Apparatus for cleaning a liquid uptake conduit

Abstract

An apparatus 1 for cleaning a liquid uptake conduit comprises a first conduit 3 for the flow of a first liquid in a first flow path. The first conduit 3 has an inlet and an outlet. A shroud element 4 is deployable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the shroud element 4 is arranged to enclose a first portion 5 of the first conduit 3, such that a second portion of the first conduit 3 is uncovered by the shroud element 4 and corresponds with a storage volume for receiving a container 2. The inlet of the first conduit 3 is configured for the uptake of the first liquid from the container 2. In the second configuration, the shroud element 4 is arranged to enclose the first 5 and second portions of the first conduit 3, to provide a second flow path for the flow of a second liquid between an outer surface of the first conduit 3 and an inner surface of the shroud element 4, from the outlet towards the inlet of the first conduit 3.

Description

FIELD The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for cleaning a liquid uptake conduit. The disclosure also relates to a cleanable system for dispensing liquid comprising such an apparatus, and to a method of cleaning a liquid uptake conduit using such an apparatus. BACKGROUND In the food and beverages industry, milk fridges can be connected by tubing to one or more texturing, heating and / or cooling systems, for the milk to be used as an ingredient in a beverage or foodstuff, such as coffee. There is a need to clean such tubing. Within the coffee sector, milk is typically served hot, and the heating of the milk provides a kill step to reduce any microbial levels that are present. The industry has therefore been somewhat reliant upon drink heating, in addition to hot cleaning, to maintain hygiene standards. Current equipment therefore poses hygiene challenges, particularly as cold drinks such as iced coffee increase in popularity. A typical operating scenario for beverage making equipment is that a milk pipe hangs from the top of a milk fridge, where it connects to and feeds a milk texturing system outside the fridge, down into the bottom of a container beneath. Milk is drawn up this pipe by a pump at the top of the fridge or outside the fridge. Because of this arrangement, during and after the use, both the inside and outside of the pipe will be coated in milk and will require cleaning. Cleaning must be sufficient to allow drink hygiene standards to be attained all times. By convention, this is achieved by daily cleaning of the milk pipe. The milk pipe is cleaned on its inside by means of hot water being flushed down (and / or up) in the tube. This relies on the milk container first being removed and being replaced with a cleaning container, such as a plastic bucket. The flushing itself is executed by the drinks making machine (referred to as “clean in place”), and can be confirmed as executed via software. The milk pipe is cleaned on its outside by means of wiping down with a damp cloth and then being wiped down with sanitising spray. This is a manual step and it is hard to verify if it has been done, so relies on operator training and competence if it is to be effective. This cleaning step, along with the cleaning of the milk container, can thus be ineffective. Beverage making equipment may include means to transfer other liquids around the equipment and to dispensing outlets. These liquids may include flavouring liquids such as, for example, syrups. Similar hygiene and cleaning challenges apply to such other liquids. The present disclosure seeks to alleviate, at least to a certain degree, the problems and / or address at least to a certain extent, the difficulties associated with the prior art, by providing a way to clean the outside of the milk (or other liquid ingredient) pipe as part of the “clean in place”, and by providing means to use milk (or other liquid ingredient) in its as-supplied container and means to maximise the likelihood it is removed and replaced so that the container does not require cleaning. SUMMARY According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for cleaning a liquid uptake conduit. The apparatus comprises a first conduit for the flow of a first liquid in a first flow path therein, the first conduit having an inlet and an outlet; and a shroud element deployable between a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, the shroud element is arranged to enclose a first portion of the first conduit, such that a second portion of the first conduit is uncovered by the shroud element and corresponds with a storage volume for receiving a container, such that the inlet of the first conduit is configured for the uptake of said first liquid from said container. In the second configuration, the shroud element is arranged to enclose the first and second portions of the first conduit, to provide a second flow path for the flow of a second liquid therein, between an outer surface of the first conduit and an inner surface of the shroud element, from the outlet towards the inlet of the first conduit. Advantageously, such an arrangement can provide for automated cleaning of the outside of the first conduit, for example of the outside of a milk pipe of a coffee machine, by provision of a retractable / deployable shroud. Optionally, the inside of the first conduit may also advantageously be cleaned by provision of the second flow path. In particular, by provision of the first and second configurations of the shroud element, the second flow path can be deployed when a container is removed from the apparatus, such as a milk carton, to provide a flow path that can flush over the outside of the first conduit, thus allowing the first conduit to be fully cleaned. Furthermore, the apparatus has improved usability and is intuitive to use, since the first configuration of the shroud element corresponds with a state in which the first conduit is partially uncovered, corresponding with a storage volume which receives a container, for example wherein a milk carton is in place, and so the shroud element is readily and automatically deployable into the second configuration when said container is removed from the apparatus. For example, when a milk carton becomes empty and needs to be replaced, then the removal of the container from the apparatus will automatically cause the shroud element to be deployed into the second configuration, thus deploying the second flow path, such that the outside of the first conduit, which will inevitably be dirty and covered in residual fluid from said container, can be automatically cleaned. Therefore, such an apparatus can provide for automated cleaning which is less reliant on manual operators, and which is hence more effective in providing for increased hygiene in the food and beverages industry. Furthermore, such an apparatus can advantageously help operators to move away from the mindset of cleaning equipment once a day as is commonly current practice. The presently disclosed apparatus and method advantageously provides opportunities and prompts to the operator to embrace this opportunity. That is, coffee machines for example, spend most of their time inactive. During the inactive times when they are not being used to make beverages, this is an ample opportunity to carry out cleaning activity. Advantageously, instead of one daily intense clean, the present apparatus provides for the option to undertake periodic less intense cleans instead of or in addition to one daily intense clean. Additionally, the present apparatus provides that a first conduit such as a milk pipe can be cleaned in isolation without also cleaning a separate external milk heating or texturing system. Thus, with multiple containers such as multiple milk cartons, the operator can usefully clean one or more milk pipes opportunistically between making different drinks while other pipes / conduits are in use supplying milk elsewhere. Optionally, the shroud element comprises a second conduit, and defines a generally annular volume between the outer surface of the first conduit and the inner surface of the shroud element. Advantageously, this provides that an annulus can be deployed into place when a container, such as a milk carton, is removed from the apparatus, advantageously providing a flow path that can flush over the outside of the first conduit, thus allowing the conduit to be fully cleaned. Optionally, the shroud element is configured to be retractable from the second configuration to the first configuration. Advantageously, this provides that the shroud element is deployable between a relaxed state corresponding with the first configuration and an engaged active cleaning state corresponding with the second configuration with