System and method for retarding biofilm growth in beverage pipes

Abstract

Systems and methods for retarding biofilm growth in a beverage pipeline are provided. The system includes one or more signal generators configured to generate, at an external wall of the beverage pipeline, composite signals comprising a first electrical signal having a carrier frequency varying between 600 Hz and 2750 Hz; a second electrical signal having a harmonic frequency varying between 40 to 80Hz; and a third electrical signal having a frequency of 1-10 Hz.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RETARDING BIOFILM GROWTH IN BEVERAGE PIPESCROSS REFERENCE

[0001] The present application claims priority of U.S. provisional patent application serial No. 63 / 705,084, filed on October 9, 2024, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to retarding biofilm growth in beverage pipeline, particularly to a system and method for retarding biofilm growth in a carrier pipe for carrying beverages, including beer.BACKGROUND

[0003] Existing beverage cleaning devices for regular beverage or beer pipeline cleaning cycles, such as the one disclosed in US Patent No. 6,510,857 Bl, are not satisfactory in that they are ineffectiveness with respect to craft beers, difficult to install for commercial business such as bars, restaurants, or night clubs and to schedule cleaning cycle, and have no efficacy in removing beer stone.SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure aims to provide an improved system and method for retarding biofilm growth in beverage ducks or pipelines in the commercial environment of beverage dispense, including beer dispense.

[0005] The present disclosure has efficacy in extending the regular cleaning cycles of all world beers including craft beers by retarding the biofilm build-up of beer spoilage bacteria and yeasts on the inner walls of the duct or beer pipeline carrying beverage, such as draft beers, or other beverages, using two methods of retardation, namely, 1. by disrupting the electrochemical adhesive functions of theyeast and bacteria individual cells, and 2. By mechanical wave motion of the composite signal to be described in detail below.

[0006] In an aspect, there is provided a system for retarding biofilm growth in a beverage pipeline, which includes one or more signal generators configured to generate, at an external wall of the beverage pipeline, composite signals comprising a first electrical signal having a carrier frequency between 600 Hz and 2750 Hz; a second electrical signal having a harmonic frequency between 40 to 80Hz; and a third electrical signal having a frequency of 1-10 Hz and an amplitude of 2-6 volts spike signal.

[0007] In another aspect, the third electrical signal is a 1 Hz 6-volt spike signal.

[0008] In another aspect, there is provided a method for retarding biofilm growth in a beverage pipeline. The method comprises: generating, at an external wall of the beverage pipeline, composite signals comprising a first electrical signal having a carrier frequency between 600 Hz and 2750 Hz, a second electrical signal having a harmonic frequency between 40 to 80Hz, and a third electrical signal having a frequency of 1-10 Hz and an amplitude of 2-6 volts; and transmitting the composite signals into the beverage pipeline to cause water content of a beverage inside the beverage pipeline to conduct the composite signal along the beverage pipeline.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show example embodiments of the present application, and in which :

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagram of the system in use for retarding biofilm growth in a beverage pipe;

[0011] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the system in Figure 1;

[0012] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a method for retarding biofilm growth in the beverage pipeline with the system in Figures 1 and 2;

[0013] Figure 4 is a diagram of two systems in use for retarding biofilm growth in two beverage pipes;

[0014] Figure 5A is a diagram of contamination in a petri dish taken from swabs inside beer lines when the system is not used; and

[0015] Figure 5B is a diagram of contamination in a petri dish taken from swabs inside beer lines when the system is used.

