AU2015313285B2 - Beverage characteristic adjusting device and method - Google Patents
Beverage characteristic adjusting device and method Download PDFInfo
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- AU2015313285B2 AU2015313285B2 AU2015313285A AU2015313285A AU2015313285B2 AU 2015313285 B2 AU2015313285 B2 AU 2015313285B2 AU 2015313285 A AU2015313285 A AU 2015313285A AU 2015313285 A AU2015313285 A AU 2015313285A AU 2015313285 B2 AU2015313285 B2 AU 2015313285B2
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/08—Details
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/08—Details
- B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
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Abstract
A beverage characteristic adjusting device (10) imparts a flavor to beer supplied by a dispensing system (1). The beverage characteristic adjusting device (10) is provided with a beverage characteristic adjusting container (20) connected to a beverage passage (7) through which beer is transferred, so as to be communicated with the beverage passage (7), the beverage characteristic adjusting container (20) being capable of introducing a steeped material for imparting a flavor to the beer, and the flow rate of beer introduced to the beverage characteristic adjusting container (20) is adjusted by a beer supply device (21) and a gas supply device (22).
Description
DESCRIPTION
TITLE OF INVENTION
BEVERAGE CHARACTERISTICS ADJUSTING APPARATUS AND METHOD
TECHNICAL FIELD [0001]
The present invention relates to beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus and a method for adjusting beverage characteristics such as flavor of carbonated be ve rage,
BACKGROUND ART [0002]
By adding afterward cxr.ract.um, flavor, or the like to various kinds of beverage, customization of beverage characteristics, such as flavor, color, or texture, is executed. As a method for customizing the beverage characteristics of carbonated beverage such as beer and carbonated beverage, there is known to be a device and a method for, by passing beer through a container containing a steeped material of hops and the like, imparting flavor caused by constituents of the steeped material to carbonated beverage, and then dispensing the carbonated beverage by a dispenser (non patent document #l).
CITATION LIST
NON-PATENT LITERATURE
Non’Patent Literature I- “Randall the Enamel Animal·’, [online], August 29, 2014, the internet<URL-http7/www dogfish,com/company/tangents/randall'the· enamel-animal.htm>
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
TECHNI CAL P ROBLEM [0004]
According to a device and a method disclosed by the non-patent literature #1, at the moment when flavor is imparted to beer, the beer is
2015313285 19 Dec 2017 introduced into a container containing the steeped material without adjusting the flow rate of beer. Due to this, the introduced beer sometimes excessively foams in the container. Such an excessive foaming of beer within the container causes various kinds of problems, for example, it would become difficult to dispense the beer from the dispenser, carbon-dioxide gas content in beer would decrease. Even in a case that flavor is imparted to carbonated beverage other than beer by the device or the method disclosed by the non-patent literature #1, those problems also could occur.
[0005]
It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages.
[0006]
One aspect of the present invention provides a beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus which adjusts beverage characteristics of a carbonated beverage, the carbonated beverage being provided by a dispensing system where the carbonated beverage is taken out from a storage container and fed pneumatically to a spout via a beverage passage, the beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus comprising beverage characteristics adjusting container which is connected with the beverage passage so as to be communicated with the beverage passage, and allows a steeped material for adjusting the beverage characteristics of the carbonated beverage, to be inserted into the beverage characteristics adjusting container; and a flow rate adjusting device which is configured to adjust a flow rate of the carbonated beverage to be introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container, wherein the flow rate adjusting device includes: a set of adjusting valves including an adjusting valve which is capable of freely adjusting a flow passage area of the beverage passage extending to the beverage characteristics adjusting container; and a controller which is configured to monitor a differential pressure between an inner pressure of the beverage characteristics adjusting container and a pressure at which the carbonated beverage to be introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container is fed pneumatically, and control operations of the set of adjusting valves in such a way to stabilize the differential pressure so as to suppress foaming in the beverage characteristics adjusting container, the foaming being generated by the carbonated beverage to be introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container.