improved ease, intuition and automation, to provide for improved automated cleaning of the first conduit. Optionally, the shroud element is configured to be extensible and / or extendable from the first configuration to the second configuration. Advantageously, this provides that the shroud element is deployable with improved ease, intuition and automation, to provide for improved automated cleaning of the first conduit. Optionally, the shroud element is configured to be under tension when in the second configuration. For example, the length of the shroud element may be selected such that when it is extended to the second configuration it is under tension. For example, the material of the shroud element may be stretched in the second configuration. Advantageously, this prevents the shroud touching the first conduit when in the second configuration, thereby ensuring there is a known volume to fill and a clear fluid flow path between the outer surface of the outer surface of the first conduit and an inner surface of the shroud element. Optionally, the shroud element comprises one or more corrugations, such that the shroud element is retractable and extendable to be deployable between the first and second configurations. Advantageously, this provides that the shroud element is deployable with improved ease, intuition and automation, to provide for improved automated cleaning of the first conduit. Optionally, the shroud element comprises a plurality of generally concentric portions, such that the shroud element is configured to be telescopic to be deployable between the first and second configurations. Advantageously, this provides that the shroud element is deployable with improved ease, intuition and automation, to provide for improved automated cleaning of the first conduit. Optionally, the shroud element comprises a flexible tube comprising an inelastic polymer, for example acrylamide, or an elastic polymer, such as silicone. Advantageously, this provides that the shroud element is deployable with improved ease, intuition and automation, to provide for improved automated cleaning of the first conduit. Optionally, the second flow path is configured for liquid to flow therein in an opposite direction to the flow of liquid in the first flow path. Advantageously, this provides that the second liquid in the second flow path can be configured to flow along, for example down, the shroud element to clean the outside of the first conduit, and can then be configured to flow along, for example up, the first conduit to then also clean the inside of the first conduit. Optionally, the shroud element comprises an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet of the shroud element is arranged proximate to the outlet of the first conduit, and the outlet of the shroud element is arranged distal to the outlet of the first conduit, such that when the shroud element is in the second configuration, the outlet of the shroud element is arranged proximate to the inlet of the first conduit. Advantageously, this provides that the second liquid in the second flow path can be configured to flow along, for example down, the shroud element to clean the outside of the first conduit, and can then be configured to flow along, for example up, the first conduit to then also clean the inside of the first conduit. Optionally, the shroud element is configured to be movable in a generally longitudinal direction to deploy it into the second configuration from the first configuration. Optionally, the shroud element is configured to be movable in a generally vertical direction to deploy it into the second configuration from the first configuration. Optionally, the shroud element is configured to be movable in a generally downward direction to deploy it into the second configuration from the first configuration. Optionally, the shroud element is configured to be movable in a generally upward direction to deploy it into the second configuration from the first configuration. Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a shroud end cap arranged proximate to the outlet of the shroud element, the shroud end cap being configured for movement generally along a longitudinal axis of the shroud element, for actuating the deployment of the shroud element between the first and second configurations. Advantageously, this provides that the shroud element is deployable with improved ease, intuition and automation, to provide for improved automated cleaning of the first conduit, because a user can easily hold onto the shroud end cap to move the shroud element between the first and second configurations, without inadvertently touching the first conduit and causing contamination thereto. Optionally, the shroud end cap is configured to engage with an opening of a container to be received in said storage volume, such that when said container is removed, the shroud end cap is caused to be moved, resulting in the shroud element being deployed into the second configuration. Advantageously, this provides that the shroud element is deployable with improved ease, intuition and automation, to provide for improved automated cleaning of the first conduit, because a user can easily hold onto the shroud end cap to move the shroud element between the first and second configurations, without inadvertently touching the first conduit and causing contamination thereto. The shroud end cap can be engaged with the container, such that when a container such as a milk carton is present in the apparatus, the shroud element is caused to be in the first configuration and is engaged therewith. Then, when the container becomes empty and needs to be refilled or replaced, the removal of the container will inherently and automatically correspondingly cause the operator to disengage the shroud end cap from the opening of the container, so that the shroud element is automatically caused to be moved and deployed into the second configuration, so that the first conduit can be cleaned. Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a base element configured to (i) receive a container when the shroud element is in the first configuration, and / or (ii) configured to engage with the shroud end cap when the shroud element is in the second configuration. Advantageously, this provides that the shroud element is deployable with improved ease, intuition and automation, to provide for improved automated cleaning of the first conduit, because a user can easily hold onto the shroud end cap to move the shroud element between the first and second configurations, without inadvertently touching the first conduit and causing contamination thereto. The shroud end cap can be engaged with the base element when the shroud element is deployed in the second configuration, so that for the operator there is an inherent and obvious place to put the shroud element when a container is removed from the apparatus, so that the shroud element is inherently and automatically placed into the second configuration so that the first conduit is cleaned. Advantageously, this is an easy and obvious manoeuvre for the operator to make. Optionally, the base element comprises a hub element configured to engage with the shroud end cap, and wherein the base element and / or the shroud end cap further comprises locking means to lock the shroud end cap into place on the base element. Advantageously, this provides for improved automated cleaning of the first conduit when the shroud element is deployed in the second configuration, with improved sealing and securing. Optionally, the shroud end cap comprises a sealing means such as an O-ring, for fluidly sealing the interface between the shroud end cap and the base element. Advantageously, this provides for improved automated cleaning of the first conduit when the shroud element is deployed in the second configuration, with improved sealing and securing. Optionally, the locking means comprises one or more lug pins and / or magnetic elements. The shroud end cap may be configured to be rotationally engaged and locked into place on the base element. Advantageously, this provides for improved automated cleaning of the first conduit when the shroud element is deployed in the second configuration, with improved sealing and securing. Optionally, the first conduit is arranged generally concentrically inside the shroud element. Optionally, the shroud element is not in contact with the first conduit. Advantageously, this provides that flushing fluid along the second flow path can cause the outer surface of the first conduit to be cleaned evenly and automatically, without the need for a manual cleaning step. Also, this advantageously provides for improved cleaning, and for increased layout flexibility in the design of a beverage making system. Optionally, the