Recirculation cooling of beverage

Abstract

A system and method for dispensing a cooled beverage. The system comprises a beverage supply container for holding a volume of beverage. The system comprises a supply conduit, in fluid communication with the beverage supply container. The system comprises a return conduit, in fluid communication with the beverage supply container and the supply conduit, such that a recirculation flow path is comprised by the system through which beverage can flow from the beverage supply container, through the supply conduit, back into the return conduit. The system comprises a dispensing conduit with a dispensing outlet at a distal end of the dispensing conduit, the dispensing conduit in fluid communication with the supply conduit. The system comprises a dispense tap with a dispensing valve for selectively allowing or restricting flow of beverage through the dispensing conduit. The system comprises a cooling system for cooling beverage in the recirculation flow path. The system comprises a recirculation pump for pumping beverage over the recirculation flow path.

Description

[0001] Title: Recirculation cooling of beverage

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of dispensing a cooled beverage. In particular, the invention relates to the field of a system for dispensing a cooled beverage. More in particular, the invention relates to a system for dispensing a cooled beverage from a beverage supply container.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] In the catering and / or hospitality industry, drinks are provided to the customer by a waiter or bartender under certain conditions via a drink dispenser. An example is that a cup of coffee or tea is delivered hot. Other beverages, such as soft drinks and some alcoholic types of beverages, e.g. beers or ales, are delivered cold in order to optimize the customer's drinking pleasure and experience. In order to provide beverages at a chilled temperature, a cooler is used to cool a supply container in which the beverage is held, and / or to cool the beverage while being transported from the supply container to a dispense tap.

[0006] The container holding the beverage is usually connected to the beverage dispenser via a supply conduit. The beverage is supplied from the container via the supply conduit and the beverage dispenser into a glass or cup. It sometimes occurs, e.g. in bars, pubs, restaurants or cafe’s, that for a certain time period no beverage is dispensed from the beverage dispenser. During a time period in which no beverage is dispensed through the dispenser, the beverage in the supply conduit, that has been standing still therein, may become increasingly warm over time due to the difference between the temperature of the cooler and the room temperature surrounding the supply conduit. An increased length of the supply conduit, in particular any part downstream of the cooler, results in an increased volume of beverage in the supply conduit. The volume of beverage can heat up when for some time period no beverage is dispensed.

[0007] The first one or more beverages that are dispensed, after this time period of no dispensed beverages, can have a too high temperature and therefore have to be discarded. This is undesired as the at least one beverage that is discarded goes to waste, which increases the amount of beverage waste product and is cost inefficient. Also, this means that the discarded amount of beverage was previously needlessly cooled by the cooler when it was still being held in the container. The energy used in thermal energy transfer during cooling of the beverage has in retrospect cooled a beverage waste product, and therefore contributed to cooling a waste product. This is a waste of energy and hence not sustainable. Moreover, if the person dispensing the beverage does not pay attention to the beverage temperature, the beverage can accidentally be provided to a customer at a too high temperature. This may result in a reduced drinking pleasure and experience by the person drinking the beverage.

[0008] GB2 369669 discloses a beverage circulation system with a container, a float valve, and a circulation tube. Beverage is free to enter a pump which circulates beverage around the system. The speed of circulation is controlled by a flow control valve.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] It is an object to provide a system for dispensing a cooled beverage from a beverage supply container, a dispense tap for cooling the beverage and a method of dispensing a cooled beverage from a beverage supply container. More in general, it is an object to provide an improved system for dispensing a cooled beverage, a dispense tap and / or a method of dispensing a cooled beverage.

[0011] Thereto, according to a first aspect is provided a system for dispensing a cooled beverage. The system comprises a beverage supply container for holding a volume of beverage. The system comprises a supply conduit. The supply conduit is in fluid communication with the beverage supply container. The beverage supply container can comprise a keg, tank, bag, bottle, or any other container for holding a volume of beverage, in particular beer. The system comprises a return conduit. The return conduit is in fluid communication with the beverage supply container and the supply conduit, such that a recirculation flow path is comprised by the system. Through the recirculation flow path, beverage can flow from the beverage supply container, through the supply conduit, and back into the beverage supply container via the return conduit. The system comprises a dispensing conduit with a dispensing outlet at a distal end of the dispensing conduit. The dispensing conduit is in fluid communication with the supply conduit. The system comprises a dispense tap. Preferably, the dispense tap comprises a dispensing valve for selectively allowing or restricting flow of beverage through the dispensing conduit. Additionally or alternatively to the dispensing valve, the dispense tap may comprise an actuator for operating a valve positioned in-line with the dispensing conduit.

[0012] As an alternative to the first aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for dispensing a cooled beverage. The system comprises a beverage supply container for holding a volume of beverage, a supply conduit, in fluid communication with the beverage supply container. The system further comprises a return conduit, in fluid communication with the supply conduit, such that a recirculation flow path is comprised by the system through which beverage can circulate, which recirculation flow path is at least formed by the supply conduit and the return conduit. The system further comprises a dispensing conduit with a dispensing outlet at a distal end of the dispensing conduit, the dispensing conduit in fluid communication with the supply conduit, in particular wherein the system comprises a dispense tap with a dispensing valve for selectively allowing or restricting flow of beverage through the dispensing conduit. The system further comprises a cooling system for cooling beverage in the recirculation flow path, and a recirculation pump for pumping beverage over the recirculation flow path. In general, the supply conduit is upstream of the dispensing conduit, and the return conduit is downstream of the dispensing conduit.

[0013] In general, any dispense tap may as an option comprise multiple dispensing outlets and dispensing conduits, such that beverage can be dispensed from the same supply conduit at multiple distinct locations. Preferably, every dispensing outlet is provided with a corresponding dispensing valve.

[0014] In general, any dispense tap may comprise a housing, for example forming a tower. A dispense tap may be part of a bar, or may be mounted to a bar, or may be positioned on top of a counter.