AH26( 14050076_ 1 ):TCW
2015313285 19 Dec 2017 [0007]
According to an embodiment of the beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus, it is possible to adjust a flow rate of a carbonated beverage by the flow rate adjusting device, at the moment when the carbonated beverage is introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container. As the flow rate at the moment of the introduction into the beverage characteristics adjusting container gets larger, that is, the force of flow of the carbonated beverage at the moment of carbonated beverage is introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container gets larger, the foaming of the carbonated beverage becomes more prominent. Accordingly, since the carbonated beverage is introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container at a flow rate appropriate for suppressing the foaming of the carbonated beverage, it is possible to suppress excessive foaming of a carbonated beverage when beverage characteristics of the carbonated beverage are adjusted.
[0008]
It does not matter what embodiment is applied to the flow rate adjusting device, as long as the flow rate adjusting device is capable of adjusting the flow rate of the carbonated beverage to be introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container. For example, the flow rate adjusting device may be configured as an adjusting valve capable of freely adjusting a flow passage area of the beverage passage extending to the beverage characteristics adjusting container.
[0009]
Further, in one embodiment of the beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus of the present invention, the flow, rate adjusting device may be provided as a combination of: an inner pressure adjusting device which adjusts an inner pressure of the beverage characteristics adjusting container and a
AH26( 14050076_ 1 ):TCW switching device which switches between a first state that the carbonated beverage is introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container from the beverage passage and a second state that the carbonated beverage is restricted to be introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container. According to this embodiment, the inner pressure adjusting device adjusts the inner pressure of the beverage characteristics adjusting container, and thereby it is possible to adjust the differential pressure between the inner pressure of the beverage characteristics adjusting container and the pressure at which the carbonated beverage is pneumatically fed. By this adjustment to the differential pressure, it is possible to adjust the flow rate of the carbonated beverage to be introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container. Further, in a case that the carbonated beverage is introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container in a state the inner pressure of the beverage characteristics adjusting container is made higher than the atmospheric pressure by the inner pressure adjusting device, it is possible to suppress turning to a gas from carbon dioxide gas and the like dissolved into the carbonated beverage, that is, it is possible to suppress the foam formation of the carbonated beverage. Accordingly, the suppression of the foam formation of the carbonated beverage is possible by pressurization to the inside of the beverage characteristics adjusting containers, in addition to the adjustment of the flow rate of the carbonated beverage to be introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container. Due to this, it is possible to much further suppress the foaming of the carbonated beverage at the moment of the introduction of the carbonated beverage into the beverage characteristics adjusting container.
[0010]
In the beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus of the present invention, the beverage characteristics adjusting container may be configured so that the carbonated beverage is introduced from a bottom portion of the beverage characteristics adjusting container. If there is a fall from a position where the carbonated beverage is introduced up to the bottom portion, when the carbonated beverage introduced into the beverage characteristics adjustingcontainer falls, a collision with the bottom portion or a liquid surface would cause foaming. According to this embodiment, since there is no fall from the position where the carbonated beverage is introduced up to the bottom portion, it is possible to further suppress the foaming, as compared with a case that there is the fall, [0011]
In one embodiment of the beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus of the present invention, the inner pressure adjusting device may be configured to adjust a differential pressure between the inner pressure of the beverage characteristics adjusting container and a pressure at which the carbonated beverage is fed pneumatically to he equal to 0.015 MPa or less. It was found that when the differential pressure becomes 0.020 MPa higher than 0,015 MPa. the carbonated beverage foams excessively. Accordingly, when the differential pressure is adjusted to be equal to 0.015 MPa or less, thereby it is possible to suppress excessive foaming of the carbonated beverage.
