Sanitation device for sanitizing beverage distribution systems

Abstract

To provide a sanitation, i.e. cleaning and disinfection, particularly in restaurant and brewery operations, and more specifically to provide sanitation of beverage distribution systems.SOLUTION: The essence of the device comprises a main section of the sanitation device with a water inlet with a flow meter, to which a low flow valve and a tuning valve are connected, behind which an ozone generator is connected to a water outlet leading to a second section with a keg coupler adapter, to which a bubble generator including microbubbles and nanobubbles is further connected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to sanitizing, i.e. cleaning and sanitizing, particularly in restaurant and brewery operations, and more particularly to sanitizing beverage delivery systems. [Background technology]

[0002] In the related technical field, the following procedure is currently mainly used.

[0003] Chemical disinfection involves filling the beverage distribution system with a mixture of different chemicals that then eliminates any bacteria present in the system. This type of disinfection either uses a special disinfectant container that fills the distribution system with the disinfectant solution, within which it acts, or uses a pump that repeatedly pumps the disinfectant solution into the beverage distribution system.

[0004] Mechanical disinfection is less common, but disinfection devices based on high-pressure water pumps such as diaphragm or piston pumps are used, which ensure the cleaning of the beverage supply system by using special cleaning sponges which are pushed by the pump throughout the system.

[0005] Chemical-mechanical disinfection uses a combination of high-pressure pumps and simultaneous addition of chemicals to the circuit. This type of disinfection is the most efficient, but also the most time-consuming and logistically demanding. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model No. 37258 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The above approach has several drawbacks.

[0008] Safety risks. The use of chemicals poses risks to the end consumer. Inadequate cleaning after chemical disinfection can contaminate beverages, which poses health risks to consumers. In some countries, injury cases are so high that breweries allocate part of their budgets to compensation.

[0009] Economic and logistical disadvantages. The need to add chemicals increases logistical costs. Chemicals need to be purchased, managed, transported, etc. Handling chemicals involves safety risks, and disinfection personnel must be trained to be aware of these risks and prevent potential accidents. For these reasons, external contractors are often used to carry out disinfection, which imposes additional financial and organizational burdens.

[0010] Environmental impact. The use of chemicals creates an environmental burden. If more modern standards for environmentally sound disposal are introduced in the future, ensuring compliance with these standards will likely pose additional logistical, financial and organizational challenges.

[0011] Time-consuming. The low level of automation in disinfection means that it takes a lot of time. For example, when using a combination of chemical and mechanical disinfection, it is necessary to disassemble part of the beverage supply system, i.e., at least the taps. Furthermore, it is common to have to use a manual switch to repeatedly change the direction of the cleaning solution and to pass the cleaning sponge through the beverage supply system several times. The need to use protective equipment and to record the disinfection procedures carried out in a disinfection logbook further lengthen the process.

[0012] The so-called beer stone problem: During the disinfection process of beer supply systems, the action of highly alkaline compounds and mixtures can lead to the formation of deposits called beer stones inside the supply system. These deposits form on the walls of supply lines, structures where bacteria often survive even with standard disinfection, promoting the resistance of bacterial cultures. Therefore, it is recommended to alternate between acidic and alkaline agents, which further increases the burden on logistics and personnel.

[0013] Problems with using disinfecting sponges. To thoroughly clean a beverage distribution system, it is wise to use a combination of disinfecting methods, i.e., a disinfecting sponge and chemicals. However, in extreme cases, the sponge can become clogged in the pipes, which may require disassembly. The use of sponges adds additional time to the disinfecting process. For example, if there is an air-on-beer (FOB) detector, the detector must be disassembled and cleaned separately before it can be disinfected with a sponge.

[0014] No reliable control mechanisms: Often the only mechanisms to verify correct disinfection are worker declarations or paper records, i.e., disinfection logbooks and protocols, which provide little information about correct and timely disinfection. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The above drawbacks are significantly remedied by the disinfection device for disinfecting a beverage supply system according to the present invention. The device essentially comprises a main section of the disinfection device with a tap water inlet equipped with a flow meter, a low-flow valve and an adjusting valve connected to the flow meter, an ozone generator behind the adjusting valve, and a water outlet leading to a second section equipped with a barrel coupler adapter, the water outlet further connected to a bubble generator containing microbubbles and nanobubbles. The main section of the disinfection device also includes a main control unit, which has a control panel and is connected to the low-flow valve via the ozone generator and the bubble generator. The second section equipped with the barrel coupler adapter includes a treated water inlet connected to the disinfection outlet control valve, the water outlet connected to an auxiliary control unit connected to the main control unit. The control valve's control section is connected to the auxiliary control unit.