[0015] The system comprises a cooling system for cooling beverage in the recirculation flow path. The system comprises a recirculation pump for pumping beverage over the recirculation flow path. The beverage can be continuously pumped from the beverage supply container via the supply conduit and the return conduit back into the beverage supply container. Alternatively, the beverage can be continuously circulated through the supply conduit and the return conduit, with being fed back into the beverage supply conduit. By virtue of constant recirculating along the recirculation flow path wherein the beverage is cooled by the cooling system, essentially all beverage in the system may always be cooled when the cooling system is active. At least the beverage in the supply conduit and the return conduit may be always be cooled when the cooling system is active. Moreover, since the beverage is pumped over the recirculation flow path, the beverage is prevented from being heated up when no beverage is dispensed for a certain time period. Not just the beverage in the recirculation flow path is cooled, also the beverage in the beverage supply container may be cooled at all times when the cooling system is active and beverage is circulated over the recirculation flow path, when the beverage supply container is included in the recirculation flow path. Hence, it is no longer required to discard beverage that was present in the supply conduit, and has gained a too high temperature after beverage has not been dispensed for a while from the system. Optionally, the system further comprises a one-way valve in the return conduit. The one-way valve is configured for blocking a beverage flow through the return conduit from the beverage supply container towards the dispensing conduit. The one-way valve can prevent beverage from flowing through the return conduit towards the dispensing conduit when dispensing beverage, e.g. in case the pressure of the beverage in the return conduit is higher than ambient pressure and beverage is being dispensed out of the dispensing outlet. Although the one-way valve is a preferred option, it is not an essential feature for any of the systems for dispensing a beverage of the present disclosure. Any return conduit may thus be free of one-way valves. Any one-way valve preferably automatically opens and closes depending on a pressure difference of the one-way valve. For any system, a one-way valve may be connected in the supply conduit.

[0016] Optionally, the cooling system comprises a first cooling unit arranged to cool at least part of the supply conduit. In-line cooling of the supply conduit may be used to control the temperature of the dispensed beverage in an accurate and reliable manner. The first cooling unit can be configured to cool the beverage using a refrigerant. The refrigerant can comprise water or glycol. It is also envisioned that any cooling unit comprises or is formed by a dry block cooler, for example comprising a cooling block, such as an aluminium cooling block.

[0017] Optionally, the cooling system comprises a second cooling unit arranged to cool the beverage inside the beverage supply container. The second cooling unit can comprise a fridge. The second cooling unit can be comprised in the system together with the first cooling unit.

[0018] Optionally, the recirculation pump is connected in the supply conduit. The recirculation pump can be configured to urge the beverage flow to flow through the recirculation flow path from the supply conduit in the direction of the return conduit. Alternatively, the recirculation pump can be positioned in the return conduit, such that the beverage flow is urged through the recirculation flow path to flow from the return conduit in the direction of the supply conduit via the beverage supply container.

[0019] Optionally, the system further comprises a pressurized gas source in fluid communication with the recirculation flow path via a gas conduit. The pressurized gas source can be used for providing the right gas content of the beverage flow. The pressurized gas source can comprise a CO2 canister.

[0020] Optionally, the pressurized gas source and the gas conduit are arranged to supply a gas mixture of CO2 and nitrogen to beverage in the recirculation flow path. By supplying nitrogen and CO2 to the beverage flow instead of only CO2, saturation of the beverage with CO2 can be prevented. Saturation of the beverage with CO2 can cause excessive foaming of the beverage, when the beverage is cooled in the recirculation flow path to a low temperature, after being dispensed at the dispensing outlet.

[0021] Optionally, the dispensing conduit passes through a cooling section of the dispense tap, and at least part of the supply conduit and / or at least part of the return conduit pass through the cooling section, such that thermal energy can be transferred from the cooling section to the at least part of the supply conduit and / or at least part of the return conduit. As such, the temperature of the cooling section may be reduced to a temperature below ambient temperature using the beverage in the recirculation flow path. Because the dispensing conduit passes through the cooling section, consequently, an increase of temperature of beverage in the dispensing conduit may be reduced - when the beverage is flowing through the dispensing conduit during dispensing, or when the beverage is stationary in the dispensing conduit, when the system is not active in dispensing beverage.

[0022] Optionally, the dispense tap houses a downstream part of the supply conduit and / or an upstream part of the return conduit. As such, beverage flowing through the downstream part of the supply conduit and / or the upstream part of the return conduit may be used to cool one or more other components present in the dispense tap, such as at least part of a dispensing conduit. It is a general aim of the system to prevent any or at least reduce a number of “hot spots” through which beverage flows or in which the beverage stands still. In a known beverage dispensing system, the dispense tap, and in particular at least part of a dispensing conduit can become a hot spot. By using the cooled beverage flow to cool at least part of the dispense tap, additional cooling of the dispense tap may not be required anymore.

[0023] Optionally, the beverage supply container is thermally insulated. Thermally insulating the beverage supply container can comprise reducing thermal energy transfer between the beverage supply container and the surroundings thereof, compared to a situation without or with less thermal insulation. For example, the beverage supply container may be positioned inside a refrigerator with active cooling, or a thermally insulated housing.

[0024] In general, any component of any system, such as a beverage supply container or conduit, can be thermally insulated by surrounding at least part of the component in a thermally insulating material, such as fiberglass, rock or slag wool, cellulose, natural fibre, foam and / or reflective foil. Thermal conductivity of the thermally insulating material may for example be at most 1.0 W / m *K, at most 0.3 W / m*K, or even at most 0.1 W / m -K.

[0025] Optionally, at least part of the supply conduit is thermally insulated. Thermally insulating the supply conduit can comprise reducing thermal energy transfer between the supply conduit and the surroundings thereof. In general, the cooled beverage can be transported from the beverage supply container to the dispense tap via the supply conduit, in which the beverage supply container and the dispense tap may be located relatively far apart from each other, such as metres or tens of metres away from each other.