[0012]
One embodiment of the beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus of the present invention further comprises an. inner container which is configured so to he attachable to and detachable from an inside of the beverage characteristics adjusting container in a state of housing and holding the steeped material, and also configured so that the carbonated beverage in the beverage characteristics adjusting container is allowed to come into the inner container in a state that the inner container is attached to the inside of the beverage characteristics adjusting container. According to this embodiment, the inner container housing and holding the steeped material is allowed to be attached to and detached from the inside of the beverage characteristics adjusting container. Thereby, it becomes easier to remove the steeped material after adjustment of the beverage characteristics, as compared with a ease that the steeped material is directly inserted into the beverage characteristics adjusting container. Further, by preparing in advance a plurality of inner containers which steeped materials different from each other have been inserted respectively, it is possible to realize a quick change of an adjusting way of the beverage characteristics (change in the steeped material). Accordingly, the beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus is available for a quick exchange or a quick change in the steeped material, it is possible to reduce workload required for adjusting the beverage characteristics, and thereby it is possible to improve work efficiency, [0013] in one embodiment, of the beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus of the present invention, the beverage characteristics adjusting container may be configured so that an inside of the beverage characteristics adjusting container is visible. According to this embodiment, it is allowed to observe the steeped material which is being steeped in the carbonated beverage in the beverage characteristics adjusting container. Due to this, it is possible to make an appeal to consumers to whom the carbonated beverage is provided, with respect to how each, beverage characteristic is being adjusted and what type of steeped material is being used for the adjustment. Therefore, it is possible to make a positive impression on the consumers, to whom the carbonated beverage to which beverage characteristics have been adjusted are provided. [0014]
A further aspect of the present invention including a flavor imparting method provides beverage characteristics adjusting method for adjusting
Ί beverage characteristics of a carbonated beverage, the carbonated beverage being provided by a dispensing system where the carbonated beverage is taken out from a storage container and fed pneumatically to a spout via a beverage passage, comprising the steps of inserting a steeped material for adjusting the beverage characteristics of the carbonated beverage into a beverage characteristics adjusting container which is connected with the beverage passage so as to be communicated with the beverage passage; and introducing the carbonated beverage into the beverage characteristics adjusting container in a state that an inner pressure of the beverage characteristics adjusting container where the steeped material has been inserted is made higher than an atmospheric pressure.
According to this beverage characteristics adjusting method, in a state that the inner pressure in the beverage characteristics adjusting container higher than the atmospheric pressure, the carbonated beverage is introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container. Due to this, it is possible to suppress excessive foam formation which would occur by depressurization of the carbonated beverage pneumatically fed at the moment of the introduction into the beverage characteristics adjusting container. Thereby, it is possible to suppress excessive foaming of a carbonated beverage at the moment of adjusting beverage characteristics of the carbonated beverage.
[0016]
In one embodiment of the beverage characteristics adjusting method of the present invention, in the step of introducing the carbonated beverage into the beverage characteristics adjusting container, the carbonated beverage may be introduced from a bottom portion, of the beverage characteristics adjusting container. If there is a fall from a position where the carbonated beverage is introduced up to the bottom portion, when the carbonated beverage introduced
2015313285 19 Dec 2017 into the beverage characteristics adjusting container falls, a collision with the bottom portion or a liquid surface would cause foaming. According to this embodiment, since there is no fall from the position where the carbonated beverage is introduced up to the bottom portion, it is possible to further suppress the foaming, as compared with a case that there is the fall.
[0017]
In one embodiment of the beverage characteristics adjusting method of the present invention, in the step of introducing the carbonated beverage into the beverage characteristics adjusting container, a differential pressure between the inner pressure of the beverage characteristics adjusting container and a pressure at which the carbonated beverage is fed pneumatically may be adjusted to be equal to 0.015 MPa or less. It was found that when the differential pressure becomes 0.020 MPa higher than 0.015 MPa, the carbonated beverage foams excessively. Accordingly, when the differential pressure is adjusted to be equal to 0.015 MPa or less, thereby it is possible to suppress excessive foaming of the carbonated beverage.
[0018]
Further, in the present invention, adjusting beverage characteristics includes adjusting at least one of flavor, color, or texture of beverage characteristics.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0019]
Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of examples only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an appearance and the like of a main portion of a dispensing system which a beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is built into.
Fig. 2 is a configuration diagram showing details of piping passages and the like of the dispensing system of fig.l.