[0016] In one advantageous embodiment, the main control unit can also communicate with a back-end monitoring system.

[0017] The high flow valve is advantageously located between the flow meter and the bubble generator and is connected to the main control unit.

[0018] In another embodiment, a closed disinfection circuit comprising a container for collecting disinfectant liquid is advantageously connected to the bubble generator via a pump, to which a disinfectant liquid inlet and an auxiliary flow meter are connected, and the container is provided with a drain valve connected to the main control unit.

[0019] The keg coupler is, in one particularly advantageous embodiment, equipped with a communication device with the infrared identifier of the keg coupler.

[0020] The proposed disinfection system allows for automatic or semi-automatic disinfection of beverage distribution systems using a combination of dissolved ozone water cycles and various types of bubbles. In one particularly advantageous embodiment, the bubble generator can generate bubbles of various sizes, including microbubbles and nanobubbles (ultrafine bubbles, UFB). The cycles and the duration of each cycle are combined to create a process that disinfects, i.e., sterilizes, and cleans, the beverage distribution system through mechanical and chemical properties, gradually breaking down sediment, deposits, or plaque from the system until complete removal is achieved as required by relevant hygiene standards. The combination, sequence, and timing of the cycles are controlled by a main control unit.

[0021] A beverage supply refers to the collection of piping, hoses, couplings, and other components from an adapter connected to a container that stores the beverage (which may be a keg coupler for tapping a keg, for example) to an end device (e.g., a tap that dispenses the beverage). Thus, a beverage supply system includes all supply parts that come into contact with the dispensed beverage during normal operation, including cooling equipment components. The presented disinfection system can perform disinfection automatically or semi-automatically, with only a minimal number of manual steps required to initiate disinfection, and no other manual intervention is required during the disinfection process.

[0022] The main control unit can carry out the appropriate steps required for disinfection, check that they are being carried out correctly, and can independently generate reports of the disinfection carried out and send them to a remote server or cloud storage, i.e. the back-end supervisory control system, using data transfer, email messages, etc.

[0023] For communication, the main control unit in a particularly advantageous embodiment uses WiFi / LTE technology, although it will be clear to those skilled in the art that other technologies, such as LTE CAT M, Nb-IoT, etc., may also be used. If connectivity is lost, in one particularly advantageous embodiment the main control unit collects data in its internal memory and transmits it to the monitoring system once connectivity is restored. All communication with the back-end monitoring system is encrypted.

[0024] The disinfection device has a display and buttons that form the device's physical user interface, which can be used to start and pause disinfection and display basic status information. Optionally, the disinfection device also allows the connection of wired or wireless sensors, such as thermometers, mechanical flow meters, etc. Information about the disinfection performed and sensor data can optionally be stored in a database that is part of the backend, where the collected data can be further displayed and analyzed. Optionally, the device also allows disinfection to be started remotely, for example via a mobile phone.

[0025] The sanitizer allows for the configuration of advanced sanitization parameters, which may be specific to each establishment, e.g., restaurant, via a restricted access web interface or mobile application, thereby preventing unwanted changes to these parameters and allowing for remote configuration.

[0026] The disinfection equipment is structurally designed to comply with standards and is water-resistant (IP67).

[0027] The sterilizer is modular and consists of a main section and a second section equipped with sterilization adapters, which allows the sterilizer to accommodate various types and numbers of keg couplers.

