Beer Tapping Device High CO2 Foaming Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tapping devices are unable to pour draught beer with high CO2 content, obtained through refermentation, in a quality manner due to excessive foaming issues, resulting in a difference in taste between refermented bottled and non-refermented draught beer.

Innovation Solution

A tapping device with a tapping line of specific dimensions (1.8-2.4m in length and 2.5-3.5mm internal diameter) and a cooling compartment set to 3-5°C, along with a pressure line for external CO2 regulation, ensures quality pouring of beer with high CO2 content by maintaining equilibrium and preventing excessive foaming.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If beer is refermented in the barrel to increase CO2 content, then the beer quality and taste are improved, but excessive foaming occurs during pouring

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCO2 contentVSAvoidexcessive foaming
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The beer is cooled to -5°C before pouring to pre-condition the beer and suppress foaming during the pouring process. This preliminary cooling action allows the beer to be poured with high CO2 content without excessive foaming

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature parameter is changed to -5°C, which is below the normal serving temperature. This parameter change suppresses the foaming tendency of high CO2 beer while maintaining the carbonation level, allowing quality draught beer with high CO2 content to be poured

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stress or pressure

If external CO2 is added to maintain equilibrium pressure, then the beer can be forced out of the barrel, but the natural CO2 balance is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequilibrium pressureVSAvoidnatural CO2 content
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the beer's own CO2 pressure to force the beer out of the barrel, eliminating the need for external CO2 addition. The beer self-regulates its pressure and flow, maintaining natural CO2 balance while achieving proper dispensing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device effectively pours beer with high CO2 content without excessive foaming, maintaining quality and consistency, as demonstrated by comparative tests showing improved head stability and bubbling scores.

Implementation Method 1

a cooling compartment for receiving one or more barrels, suitable for cooling the barrels at a determined temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 2

a pressure line, also connectable to a barrel and connected to a source of compressed gas such as CO2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompressed gas: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3478626B1Device for pouring beer with a high carbon dioxide content
Publication Date: 2022.10.05 DUVEL MOORTGAT NV
  • EP3478626B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2(d)

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for the dispensing of a drink containing carbon dioxide, such as beer, from a barrel (2), the device comprising: • - a tapping line (3) which at a first end is connectable to the barrel (2) containing the drink, wherein a fluidic connection is created between the drink in the barrel (2) and the tapping line (3): • - a pressure line (10), also connectable to the barrel (2) and connected to a source or compressed air or gas (9); • - a cooling compartment (8) for one or more barrels (2); • - a tap tower (5) provided with a faucet (6) wherein the tap tower (5) has an internal channel for receiving part of the tapping line (3), including the second end, the length of the tapping line (3) is between 1.8 and 2.4 m and it has an internal diameter of between 2.5 and 3.5 mm.