[0026] Optionally, at least part of the return conduit is thermally insulated. Cooled beverage is transported through the return conduit, for example from the dispense tap back to the beverage supply container or to the supply conduit. Thermally insulating the return conduit can comprise reducing thermal energy transfer between the return conduit and the surroundings thereof. Optionally, the beverage supply container holds a volume of beer. The beer can contain CO2 for providing a desired amount of foam in the beer once it is dispensed at the dispensing outlet. For any beverage supply container, it is also envisioned that the beverage supply container holds a volume of any other beverage, such as any carbonated beverage, for example cider.

[0027] For any system which comprises a supply conduit the supply conduit may have a length of at least 5 metres, at least 10 metres, at least 20 metres, or even at least 40 metres. Typically, the length of the supply conduit and the length of the return conduit essentially correspond, with for example a maximum deviation between the lengths of at most 10% or at most 20%.

[0028] For any beverage supply container, the beverage supply container may be a keg, for example a metal keg, a bag-in-container type of container, or a tank. For a tank, in particular when the beverage is an alcoholic or nonalcoholic beer, the tank is typically provided with a bag therein, which bag holds the beverage. To dispense the beverage from the bag, compressed gas is fed in a volume between the tank and the bag to squeeze the bag empty, thus forcing the beverage out of the bag. Any beverage supply container may have a capacity of approximately 30 litres or more, approximately 50 litres or more, approximately 100 litres or more, approximately 500 litres or more, or even approximately 1000 litres or more.

[0029] When the beverage supply container is of a bag-in-container type, the system may further comprise a compressor for supply pressurised gas for forcing beverage out of a bag of the beverage supply container.

[0030] Any beverage supply container may be exposed to uncooled ambient air, in particular when drawing beverage from the beverage supply container. This for example is the case when the beverage supply container is not actively cooled.

[0031] Preferably, for any system of the present disclosure comprising a supply conduit and a return conduit, a flow-through area for beverage through the return conduit is smaller than a flow-through area for beverage through the supply conduit. For example, the flow-through area for beverage through the return conduit is at least 10%, at least 20%, or even at least 50% smaller than a flow-through area for beverage through the supply conduit. The relatively smaller flow-through area for beverage through the return conduit may reduce the flow rate of beverage over the recirculation flow path, while the relatively larger flow-through area for beverage through the supply conduit may allow for sufficient flow of beverage for the dispensing conduit, in particular in case of multiple dispensing conduits and / or dispensing outlets for one system, in particular with one beverage supply container.

[0032] Any system of the present disclosure may comprise a three-way valve, which in a first state allows flow of beverage from the supply conduit to the dispensing conduit and essentially blocks flow of beverage from the supply conduit to the return conduit, and in a second state blocks flow of beverage from the supply conduit to the dispensing conduit and allows flow of beverage from the supply conduit to the return conduit. The three-way valve may prevent beverage from flowing from the supply conduit to the return conduit when dispensing beverage through the dispensing conduit. The three-way valve may be used in conjunction with any type of beverage supply container.

[0033] Any of the options discussed above may be applied to any system of the present disclosure, in any combination thereof. Only for brevity, not all permutations have been explicitly written out.

[0034] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a dispense tap for dispensing a cooled beverage. The dispense tap comprises a supply conduit section and a return conduit section in fluid communication with the supply conduit section. The dispense tap further comprises a dispensing conduit with a dispensing outlet at a distal end of the dispensing conduit, wherein the dispensing conduit is in fluid communication with the supply conduit section for receiving a beverage from the supply conduit section. According to the second aspect, the dispensing conduit is thermally coupled with the supply conduit section and / or the return conduit section such that thermal energy can be transferred from the dispensing conduit to the supply conduit and / or the return conduit. The transfer of thermal energy can take place directly and / or indirectly, via conduction, convection and / or radiation, in any combination thereof. As such, when the temperature of beverage standing still in the dispensing conduit increase above a temperature of beverage being circulated through the supply conduit section and / or the return conduit section, the beverage being circulated through the supply conduit section and / or the return conduit section can be used to cool the beverage standing still in the dispensing conduit.

[0035] Preferably, any dispense tap comprises a dispensing valve for selectively allowing or restricting flow of beverage through the dispensing conduit and / or an actuator for operating a dispensing valve positioned in-line with the dispensing conduit.

[0036] In general, whenever a dispense tap comprises a dispensing valve, at least part of the dispensing conduit may be positioned upstream of the dispensing valve, and optionally at least part of the dispensing conduit may be positioned downstream of the dispensing valve.

[0037] The present disclosure contemplates a system for dispensing a cooled beverage, comprising a dispense tap according to the second aspect. The system further comprises a supply conduit comprising the supply conduit section, which supply conduit is in fluid communication with a beverage supply container for receiving a beverage, such as beer, from the beverage supply container. The system further comprises a return conduit comprising the return conduit section, which return conduit is in fluid communication with the supply conduit such that beverage can be circulated through the return conduit and the supply conduit, optionally but not necessarily via the beverage supply container. It is thus envisioned that the beverage is circulated through the supply conduit and the return conduit without being fed back into the beverage supply container, in combination with the dispense tap of the second aspect.

[0038] According to a third aspect is provided a method of dispensing a cooled beverage. The method comprises providing a beverage supply container holding a volume of beverage. The method comprises circulating at least part of the beverage over a recirculation flow path from the beverage supply container, through a supply conduit, and through a return conduit downstream of the supply conduit back into the beverage supply container. The method comprises cooling the beverage flowing in the recirculation flow path. The method comprises dispensing the cooled beverage through a dispensing outlet of a dispensing conduit. The dispensing conduit is in fluid communication with the supply conduit at a position upstream of the return conduit.

[0039] As an alternative for the third aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of dispensing a cooled beverage, the method comprising providing a beverage supply container holding a volume of beverage, circulating at least part of the beverage over a recirculation flow path from the beverage supply container, through a supply conduit, and through a return conduit downstream of the supply conduit back into the supply conduit. The method further comprises cooling the beverage flowing in the recirculation flow path, and dispensing the cooled beverage through a dispensing outlet of a dispensing conduit, which dispensing conduit is in fluid communication with the supply conduit at a position upstream of the return conduit. Preferably, in the method, the beverage flowing through the return conduit flows through a one-way valve.