second flow path is in fluid communication with the first flow path. Advantageously, this provides that the inside of the first conduit can be cleaned by the deployment of the shroud element into the second configuration, as well as the outside. Specifically, this provides that the second liquid in the second flow path can be configured to flow along, for example down, the shroud element to clean the outside of the first conduit, and can then be configured to flow along, for example up, the first conduit to then also clean the inside of the first conduit. Also advantageously, this can also provide for an alternative flow arrangement in which the second liquid, for example water, can be caused to flow down the first conduit to clean the inside of the first conduit, and then to flow upwards through the second flow path within the shroud element to clean the outside of the first conduit. Optionally, the apparatus may be configured such that after cleaning has taken place, the second liquid is configured to be evacuated from the shroud element by sucking it up the inside of the first conduit element. Advantageously, such an arrangement can provide for simplified plumbing hardware. Optionally, the apparatus further comprises an air port configured to provide for air flow into and out of the shroud element. Advantageously, this provides that air can enter and / or leave via the air port to ensure that any discrepancy between inflow and outflow does not cause collapse or swelling of the shroud element -i.e. it can provide for pressure equalising with the external environment. Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a cleaning inlet configured to provide for the flow of the second liquid into the shroud element. Advantageously, this provides for flow of a second liquid, such as water, into the shroud element, to clean the outside of the first conduit, or to clean both the outside and inside of the first conduit. Optionally, the first liquid comprises or consists of milk. Optionally, the first liquid comprises or consists of a flavouring liquid, such as a syrup. Optionally, the second liquid comprises or consists of water. Optionally, the second liquid comprises or consists of a cleaning fluid. Optionally the second liquid comprises or consists of a sanitizing liquid. Optionally, the container is a milk carton. Optionally, the first conduit is a milk tube. Optionally, the container is a flavouring liquid container, such as a syrup container. Optionally, the first conduit is a flavouring liquid tube, such as a syrup tube. Optionally, the first conduit is configured to be arranged at least partially inside said container. Advantageously, this provides that the first conduit can be arranged for the uptake of liquid from said container, for example for the uptake of milk. Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a means for monitoring the amount of the first liquid in said container. Said means for monitoring the amount of the first liquid in said container may comprise one or more sensors for example. Advantageously, this can provide for monitoring of the amount of first liquid in a container, for example the amount of milk in a milk container. This has a range of benefits for stock control and operations monitoring. It can also allow for a verification that a system is in the right configuration for cleaning. For example, it would be desirable to avoid trying to draw up liquid such as milk from a container when the container is, or is about to become, empty. In such a case, disadvantageously, an incomplete drink would be served and the suck-up of large amounts of air this would cause could lead to hot spots in a milk heater and milk burning and reliability issues. Optionally, said one or more sensors comprises one or more weight sensors, electrical sensors, and / or acoustic sensors. For example, the amount of first liquid in a container could be weighed. Alternatively, the first liquid could be monitored by monitoring electrical and / or acoustic behaviours of a pump for the first liquid, to identify whether any gas is present. This can occur when sucking liquid from near the liquid surface, causing liquid “cones” down into the inlet and bringing in some air which can change the efficiency and behaviour of a pump such as a milk pump. Advantageously, such sensors can provide for an indication of when the amount of first liquid in a container is low, to notify the operator that they should swap it for another filled container, or otherwise refill the container. Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a means for detecting what type of liquid the first liquid is. For example, said means may comprise one or more RFID or image recognition means to detect whether a milk comprising the first liquid is a dairy milk or a plant based milk for example, such as by detecting a label or other packaging on said container. According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a cleanable system for dispensing liquid. The system comprises an apparatus according to the first aspect of the disclosure, and a container for storing said first liquid. Advantageously, such an arrangement can provide for automated cleaning of the outside of the first conduit, for example of the outside of a milk pipe of a coffee machine, by provision of a retractable / deployable shroud. Optionally, the inside of the first conduit may also advantageously be cleaned by provision of the second flow path. In particular, by provision of the first and second configurations of the shroud element, the second flow path can be deployed when a container is removed from the apparatus, such as a milk carton, to provide a flow path that can flush over the outside of the first conduit, thus allowing the first conduit to be fully cleaned. Furthermore, the apparatus has improved usability and is intuitive to use, since the first configuration of the shroud element corresponds with a state in which the first conduit is partially uncovered, corresponding with a storage volume which receives a container, for example wherein a milk carton is in place, and so the shroud element is readily and automatically deployable into the second configuration when said container is removed from the apparatus. For example, when a milk carton becomes empty and needs to be replaced, then the removal of the container from the apparatus will automatically cause the shroud element to be deployed into the second configuration, thus deploying the second flow path, such that the outside of the first conduit, which will inevitably be dirty and covered in residual fluid from said container, can be automatically cleaned. Therefore, such an apparatus can provide for automated cleaning which is less reliant on manual operators, and which is hence more effective in providing for increased hygiene in the food and beverages industry. Optionally, the container is a milk carton. Optionally, the first conduit is a milk tube. Optionally, the container is a flavouring liquid container, such as a syrup container. Optionally, the first conduit is a flavouring liquid tube, such as a syrup tube. Optionally, the system comprises a plurality of apparatuses according to the first aspect of the disclosure, the apparatuses arranged in parallel with one another. Advantageously, such a system can provide for the uptake and supply of more than one type of first liquid, for example more than one type of milk, such as dairy milk, soy milk, oat milk, and / or almond milk and / or for example one or more types of flavouring liquid, such as syrup. According to a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a beverage machine comprising a cleanable system as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the beverage machine is automated. In some embodiments, the beverage machine is a self-serve machine. In some embodiments, the beverage machine comprises a fridge. In some embodiments, the cleanable system or a portion thereof is located inside the fridge. In some embodiments, the first liquid, such as milk, is stored in a container within the fridge. The beverage machine may comprise a pump for pumping the first liquid, such as milk, through the first conduit. The beverage machine may comprise more than one apparatus or cleanable system of the invention. For example, the beverage machine may comprise an apparatus or cleanable system associated with a milk system and one or more further apparatuses or cleanable systems associated with a flavouring system, such as a syrup system. According to a fourth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of cleaning a liquid uptake conduit using an apparatus according to the first aspect of the disclosure. The method comprises: a) removing a container from said storage volume, for