Subsurface Beverage Dispensing Nozzle Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beverage dispensing systems face challenges in controlling foaming during the dispensing of carbonated beverages due to flow and pressure changes, leading to excessive foam formation and turbulence, which affects the quality and consistency of the dispensed beverage.
Innovation Solution
A beverage dispenser system incorporating a subsurface filling positive shut-off nozzle with a volumetric liquid flow rate control device that manages the flow rate and velocity to minimize foam formation, featuring a flow conduit with varying diameters and a digital flow control mechanism to regulate the flow rate and prevent gas breakout, ensuring a controlled and repeatable dispensing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high flow rate is used for rapid beverage dispensing, then productivity is improved, but excessive foaming and turbulence occur
Solution Approach 1:
The flow rate control device dynamically adjusts the flow rate during dispensing, transitioning from a static fixed flow rate system to a dynamic controlled system that adapts flow conditions to minimize foam while maintaining dispensing speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow rate parameter during the dispensing process, adjusting it based on the dispensing phase (initial, middle, final) to optimize between speed and foam control
2Loss of time
If flow rate is increased to reduce dispensing time, then loss of time is reduced, but foaming and turbulence increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow rate is varied periodically during the dispensing cycle, with different flow rates applied at different stages (higher initially, then reduced), creating a time-based control pattern that balances speed and quality
3Speed
If restricted flow path is used to control flow rate, then flow rate control is improved, but turbulence and foam formation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restriction is made dynamic rather than static, allowing the system to transition from restricted to unrestricted flow based on dispensing phase, avoiding permanent turbulence-inducing restrictions
4Productivity
If high flow rate is used for rapid dispensing, then productivity is improved, but gas breakout and foaming increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by controlling the initial flow rate and pressure conditions before gas breakout occurs, preventing the harmful effect rather than addressing it after occurrence
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 system effectively reduces foam formation and turbulence, allowing for a consistent and controlled dispensing of beverages with minimal gas entrainment, resulting in a high-quality pour with precise control over the foam head, enhancing the user experience and maintaining beverage quality.
Implementation Method 1
A beverage dispenser system incorporating a subsurface filling positive shut-off nozzle with a volumetric liquid flow rate control device that manages the flow rate and velocity
Implementation Method 2
drops in pressure beyond a defined magnitude or rate cause dissolved gases (typically carbon dioxide) in carbonated beverages to leave solution and enter gas phase
Implementation Method 3
foam formation is further increased by the entrainment of air into the beer as a function of such flow induced agitation
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A beverage dispenser (100) for dispensing a carbonated beverage from a beverage source (125) into a receptacle (150) includes a housing defining an interior volume and having a first surface proximal to the beverage source and a second surface distal to the beverage source. The beverage dispenser further includes a conduit in fluid communication with the beverage source entering the first surface of the housing and terminating proximate the second surface of the housing. The dispenser also includes a multi-nodal flow rate controller disposed within the interior volume of said housing in contact with said conduit and a subsurface dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with the terminal end of the conduit. The flow through the conduit to the subsurface dispensing nozzle is compensated to maintain substantially hydraulic beverage flow within the conduit by adjusting the contact between the multi-nodal flow rate controller and the conduit.