Automated Beverage Tapping Plant with Solenoid Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for tapping and dispensing beer are inefficient and prone to bacterial growth, leading to poor taste, smell, and cloudiness due to inadequate washing and keg replacement procedures, which also burden managers with time-consuming and costly manual operations.
Innovation Solution
A semi-automatic tapping plant with solenoid valves and a control unit that manages CO2 and water flows to automate keg switching and washing, reducing contact with non-compliant materials and minimizing energy consumption, while ensuring hygiene and reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual washing and keg replacement procedures are used, then operators can directly control the process, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting when a keg is empty and initiating the washing sequence before the operator needs to intervene. The control unit monitors keg levels and pre-prepares for replacement by activating the washing of pipes, thereby reducing the total time the operator needs to spend on the task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves itself by using the existing water and CO2 infrastructure to automatically wash the pipes and prepare for keg replacement. The water circuit and CO2 circuit are reused for washing purposes without requiring separate manual operations, allowing the system to perform maintenance tasks autonomously.
2Reliability
If proper washing procedures are followed, then beer quality is maintained, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the washing function with the existing water and CO2 circuits that are already part of the beer dispensing system. By combining these functions into a unified control sequence managed by the control unit, the system maintains beer quality through proper washing without adding significant complexity, as it uses existing infrastructure in a coordinated manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The water circuit and CO2 circuit serve multiple functions: they are used both for normal beer dispensing operations and for washing the pipes when keg replacement is needed. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated washing equipment, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing added complexity.
3Ease of operation
If manual keg replacement is performed, then operators can monitor the process, but productivity decreases due to frequent interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors the keg status and provides feedback to the operator when a keg is empty or when washing is complete. This automated monitoring and signaling system allows the operator to be informed of system status without needing to constantly check or interrupt operations, thereby maintaining ease of operation while improving productivity through reduced interruptions.
4Reliability
If extensive washing is performed, then hygiene is improved, but energy and water consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs washing periodically only when a keg is replaced, rather than continuously or at fixed intervals regardless of need. This periodic action based on actual keg replacement events ensures hygiene is maintained when necessary while avoiding unnecessary energy and water consumption during normal dispensing operations.
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 solution ensures higher beer quality, reduces waste, saves time for managers, and lowers operational costs by automating keg replacement and washing, maintaining optimal hygiene and reducing energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The plant comprises four solenoid valves which are normally closed and control the flows of liquids and gas
Implementation Method 2
a pressure reducer in the first pipe is connected to the source of CO2
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A plant for tapping beverages comprising means for automatic treatment of tapping pipes, comprises a pressurised container (11) containing a beverage, a nozzle plug (13), insertable on said pressurised container (11), which is connected to a first pipe (14) for injection of gas originating from a source (15), to a second pipe (16) which dispenses the beverage towards a tap (17), and to a third pipe (18, 20) connected to a municipal water source (19) which selectively determines injection of washing water into the plant, at least a pressure sensor (21) positioned on a pipe (22) connected to the pipe (14) of said gas source (15), a pressure reducer (23) positioned on the same pipe (22) connected to the pipe (14) of said gas source (15), and a relief valve (24) positioned on the line (14) of said gas injected into said pressurised container (11). Said pipes (14, 22), which connect said gas source (15) with said pressurised container (11), are intercepted by respective solenoid valves (26, 27, 28) electrically connected to a control logic (30), or to a power socket (60) for determining the charging and/or the discharging of the pressure of said gas on the basis of the dispensing conditions of the beverage or the washing conditions of the circuit.