[0016] Similar reference numerals may have been used in different figures to denote similar components.DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0017] The present disclosure discloses a system 100 and a method 200 for retarding biofilm growth of a beverage pipeline 50. As illustrate in the examples of Figures 1 and 2, the system 100 may comprise a first signal generator 102 for generating a first electrical signal, a second signal generator 104 for generating a second electrical signal, and a third signal generator 106 for generating a third electrical signal. In some examples, first signal generator 102, second signal generator 104, and third signal generator 106 can be crystal controlled oscillators. For example, the first electrical signal has a carrier frequency varying between 600 Hz and 2750 Hz, the second electrical signal has a harmonic frequency varying between 40 to 80Hz, and the third electrical signal is a spike signal having a frequency of 1-10 Hz and an amplitude of 2-6-volts spike signal. In some examples, the first and second signals may have an amplitude of 2-4 volts. In some examples, the first electrical signal has a carrier frequency of 2150 Hz and an amplitude of 4 volts; the second electrical signal has a harmonic frequency of 60 Hz and an amplitude of 4 volts, and the third electrical signal is a spike signal having a frequency of 1 Hz and an amplitude of 6 volts. Both the first and second electrical signals can vary in phase and amplitude. In some examples, the system 100 mayinclude only one signal generator 107 to generate the first, second, and third signals simultaneously.

[0018] The system 100 may also comprise a controller 108 that is configured to control the first, second, and third signal generators 102, 104, 108 to generate respective signals, including to control the duration or timing for the signal generators 102, 104, 108 to generate the first, second, and third signals.

[0019] The system 100 may also include a composite signal generator 110 configured to mix the first, second, and third electrical signals and to generate composite signals 112 comprising the first, second, and third signals. In some examples, the composite signal generator 110 may be a signal multiplexer. For example, the composite signal generator 110 may be configured to mix the first, second, and third electrical signals to generate composite signals 112, for example, by multiplexing the first signal with the second and third signals.

[0020] The controller 108 may be configured to cause the first, second, and third signal generators 102, 104, 108 to substantially concurrently generate the first, second and third electrical signals.

[0021] In an example, the output 114 of the composite signals 112 comprising the first, second, and third signals are transmitted into a pipeline 50 carrying the draft beer or beverage. In some examples, the output 114 may be a transducer that is configured to convert the composite signals 112 into sound waves or audio signals. Composite signals 112 use the water content of the beverage to conduct the composite signals 112 along the length of the duct or pipeline 50. The composite signals 112 also have the efficacy to retard the biofilm growth of yeast and bacteria cells by disrupting the electrochemical adhesive functions of the yeast and bacteria individual cells.

[0022] In some examples, composite signals 112 may be transmitted for example by a transducer from the output 114 into the pipeline 50 or duct filled withbeverage including beer, and composite signals 112 create movement of the liquid beverage or beer.

[0023] The degree of movement is dependent on the characteristics of the composite signals 112. The degree of liquid movement inside the pipeline can be influenced by the signal properties of the composite signals 112, including:1. Frequency o Higher frequencies of the composite signals 112 create faster oscillations of the pressure waves, producing smaller but quicker molecular movements. o Lower frequencies of the composite signals 112 create slower oscillations, but with greater displacement of the liquid molecules.2. Amplitude (Signal Strength / Power) o A higher amplitude of the composite signals 112 produces stronger pressure oscillations, resulting in more pronounced movement of the beverage molecules. o A lower amplitude of the composite signals 112 result in gentler, smaller-scale oscillations.3. Waveform Composition o Composite signals 112 may combine multiple frequencies, for example, low and high frequency components of the first, second, and third signals. o The waveform composition creates complex movement patterns, such as constructive or destructive interference, that can increase localized turbulence or resonance inside the pipeline.4. Duty Cycle / Signal Duration o Longer sustained pulses of the composite signals 112 allow the pressure oscillations to propagate further into the beverage or beer, creating more consistent back-and-forth molecular motion. o Shorter pulses of the composite signals 112 create sharper but more transient movement.5. Resonance with the Pipeline o If one or more frequencies of the composite signals 112 match or approach the natural resonant frequency of the pipeline-liquid system, the molecular movement is amplified, causing stronger oscillations.

[0024] The transmission of the composite signals 112 into pipeline 50 causes oscillations in pressure moving the molecules of the beverage or beer back and forth. The composite signals 112 interfere with the beverage or beer spoilage bacteria cells from adhering to the inner wall of the pipeline 50, thus resulting inretarded biofilm growth. As such, transmission of the composite signals 112 into the pipeline 50 from the output 114 generates mechanical wave motions the molecules of the beverage or beer back and forth, and the mechanical wave motions produced by the composite signals 112 create an inhospitable environment for the adhesion of yeast and bacteria cells to attach to the inner wall of the duct or pipeline 50.