example when said container becomes empty; b) deploying the shroud element into the second configuration; and c) causing said second liquid to flow in the second flow path, to clean the outer surface of the first conduit. Advantageously, such a method can provide for automated cleaning of the outside of the first conduit, for example of the outside of a milk pipe of a coffee machine, by provision of a retractable / deployable shroud. Optionally, the inside of the first conduit may also advantageously be cleaned by provision of the second flow path. In particular, by provision of the first and second configurations of the shroud element, the second flow path can be deployed when a container is removed from the apparatus, such as a milk carton, to provide a flow path that can flush over the outside of the first conduit, thus allowing the first conduit to be fully cleaned. Furthermore, the method has improved usability and is intuitive to use, since the first configuration of the shroud element corresponds with a state in which the first conduit is partially uncovered, corresponding with a storage volume which receives a container, for example wherein a milk carton is in place, and so the shroud element is readily and automatically deployable into the second configuration when said container is removed from the apparatus. For example, when a milk carton becomes empty and needs to be replaced, then the removal of the container from the apparatus will automatically cause the shroud element to be deployed into the second configuration, thus deploying the second flow path, such that the outside of the first conduit, which will inevitably be dirty and covered in residual fluid from said container, can be automatically cleaned. Therefore, such a method can provide for automated cleaning which is less reliant on manual operators, and which is hence more effective in providing for increased hygiene in the food and beverages industry. Furthermore, such a method can advantageously help operators of the equipment to move away from the mindset of cleaning the equipment once a day as is commonly current practice. The presently disclosed method advantageously provides opportunities and prompts to the operator to embrace this opportunity. That is, coffee machines for example, spend most of their time inactive. During the inactive times when they are not being used to make beverages, there is ample opportunity to carry out cleaning activity. Advantageously, instead of one daily intense clean, the present method provides for the option to undertake periodic less intense cleans instead of or in addition to one daily intense clean. Additionally, the present method provides that a first conduit such as a milk pipe can be cleaned in isolation without also cleaning a separate external milk heating or texturing system. Thus, with multiple containers such as multiple milk cartons, the operator can usefully clean one or more milk pipes opportunistically between making different drinks while other pipes / conduits are in use supplying milk elsewhere. Optionally, the shroud element is configured to be movable in a generally longitudinal direction to deploy it into the second configuration from the first configuration. Optionally, the shroud element is configured to be movable in a generally vertical direction to deploy it into the second configuration from the first configuration. Optionally, the shroud element is configured to be movable in a generally downward direction to deploy it into the second configuration from the first configuration. Optionally, the shroud element is configured to be movable in a generally upward direction to deploy it into the second configuration from the first configuration. Optionally, the second flow path is in fluid communication with the first flow path, such that when said second liquid is caused to flow in the second flow path, said second liquid is also caused to flow in the first flow path to flush out any residual first liquid therefrom, thus also cleaning an inner surface of the first conduit. Advantageously, this provides that the inside of the first conduit can be cleaned by the deployment of the shroud element into the second configuration, as well as the outside. Specifically, this provides that the second liquid in the second flow path can be configured to flow along, for example down, the shroud element to clean the outside of the first conduit, and can then be configured to flow along, for example up, the first conduit to then also clean the inside of the first conduit. Also advantageously, this can also provide for an alternative flow arrangement in which the second liquid, for example water, can be caused to flow down the first conduit to clean the inside of the first conduit, and then to flow upwards through the second flow path within the shroud element to clean the outside of the first conduit. Optionally, the method is configured such that after cleaning has taken place, the second liquid is configured to be evacuated from the shroud element by sucking it up the inside of the first conduit element. Advantageously, such a method provides for simplified plumbing hardware. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present disclosure may be carried out in various ways and embodiments of the disclosure will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows an apparatus for cleaning a liquid uptake conduit in a first configuration; Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1 in a second configuration; Figure 4 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 in the second configuration; Figure 5 shows an apparatus for cleaning a liquid uptake conduit; Figures 6A and 6B show a corrugated shroud element; Figure 7 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 in the first configuration; Figure 8 shows the apparatus of Figure 1 in the second configuration; Figures 9A and 9B show base regions of the apparatus of Figures 5 and 1 respectively; Figures 10A to 10E show sequential states of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1 during a cleaning cycle; Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1 during a cleaning cycle; Figure 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1 during a cleaning cycle; Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1 during a liquid uptake dispensing process; Figure 15 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1; Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1 during the insertion of a container; Figure 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1 during the insertion of a container; Figure 19 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1 during a liquid uptake dispensing process; Figure 20 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1 containing an empty container; Figure 21 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1 during the removal of a container; Figure 22 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1 during the removal of a container; and Figure 23 shows a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1. Figure 24 shows an embodiment of a beverage machine in which the door is in an open position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 shows an apparatus 1 for cleaning a liquid uptake conduit. The apparatus 1 can be employed as part of a beverage making system, for example to deliver milk to one or more heating, cooling and / or texturing devices, for example housed in or otherwise provided as part of or associated with a beverage machine, such as a coffee machine. The apparatus 1 is configured to receive a container 2, which in the example described herein, is a milk carton. Though, it is envisaged that any other suitable container containing any other suitable liquid may also be employed. Whilst Figure 1 shows the apparatus 1 in a first configuration in which the container 2 is received by the apparatus 1, Figures 3 and 4 show the apparatus 1 in a second configuration in which the container 2 is removed from the apparatus 1. The apparatus 1 is configured to provide for cleaning of a liquid uptake conduit, as well as providing for the dispensing of a liquid therefrom. The structure of the apparatus 1 shall now be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. As shown in Figure 2, the apparatus 1 comprises a first conduit 3 which is configured for the flow of a first liquid in a first flow path therein. In other words, the first conduit 3 is configured to allow a first liquid to flow through it. In the example described herein, the first conduit 3 is a milk pipe and the first liquid is milk, although it is envisaged that any other suitable liquid, such as a flavouring liquid, such as a syrup, may be employed in the first conduit. It is also envisaged that