[0040] Optionally, the beverage is cooled while being transported through the supply conduit.

[0041] Optionally, the beverage is cooled while being transported through the return conduit.

[0042] Optionally, the beverage is cooled while being transported through the beverage supply container. Optionally, the beverage is pumped over the recirculation flow path using a recirculation pump in the supply conduit.

[0043] Optionally, the method further comprises supplying pressurised gas, such as CO2, to the beverage in the recirculation flow path.

[0044] Optionally, the beverage is a beer or cider or any other carbonated or non-carbonated beverage. Typically, the beverage is stored under pressure in the beverage supply container.

[0045] Preferably, all beverage dispensed through the dispensing outlet passes through a cooling system for cooling the beverage.

[0046] It will be appreciated that any of the aspects, features and options described in view of the system for dispensing a cooled beverage apply equally to the dispense tap and / or the method of dispensing a cooled beverage, and vice versa. It will also be clear that any one or more of the above aspects, features and options may be combined.

[0047] It will be appreciated that options disclosed in conjunction with the first aspect may be readily applied to a further system comprising the dispense tap according to the second aspect, which options may relate to the presence of a first cooling unit, a second cooling unit, the positioning of a pump in the system, the supplying of pressurised gas to the beverage in the recirculation flow path, and / or the beverage being a beer.

[0048] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0050] Figures 1A and IB each show an illustration of a schematic representation of an example of a system for dispensing a cooled beverage;

[0051] Figure 2 shows an illustration of a schematic representation of an example of a dispense tap for dispensing a cooled beverage; and

[0052] Figure 3 shows an exemplary flow chart of a method of dispensing a cooled beverage; Figure 4A shows another example of a system for dispensing a cooled beverage; and

[0053] Figure 4B shows yet another example of a system for dispensing a cooled beverage

[0054] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Figures 1A and IB each show an illustration of a schematic representation of an example of a system 100 for dispensing a cooled beverage. The system 100 comprises a beverage supply container 200, a supply conduit 300, a return conduit 400, a dispensing conduit 500, a dispense tap 600, a cooling system 700 and a recirculation pump 800. The beverage supply container 200 is configured for holding a volume of beverage 201. The beverage supply container 200 can comprise a keg, tank, bag or bottle. Here, the beverage supply container 200 holds a volume of beer. The dispense tap 600 may for example be a dispense tower, which may be mounted to or positioned on top of a bar.

[0056] The supply conduit 300 is positioned in fluid communication with the beverage supply container 200. The beverage supply container 200 comprises in the example according to Figure 1A a headspace 202 and a riser tube 204. The riser tube 204 allows beverage to be forced out of the beverage supply container 200 into the supply conduit 300 using the riser tube 204, for example by virtue of the pressure inside the headspace 202. The return conduit 400 is positioned in fluid communication with the beverage supply container 200 and the supply conduit 300.

[0057] In general, for any system, the supply conduit 300 and return conduit 400 each can have a total length in longitudinal direction of said conduit in the order of metres, tens of metres, of conceivably more than one hundred metres. As such, a distance between the beverage supply container and a dispense tap can be in the order of metres, tens of metres, of conceivably more than one hundred metres. By virtue of the beverage being circulated over a recirculation flow path, and when cooling the beverage being circulated over the recirculation flow path, regardless of the length of the supply conduit 300 and return conduit 400, the temperature of the beverage prior to being dispensed can be controlled. When the beverage supply container is included in the recirculation flow path, also the temperature of the beverage inside the beverage supply container can be controlled, regardless of the length of the supply conduit 300 and return conduit 400.

[0058] The system 100 comprises a recirculation flow path formed by the beverage supply container 200, the supply conduit 300 and the return conduit 400. Optionally, for any system 100 disclosed herein, any one or more further conduits may be interconnected between the beverage supply container 200, the supply conduit 300 and / or the return conduit 400 to form part of the recirculation flow path. The beverage can flow through the recirculation flow path from the beverage supply container 200 through subsequently the supply conduit 300, the return conduit 400 and back to the beverage supply container 200. The return conduit 400 is in this example positioned downstream of the supply conduit 300 in the recirculation flow path. The beverage supply container 200 is positioned downstream of the return conduit 400. The supply conduit 300 is positioned downstream of the beverage supply container 200.

[0059] The dispensing conduit 500 comprises a dispensing outlet 502 at a distal end of the dispensing conduit 500. The dispensing conduit 500 is in fluid communication with the supply conduit 300. The dispense tap 600, or more in general the system 100, comprises a dispensing valve 602 for selectively allowing or restricting flow of beverage through the dispensing conduit 500. For example, the dispense tap 600 may be manually operable by a user. The dispense tap 600 in this example houses a downstream part 304 of the supply conduit 300 and an upstream part 406 of the return conduit 400. It will be appreciated that in any system, the dispense tap 600 can house only one of a downstream part 304 of the supply conduit 300 and an upstream part 406 of the return conduit 400 instead. The dispensing conduit 500 may be at least partially positioned upstream of the dispensing valve 602 and / or at least partially positioned downstream of the dispensing valve 602.

[0060] Any part of the dispensing conduit 500 may be thermally coupled to part of the recirculation flow path, for example the downstream part 304 of the supply conduit 300 and / or the upstream part 406 of the return conduit 400, such that thermal energy can be transferred from the dispensing conduit 500 to the downstream part 304 of the supply conduit 300 and / or the upstream part 406 of the return conduit 400. The transfer of thermal energy may allow beverage standing still in the dispensing conduit 500 to be cooled using beverage flowing through the recirculation flow path. This transfer of thermal energy may take place in a cooling section 604 of the dispense tap 600.

[0061] The cooling system 700 is configured for cooling beverage in the recirculation flow path. The beverage supply container 200 is in this example thermally insulated. Thermal insulation of the beverage supply container 200 reduces thermal energy transfer from the surroundings to the beverage supply container 200. This thermal energy transfer reduction decreases the energy usage of the cooling system 700 compared to the energy usage of thereof in case the beverage supply container 200 is not thermally insulated.