[0028] The main section of the disinfection device combines an ozone generator with a specialized bubble generator to clean the beverage supply system. In one possible embodiment, the bubble generator produces, among other things, microbubbles and nanobubbles. The ozone generator generates ozone from ordinary water, i.e., standard tap water, while simultaneously dissolving the ozone in the fluid. In one particularly advantageous embodiment, the ozone generator is electrolytic. This electrolytic ozone generator can safely generate high concentrations of ozone, up to 300 mg / h. The flow rate varies depending on the type of generator used; in one case, a rate of 60 to 100 liters per hour was achieved. The resulting water containing dissolved ozone is used to disinfect the beverage supply system. The disinfection device can also independently generate bubbles, such as microbubbles and nanobubbles, in the water, combining mechanical and other effects to increase the efficiency of the disinfection process. Automation also allows for repeated disinfection cycles, such as filling the beverage supply system with ozonated water and then rinsing it with water containing various types of bubbles. As part of the automated treatment process, wastewater containing ozone can also be recovered after disinfection. The water can be stored for the period required for the natural conversion of ozone to oxygen, after which it can be automatically discharged in accordance with applicable standards.

[0029] In one embodiment, the automatic disinfection system also includes a pump, which can significantly increase disinfection efficiency without disproportionately increasing water consumption or disinfection time. For example, the pump can be a diaphragm pump with a diaphragm made of Santoprene, a material that is highly ozone-resistant.

[0030] In alternative embodiments, pumps such as centrifugal pumps may be used, some of which generate microbubbles that also have a cleaning effect.

[0031] In another embodiment, the ozone generator can be connected in a configuration where water is repeatedly pumped through the circuit by a pump, which may provide advantages in the form of increased disinfection efficiency, but may not be suitable for all types of ozone generators as it may lead to uneven wear in some cases.

[0032] This technological solution combines water cycles containing dissolved ozone with water cycles containing various types of bubbles, including microbubbles and nanobubbles, enabling safe automatic or semi-automatic disinfection of beverage distribution systems. By creating a combination of cycle sequences and cycle durations, the device's mechanical and chemical properties are used to disinfect, clean, and remove sediments, deposits, or plaque, and the resulting biofilms by gradually destroying them layer by layer until they are gone. The combination, sequence, and timing of cycles are managed by a control unit. Ozone is generated directly within the device (ozone generator). Bubbles are generated by a bubble generator, which is also part of the device. The bubbles are injected directly into the cleaning solution, i.e., ozonated carbonated water, to remove sediments, plaque, and biofilms. Disposal is carried out in accordance with the applicable local and national hygiene standards.

[0033] The effect can be programmed as needed by setting up multiple cycles, each of which involves filling the drinking water supply system with ozonated water and then mechanically injecting various types of bubbles over a set period of time. The liquid used for disinfection may be collected in a container (which may or may not be part of the device) until the dissolved ozone naturally converts to oxygen. The liquid is then automatically discharged to waste. All central unit processes and cycles are adjustable and programmable by the back-end monitoring system. After the disinfection process is complete, a report of the disinfection performed is automatically generated and then sent to the appropriate monitoring system. The device communicates with the back-end monitoring system using LTE, GSM, and WiFi, allowing it to transmit the disinfection performed report. Communications are encrypted. The device is suitable for operation with an IP67 classification. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] An advantage of one embodiment of this solution is that it is also possible to collect and analyze data from sensors, and optionally extend the identification system with technology to automatically detect barrel couplers.

[0035] The use of an electrolytic ozone generator ensures a high level of system safety and completely prevents the accidental formation of dangerous concentrations of ozone gas. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a disinfection device without an auxiliary pump. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram of the communication between the keg coupler and the sterilizer. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a disinfection device with an auxiliary pump. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] An exemplary disinfection apparatus for disinfecting a beverage supply system includes a main section 16 of the disinfection apparatus with a tap water inlet 1 and a flow meter 3 connected to a low-flow valve 4 and an adjustment valve 5. The adjustment valve is followed by an ozone generator 6, which is connected to a water outlet 9 leading to a second section 17 with a keg coupler adapter and a micro- and nano-bubble generator 15. The main section 16 of the disinfection apparatus also includes a main control unit 8, which includes a monitoring system in the back end 10 with a control panel 7 and is connected to the low-flow valve 4 via the ozone generator 6 and the micro- and nano-bubble generator 15. The second section 17 with a keg coupler 19 adapter includes a treated water inlet 11 connected to a control valve 12 with a disinfection outlet 14, which in turn is connected to an auxiliary control unit 13 connected to the main control unit 8. The control of the control valve 12 is connected to the auxiliary control unit 13. Between the flow meter 3 and the bubble generator 15 is a high-flow valve 18, which is connected to the main control unit 8.

