Flow type carbonisation apparatus and beverage dispenser mit such apparatus

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flow-type carbonization apparatuses for beverages have low efficiency in dissolving carbon dioxide in water, leading to inefficient carbonation and potential germ formation due to stagnation in tanks.

Innovation Solution

A flow-type carbonization apparatus with a turbulence section featuring inner and outer pipe portions connected by a dividing wall, creating recesses that enhance turbulent flow and efficient carbon dioxide dissolution, along with a gas injection system that modulates gas output for varying concentrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If water is carbonized in a tank with stagnation, then carbon dioxide dissolution occurs, but germ formation increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarbon dioxide concentrationVSAvoidgerm formation
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous flow carbonization where water constantly moves through the system rather than stagnating in a tank. The carbonization process occurs continuously as water flows through the carbonation chamber, eliminating the harmful stagnation period while maintaining effective CO2 dissolution through extended residence time in the flow path

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the water from the stagnation tank environment and processes it through a dedicated flow-type carbonization apparatus. By separating the carbonization function from the storage function, the system achieves efficient CO2 dissolution without the harmful effects of tank stagnation and germ formation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Productivity

If conventional flow-type carbonization with Venturi nozzles is used, then carbon dioxide is introduced into water stream, but dissolution efficiency remains low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecarbonation efficiencyVSAvoidcarbon dioxide concentration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the water flow into multiple streams using a multi-channel carbonation chamber with several injection points. This segmentation increases the surface area for gas-liquid contact and distributes the CO2 injection more evenly throughout the water flow, significantly improving dissolution efficiency compared to single-point Venturi injection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from conventional single-point gas injection to a multi-dimensional approach with multiple injection points arranged spatially within the carbonation chamber. This creates three-dimensional gas-liquid mixing patterns that enhance mass transfer and improve CO2 dissolution efficiency beyond conventional two-dimensional Venturi flow

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 apparatus achieves a carbon dioxide concentration of up to 5 g/l in water at 2°C and 4 g/l at 8°C, with an efficiency of approximately 60%, while minimizing stagnation and germ formation risks.

Implementation Method 1

a turbulence section located downstream of the gas inlet portion through which the pressurized liquid flows, when gas flows through the gas inlet portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Implementation Method 2

the carbon dioxide bubbles are fragmented at the edge of the orifice of the inner pipe portion extending upstream into the outer pipe portion and solved by the liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBubble fragmentation: Cavitation

Implementation Method 3

the recess around the inner pipe portion causes a turbulent flow supporting solving of the carbon dioxide in the liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulent flow: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP3594173A1Flow type carbonisation apparatus and beverage dispenser mit such apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.01.15 RIPRUP CO SA
  • EP3594173A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3594173A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3594173A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Flow-type carbonator comprising: - a liquid inlet 111 for feeding pressurized liquid; - a liquid outlet 138 for discharging carbonated liquid; - a gas inlet portion 110 located downstream of the liquid inlet 111; and - a turbulence section 200 located downstream of the gas inlet portion 110 through which the pressurized liquid flows, when gas flows through the gas inlet portion 110; - wherein the turbulence section 200 comprises at least one turbulence element 206a having an outer pipe portion 208a and an inner pipe portion 210a, - wherein the outer pipe portion 208a-h is partially closed by a dividing wall 216a and the inner pipe portion 210a extends from the dividing wall 216a; - wherein a recess 214a is formed between a portion of the inner pipe portion and outer pipe portion; and - wherein the inner pipe portion 210a and the outer pipe portion 208a are in flow communication with the liquid inlet 111 and the liquid outlet 138.