a variety of different milk types may be employed, such as dairy milk, oat milk, soy milk, and nut milks such as almond milk or hazelnut milk. The first conduit 3 has an inlet end 3i and an outlet end 3o. The inlet end 3i is configured for the uptake of the first liquid from the container 2, when the container 2 is received in the apparatus 1 when the apparatus is in the first configuration. The outlet end 3o is configured to output the first liquid, for example to a heating device or milk texturing device, for use in making a beverage. The first conduit 3 is generally tubular and with reference to Figures 17, 18, 21 and 22, it may advantageously manufactured from a flexible material to allow for it to be bent and otherwise manipulated to facilitate easy positioning and removal of the container 2 from the apparatus 1. Turning back now to Figure 1, the apparatus 1 also comprises a shroud element 4. The shroud element 4 is tubular and in the example described herein, is manufactured from a flexible material such that it can be gathered or bunched into folds or wrinkles to manipulate it from a straight extended state to a retracted state. Figures 3 and 4 show the shroud element 4 in a second configuration in which it is in an extended state, and Figures 1 and 2 show the shroud element 4 in a first configuration in which it is in a retracted state. These two states are also shown in the succeeding figures, for example in Figure 11 which shows the shroud element 4 in the second extended configuration, and Figure 14 shows the shroud element 4 in the first retracted configuration. As shown in Figures 1 and 14, when the shroud element 4 is in the first configuration, it is arranged to enclose a first portion 5 of the first conduit 3 (see also Figure 2), whereas a second portion 6 of the first conduit 3 remains uncovered by the shroud element. The second portion 6 of the first conduit 3 corresponds with a storage volume 7 (see Figure 3) for receiving the container 2, such that the inlet end 3i of the first conduit 3 is arranged for uptake of the first liquid from the container 2. The shroud element 4 has a first end 8 and a second end 9, with the first end 8 being positioned proximate to an opening 10 of the container 2, and the second end 9 being positioned distal from the opening 10. The first end 8 may correspond with an outlet end of the shroud element 4, and conversely the second end 9 may correspond with an inlet end of the shroud element 4. As shown in the cross-sectional views of Figures 2, 3 and 14 for example, the first conduit 3 is arranged generally concentrically inside the shroud element 4, such that a generally annular volume 11 (see Figure 3) is defined therebetween, which shall be discussed in more detail below. Turning now to Figures 4 and 11, in the second configuration, the shroud element 4 is arranged to enclose, i.e. cover, both the first and second portions 5, 6 of the first conduit 3. This is because the second configuration of the shroud element 4 corresponds with the second configuration of the apparatus 1, in which the container 2 is removed from the apparatus 1. In this configuration, the first end 8 of the shroud element 4 is arranged proximate to a base element 12 of the apparatus 1. As can be seen from comparing Figures 1 and 4, or similarly Figures 11 and 14, in the first configuration the shroud element 4 is longer and the first end 8 is thus arranged further away from the second end 9 than in the second configuration of the shroud element 4. This is because in the second configuration, the shroud element 4 is in an extended state as opposed to its retracted state in the first configuration. Thus, in the second configuration, the generally annular volume 11 is longer than in the first configuration. In this example, the shroud element 4 is configured such that it is under tension when in the second configuration. For example, the length of the shroud element may be selected such that when it is extended to the second configuration it is under tension. For example, the material of the shroud element may be stretched in the second configuration. An advantage of the shroud being under tension is that it can prevent the shroud touching the first conduit, thereby ensuring there is a known volume to fill and a clear fluid flow path between the outer surface of the outer surface of the first conduit and an inner surface of the shroud element. Accordingly, when the shroud element 4 is in the second configuration, there is provided a second flow path 15 (see Figure 11) for the flow of a second liquid therein, between an outer surface 13 of the first conduit 3 and an inner surface 14 of the shroud element 4. In the example shown in Figure 11 for example, the direction of the second flow path 15 is generally from the outlet end 3o of the first conduit 3 towards the inlet end 3i of the first conduit 3. However, it is also envisaged that the direction of the second flow path 15 may alternatively be in the opposite direction or any other suitable direction. In this manner, when the shroud element 4 is deployed into the second configuration, the second liquid may be caused to flow in the generally annular volume 11, thus cleaning the outer surface 13 of the first conduit 3, such that the outside of the first conduit 3, for example a milk pipe, is cleaned. Advantageously, this cleaning of the outer surface 13 of the first conduit 3 can be caused to take place automatically when the container 2 is removed from the apparatus 1, since the removal of the container 2 will cause the shroud element 4 to be deployed into its second extended configuration. This is because the configuration of the apparatus 1 advantageously causes a user thereof to intuitively place the shroud element 4 into the second configuration when the container 2 is removed, and into the first configuration when the container 2 is inserted, such that the apparatus 1 is automatically placed into a cleaning state when the container 2 is removed from the apparatus 1 to be refilled or replaced. This shall be described in more detail below with reference to Figure 11 onwards. As aforementioned, in order to provide that the shroud element 4 can be gathered or bunched into folds or wrinkles to manipulate it from a straight extended state to a retracted state, the shroud element 4 may be manufactured from a flexible material. For example, as shown in Figures 4 and 8, in the second configuration the shroud element 4 may be stretched out into an extended state, whereas as shown in Figure 7 the shroud element 4 may be compressed and gathered or bunched into folds or wrinkles when in the first configuration in its retracted state. This is also evident from the later figures, for example from comparing the cross-sectional views of Figures 11 and 14. Whilst in the embodiment depicted, the shroud element 4 is deployable between the first and second configurations by virtue of it being made from a material that can be gathered or bunched into folds or wrinkles, such as a suitable polymer and / or fabric, for example a flexible tube comprising an inelastic polymer, for example acrylamide, or an elastic polymer such as silicone, it is also envisaged that the shroud element 4 may also be manufactured from another other suitable material or construction. For example, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, it is alternatively envisaged that the shroud element 4 could be manufactured from a polymer tube comprising one or more corrugations 16 to provide for it to be retractable and extendable. As another example which is not illustrated, it is envisaged that the shroud element 4 could comprise a plurality of generally concentric portions such that the shroud element 4 is generally telescopic, to provide for it to be deployed between the first and second configurations. The shroud element 4 further comprises a shroud end cap 17 arranged proximate to the first end 8 of the shroud element 4. The shroud end cap 17 can be gripped and held by an operator of the apparatus 1 and moved generally along the longitudinal direction of the shroud element 4 in order to actuate the deployment of the shroud element 4 between the first and second configurations. When the shroud element 4 and the apparatus 1 are in the first configuration, the shroud end cap 17 is configured to engage with the opening 10 of the container 2, as shown in Figures 1,2 and 14 for example. This means that when the container 2 becomes empty and thus needs to be refilled or replaced, the operator will inevitably have to remove the shroud end cap 17 from the opening 10 in order to remove the container 2, thus causing the operator to intuitively place the shroud element 4 into the second configuration. In the second configuration, as shown in