[0062] Here, at least part of the supply conduit 300 and at least part of the return conduit 400 is thermally insulated. Thermal insulation of at least part of the supply conduit 300 and / or at least part of the return conduit 400 reduces thermal energy transfer from the surroundings to the respective conduit 300, 400 by at least 25%, preferably by at least 50% and more preferably by at least 75%. This thermal energy transfer reduction decreases the energy usage of the cooling system 700. Thermal insulation of at least part of the supply conduit 300 and / or at least part of the return conduit 400 can save even more energy in examples wherein the beverage supply container 200 and the dispense tap 600 are far apart, such as metres, e.g. tens of metres, apart. The higher the distance between the beverage supply container 200 and the dispense tap 600, the more energy thermal insulation of at least part of the supply conduit 300 and / or the return conduit 400 can save.

[0063] The recirculation pump 800 is configured for pumping beverage over the recirculation flow path. In this example, the recirculation pump 800 is connected in the supply conduit 300. Alternatively, the recirculation pump 800 can be positioned in the return conduit 400, or conceivably even in the beverage supply container 200.

[0064] The system 100 in this example further comprises a pressurized gas source 900 that is connected in fluid communication with the recirculation flow path via a gas conduit 902. The pressurized gas source 900 can e.g. comprise a carbon dioxide (CO2) canister. Here, the pressurized gas source 900 comprises CO2 and nitrogen. The pressurized gas source 900 and the gas conduit 902 are in this example arranged to supply a gas mixture of CO2 and nitrogen to the beverage in the recirculation flow path. Adding CO2 to the beverage flow increases the foaming of the dispensed beverage. When the temperature of the beverage inside the beverage supply container 200 is below ambient temperature, adding CO2 to the beverage may cause the beverage to become saturated with CO2, which causes excessive foaming upon dispensing the beverage. Adding nitrogen to the beverage flow simultaneously with CO2 prevents saturation of the beverage with CO2.

[0065] For any system 100 disclosed herein, the system may comprise one or more temperature sensors for obtaining temperature data indicative of the temperature of beverage in the system. Temperature of the beverage may be determined in the beverage supply container 200, in the supply conduit 300, in the return conduit 400, in the dispensing conduit 500, upstream of a cooling system 700, downstream of a cooling system 700, at any other location where beverage is present, or any combination thereof.

[0066] A controller may be comprised by the system 100, which controller is arranged to receive temperature data from the one or more temperature sensors. Based on the temperature data, the controller is arranged to control the flow and / or pressure of gas fed into the system from the pressurised gas source 900, for example via the gas conduit 902. The controller may be an electronic controller, for example comprising a central processing unit, for processing temperature data and controlling for example a pressure regulator based on the processed temperature data. A computer program product may be stored on a memory accessible by the controller, which when executed causes the controller to control the pressure regulator based on the temperature data.

[0067] For example, the system 100 may comprise a pressure regulator which is controllable by the controller. The pressure regulator may be connected in the gas flow path between the pressurised gas source 900 and the recirculation flow path, to control the pressure at which the gas enters the recirculation flow path. The gas may essentially be CO2, nitrogen, or a mix of CO2 and nitrogen. By controlling the pressure of the gas dependent on the temperature of the beverage, saturation of the beverage may be prevented.

[0068] It is further envisioned that multiple distinct pressurised gas sources are used, and the controller is arranged to mix gasses from the multiple distinct pressurised gas sources, for example dependent on the temperature data. One gas source may supply CO2, and a second gas source may supply nitrogen.

[0069] In the example of Figure 1A, the cooling system 700 comprises a first cooling unit 702 arranged to cool at least part of the supply conduit 300. The cooling unit 702 is in this example positioned along the supply conduit 300 between the beverage supply container 200 and the dispense tap 600. Inline cooling of the supply conduit 300 by the first cooling unit 702 allows the dispensed beverage to be cooled to a desired temperature when the first cooling unit 702 and the recirculation pump 800 are active. The first cooling unit 702 can comprise a cooler with a refrigerant, wherein the refrigerant e.g. comprises glycol or water. Additionally or alternatively, the first cooling unit 702 may comprise a dry block cooler, for example comprising an aluminium cooling block.

[0070] In the example of Figure 1A, the gas conduit 902 is arranged to connect the pressurized gas source 900 in fluid communication with the recirculation flow path upstream of the beverage supply container 200. Thereto, the gas conduit 902 is in this example connected to the return conduit 400 between the dispense tap 600 and the beverage supply container 200.

[0071] In the example of Figure 1A, the system 100 further comprises a one-way valve 402 in the return conduit 400. The one-way valve 402 is configured for blocking a beverage flow through the return conduit 400 from the beverage supply container 200 towards the dispensing conduit 500. The one-way valve 402 prevents beverage from flowing via the return conduit 400 to the dispensing conduit 500 when the pressure of the beverage is higher than ambient pressure.

[0072] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1A, the dispense tap 600 comprises a cooling section 604, which cooling section 604 is an optional feature for any system 100 and dispense tap 600 disclosed herein. Here, the dispensing conduit 500 passes through the cooling section 604 of the dispense tap 600. The dispense tap 600 houses at least part 302 of the supply conduit 300 and at least part 404 of the return conduit 400 in this example. Here, the at least part 302 of the supply conduit 300 comprises a downstream part 304 of the supply conduit 300, and the at least part 404 of the return conduit 400 comprises an upstream part 406 of the return conduit 400. The at least part 302 of the supply conduit 300 and at least part 404 of the return conduit 400 in this example pass through the cooling section 604, such that thermal energy can be transferred from the cooling section 604 to the at least part 302 of the supply conduit 300 and at least part 404 of the return conduit 400.

[0073] As such, beverage flowing through the at least part 302 of the supply conduit 300 and at least part 404 of the return conduit 400 can be used to cool the cooling section 604 using beverage. In general, the cooling section 604 may comprise one or more masses used for conductive transfer of thermal energy.