[0038] In another embodiment, instead of the high-pressure valve 18, a closed disinfection circuit including a container 25 for collecting disinfectant liquid is connected to the microbubble and nanobubble generator 15 via a pump 21, to which is connected a disinfectant liquid inlet 22 equipped with an auxiliary flow meter 23. The container 25 is provided with a drain valve 24 connected to the main control unit 8.

[0039] The keg coupler 19 is equipped with a communication device having an infrared identifier 20 of the keg coupler 19 .

[0040] In either embodiment, the device is powered by a waterproof power supply 26, which provides power to the device while ensuring electrical safety.

[0041] The tap water inlet 1 allows connection of pressurized water for disinfection. The inlet filter 2 filters out particles and reduces water hardness, thereby extending the service life of the ozone generator 6. The flow meter 3 measures the fluid flow rate and can detect the correct connection of the barrel coupler 19. It can operate on any principle, such as the ultrasonic flow meter described in Utility Model No. 37258 (Patent Document 1). The low-flow valve 4 for low flow, in conjunction with the high-flow valve 18 for high flow, allows switching between two flow rates: disinfection and subsequent flushing. The flow adjustment valve 5 allows manual fine-tuning of the flow rate when the low-flow valve 4 is open, as the flow rate directly affects the concentration of ozone generated. The electrolytic ozone generator 6 generates ozone and dissolves it in water. A physical user interface with the control panel 7 displays status information and allows the user to start and stop disinfection. The main control unit 8 controls the disinfection process, switches the valves 4 and 18, coordinates the operation of the physical user interface, coordinates communication between the disinfection device and the backend 10, and sends commands to the auxiliary control unit 13. The water outlet 9 is used to transfer water from the main section 16 to the second section 17 equipped with a barrel coupler adapter. The backend 10, a monitoring system, provides communication between the mobile application and the disinfection device, receives and stores disinfection protocols, collects and stores sensor data, and enables remote control of the disinfection device. The backend 10 itself is an extension of the backend described in Patent Patent No. 37258. The treated water inlet 11 feeds the section equipped with a barrel coupler adapter. A control valve 12 in the second section 17 equipped with a barrel coupler adapter allows switching which tap the water flows into. The auxiliary control unit 13 in the second section 17 equipped with a barrel coupler adapter is controlled by the main control unit 8 and controls the switching of the individual control valves 12. The sanitizing outlet 14 with an optional identifier 20 for the keg coupler 19 allows the keg coupler 19 to be connected for sanitizing and also optionally allows for the identification of the smart keg coupler 19.The microbubble and nanobubble ozone generator 6, with an optional particulate filter 2, generates nanobubbles from ambient air to help remove biofilms from the beer distribution system. The ozone generator 6 can be based on principles such as Venturi tubes or cavitation. It is particularly advantageous to use a generator that can inject pressurized gas and vary the size of the generated bubbles by varying the pressure. The number of nanobubbles generated by the UFB generator is approximately hundreds of millions to billions per milliliter. A particulate filter may also be included, reducing the amount of foreign matter entering the beverage distribution system during air intake. The ozone generator 6 may optionally include a compressor power-controlled by the main control unit 8, which allows the main control unit 8 to automatically adjust the ratio of nanobubbles, microbubbles, and standard-sized bubbles generated. The infrared identifier 20 of the smart keg coupler 19 can detect and distinguish between individual keg couplers 19 within a restaurant facility, each transmitting a different infrared code. The infrared identifier 20 can distinguish individual keg couplers 19 from one another through this infrared code. The keg coupler 19 periodically transmits a sequence that repeatedly switches one or more diodes on and off, using, for example, a standard infrared LED, or more preferably, multiple such diodes, e.g., with a wavelength of 940 nm. The specific form of this sequence, i.e., the length of the intervals during which the diodes are on or off, and other parameters, encodes data that uniquely identifies the keg coupler. In one possible embodiment, the diodes are controlled by a microcontroller, and this unit, i.e., the diodes + microcontroller and other support circuitry, is powered by a battery.

