Beverage Line Preservative Dosing with Flow Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for monitoring and controlling the dosing of dialkyl dicarbonates in beverage production are prone to mechanical and electronic failures, leading to potential production losses and unsaleable goods, with limited practicality for continuous online monitoring.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus equipped with measuring devices for flow rate and other operational characteristics, a control device for adjusting dosing, storage for data, and evaluation using simulation models, along with alarm systems and IoT connectivity for proactive maintenance, enabling continuous monitoring and data recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If dialkyl dicarbonates are dosed into the beverage line using built-in diaphragm dosing pumps, then uniform and reliable distribution in the beverage is achieved, but the risk of mechanical or electronic defects increases production losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a flow meter continuously measures the beverage flow rate, and this information is fed back to the control unit which adjusts the dosing pump operation accordingly. This ensures that the dosing quantity is automatically adapted to actual flow conditions, maintaining dosing uniformity while providing continuous monitoring to detect and respond to defects before they cause production losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit stores characteristic values from previous dosing operations and uses these stored data to predict and prevent potential dosing deviations. By analyzing historical operational data and comparing it with current conditions, the system can take preliminary actions to correct potential issues before they result in production losses or unsaleable goods.
2Reliability
If continuous online monitoring via a control station is implemented, then production losses are reduced, but the complexity and cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dosing pump system is designed to be self-monitoring and self-adjusting. The control unit automatically reads data from the flow meter, compares current operation with stored characteristic values, and makes necessary adjustments without external intervention. This self-service capability provides continuous monitoring and maintenance functions while minimizing the need for complex external control stations or manual monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the single control unit: flow rate measurement, dosing control, data storage, and monitoring are all integrated into one device. This merging of functions reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities, as the control unit handles multiple tasks that would otherwise require separate systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If dosing pumps are permanently installed in the beverage line, then dosing accuracy is maintained, but the inability to recognise defects until retrospectively increases production losses
Solution Approach 1:
The flow meter provides continuous feedback on actual beverage flow rate to the control unit, which compares this real-time data against expected values and stored characteristic values. This feedback loop enables the system to detect dosing deviations immediately rather than retrospectively, while the permanent installation ensures dosing accuracy is maintained throughout the beverage line.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces retrospective mechanical defect detection with electronic monitoring and data analysis. The control unit uses electronic sensors and processing to continuously monitor dosing parameters and detect defects through data patterns, enabling early defect recognition while maintaining the mechanical dosing accuracy of permanently installed pumps.
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
This setup ensures reliable and accurate dosing, reduces production losses, and allows for proactive maintenance, supporting the advantages of online monitoring with simpler components and controls, while providing additional safety through data storage and diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a pump device (4) which conveys a preservative, in particular a liquid preservative and in particular dialkyl dicarbonates, into the beverage line
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus for preserving beverages, having a measuring device for determining a flow rate of a liquid flowing through a beverage line, and having a pump device configured for conveying a preserving agent, in particular dialkyl dicarbonates, into the beverage line, and having at least one further measuring device which determines at least one further characteristic measured value, wherein the apparatus has a control device for controlling the pump device, the pump device can be controlled as a function of a flow rate determined by the measuring device and as a function of the further measured value,and a storage device which enables at least the further characteristic measured value to be stored repeatedly.