Figures 4 and 11 for example, the shroud end cap 17 is configured to engage with the base element 12 of the apparatus 1, such that the shroud element 4 is deployed into and fixed in place in the second configuration such that flow of the second liquid in the second flow in the second flow path 15 can be caused to flush over the outer surface 13 of the first conduit 3. As shown in Figures 8, 9A and 9B, the base element 12 comprises a hub element 18 configured to engage with the shroud end cap 17, such as in the example shown, which comprises one or more ridges or circumferential grooves. The base element 12 and / or the shroud end cap 17 may comprise locking means so that the shroud end cap 17 can be locked in place on the base element 12. For example, the shroud end cap 17 and the base element 12 may be designed such that the shroud end cap 17 is configured to initially make contact with the base element 12, and then to be rotated to lock it in position in the hub element 18, for example to rotate it to cause it to engage with one or more locking means. The locking means may comprise one or more lug pins and / or magnetic elements. The shroud end cap 17 may be configured to be rotationally engaged and locked into place on the base element 12, for example using lug pins. Magnetic elements can provide an even more intuitive operator experience and help ensure the shroud cap is locked in the correct position for cleaning with less reliance on operator input. An example is shown sequentially in Figures 10Ato 10C. As shown, the shroud end cap 17 may also comprise one more indicating elements 19 such as a printed arrow to facilitate the operator in enacting the placement and locking of the shroud end cap 17 in the base element 12 and to guide them towards where and how to engage and disengage the locking means. The shroud end cap 17 may further comprise a sealing means (not shown) such as an O-ring, for fluidly sealing the interface between the shroud end cap 17 and the base element 12. Figures 10D and 10E show exemplary hub elements 18 and shroud end caps 17. Advantageously, the base element 12 may comprise one or more sensors (not shown) or other means for monitoring the amount of the first liquid in the container 2, providing benefits for stock control and operations monitoring. The sensors may comprise one or more weight sensors, electrical sensors, and / or acoustic sensors for example. For example, the amount of first liquid in the container 2 could be weighed. Alternatively, the first liquid could be monitored from its electrical and / or acoustic behaviours to identify whether any gas is present. This can occur when sucking liquid from near the liquid surface, causing liquid “cones” down into the inlet and bringing in some air which can change the efficiency and behaviour of a pump such as a milk pump. Advantageously, such sensors can provide for an indication of when the amount of first liquid in a container is low, to notify the operatorthat they should swap it for another filled container, or otherwise refill the container. Similarly, the apparatus 1 may also comprise a means for detecting what type of liquid the first liquid is, for example, said means may comprise one or more RFID or image recognition means to detect whether the first liquid is for example a dairy milk or a plant based milk, by detecting a label or other packaging on the container 2. Turning now to Figure 11, the apparatus 1 further comprises an air port 20 and a cleaning fluid inlet 21. The cleaning fluid inlet 21 is configured to supply the input of the second liquid, for example water, to the shroud element 14, in particular, to the generally annular volume 11. The air port 20 is configured to provide for air flow into and out of the shroud element, to allow the generally annular volume 11 to be filled and emptied during the cleaning process and to ensure that any discrepancy between the inflow and outflow does not cause collapse or swelling of the shroud element 4, by advantageously equalising the pressure with the external environment. In the example described above, the apparatus 1 comprises one first conduit 3 and one shroud element 4, however it is also envisaged that the apparatus 1 may comprise a plurality of first conduits 3 and a plurality of corresponding shroud elements 4 to provide for the automated cleaning of those first conduits 3. For example, Figure 5 shows another exemplary apparatus 1 in which there are three first conduits 3 and three shroud elements 4. The three first conduits 3 and three shroud elements 4 are arranged adjacent to one another, and advantageously, they may be arranged to receive three containers containing different liquids. Advantageously, the apparatus 1 can thus be used to dispense more than one liquid, for example different types of milk, from different containers. Figure 5 shows the apparatus 1 in a state in which the central shroud element 4 is in the first retracted configuration such that a container is in place with the central first conduit 3 configured to uptake liquid therefrom, whereas the two outer shroud elements 4 on either side thereof are arranged in the second extended configuration with no containers. This comparison illustrates the two different states of the shroud element 4 side by side. Although in the example shown in Figure 5 there are three first conduits 3 and three shroud elements 4, it is also envisaged that the apparatus 1 may alternatively comprise any other number of first conduits 3 and shroud elements 4, for example two, four, five, six, seven, eight or more first conduits 3 and corresponding shroud elements 4. Figure 5 further shows an overall fridge system 23 which comprises the apparatus 1 and which further comprises a manifold 24 for dispensing the outflow of the first fluids from the first conduits 3 and a pump 25, The function and operation of the apparatus 1 shall now be described, primarily with reference to Figures 11 to 23. Figure 14 shows the apparatus 1 in the first configuration, in which the container 2 is in place in the apparatus 1, i.e. before the container 2 is removed and the shroud element 4 is deployed to clean the first conduit 3. As shown, in this state, the first liquid, for example milk, can flow up the first conduit 3 from the inlet 3i to the outlet 3o. The shroud end cap 17 engages with the opening 10 of the container 2 such that it is loose fitting atop the container 2 to permit air 22 to enter into the container 2 as the amount of first liquid in the container 2 decreases as it is dispensed. Conversely, Figure 15 shows the apparatus in the second configuration, in which the container 2 is removed from the apparatus 1 and the shroud element 4 is in the second extended configuration. To demonstrate the operation of the apparatus 1, the sequence of steps of inserting the container 2 to take the apparatus 1 from the second configuration as shown in Figure 15 to the first configuration as shown in Figure 14 shall now be described. Conversely, the sequence of steps for then removing the container 2 to take the apparatus from the first configuration back to the second configuration shall then be described. Subsequently, the flow of liquids within the apparatus 1 will then be described. Firstly, Figure 15 shows the apparatus in the second configuration in which no container 2 is arranged in the apparatus 1, with the shroud element 4 in the second extended configuration. In the mode illustrated, the apparatus 1 is in a state in which the cleaning of the first conduit 3 has already finished, and the cleaning line is thus in standby. The shroud end cap 17 is engaged with the base element 12 such that the shroud element 4 is in a fully extended state. In this state, the apparatus 1 is cleaned and is ready for a new / replacement container 2 to be inserted. Next, as shown in Figure 16, the operator of the apparatus 1 will lift the shroud end cap 17 to compress / retract the shroud element 4 to move it into the first configuration in which the second portion 6 of the first conduit 3 becomes uncovered, corresponding with the storage volume 7 for receiving the container 2. As shown, in this state, the shroud element 4 becomes gathered or bunched into folds or wrinkles as it is retracted. The shroud end cap 17 can be intuitively lifted into position generally along the longitudinal direction of the shroud element 4 to move it into this position. Then, as shown in Figure 17, the operator can move the shroud end cap 17 into an angled position, to push the first conduit 3 aside into an angled position, to facilitate the insertion of a container 2. Advantageously, the operator will intuitively touch and handle the shroud end cap 17, which is sized and shaped to be generally circular and protruding radially relative