Beverage Dispensing Circuit CO2 Draining and Ozone Sanitization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for dispensing drinking water and carbonated beverages require periodic cleaning and sanitization, which disrupts operation and is often limited to specific sections of the system.
Innovation Solution
A new system that allows for the complete emptying and cleaning of the dispensing circuit by introducing CO2 or air under pressure, followed by optional ozone sanitization, ensuring thorough bacteriostatic protection and automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If periodic cleaning and sanitization procedures are carried out in known systems, then water quality and hygiene are maintained, but machine operation must be suspended and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs sanitization automatically during periods when the machine is not in use, before the next operational cycle begins. The control unit activates the ozone generator and manages the sanitization process without requiring manual intervention or suspending normal operations, thus maintaining productivity while ensuring water quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system is equipped with an automated control unit that manages the entire sanitization process without human intervention. The control unit monitors water quality, activates sanitization when needed, and manages the drainage and refilling cycles automatically, making the system self-maintaining and eliminating the need for operational suspension
2Ease of operation
If sanitization is limited to duct sections closest to nozzles in systems installed above the sink, then the procedure is simple and quick, but incomplete sanitization of the entire circuit occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a pump to circulate water through the entire hydraulic circuit, ensuring that sanitizing agents reach all duct sections including those far from nozzles. The pump creates sufficient pressure and flow to traverse the complete circuit, achieving thorough sanitization while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit manages multiple functions including normal dispensing, sanitization, and drainage through a single integrated system. The same pump and valve system used for water dispensing is utilized during sanitization to circulate sanitizing agents throughout the entire circuit, ensuring complete coverage without requiring separate equipment or complex procedures
3Reliability
If ducts in systems installed under the sink are sanitized through their entire length, then complete sanitization is achieved, but the procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The automated control unit manages the entire sanitization process without manual intervention. It automatically activates the pump, controls valve positioning, manages the drainage cycle, and coordinates the ozone generator operation. This automation eliminates the complexity of manual long-duct sanitization while achieving complete sanitization through the entire circuit length
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs sanitization continuously during non-operational periods without interruption or manual repositioning. The pump maintains continuous circulation of sanitizing agents through the entire duct length, and the automated control ensures uninterrupted operation throughout the sanitization cycle, achieving complete coverage efficiently
4Reliability
If CO2 is introduced under pressure into the entire circuit to empty water, then complete draining and bacteriostatic protection are achieved, but additional equipment and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing CO2 system, originally designed for carbonation, is utilized for dual purposes: carbonating water and performing complete circuit draining with bacteriostatic protection. The control unit manages the CO2 distribution to ensure complete circuit penetration for draining, eliminating the need for separate draining equipment while achieving reliable bacteriostatic protection
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the carbonation function and the draining/sanitization function into a single integrated process using CO2. The same CO2 storage, pressure regulation, and distribution infrastructure serves both carbonation and circuit emptying purposes, reducing overall system complexity while achieving complete draining and bacteriostatic protection
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 system effectively inhibits bacterial proliferation and facilitates efficient cleaning and sanitization, ensuring continuous operation and maintaining water quality throughout the entire dispensing circuit.
Implementation Method 1
introducing CO2 and/or air and/or any food grade gas under pressure into the entire circuit, causing the simultaneous emptying of the water and/or beverage contained therein
Implementation Method 2
the presence of CO2 in the entire circuit for a given, even extended, period of time inhibits bacteria proliferation
Implementation Method 3
an ozone generator that conveys ozone into the circuit once the water has been drained by introducing CO2
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention is a system for dispensing drinking water and/or beverages in general, comprising at least one primary circuit (A) for the liquid to be dispensed, in turn comprising: a general feeding valve (10) for feeding a liquid to be dispensed into the system; a first dispensing solenoid valve (12, 22, 32) intended to selectively open/close to convey said liquid to a nozzle or tap or outlet in general (13); a feeding duct (14) suited to convey the liquid introduced through said general feeding valve (10) to said at least one dispensing solenoid valve (12, 22, 32). The system also comprises an injection circuit (D) for injecting a pressurized gas or air, in turn comprising means for selectively injecting said gas into said feeding duct (14), in order to completely or partially empty the system of said liquid.