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Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a process flow of a prior operation which an opera tor executes.
Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a process flow of bee.r-introduction~related operation which a controller executes.
Fig, 5 is a diagram showing a process flow of a subsequent operation the opera tor executes.
Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a test result of beer introducing test.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
As shown in figs. I and 2, a dispensing system 1 is configured as an apparatus for taking beer out of a beer keg 2 as a storage container where beer as a carbonated beverage is contained, and serving the beer to consumers. The dispensing system 1 comprises' a dispensing head 5 which is attached to the beer keg 2; a dispense!' 6 which dispenses beer; and a beverage passage 7 for introducing the beer taken out to the dispenser 6 via the dispensing head 5. To the dispensing head 5, carbon, dioxide gas supplied from a carbon dioxide bottle 8 is supplied, after depressurized, via a gas supplying passage 9. By the carbon dioxide gas supplied to the dispensing head 5, beer is pushed, out from the beer keg 2, and the beer pushed, out is pneumatically fed though the beverage passage 7.
[0021]
The beverage passage 7 is provided with a beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus 10 which imparts flavor to beer which is provided, by the dispensing system 1.. The beer introduced to the dispenser 6 via the beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus 10 is dispensed from a spout Ila of a tap 11 provided to the dispenser 8, The dispensing of beer from the tap .11 is performed by a manipulation to a lever lib by an operator. A plurality of draining passages 15 and 16, which are used for stationary cleaning and the like, are connected with the beverage passage 7. The draining passages 15 and 36 are provided with draining valves 17 and 18 for opening and closing the draining passages 15 and 16 respectively.
[0022]
The beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus 10 comprises: a beverage characteristics adjusting container 20,' a beer supply and discharge device 211 and a gas supply and discharge device 22. The beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 is connected with the beverage passage 7 so as to communicate with the beverage passage 7, and a steeped material X, such as hops and the like, for imparting flavor to beer is allowed to he inserted into the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20, The beer supply and discharge device 21 introduces beer into the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 and discharges beer from the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20. The gas supply and discharge device 22 introduces carbon dioxide gas into the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 and discharges carbon dioxide gas from the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20.
[0023]
As shown in. fig. 1, the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 is formed in a cylindrical shape as a whole. A body portion 20b of the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 is composed of, for example, a translucent material, such as acrylic. Due to this, the inside of the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 is visible via the body portion 20b, The beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 is, in a state that an upper lid 25 for opening and closing an upper portion 20a thereof is closed, capable of keeping an sealed state by tolerating inner pressure, the upper limit of which is a predetermined allowable pressure higher than the atmospheric pressure. An inner container 26 is attachable to and detachable from the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20, the inner container 26 housing and holding the steeped material X. A plurality of opening portions 26a are formed on the circumference of the inner container 26. The opening portions 26a are covered with mesh 27, Due to this, when the inner container 26 is attached to the inside of the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20, beer in the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 is allowed to come into the inner container 26. Thereby, the steeped material X is steeped in beer inside the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20, and flavor caused by components of the steeped material X is imparted to the beer. For prompting to impart the flavor, a. stirring member 26 is mounted to the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20. the stirring member 26 being allowed to stir inside of the inner container 26 in a state that the upper lid 25 is closed. The stirring member 28 has- an axial portion. 28a; a circular plate portion 28bi and a grip 28c. 'The axial portion 28a is allowed to move in a vertical direction with keeping an air sealing state with respect to the upper lid 25. The circular plate 28b is provided at the lower end of the axial portion 28a and has a diameter slightly smaller than an inner diameter of the inner container 26.
The grip 28c is provided at the upper end of the axial portion 28a and formed in a spherical shape, [0024.]