[0074] The transfer of thermal energy from the cooling section 604 to the beverage flow allows that the cooled beverage in the at least part 302 of the supply conduit 300 and / or the at least part 404 of the return conduit 400 can be used for cooling the cooling section 604 of the dispense tap 600. In turn , the cooling section 604 may be used for cooling beverage in the dispensing conduit 500 which passes through the cooling section 604. It is a general aim to prevent any “hot spots”, where the temperature is higher than a predetermined value, in any conduit or conduit section through which beverage flows. The transfer of thermal energy from the cooling section 604 to the beverage in the recirculation path may be used to prevent beverage in the dispensing conduit 500 from warming up due to exposure to the ambient temperature.

[0075] In the example of Figure IB, the cooling system 700 comprises a second cooling unit 704 arranged to cool the beverage inside the beverage supply container 200. The second cooling unit 704 can e.g. comprise an active cooler, such as a fridge, where the beverage supply container 200 is placed inside. Alternatively, the system 100 can comprise the first cooling unit 702 shown in Figure 1A as well as the second cooling unit 704 shown in Figure IB. Additionally or alternatively, as depicted in Figure IB but applicable to any system 100 disclosed herein, the gas conduit 902 is arranged to connect the pressurized gas source 900 in fluid communication with the recirculation flow path through the beverage supply container 200. Thereto, the gas conduit 902 is in this example connected to the beverage supply container 200 directly.

[0076] As an option for any system 100, depicted both in Figure 1A and IB, a one-way valve 403 is positioned in the gas conduit 902. The one-way valve 403 may prevent beverage from accidentally flowing towards the pressurised gas source 900 through the gas conduit 902. The one-way valve 403 may be positioned at any position in the gas flow path between the pressurised gas source 900 and the recirculation flow path, and / or between the pressurised gas source 900 and the beverage supply container 200, and / or between the pressurised gas source 900 and the return conduit 400.

[0077] For any system for dispensing a cooled beverage disclosed herein, it is envisioned that the system comprises either a single dispensing outlet, or conceivable that multiple dispensing outlets are fluidly connected to the supply conduit. As such, at multiple distinct locations, cooled beverage may be dispensed from the system, in particular even simultaneously for example by multiple bartenders. Multiple dispensing outlets may be comprised by a single dispense tap. Alternatively, multiple dispense taps may comprise a single dispensing outlet.

[0078] For any system for dispensing a cooled beverage disclosed herein, it is thus envisioned that the system may comprise multiple dispense taps, for example two, three, four or even more. The supply conduit may pass through the multiple dispense taps. Any dispense tap may be according to any dispense tap disclosed herein. Thus, multiple dispensing conduits may be fluidly connected to the same supply conduit.

[0079] In the example of Figure 2, an illustration of a schematic representation of an example of the dispense tap 600 for dispensing a cooled beverage is shown. The dispense tap 600 comprises the dispensing conduit 500, the dispensing outlet 502 and the dispensing valve 602. The dispensing outlet 502 is arranged at a distal end of the dispensing conduit 500. The dispensing conduit 500 is in fluid communication with the supply conduit 300 for receiving a beverage from the supply conduit. The dispensing valve 602 is configured for selectively allowing or restricting flow of beverage through the dispensing conduit 500. The dispensing conduit 500 is thermally coupled to the at least part of the supply conduit 300 and / or at least part of the return conduit 400 such that thermal energy can be transferred from the dispensing conduit 500 to at least part of the supply conduit 300 and / or at least part of the return conduit 400. In the example of Figure 2, the arrows with dashed-dotted lines indicate that the supply conduit 300 and return conduit 400 extend out of the zoomed in view on the dispense tap. In this example, a downstream part 408 of the return conduit 400 is in fluid communication with an upstream part 308 of the supply conduit 300 such that the return conduit 400 can receive beverage from the supply conduit 300. The supply conduit 300 is in this example in fluid communication with the beverage supply container 200 (not shown in Fig. 2).

[0080] For any system comprising the dispense tap 600 of Fig. 2, the downstream part 408 of the return conduit 400 may be in fluid communication with the upstream part 308 of the supply conduit 300 upstream of the beverage supply container 200. Alternatively, the downstream part 408 of the return conduit 400 can be in fluid communication with the upstream part 308 of the supply conduit 300 or via the beverage supply container 200, such as in the system 100 for dispensing a cooled beverage according to Figures 1A or IB.

[0081] In the dispense tap 600 of Fig. 2, a cooling section 604 is defined where transfer of thermal energy can take place between beverage in the dispensing conduit 500 and beverage in the downstream part 304 of the supply conduit 300 and / or the upstream part 406 of the return conduit 400. Preferably, to increase transfer of thermal energy, at least part of the dispensing conduit 500 and the downstream part 304 of the supply conduit 300 and / or the upstream part 406 of the return conduit 400 are conductively coupled to allow conductive transfer of thermal energy between the at least part of the dispensing conduit 500 and the downstream part 304 of the supply conduit 300 and / or the upstream part 406 of the return conduit 400.

[0082] Figure 3 shows an example of a flow chart of a method 1000 for dispensing a cooled beverage. The method 1000 can be performed using a system 100 as described in view of Figures 1A and IB. Optional steps are shown in dashed boxes. In a first step 1002, a beverage supply container 200 holding a volume of beverage is provided. The beverage for example is a beer or any other carbonated beverage such as cider. At least part of the beverage is circulated over a recirculation flow path from the beverage supply container 200, through a supply conduit 300, and through a return conduit 400 downstream of the supply conduit 300 back into the beverage supply container 200 in step 1004. Step 1004 is performed after step 1002. The beverage is in this example pumped over the recirculation flow path using a recirculation pump 800 in the supply conduit 300 or in any part of the recirculation flow path.

[0083] As alternative for step 1004, At least part of the beverage is circulated over a recirculation flow path formed by the supply conduit and the return conduit. In this alternative, beverage does not flow back into the beverage supply container.

