Keg Coupler Cleaning Valve for In-Situ Line Sanitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keg couplers lack effective in-situ cleaning capabilities, particularly for low and non-alcoholic beverages, where bacteria growth is more prevalent, necessitating frequent and thorough cleaning without disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A coupler design with integrated cleaning and dispensing valves, allowing for internal cleaning without disconnection, featuring axially movable valve members that create a cleaning chamber and enable bidirectional cleaning fluid flow through the coupler.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning fluid is introduced into the coupler, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but cleaning fluid may contaminate the keg interior
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into a cleaning zone and a keg interface zone by the first valve member. The first valve member creates a sealed compartment that isolates cleaning fluid within the coupler body, preventing it from reaching the keg interior while allowing independent cleaning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The first valve member acts as an intermediary barrier between the cleaning fluid inlet and the keg connection. It controls and directs cleaning fluid flow through dedicated passages, ensuring that cleaning operations are mediated through a controlled interface that prevents contamination of the keg.
2Reliability
If the coupler is dismantled for cleaning, then cleaning thoroughness is improved, but operation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is designed with self-service cleaning capabilities through integrated cleaning fluid passages and valve members that allow the operator to perform thorough cleaning operations without external assistance or disassembly. The second valve member enables the operator to control cleaning fluid flow directly through the coupler components.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler integrates multiple functions including beverage dispensing, cleaning fluid introduction, and valve control within a single device. The cleaning passages and valve members serve dual purposes of enabling both cleaning operations and maintaining sealing during normal dispensing operations.
3Ease of operation
If valve members are made axially movable, then cleaning flowpath control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second valve member is nested within the first valve member, creating a compact concentric arrangement. This nesting allows both valve members to operate independently within the same axial space, controlling different flowpaths (cleaning and dispensing) without requiring separate complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Both valve members operate along the same axial dimension but control different radial flowpaths. The first valve member controls the cleaning fluid passage while the second valve member controls the beverage flowpath, allowing independent control through axial movement in a single dimension.
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
Ensures thorough and efficient cleaning of the coupler and beverage lines in situ, preventing bacterial growth and maintaining beverage quality by isolating cleaning fluid from the keg interior, reducing the need for disassembly and enhancing sanitation.
Implementation Method 1
the valve plug sealingly closes the end of the first vale member when the first second valve member is in the cleaning position
Implementation Method 2
Inert gas, for example carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or a combination of such gasses are supplied into the upper part of the keg via an outer concentric valve of the keg valve to pressurise the fluid therein such that when an inner concentric valve of the keg valve is opened the gas pressure forces the beverage up the spear and out of the keg valve
Implementation Method 3
A cleaning fluid flow passage can extend axially along the keg coupler from the cleaning fluid inlet between the first valve member and the second valve member. The cleaning fluid flow passage may extend between the cleaning fluid inlet and the cleaning chamber.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler for a beverage keg has a coupler body, a first inlet for connection to the beverage keg, a second inlet for receiving compressed gas, a gas outlet adjacent the first inlet, a cleaning fluid port for connection with a flow of cleaning fluid, and a beverage port for fluid connection with a beverage dispenser. A valve has first and second valve members. The first valve member is axially movable within the coupler body between a first position in which a fluid flowpath between the second inlet and the gas outlet is closed and a second position in which a fluid flowpath between the second inlet and the gas outlet is open. The second valve member is axially movable within the first valve member between a cleaning position in which a fluid flowpath between the cleaning fluid port and the beverage port is open and a flowpath between the first inlet and the beverage port is closed, and a dispensing position in which the fluid flowpath between the cleaning fluid port and the beverage port is closed and the flowpath between the first inlet and the beverage port is open.