:the first product reservoir is in fluid communication with the first cooler inlet via a first reservoir product tube surrounded by a first coolant reservoir tube; andthe second product reservoir is in fluid communication with the second cooler inlet via a second reservoir product tube surrounded by a second coolant reservoir tube.

19. A method of operating the system of any of claims 15 to 18 comprising the steps of:5 running a first product through the first product tube in a first product flow direction;running a second product through the second product tube in a second product flowdirection;running a coolant along the first coolant tube in a same direction as the first product flow direction to thereby cool the first product; and10 returning the coolant via the coolant flow path of the coaxial connector along thesecond coolant tube in an opposite direction to the second product flow direction to thereby cool the second product.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first product is cooled to 3°C or cooler, and the15 second product is cooled to 3°C or cooler.

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