[0084] The beverage flowing in the recirculation flow path is cooled in step 1006. In performing the method 1000 using the system 100 of Figure 1A, the beverage is cooled in step 1006 while being transported through the supply conduit 300. It will be appreciated that the beverage can alternatively or additionally be cooled in step 1006 while being transported through the return conduit 400 and / or the beverage can alternatively or additionally be cooled in step 1006 while held in the beverage supply container. In performing the method 1000 using the system 100 of Figure IB, the beverage is cooled in step 1006 while being transported through the beverage supply container 200. The step 1006 is preferably performed in parallel with step 1004.

[0085] In this example, in step 1008, pressurised gas, such as CO2, is supplied to the beverage in the recirculation flow path. Step 1008 is performed in parallel with step 1006. In step 1010, the cooled beverage is dispensed through a dispensing outlet 502 of a dispensing conduit 500, which dispensing conduit 500 is in fluid communication with the supply conduit 300 at a position upstream of the return conduit 400. Step 1010 is performed in parallel with and / or after step 1006. Step 1008 is performed in parallel with and / or prior to step 1010. In any method, regardless of whether the beverage supply container is included in the recirculation flow path or not, the method may further comprise a step of cooling beverage standing still in the dispensing conduit 500 using beverage flowing through the supply conduit and / or return conduit. This cooling may for example take place in a cooling section 604 of a dispense tap.

[0086] When a new beverage supply container is coupled to any system for dispensing a cooled beverage disclosed herein, it may be required to perform the steps of circulating the beverage over the recirculation flow path and cooling the beverage flowing in the recirculation flow path for an amount of time, for example in the order of minutes or hours, to cool the beverage to a desired temperature. For example only after the beverage is cooled to the desired temperature, it may be desired to dispense the beverage from the dispensing conduit.

[0087] The dispense tap 600 of FIG 2 is also envisioned with multiple sets of a dispensing valve 602, dispensing conduit 500, and dispensing outlet 502, wherein every set is fluidly connected to the same supply conduit 300.

[0088] The present disclosure may be used in the context of a bar, restaurant, or other indoor or outdoor locations in the hospitality industry where beverages are dispensed from beverage supply containers.

[0089] A first implementation of the present disclosure has been depicted in conjunction with Figs. 1A-1B. In the first implementation, beverage can be circulated back into the beverage container after having been passed through the cooling system. The first implementation may be used at any location where beverages are to be dispensed, but in particular in locations where there are no or insufficient facilities, such as refrigerators or cooling areas, in which the beverage supply container or containers can be placed for cooling.

[0090] A second implementation considers a permanent location where beverages are dispensed. Permanent locations are typically characterised by a fixed location where one or more beverage supply containers can be stored, such as a refrigerator, cooling area, cellar, or bar area. Permanent locations are often used for years for dispensing beverages at, and includes bars, restaurants, pubs, hotels, cruise ships, etcetera. Typical beverage supply containers for a permanent locations are kegs and tanks, with a typical capacity of 30 litres or more, 50 litres or more, or even 500 litres or 1000 litres or more.

[0091] A third implementation considers a temporary location where beverages are dispensed, in contrast to the permanent locations. Temporary implies that after one or more days or weeks the location is dismantled. Examples of temporary locations are events such as festivals. Temporary locations are typically characterized by a lack of permanent locations for storing and / or cooling one or more beverage supply containers.

[0092] For the second and third implementations, it is envisioned that beverage flowing over the recirculation flow path does not flow back into the beverage supply container. Rather, the recirculation flow path may be formed by the supply conduit and the return conduit.

[0093] Figure 4A and 4B show further envisioned systems 100 for dispensing a cooled beverage. Where the same reference numerals are used, similar features as disclosed in conjunction with Figs. 1A and IB are indicated. Differences between the systems of Figs. 1A, IB and 4A and 4B are explained below.

[0094] In the system 100 for dispensing a cooled beverage as depicted in Fig. 4A, beverage such as beer is forced into the supply conduit 300. This beverage can be circulated over a recirculation flow path formed by the supply conduit 300 and the return conduit 400. All beverage which can be dispensed out of the dispensing conduit 500 preferably passes through the cooling system 700. Preferably, flow of beverage is only allowed in a single direction, in this figure in a clock-wise direction. This can be achieved by for example the one-way valve 402.

[0095] Figure 4B shows another system 100 for dispensing a cooled beverage. Here, the beverage supply container 200 is a tank with a bag holding beverage, such as beer, therein. A pressurised gas source 900 such a compressor can be used for force pressurised gas, such as air, between the tank and the bag to squeeze beverage out of the bag into the supply conduit 300.

[0096] As a particular option depicted in Fig. 4B, but generally applicable to any of the systems 100 disclosed herein, for example but not necessarily in conjunction with Figs. 1A, IB, 2 or 4A, the system 100 is shown with a three- way valve 603. In a first state, the three-way valve 603 allows flow of beverage from the supply conduit 300 to the dispensing conduit 500, and essentially blocks flow of beverage from the supply conduit 300 to the return conduit 400. In a second state, the three-way valve 603 blocks flow of beverage from the supply conduit to the dispensing conduit and allows flow of beverage from the supply conduit to the return conduit. Any three-way valve 603 may be operated with a handle, for example a handle resembling or forming a tap handle.

[0097] The beverage supply containers shown in Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B may be in a refrigerated or not refrigerated area. In the not refrigerated area, the beverage supply container can be exposed to ambient air. Ambient air is not actively cooled with the purpose of cooling the beverage supply container.

[0098] In any of the drawings, where a one-way valve is depicted in the return conduit, the one-way valve is an optional feature which in alternative embodiments may be omitted. In any of the drawings, the flow-through area for beverage through the supply conduit may be larger than the flow-through area for beverage through the return conduit. The supply conduit and return conduit may have any length, for example any length disclosed herein. The beverage supply container may be of any type as disclosed herein. Although the systems are shown with a single dispense tap 600, also multiple dispense taps 600 which receive beverage from the same beverage supply container are envisioned.