to the first conduit 3, such that they do not inadvertently touch the first conduit 3, thus further maintaining good hygiene of the first conduit 3. As shown in Figure 18, when the shroud end cap 17 and the first conduit 3 are in this angled side position, the operator can then easily insert the container 2, for example a bottle or carton of milk, by sliding it onto the first conduit 3. Together, the container 2 and the combination of the first conduit 3 and the shroud end cap 17 can then be angled back the other way to place them back into a generally vertical position as shown in Figure 19, in which the bottom of the container 2 rests on the base element 12 of the apparatus. In this state, the container 2 is ready to dispense the first liquid. The apparatus 1 may then be used to dispense liquid from the container 2 via the first conduit 3, for example to feed a heating device or a milk texturing device in a coffee machine to make beverages. Turning now to Figure 20, when the container 2 becomes empty, because all the first liquid has been dispensed therefrom, or in case the container 2 needs to be changed for some other reason, for example to dispense a different type of milk or to remove an expired liquid, the container 2 is then ready to be removed. The apparatus 1 is thus then ready to undergo a cleaning cycle before being re-stocked with a new container 2. As shown in Figure 21, similarly to how the container 2 can be inserted into the apparatus 1, to remove the container 2, the container 2 and the shroud end cap 17 can together be angled to the side to make it easier for the operator to remove the container 2, and this manipulation can be done by holding the shroud end cap 17 so that the first conduit 3 is not inadvertently touched and contaminated. The container 2 can then be slid off the first conduit 3 to remove it from the apparatus 1, to the state shown in Figure 22 in which the container 2 is removed. In order to enact cleaning of the apparatus 1, the shroud end cap 17 and hence also the first conduit 13 can then be returned to the central position shown in Figure 23. Next, the operator can move the shroud end cap 17 downwards to engage it with the hub element 18 of the base element 12, back into the position shown in Figure 15 again. In the manner described below with reference to Figures 11 to 13, the second fluid can then be circulated through the apparatus 1 to clean the outer surface 13 of the first conduit 3, and also to clean the inside of the first conduit 3 too if desired. Figure 11 shows the apparatus 1 in the second configuration (i.e. with the container 2 removed and the shroud element 4 in the second extended configuration) in an exemplary mode of operation in which the second liquid, for example water, is inflowing through the cleaning fluid inlet 21 into the generally annular volume 11, and air is outflowing through the air port 20 from the generally annular volume 11. As the second liquid flows into the generally annular volume 11, the outer surface 13 of the first conduit 3 is immersed in the second liquid up to a height which exceeds the height of the container 2 which was previously in position, so that the outer surface of the first conduit 3 is cleaned up to at least the height at which the first conduit 3 was previously immersed inside the first liquid in the container 2, to clean the outside of the first conduit 3. Next, the second liquid flowing down the second flow path 15 through the generally annular volume 11 may be caused to flow further, up the inside of the first conduit 3, so that advantageously, not only the outer surface 13 of the first conduit 3 is cleaned by the second liquid, but also the inner surface thereof. In this manner, the outside of the first conduit 3 which was dipped in / immersed in the first liquid in the container 2 can be cleaned, but so too also can the inside of the first conduit 3 which was also dipped in / immersed in the first liquid and which the first liquid was flowing up during dispensing of the first liquid. In this way, the second liquid will inevitably become mixed with any residual first liquid inside the first conduit 13 when flowing therein. As illustrated in Figure 12, the second flow path 15 may thus be arranged in a first portion 15a to extend generally from the second end 9 of the shroud element 4 towards the first end 8 of the shroud element, and then reverse / double-back on itself / do a U-turn, to then flow in the opposite direction in a second portion 15b, from the inlet end 3i of the first conduit 3 towards the outlet end 3o of the first conduit. In such a flow arrangement, the second end 9 of the shroud element 4 corresponds with an inlet end of the shroud element 4. In such a mode of operation, advantageously, air may enter and leave via the air port 20 to ensure that any discrepancy between the inflow and outflow does not cause collapse or swelling of the shroud element 4, by advantageously equalising the pressure with the external environment. Subsequently, as shown in Figure 13, the generally annular volume 11 may be emptied, by stopping the inflow of the second liquid through the cleaning fluid inlet 21 and inputting air through the air port 20 to fill the generally annular volume 11 in the absence of liquid therefrom to avoid the formation of a vacuum, as the second liquid flows along the first portion 15a of the second flow path 15, and then flows upwards through the first conduit 3 along the second portion 15b of the second flow path, mixed with residual first liquid therein. As such, the first and second flow paths are in fluid communication with one another. The second liquid, mixed with any residual first liquid that it has cleaned away from the inside of the first conduit 3, will thus outflow up the first conduit 3 and then exit via the outlet end 3o. In this manner, the generally annular volume 11 can be emptied after immersion cleaning of the first conduit 3. The apparatus of the invention may be deployed in a variety of scenarios where a liquid conduit requires cleaning. For example, the apparatus may be deployed in a fridge inside a beverage machine, such as an automated beverage machine or vending machine. Figure 24 shows an example of an automated beverage machine 100 for vending of hot, cool and cold beverages including coffee, tea, chocolate, flavoured beverages, milk beverages and cold / iced beverages. The machine includes a body 102 and a door 104 connected thereto by hinges. The body 102 is supported on a chassis which carries, for example, a plurality of modules 106, cup dispensers 108 and a waste tray 110. Modules can include for example, a brewer / grinder / boiler, heating, cooling and / or texturing devices, flavouring (including syrups), internal waste, master control system and power management. The door further carries a user interface (not shown), payment system (not shown), consumable dispensing ports and an external waste container (not shown). A fridge 112 is provided in the machine for storing liquid ingredients such as milk. An apparatus or cleanable system of the invention is provided inside the fridge. It will be appreciated that the beverage machine shown in Figure 24 is just one example and is not intended to be limiting. Beverage machines may comprise any combination of the features shown in Figure 24 and optionally further features known in the art. Various modifications may be made to the described embodiment(s) without departing from the scope 5 of the invention as defined by the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for cleaning a liquid uptake conduit, the apparatus comprising:a first conduit for the flow of a first liquid in a first flow path therein, the first conduit having an inlet and an outlet; anda shroud element deployable between a first configuration and a second configuration;whereinin the first configuration, the shroud element is arranged to enclose a first portion of the first conduit, such that a second portion of the first conduit is uncovered by the shroud element and corresponds with a storage volume for receiving a container, such that the inlet of the first conduit is configured for the uptake of said first liquid from said container; andin the second configuration, the shroud element is arranged to enclose the first and second portions of the first conduit, to provide a second flow path for the flow of a second liquid therein, between an outer surface of the first conduit and an inner surface of the shroud element, from the outlet towards the inlet of the first conduit.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shroud element comprises a second conduit, and defines a generally annular volume between the outer surface of the first conduit and the inner surface of the shroud element.