As shown in fig.2. the beer supply and discharge device 21 has; a beverage inflow port 30 and a beverage outflow port 31 which are formed on a bottom portion 20c of the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20· a supplying valve 32 provided to the beverage passage 7 on an upstream side of the beverage inflow port 30; and a dispensing valve 33 provided to the beverage passage 7 on a downstream side of the beverage outflow port 31. Each of the supplying valve 32 and the dispensing valve 33 is configured as a magnetic valve available for successive opening-degree adjustment. When the supplying η
valve 32 is opened in a state that, the dispensing valve 33 is closed, beer is introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 from the bottom portion 20c via the beverage inflow port 30. On the other hand, when the supplying valve 32 is closed in a state that the dispensing valve 33 is closed, the introduction of beer to the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 is restricted. Accordingly, the supplying valve 32 and the dispensing valve 33 function as a switching device of the present invention. When the dispensing valve 33 is opened in a state that the supplying valve 32 is closed, the beverage passage 7 is opened to run from the beverage outflow port 31 of the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 to the tap 11 of the dispenser 6. During this state, the inside of the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 is pressurized by the gas supply and discharge device 22. Thereby, beer to which flavor is imparted in the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 is dispensed from the tap 11 according to an open operation to a lever i lb.
[0025]
The gas supply and discharge device 22 has· a gas inflow port 40 formed on an upper portion 20a of the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20! a gas supplying passage 42 connected with the gas inflow port 401 a snift passage 43 branching off from the gas supplying passage 42; a gas supplying valve 44 provided to the gas supplying passage 42 so as to be available for successive oponing*degree adjustment- a snift valve 45 provided to the snift passage 43 so as to be available for successive open-degree adjustment; and a needle valve 46 provided to the snift passage 43 on a downstream side of the snift valve 45, [00211]
To the gas supplying passage 42, introduced is carbon dioxide gas supplied from the carbon dioxide bottle 8 as a pressure source shared with a case of the outflow of beer from the beer keg 2. When the gas supplying passage 42 is opened by an operation to the gas supplying valve 44. carbon dioxide gas is supplied to the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20, and thereby the inner pressure is made higher than the atmospheric pressure. The inner pressure of the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 is adjusted in such a way that carbon dioxide gas is released to the snift passage 43 by the opening-degree adjustment to the snift valve 45. Further, in order to suppress precipitous depressutization of the inner pressure because of the opening-degree adjustment of the snift valve 45, a lower limit pressure of the inner pressure is determined in. advance, by opening-degree setting of the needle valve 46, [0027]
The beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus 10 adjust a flow rate of beer introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20, by controlling a differential pressure between an inner pressure P2 of the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 and a pressure Pl at which beer is pneumatically fed. Various kinds of controls in the dispensing system 1, including the control of the differential pressure, are executed by a controller 50 configured as a computer. The controller 50 is electrically connected with each of the mentioned valves 17, 18, 32, 33, 44, 45 via an interface not illustrated and controls the operations of them. Further, the controller 50 i.s electrically connected with a manipulation unit 51 which accepts various manipulations by the operator, and ari instruction according to the manipulation by the operator is inputted to the controller 50. Further, for the above mentioned control of differential pressure, inputted to the controller 50 are signals outputted from a first pressure sensor 52A for outputting a signal according to the pressure Pl and a second pressure sensor 52B for outputting a signal according to the pressure P2 respectively. Stored in the controller 50 are various computer programs for controlling the dispensing system 1. In response to the instruction from the manipulation unit 51, the computer programs necessary for the control are read, out arid executed.
[0028]
Next, a prior operation executed by the operator at the moment of imparting flavor to beer to be provided by the dispensing system 1, a beerintroduction'related. operation executed by the controller 50, and a subsequent operation executed, by the operator will he described in reference to figs,3 to 5 respectively.
[0029]
As shown in fig.3, in the prior operation which, is executed by the operator, first, the operator puts the steeped material X in the inner container 26 in a step al. Next, in a step a2, the operator inserts the inner container 26 housing and holding the steeped material X into the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 where the upper portion 20a is opening, and attaches the inner container 26 to the inside of the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20. Subsequently, in a step a3, the operator prepares the upper lid 25 where the stirring member 28 is attached, and then, the operator attaches, while inserting the stirring member 28 into the inner container 26 attached to the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20, the upper lid 25 to the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 and seals the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20, [0030]
As shown in fig.4, in the beer-introduction-related operation, first, in a step bl, carbon dioxide gas is introduced via the gas introducing port 40 into the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 to which the prior operation shown in fig.3 has been completed, so that the inner pressure of the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 is pressurized so as to be made higher than the atmospheric pressure. Due to this, the controller 50 opens the gas supplying valve 44 in a state that the snift valve 45 shown in fig.2 is closed.