[0042] The transmitted sequence is received at the identifier 20 of the barrel coupler by a receiving element, which in one particular embodiment may be, for example, an infrared photodiode, a phototransistor, or another specialized receiving element with a built-in demodulator.

[0043] The identifier 20 of the barrel coupler transmits the read information to the main unit 8 .

[0044] In a second embodiment, the pump 21 pumps a disinfecting liquid, i.e., water containing ozone or various types of bubbles, through a closed drinking line. The pump 21 can be of various types, but is particularly suitable as a high-pressure diaphragm pump with a diaphragm made of an ozone-resistant material such as Santoprene. The illustrated location of the pump 21 in the system is only one possible location. Alternatively, the pump can be connected to flow the disinfecting liquid in the opposite direction to the normal drinking flow, which may further increase the effectiveness of disinfection.

[0045] The disinfection circuit is provided with a closing inlet 22, by means of which a hose can be connected to connect the end of the drinking line to a container 25 for collecting the disinfectant liquid. An auxiliary flow meter 23 makes it possible to detect a possible disconnection of the circuit. The container 25 is provided with a drain valve 24 for draining the water from the container 25, which serves to collect the disinfectant liquid, allowing the disinfection circuit to be closed and ensuring the collection of the ozone-laden fluid for the time required for the natural conversion of ozone to oxygen.

[0046] The following text provides a more detailed explanation of the function of the individual parts of the system.

[0047] Overview of system-wide features and their usage The restaurant has a sanitizer device. The device is optionally connected to the internet via LTE / WiFi technology and communicates with a monitoring system, which is the backend 10. Sensors such as thermometers, mechanical flow meters, etc. are optionally connected to the device using wired and / or wireless technologies such as BLE. The sanitizer device can act as an intermediary to transmit data from these sensors to the monitoring system, which is the backend 10. The sanitizer device can be used at any time to sanitize the beverage supply system. The monitoring system, which is the backend 10, can cooperate with the sanitizer device and a mobile application to optionally alert personnel of the impending need for sanitization.

[0048] The disinfection time depends on the specific parameters of the restaurant equipment, such as the pipe material used, its length, disinfection frequency, etc. These parameters can be set by an authorized person, for example using a mobile application. Optionally, the device can support several different disinfection modes of varying intensity, which can be selected via a physical user interface in the form of a control panel 7 or a mobile application.

[0049] Due to the special design of the disinfection outlet 14, there is no need to turn the propellant supply off before starting and back on after completion.

[0050] The disinfection process involves several steps, most of which are fully automated. These steps vary depending on the version of the automatic disinfection device, primarily depending on whether the version has an auxiliary pump 21 or not.

[0051] No back-up pump option 1) The user disconnects the keg couplers 19 connected to the beverage supply system they wish to disinfect from the kegs to which they were connected. They then connect these keg couplers 19 to the disinfection outlet 14. The user initiates disinfection by pressing a button that is part of the physical user interface or, optionally, by using a mobile application. If the restaurant uses a foam detector (FOB), the detector must be switched to cleaning mode according to the respective instructions for use. The automatic disinfection device then starts the process of detecting any open taps. The user may then open the tap connected to the coupler that was just connected to the disinfection outlet.

[0052] 2) Detects engaged cock The sanitizer opens the motorized low-flow valve 4 for low flow and begins opening the individual control valves 12 connected to the sanitizer outlets 14. If the taps are connected and open to the appropriate sanitizer outlet, water begins to flow out. This fact is detected by the flow meter 3. Using this procedure, the sanitizer determines which taps are connected and open and transmits this information to the operator via the physical user interface and, optionally, via a mobile application. At this point, the operator can detect any problems, such as improper engagement of the keg couplers 19, correct any problems that may have occurred, and perform the detection again. If there is no further interaction with the operator, the process automatically moves to the next step after a while. If the keg couplers 19 are "smart," the individual keg couplers 19 are simultaneously identified by communication between the smart keg couplers and the keg coupler's 19 identifier 20, allowing the sanitizer to know which keg couplers 19 are engaged with which sanitizer outlets or which parts of the beer supply system have been cleaned during the sanitization process. This information is transmitted to the monitoring system, which is the backend 10 of the sanitization protocol, at the end of sanitization.

