Adjustable Bypass Manifold for Chilled Beverage Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing systems face challenges in maintaining chilled beverage temperatures downstream of the dispensing valve and manifold assembly, particularly due to the complexity and expense of refrigerated recirculation systems, and the inefficiency of cold plate systems in preventing temperature increases in beverage fluids during transfer.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable bypass manifold is introduced to control the flow characteristics of a recirculation loop, allowing for selective adjustment of cooling fluid flow rates to maintain suitable chilled temperatures while preventing excessive cooling and condensation, compatible with both 'Vane' and 'Mag' systems, and incorporating a dynamic flow regulator to maintain a consistent flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If refrigerated recirculation systems are used to maintain chilled beverage temperatures, then beverage temperature stability is improved, but system complexity and expense increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the recirculation loop from the main beverage dispensing system, creating a separate dedicated cooling circuit. This allows the recirculation function to be implemented with simpler, smaller components rather than requiring a complex integrated refrigeration system throughout the entire dispensing apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heat exchanger as an intermediary component between the recirculation loop and the beverage supply line. This heat exchanger serves as a mediator that transfers thermal energy from the chilled recirculating beverage to the outgoing beverage stream, maintaining temperature stability without requiring direct refrigeration of each dispensing line.
2Temperature
If recirculation flow rate is increased to maintain chilled temperatures, then temperature stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable speed pump in the recirculation loop that can dynamically adjust its operating speed based on actual cooling demands. This allows the system to maintain adequate temperature stability while consuming less energy during periods when maximum cooling capacity is not required, optimizing the balance between temperature control and energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates temperature sensors and control systems that continuously monitor beverage temperature in the recirculation loop and adjust pump speed accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the recirculation flow rate is optimized to maintain temperature stability only to the extent necessary, avoiding excessive energy consumption from continuously high flow rates.
3Temperature
If recirculation cooling is applied downstream of dispensing valve, then beverage temperature is maintained, but condensation and excessive cooling occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies cooling selectively at specific locations in the beverage path rather than uniformly throughout. The recirculation loop is positioned to cool the beverage at strategic points upstream of the dispensing valve, allowing temperature maintenance without over-cooling the beverage at the dispensing point where condensation would occur on external surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements cooling action before the beverage reaches the dispensing valve and manifold assembly. By pre-cooling the beverage in the recirculation loop upstream of the dispensing point, the system maintains beverage temperature without causing the beverage or surrounding components to become cold enough to generate condensation at the dispensing interface with the environment.
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 provides a more efficient and cost-effective method to maintain chilled beverage temperatures downstream of the dispensing valve and manifold assembly, reducing energy consumption and preventing condensation, while being adaptable to different recirculation systems.
Implementation Method 1
the recirculation loop is configured to absorb heat so as to cool the beverage fluid in the beverage fluid supply line
Implementation Method 2
there is provided a flow restriction through which the cooling fluid flows. The flow restriction is adjustable to restrict a flow rate of the cooling fluid through the recirculation loop
Data Source
AI summary
Beverage dispensing apparatus, systems, and related methods are provided that have a recirculation loop to cool fluids in a dispensing tube bundle that delivers beverage fluids to a beverage dispensing assembly. A beverage dispensing apparatus includes an adjustable bypass manifold having an adjustable flow restriction that is configurable to enable the use of the beverage dispensing apparatus with different chilled soda recirculation systems. The adjustable bypass manifold includes ports for connection to the recirculation loop and ports for connection to a soda recirculation system.