Thereafter, the controller 50 closes the gas supplying valve 44 when the inner pressure of the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 reaches a predetermined target value, and ends the step hl.
[0031]
Next, in a step b'2, beer is introduced via the beverage inflow port. 30 into the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 which has been pressurized. The flow rate at the moment of this beer introduction is stabilized by control of the mentioned differential pressure (fig.2). Concretely, the controller 50, while opening the supplying valve 32 in a state that the dispensing valve 33 is closed, executes a feedback control to the opening degree of the snift valve 45 so that, based on a target value of the differential pressure and each of the pressure sensors 52A and 52B. the deviation between the target value and the measured values is eliminated, and thereby the controller 50 stabilizes the differential pressure while releasing carbon dioxide gas from the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20. The target value of the differential pressure is set. as appropriate to a value by which the flow rate would prevent beer from foaming beyond a permissible limit at the moment of introducing beer.
[0032]
When the amount of beer introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 reaches the target amount, in a step b3 the controller 50 closes, in order to end the beer introduction and the adjustment of the inner pressure, the supplying valve 32 and the snift valve 45 respectively. In a period from the step b2 starts until the step h3 ends, beer is introduced in a state that its foam formation is suppressed by the flow rate prevent ing beer from foaming and the inner pressure of the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 being made higher than the atmospheric pressure. Accordingly, it is suppressed that beer foams excessively in the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20. In addition, when the step b3 is completed, the operator may manipulate the stirring member 28 in order to promote to impart the flavor to the beer.
After the step b3 is completed, when a predetermined steeping time has passed, in a step b4, the controller 50 reduces the inner pressure up to a predetermined value by exhausting carbon dioxide gas in the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20. In this case, the controller 50 reduces the inner pressure by controlling the opening degree of the snift valve 45 to move to its opening side, In a step bo, in order to ensure the inner pressure required for dispensing beer from the tap 11, the controller 50 supplies carbon dioxide gas to the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 by controlling the gas supplying valve 44 as appropriate. Then, the controller 50 opens the dispensing valve 33 so as to dispense from the tap 11, beer to which the flavor has been imparted. The step b5 is continued until all beer in the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 has gone out.
[0034]
As shown in fig,5, the first subsequent operation by the operator is the removal of the upper lid 25 of the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 in the step cl. Then, in the step c2, the inner container 26 holding a spent steeped'material X5 is taken out from the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20. Last·, in a step c3, the spent steeped material X’ is taken out from the inner container 26. Thereafter, the subsequent operation ends with an appropriate wash of the inner container 26 taken from the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20, and other apparatuses.
The step a2 of the prior operation shown in fig.3, which is operated by the operator, corresponds to a step of inserting the stepped material” in the method of adjusting beverage characteristics of the present invention. The step b2 of the beer-introduction-related operation shown in fig.4, which is executed
1.7 by the controller 50, corresponds to “a step of introducing the carbonated beverage to the beverage characteristics adjusting container” in the method of adjusting beverage characteristics of the present invention.
According to the beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus 10 described above, when beer is introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20, the beer supply and discharge device 21 and the gas supply and discharge device 22 cooperate with each other to adjust the flow rate of beer so that foaming is avoided at the moment when beer is introduced. Accordingly, since it is possible to introduce beer into the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 with a flow rate appropriate for suppressing foaming, it is possible to suppress excessive foaming of beer at the moment when flavor is imparted to the beer, [0087]
Further, according to the beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus 10, as the steps bl and b2 shown in fig.4, beer is introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 in a state that the inner pressure of the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 is made higher than the atmospheric pressure by the gas supplying and discharge device 22, Thereby it is possible to suppress foam formation of beer within the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20. Due to this, it is possible to further suppress the foaming of beer when the beer is introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20. Further, since the beer is introduced from the bottom portion 20c of the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20, it is possible to further suppress the foaming than in a case that there is a fall from a position where beer is introduced to the bottom portion.