[0053] 3) Cleaning beer pipes with running water using UFB technology First, all valves 12, 18, and 4 are closed. Then, the high-flow motorized high-flow valve 18 is opened. Water begins flowing through the UFB generator 15, from the main unit through outlet 9 to the inlet 11 of the unit with the keg coupler adapter, and from there through valve 12 of the unit with the keg coupler adapter to the disinfection outlet 14. During this process, the high-flow motorized high-flow valve 18 is controlled by the main control unit 8, and valve 12 of the unit with the keg coupler adapter 19 is controlled by the main control unit 8 via the auxiliary control unit 13 of the section with the keg coupler 19 adapter. This process fills the beverage distribution system with an extremely large number of nanobubbles (approximately tens to hundreds of millions per milliliter of water). This is followed by flushing the piping at a high flow rate, typically 300 l / h or more. This process breaks down and partially removes biofilm and other deposits, favoring the ozone treatment in the next process. It also removes beverage residue from the distribution system, improving utilization of the generated ozone in the next process. In this process, all parts of the beverage supply system are gradually filled with water containing nanobubbles. This is ensured by coordinating the main control unit 8 and the auxiliary control unit 13 of the section with the adapter for the keg coupler 19 to gradually open the control valve 12 of the section with the adapter for the keg coupler 19, while simultaneously opening the high flow valve 18 to speed up the flow through the main control unit 8.

[0054] 4) Filling the drinking supply system with water containing dissolved ozone The electrolytic ozone generator 6 is then automatically activated by the control unit 8 and begins to generate ozone, which dissolves in the water. To achieve a sufficiently high ozone concentration, the flow rate is reduced. This is ensured by switching on the low-flow valve 4 for low flow and by appropriately adjusting the flow control valve 5. During this process, all parts of the beverage supply system are gradually filled with water containing dissolved ozone. This is ensured by adjusting the main control unit 8 and the auxiliary control unit 13 of the section with the adapter for the keg coupler 19 to gradually open the control valve 12 of the section with the adapter for the keg coupler 19, while simultaneously opening the low-flow valve 4 to slow the flow through the main control unit 8.

[0055] 5) Reaction of dissolved ozone with biofilms in beverage distribution systems A countdown then begins, during which the dissolved ozone reacts with the biofilm in the beverage distribution system for a predetermined time (depending on the settings and adjustable in the mobile application). The countdown is managed by the main control unit 8.

[0056] 6) Decomposed biofilm is removed using UFB technology The flow rate is then increased again by opening the electrically controlled high-flow valve 18, and the bubble generator 15 is used to fill the beverage supply system with bubbles. These bubbles have an abrasive effect, helping to remove the degraded biofilm. Optionally, a combined bubble generator 15 can be used to generate nanobubbles, microbubbles, and / or standard-sized bubbles. In addition to nanobubbles with antibacterial properties, this type of bubble generator 15 can also generate larger bubbles with abrasive properties that are highly effective at removing machine-derived impurities. During this process, the entire beverage supply system is gradually filled with water containing nanobubbles. This is ensured by gradually opening the control valve 12 in the section with the adapter for the keg coupler 19 through the interaction of the main control unit 8 with the auxiliary control unit 13 in the section with the adapter for the keg coupler 19, while simultaneously opening the high-flow valve 18 to speed up the flow through the main control unit 8.

[0057] 7) Sterilization + washing with running water In the UFB generation process, there are several possible variants of the bubble generator 15, which utilize the intake of ambient air. Optionally, this bubble generator 15 can be deployed with a particulate filter to prevent the aspiration of bacteria. If this option is unfavourable, it is alternatively possible to include in the sanitization process an additional step consisting of generating a small amount of ozone with the ozone generator 6 and filling the beverage supply system with water containing this ozone. In this step, using the same procedure as in step 4, all parts of the beverage distribution system are gradually filled with water containing dissolved ozone. The ozone generator 6 is turned off during the flushing process, and the main control unit 8 opens the electrically controlled high-flow valve 18 to increase the water flow rate and uses the bubble generator 15 to fill the piping with water containing bubbles. At the end of this step, the piping is filled with clean water containing nanobubbles but not ozone. This procedure takes advantage of the long lifespan of nanobubbles and their spontaneous movement in water. Because water containing nanobubbles has a certain disinfecting effect in itself, disinfection progresses only through the interaction of stagnant water containing nanobubbles with impurities remaining on the inner surfaces of the beverage distribution system.