[0025] In a further example, the mechanical wave motions generated by the output 114 of the composite signals 112 are transmitted into the pipeline 50 to remove and / or retard the yeast and bacteria cells from the internal wall of the pipeline 50. By removing and / or retarding the yeast and bacteria cells from the internal wall of the beverage pipeline 50, the system 100 retards the biofilm growth on the internal wall of the beverage pipeline 50.

[0026] In use, as illustrated in the example of Figure 1, the system 100 may, via its concave design of the housing 101, hug the external wall of the pipelines 50.

[0027] In the example of Figure 2, system 100 contains the complete standalone circuitry and may be attached to the outside wall of the duct or beer pipeline 50 using two cable ties.

[0028] As illustrated in the example of Figures 1 and 4, the system 100 may receive a power supply 60 from a power cable. As well, the system 100 may be configured to supply power to a subsequent system 100 from a power output port 70. As such, a single power supply source allows a cascade array of the systems 100 to be used. As illustrated in the example of Figure 4, system 100(a) receives power supply from power supply 60(a), system 100(b) receives power supply 60(b) from the power output port 70(a) of system 100(a). Systems 100(a) and system 100(b) are electrically connected in series and are used to retard the growth of biofilm in two respective pipelines 50(a) and 50(b).

[0029] As illustrated in the example of Figure 1, the system 100 may include a housing 101, for example, a waterproof housing. The housing 101 may be made by dielectric materials, such as ceramics, and plastics including Teflon and polyethylene. The housing 101, as described above, may have a concave design to substantially conform to the external wall of the pipelines. The housing 101 is configured for housing the electrical components of the system 100 as described above.

[0030] For example, the housing 101 may be configured to have a portion of the external surface of the housing to be substantially in contact with the surface of the external wall of a beverage pipe or duct, such as 15%-75% of the surface of the external wall. The concave design ensures the transmission of the energy of the generated composite signals 112 with minimum degradation into beverage pipeline or duct. System 100 in the housing 101 may be placed outside the pipeline and attached via two cable ties. As such, the system 100 is non-invasive and does not come in contact with the beer / beverage at any time. As such, as the system 100 is waterproof, the system 100 reduces the corrosion and short circuit instances as experienced in the existing systems.

[0031] In some examples, the system 100 may include a timing circuitry, such as the controller 108, in the present disclosure to provides a benefit whereby its efficacy can be controlled by the timing circuitry that is configured to notify the users that the beverage pipelines need to be cleaned. In some examples, the controller 108 may be configured to perform the function of the timing circuitry. The system 100 may be configured to, such as by using the controller 108, notify the users visually, for example by generating flashing light, and / or audibly, for example by generating audio signals. In some examples, the system 100 or the controller 108 may be configured to automatically generate the composite signals 112 to clean the beverage pipeline at a predetermined schedule. This benefit of system 100 ensures a visual and audible monitoring of the correct timing between new extended beverage pipeline or beer line cleaning cycles. The system 100 andmethod 200 are environmentally friendly. For example, using system 100 and method 200 in extending beverage pipeline cleaning cycle can help save water and chemicals and beer from entering the environment. The pipeline 50 may be cleaned by traditional pipeline cleaning process methods.

[0032] In some examples, the system 100 may include a user interface 120 for displaying the work status of operational information of the system 100. Optionally, the system 100 may also include a button 130 configured to reset predetermined cleaning cycles. For example, when pipeline 50 is cleaned and the button 130 is pressed once, the controller 108 is configured to display on the user interface 120 a first status, such as light to a 'blue' condition. After a predetermined period after cleaning, such as 8 weeks minimum based on the period of the growth of biofilm in the inner wall of the pipeline 50, the controller 108 makes the user interface 120 switch to a second status, such as a flashing red status. Optionally and / or additionally, the controller 108 may generate an audible alarm. The second status indicates that pipeline 50 needs to be cleaned. Once the pipelines 50 or a beer line is cleaned, the button 130 is reset to the first status, indicating that the controller 108 resets the next cleaning circle at a predetermined time, for example in another 8 weeks.