3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the shroud element is configured to be retractable from the second configuration to the first configuration.

4. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the shroud element is configured to be extensible and / or extendable from the first configuration to the second configuration.

5. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the shroud element comprises one or more corrugations, such that the shroud element is retractable and extendable to be deployable between the first and second configurations.

6. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the shroud element comprises a plurality of generally concentric portions, such that the shroud element is configured to be telescopic to be deployable between the first and second configurations.

7. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the shroud element comprises a flexible tube comprising an inelastic polymer, for example acrylamide, or an elastic polymer, such as silicone.

8. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the second flow path is configured for liquid to flow therein in an opposite direction to the flow of liquid in the first flow path.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the shroud element comprises an inlet and an outlet, wherein the inlet of the shroud element is arranged proximate to the outlet of the first conduit, and the outlet of the shroud element is arranged distal to the outlet of the first conduit, such that when the shroud element is in the second configuration, the outlet of the shroud element is arranged proximate to the inlet of the first conduit.

10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the apparatus further comprises a shroud end cap arranged proximate to the outlet of the shroud element, the shroud end cap being configured for movement generally along a longitudinal axis of the shroud element, for actuating the deployment of the shroud element between the first and second configurations.

11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the shroud end cap is configured to engage with an opening of a container to be received in said storage volume, such that when said container is removed, the shroud end cap is caused to be moved, resulting in the shroud element being deployed into the second configuration.

12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the apparatus further comprises a base element configured to(i) receive a container when the shroud element is in the first configuration, and / or (ii) configured to engage with the shroud end cap when the shroud element is in the second configuration.

13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12, wherein the base element comprises a hub element configured to engage with the shroud end cap, and wherein the base element and / or the shroud end cap further comprises locking means to lock the shroud end cap into place on the base element.

14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the shroud end cap comprises a sealing means such as an O-ring, for fluidly sealing the interface between the shroud end cap and the base element.

15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, or claim 14 when dependent on claim 13, wherein the locking means comprises (i) one or more lug pins , optionally wherein the shroud end cap is configured to be rotationally engaged and locked into place on the base element, and / or (ii) magnetic elements.

16. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first conduit is arranged generally concentrically inside the shroud element.

17. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the second flow path is in fluid communication with the first flow path.

18. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus further comprises an air port configured to provide for airflow into and out of the shroud element.

19. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus further comprises a cleaning fluid inlet configured to provide for the flow of the second liquid into the shroud element.

20. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the first liquid comprises milk or a flavouring liquid, optionally wherein the flavouring liquid is a syrup.

21. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the second liquid comprises or consists of water, cleaning fluid or sanitizing fluid.

22. A cleanable system for dispensing liquid, the system comprising an apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, and the system further comprising a container for storing said first liquid.

23. A cleanable system for dispensing liquid, the system comprising a plurality of apparatuses as claimed in any of claims 1 to 21, the apparatuses arranged in parallel with one another.

24. A beverage machine comprising the cleanable system of claim 22 or claim 23.

25. The beverage machine of claim 24, wherein the beverage machine comprises a fridge and wherein the cleanable system or a portion thereof is located inside the fridge.

26. A method of cleaning a liquid uptake conduit using an apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 21, the method comprising:a) removing a container from said storage volume, for example when said container becomes empty;b) deploying the shroud element into the second configuration; andc) causing said second liquid to flow in the second flow path, to clean the outer surface of the first conduit.

27. A method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the second flow path is in fluid communication with the first flow path, such that when said second liquid is caused to flow in the second flow path, said second liquid is also caused to flow in the first flow path to flush out any residual first liquid therefrom, thus also cleaning an inner surface of the first conduit.

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