[0058] 8) Report on disinfection carried out A report of the disinfection carried out is sent to the backend 10. If this is not currently possible, for example due to a connection problem, additional information is provided.

[0059] Modification with auxiliary pump 21 The disinfection procedure is slightly different in the variant that includes an auxiliary pump 21. The auxiliary pump 21 enhances disinfection efficiency by prolonging exposure to the water containing ozone and nanobubbles, ensuring a higher nanobubble concentration and a higher flow rate. This disinfection device variant also includes a container 25, which can be advantageously used to collect the ozone-laden water until the ozone concentration falls below a certain level. This can be particularly important if local laws limit the maximum concentration of ozone in wastewater where the disinfection device is installed.

[0060] 1) The keg couplers 19 connected to the beverage supply system to be sanitized are removed from the kegs to which they were connected. These keg couplers 19 are then connected to the sanitizing outlet 14. The user connects a hose to the tap and leads it to the inlet to close the sanitizing circuit. The user opens the tap connected to the coupler engaged with the sanitizing outlet 14. The user starts the sanitizing by pressing a button that is part of the physical user interface or, optionally, by using a mobile application. The automatic sanitizing device starts the process of detecting the open tap.

[0061] 2) Detects engaged cock The sterilizer opens the low-flow motorized low-flow valve 4 and begins opening the individual valves 12 leading to the sterilization outlets 14. If a tap is connected and open to the corresponding sterilization outlet, water begins to flow, a fact detected by the flow meter 3. That the user has properly closed the circuit is confirmed by the second auxiliary flow meter 23. Using this procedure, the sterilizer determines which taps are connected and open and transmits this information to the operator via the physical user interface and, optionally, via a mobile application. At this point, the operator can detect any issues, such as an improperly engaged keg coupler 19 or an improperly closed circuit back to the circuit closure port, correct the issue, and perform the detection again. If there is no further interaction with the operator, the process automatically moves to the next step after a period of time. If the keg couplers 19 are "smart", each individual keg coupler 19 is simultaneously identified by communication between the smart keg coupler and the identifier 20 of the keg coupler 19, allowing the sterilization device to know which keg coupler 19 is engaged with which sterilization outlet 14 and thereby which part of the beverage supply system has been cleaned during the sterilization process. This information is transmitted at the end of sterilization to the monitoring system, which is the backend 10 of the sterilization protocol.

[0062] 3) Flush beverage residue from the beverage delivery system The main control unit 8 then opens the low flow valve 4, flushing the beverage supply line with water while the ozone generator 6 is off, to prevent the large volume of beverage in the beverage supply system from unnecessarily diluting the ozone-laden water and reducing the efficiency of the system. The water flows through the beverage supply system, through the circuit closure, to the second auxiliary flow meter 23, and back to the container 25. The container 25 is then drained by opening the drain valve 24.

[0063] 4) Filling the drinking supply system with water containing dissolved ozone The electrolytic ozone generator 6 is then automatically activated by the control unit 8 and begins to generate ozone, which dissolves in the water. During this process, the low-flow valve 4 is simultaneously opened, gradually filling all parts of the beverage supply system with water containing dissolved ozone. This is performed in the same manner as described in point 4) of the explanation for the variant without the auxiliary pump 21. The ozone-containing water flows through the beverage supply system, the circuit closure port 22, and the second auxiliary flow meter 23 to the container 25. The second auxiliary flow meter 23 enables the disinfection device to detect and respond to any circuit breaks, for example by pausing disinfection and restoring the system to a safe state.