[0033] As illustrated in Figure 3, system 100 may use a method 200 for retarding biofilm growth in a beverage pipeline 50, including the steps of: generating, at an external wall of the beverage pipeline 50, composite signals 112 comprising: a first electrical signal having a carrier frequency varying between 600 Hz and 2750 Hz, a second electrical signal having a harmonic frequency varying between 40 to 80Hz, and a third electrical signal which may be a spike signal with a frequency ofl- 10 Hz, and voltage of 2-6-volts ; andtransmitting the composite signals 112 into the beverage pipeline 50 to cause water content of a beverage inside the pipeline to conduct the composite signals along the beverage pipeline.

[0034] The system 100 may be placed close to or in contact with an external wall of beverage pipeline 50.

[0035] With composite signals 112, the ability of yeast and bacteria cells to successfully attach to the inside walls of the duct or beer pipeline is negated by not allowing them to successfully multiply into colonies leading to reduced biofilm growth as compared to a duct or pipeline without such system attached or method used.

[0036] As well, in some examples, method 200 includes creating a mechanical wave motion, such as by a transducer or the output 114, using the composite signals 112 to create an inhospitable environment for the adhesion of yeast and bacteria cells to attach to the inner wall of the duct or pipeline 50 , and to remove built-up beer stone from the beer pipeline 50. Beer-stone degrades the fresh taste of draft beer, so its removal creates a much better product environment for draft beer sales.

[0037] In commercial beer cooler environments, an array of equipment is needed (beer lines, gas lines, couplers, CO2 gas regulators, Foam of Beer devices (Fobs) which are all mounted on a beer panel. The existing systems are needed to be installed on the beer panel and contain three or more electrical wires needed to operate. The existing systems are always exposed to sprayed beer and water which eventually corroded the device leading to short circuits. The system 100 in the present disclosure is not installed on the beer panel and instead is positioned away from the beer panel and installed on the actual beer pipeline away from any liquid.

[0038] System 100 may be provided for a single duct or beer pipeline 50 being induced with one or more composite signals 112 from a single device orsystem 100 attached to the duct or beer pipeline via two cable ties, as illustrated in the example of Figure 1. As illustrated in the example of Figure 4, a cascaded array of the systems 100 (systems 100(a) and 100(b)) from a single power source allows the systems 100 to be used for commercial purpose bars, restaurants, and / or night clubs or other venues serving multiple brands of draft beer or beverages.

[0039] System 100 has the ability to retard biofilm growth in a duct or beer pipeline 50 up to 100 meters in length. For a longer duct or beer pipeline another device or system 100 may be placed at the other end of the duct or beer pipeline carrying the draft beer or beverage.

[0040] System 100 and method 200 significantly reduce microbial growth and prevent biofilm formation on the internal surfaces of the beverage pipeline 50.System 100 has been used for extensive microbiological testing in commercial and brewery. These testing consistently demonstrated that system 100 retards the growth of beer spoilage bacteria and mold.

[0041] In the test conducted, swab samples were collected bi-weekly at both the keg and faucet ends of dispense lines. Samples were taken from both Control pipelines without using system 100 and pipelines with system 100 used.

[0042] The test uses conventional microbiological culture methods, which use ATP bioluminescence to detect metabolic activity, use Coomassie R. staining to observe visible biofouling, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to examine biofilm formation at the microscopic level.

[0043] Figures 5A and 5B are a comparative showing of the contamination in two petri dishes 500(a) and 500(b) taken from swabs inside a beer pipeline 50.The contamination in petri dish 500(a) is taken from swabs inside the beer pipelines 50 without using the system 100 or method 200 to retard the growth of biofilm.The contamination in petri dish 500(b) is taken from swabs inside the beer pipelines 50 using the system 100 or method 200 to retard the growth of biofilm.