[0099] For any system, but as a particular option depicted in Fig. 4B, a flow meter 910 may be used to record the volume of beverage extracted from the beverage supply container 200. The flow meter 910 is positioned in a dispensing line 330 which is positioned between the beverage supply container 200 and the supply conduit 300. This dispensing line 330 typically does not form part of the recirculation flow path.

[0100] Herein, the invention is described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein, without departing from the essence of the invention. For the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, alternative embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described in these separate embodiments are also envisaged.

[0101] However, other modifications, variations, and alternatives are also possible. The specifications, drawings and examples are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than in a restrictive sense.

[0102] For the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described.

[0103] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words ‘a’ and ‘an’ shall not be construed as limited to ‘only one’, but instead are used to mean ‘at least one’, and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage.

Claims

Claims1. System (100) for dispensing a cooled beverage, the system comprising: a beverage supply container (200) for holding a volume of beverage; a supply conduit (300), in fluid communication with the beverage supply container; a return conduit (400), in fluid communication with the supply conduit, such that a recirculation flow path is comprised by the system (100) through which beverage can circulate, which recirculation flow path is at least formed by the supply conduit and the return conduit; a dispensing conduit (500) with a dispensing outlet (502) at a distal end of the dispensing conduit, the dispensing conduit in fluid communication with the supply conduit, in particular wherein the system comprises a dispense tap (600) with a dispensing valve (602) for selectively allowing or restricting flow of beverage through the dispensing conduit; a cooling system (700) for cooling beverage in the recirculation flow path; and a recirculation pump (800) for pumping beverage over the recirculation flow path; wherein the system further comprises a one-way valve (402) in the return conduit for blocking a beverage flow through the return conduit from the beverage supply container towards the dispensing conduit.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the cooling system comprises a first cooling unit (702) arranged to cool at least part of the supply conduit.

3. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cooling system comprises a second cooling unit (704) arranged to cool the beverage inside the beverage supply container.

4. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the recirculation pump (800) is connected in the supply conduit.

5. System according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a pressurized gas source (900) in fluid communication with the recirculation flow path via a gas conduit (902), wherein optionally the pressurized gas source and the gas conduit are arranged to supply CO2 or a gas mixture of CO2 and nitrogen to beverage in the recirculation flow path.

6. System according to claim 5, further comprising a one-way valve(403) in the gas conduit (902).

7. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of the dispensing conduit passes through a cooling section (604) of the dispense tap, and at least part (302) of the supply conduit and / or at least part(404) of the return conduit pass through the cooling section, such that thermal energy can be transferred from the cooling section to the at least part (302) of the supply conduit and / or at least part (404) of the return conduit.

8. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the dispense tap houses a downstream part (304) of the supply conduit and / or an upstream part (406) of the return conduit, and wherein optionally the dispensing conduit is thermally coupled to the downstream part (304) of the supply conduit and / or the upstream part (406) of the return conduit such that thermal energy can be transferred from the dispensing conduit to the downstream part of the supply conduit and / or the upstream part of the return conduit.

9. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage supply container is thermally insulated, and / or wherein at leastpart of the supply conduit is thermally insulated, and / or wherein at least part of the return conduit is thermally insulated.

10. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage supply container holds a volume of beer.

11. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the supply conduit has a length of at least 20 metres.

12. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage supply container holds at least 400 litres of beverage.

13. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage supply container is of a bag-in-container type, and the system further comprises a compressor for supply pressurised gas for forcing beverage out of a bag of the beverage supply container.

14. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage supply container is exposed to uncooled ambient air.

15. System according to any the preceding claims, wherein a flow- through area for beverage through the return conduit is smaller than a flow- through area for beverage through the supply conduit.

16. System according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a three-way valve (603), which in a first state allows flow of beverage from the supply conduit to the dispensing conduit and essentially blocks flow of beverage from the supply conduit to the return conduit, and in a second state blocks flow of beverage from the supply conduit to the dispensing conduit and allows flow of beverage from the supply conduit to the return conduit.

17. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage supply container is a keg.

18. System according to any of the claims 1-16, wherein the beverage supply container is a bag-in-container type container.

19. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage is a beer.

20. A dispense tap for dispensing a cooled beverage, comprising: a supply conduit section (304); a return conduit section (406) in fluid communication with the supply conduit section; and a dispensing conduit (500) with a dispensing outlet (502) at a distal end of the dispensing conduit, wherein the dispensing conduit is in fluid communication with the supply conduit section (304) for receiving a beverage from the supply conduit section; wherein the dispensing conduit is thermally coupled with the supply conduit section and / or the return conduit section such that thermal energy can be transferred from the dispensing conduit to the supply conduit and / or the return conduit, in particular wherein the dispense tap further comprises a dispensing valve (602) for selectively allowing or restricting flow of beverage through the dispensing conduit.

21. Method (1000) of dispensing a cooled beverage, the method comprising: providing (1002) a beverage supply container (200) holding a volume of beverage; circulating (1004) at least part of the beverage over a recirculation flow path from the beverage supply container, through a supply conduit, andthrough a return conduit downstream of the supply conduit back into the supply conduit; cooling (1006) the beverage flowing in the recirculation flow path; and dispensing (1010) the cooled beverage through a dispensing outlet of a dispensing conduit, which dispensing conduit is in fluid communication with the supply conduit at a position upstream of the return conduit, and wherein the beverage flowing through the return conduit flows through a one-way valve.

22. Method according to claim 21, wherein the beverage is cooled while being transported through the supply conduit, and / or wherein the beverage is cooled while being transported through the return conduit, and / or wherein the beverage is cooled while being transported through the beverage supply container.

23. Method according to any of the claims 21-22, wherein the beverage is pumped over the recirculation flow path using a recirculation pump in the supply conduit, and / or wherein the method further comprises supplying (1008) pressurised gas, such as CO2, to the beverage in the recirculation flow path.

24. Method according to any of the claims 21-23, wherein all beverage dispensed through the dispensing outlet passes through a cooling system for cooling the beverage.

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