[0064] 5) Removing decomposed biofilm by mixing UFB with water containing dissolved ozone The main unit 8 shuts off the low-flow valve 4 and activates the pump 21. This begins to pump the dissolved ozonated water from the container 25, through the bubble generator 15, the beverage supply system, the circuit closure 22, and the second auxiliary flow meter 23 back to the container 25. Again, the second auxiliary flow meter 23 allows the automated disinfection device to detect and respond to any breaks in the circuit. Closing the circuit allows the water containing ozone and nanobubbles to operate for a longer period without excessive water consumption, and the water is repeatedly pumped through the circuit. At the same time, more nanobubbles are continuously generated in the water. This allows for a significantly higher nanobubble concentration in the water, further increasing the efficiency of the disinfection process. Optionally, a modification of the bubble generator 15 can be advantageously utilized, using a compressor to generate a mixture of nanobubbles, microbubbles, and standard bubbles. To increase the efficiency of the process, steps 4 and 5 can be performed repeatedly until the maximum capacity of the container 25 is filled.

[0065] 6) Sterilization + washing with running water This process is intended to fill the beverage distribution system with water containing nanobubbles, which can continue to function until the keg coupler is removed from the sanitizer and the beverage is dispensed. This process is also intended to remove the ozone-containing water from the beverage distribution system and flush out any impurities that may have been introduced into the system as a by-product of air intake by the nanobubble generator 15. The form of this step is identical to step 7) of the variant without the additional pump, which step has been described above.

[0066] 7) Remove ozone from cleaning solutions Some countries may impose limits on the concentration of ozone in wastewater, so the device waits the time required for the ozone concentration to naturally decrease to an acceptable level before opening the drain valve 24 and draining the vessel 25.

[0067] 8) Send a report on the disinfection carried out A report of the disinfection carried out is sent to the backend 10. If this is not currently possible, for example due to a connection problem, additional information is provided. [Industrial Applicability]

[0068] The device according to the invention has particular application in cleaning restaurant equipment, especially bar and cooling equipment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1 Tap water inlet 2 Inlet Filter 3 Flowmeter 4 Low Flow Valve 5 Adjustment valve 6. Ozone Generator 7. Control Panel 8 Main Control Unit 9 Water outlet to section with barrel coupler adapter 10. Backend monitoring system 11 Treated water inlet 12 Control valve 13 Auxiliary Control Unit 14 Disinfection outlet 15 Bubble Generator 16 Main sections of the disinfection equipment 17 Second section with barrel coupler adapter 18 High Flow Valve 19 Smart Barrel Coupler 20 Smart Barrel Coupler Infrared Identifier 21 Pump 22 Entrance to closed disinfection circuit 23 Auxiliary flow meter 24 Drain valve 25 Container for collecting disinfectant 26 Power supply

Claims

1. 1. A disinfection device for disinfecting a beverage supply system, comprising: - the main section (16) of said disinfection device equipped with a flow meter (3) at the tap water inlet (1), - low flow valve (4), - a regulating valve (5), and - Main control unit (8) In a disinfection device, The low flow valve (4) is connected to a flow meter (3), the low flow valve (4) is connected to an adjusting valve (5), behind which an ozone generator (6) is connected to a water outlet (9) leading to a second section (17) of the sterilizer with at least one barrel coupler adapter, the water outlet (9) is further connected to a bubble generator (15), the main section (16) of the sterilizer includes the main control unit (8), the main control unit is connected to a monitoring unit (16) which is a back-end (10) for monitoring the sterilization process. the second section (17) adapted to communicate with a visual system and connected to the low flow valve (4), the ozone generator (6) and the bubble generator (15), and equipped with a barrel coupler adapter, comprises an ozone-containing treated water inlet (11) connected to the control valve (12) of a disinfection outlet (14), the control of which is connected to an auxiliary control unit (13) connected to the main control unit (8), the auxiliary control unit (13) being further connected to the control of the control valve (12).

2. Disinfection device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a control panel (7).

3. 3. Disinfection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a high flow valve (18) connected to the main control unit (8) is arranged between the flow meter (3) and the bubble generator (15).

4. 2. The disinfection device according to claim 1, characterized in that the bubble generator (15) is connected via a pump (21) to a closed disinfection circuit including a container (25) for collecting disinfectant liquid, to which a disinfectant liquid inlet (22) equipped with an auxiliary flow meter (23) is connected, and which is provided with a drain valve (24) connected to the main control unit (8).

5. Disinfection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the bubble generator (15) generates bubbles, microbubbles and / or nanobubbles.

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