[0044] In the sample results analysis, as illustrated in the example of Figure 5A, in the petri dish 500(a), significant microbial 502 has grown from a sample taken from a standard beer line without using system 100. On the other hand, as illustrated in Figure 5B, in the petri dish 500(b), substantially less microbial 502 contamination has occurred from a sample taken from a beer line retarded biofilm growth by using system 100. The two samples in Figures 5A and 5B clearly demonstrate that system 100 effectively inhibits microbial growth and delays biofilm formation, thereby maintaining pipeline cleanliness.

[0045] As well, by using the system 100 or method 200 to inhibit microbial growth and delay biofilm formation, the pipeline cleaning intervals can be substantially extended, for example, from the traditional 2-week cycle to 8-12 weeks, without compromising beverage or beer quality or safety. The ability of system 100 for extended clearing interval reduces beer wastage between 75% and 84%. With system 100, beer or beverages that would have been wasted during frequent cleaning can now be sold instead of discarded, directly boosting revenues for bar owners and breweries.

[0046] Certain adaptations and modifications of the described embodiments can be made. Therefore, the above discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

Claims1. A system for retarding biofilm growth in a beverage pipeline, comprising: one or more signal generators configured to generate, at an external wall of the beverage pipeline, composite signals comprising a first electrical signal having a carrier frequency between 600 Hz and 2750 Hz; a second electrical signal having a harmonic frequency between 40 to 80Hz; and a third electrical signal having a frequency of 1-10 Hz.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the carrier frequency of the first electrical signal is 2150 Hz, the harmonic frequency of the second electrical signal is 60 Hz, and the frequency of the third electrical signal is 1 Hz.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more signal generators comprise a first signal generator for generating the first electrical signal, second signal generator for generating the second electrical signal, and a third signal generator for generating the third electrical signal.

4. The system of claim 3, further comprising a controller configured to control the one or more signal generators for generating respective electrical signals at a predetermined schedule.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the controller is configured to cause the first signal generator, the second signal generator, and the third signal generator to substantially concurrently generate the first electrical signal, the second electrical signal, and the third electrical signal, respectively.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a composite signal generator configured to mix the first electrical signal, the second electrical signal, and the third electrical signal and to generate the composite signals.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising a waterproof housing for housing the one or more signal generators, the controller and the composite signal generator.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the housing has at least a concave surface configured to substantially conform to the external wall of the beverage pipeline to be substantially in contact with the external wall of the beverage pipeline.

9. The system of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the composite signals disrupt electrochemical adhesive functions of yeast and bacteria cells on an inner wall of the beverage pipeline.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the composite signals are configured to generate mechanical wave motions for removing biofilm or beer stone from the inner wall of the beverage pipeline.

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising an output configured to convert the composite signals to audio signals for creating the mechanical wave motions.

12. The system of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the beverage pipeline comprises a beer pipeline carrying beer.

13. The system of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a power output port configured to supply power to a subsequent system electrically connected in series.

14. The system of any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising a user interface for displaying a work status of the system.

15. The system of claim 4 or 5, wherein the controller is configured to visually or audibly notify a user to clean the beverage pipeline.

16. A method for retarding biofilm growth in a beverage pipeline, comprising: generating, at an external wall of the beverage pipeline, composite signals comprising a first electrical signal having a carrier frequency between 600 Hz and 2750 Hz, a second electrical signal having a harmonic frequency between 40 to 80Hz, and a third electrical signal having a frequency of 1-10 Hz; andtransmitting the composite signals into the beverage pipeline to cause water content of a beverage inside the beverage pipeline to conduct the composite signal along the beverage pipeline.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the third electrical signal is a 1 Hz 6-volt spike signal.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, further comprising generating one or more mechanical wave motions by using the composite signals.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the one or more mechanical wave motions are configured to prohibit adhesion of yeast and bacteria cells to an inner wall of the beverage pipeline.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the one or more mechanical wave motions are configured to remove one or more beer stones from an inner wall of beverage pipeline.

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