Further, the beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus 10 has the inner container 26 which is attachable to and detachable from the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20, and where the steeped material X is allowed to be put and held. Due to this, as compared with a case that the steeped material X is directly inserted into the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20, the present invention makes if easier to remove the steeped material X’ after flavor was imparted (see the step c2 shown in fig.5). Further, if a plurality of inner containers, in which steeped materials different from each other are put respectively, are prepared in advance, it is possible to quickly change flavor which should be imparted to beer (change of steeped materials). Accordingly, the beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus 10 is available for a quick exchange or a quick change in the steeped material, it is possible to reduce workload required for imparting flavor, and thereby it is possible to improve work efficiency.
[0030]
In addition, the beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus 10 is configured, as shown in fig. I, so that the inside of the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 is visible. Thereby, it is allowed to observe the steeped material X which is being steeped in beer in the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20. Due to this, it is possible to make an appeal to consumers to whom beer is provided, with respect to how each flavor is being imparted and what type of steeped material X is being used for each flavor. Accordingly, it is possible to make a positive impression on the consumers, to whom beer which flavor has been imparted to is provided.
[0040] (Beer introduction test)
A beer introduction test, where beer as carbonated beverage is introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 in the beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus 10, was executed in the following way.
[004.1.](Aim of test)
The beer introduction test aims to specify, for the differential pressure control mentioned above, a condition of differential pressure between the inner pressure P2 of the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 and the pressure PI at which beer is fed pneumatically for introducing beer into the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 while suppressing excessive foaming of the beer.
[0042] (Conditions of beer introduction)
Conditions of beer introduction in the beer introduction test are as follows, # An amount of beer introduction: 1240 mL
The amount, of beer introduction is an amount of beer which was introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20. The amount 1270 mb corresponds to about three glasses of beer when beer is poured from the tap 11 into a not illustrated glass prepared for this test.
# Pressure of beer introduction' 0.1 MPa (gauge pressure)
The pressure of beer introduction is the pressure Pl at which beer is fed pneumatically. The pressure 0.1 MPa is a gauge pressure.
# Temperature of beep 2 °C
The temperature of beer is a temperature of beer at the moment, when the beer is introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20. [0043] (How to test)
With respect to each of the following test examples #1. to #4 which are different from each other depending on whether a steeped material is used or not, or what kind of the steeped material is used, beer was introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 under the above mentioned conditions of beer introduction, with, changing the mentioned differential pressure. With respect to each of the test examples #1 to #4, the target differential pressure was set to 0.005, 0.010, 0.015, and 0.020 MPa, and the above mentioned differential pressure control was executed. Then, after the completion of the beer introduction, the height of beer foam formed in the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 was measured.
Test example #1’ no steeped material was used (only beer)
Test example #2' 25 g of hops was used as the steeped material
Test example 25 g of cinnamon was used as the steeped material
Test example #42135 g of lemon peel was used as the steeped material [0044]: (Test results)
The test results are shown in fig.6. The test results were obtained by collecting the measured results of the height of beer foam, and evaluating each height on a scale of three levels A to C,
Level A: less than 10 mm (the beer foaming is sufficiently suppressed)
Level B: less than 30 mm (the beer foaming is acceptable)
Level C: 30 mm or more, or unmeasurable (the beer foaming is excessive) “Unmeasureable” of level C means a case that beer pervades the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 and thereby an accurate measurement of beer foam height is impossible.
As apparently shown in fig.6, regardless of whether the steeped material was used or not and regardless of what kind of steeped material was used, in a case that the differential pressure between the inner pressure ,P2 of the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20 and the pressure Pl at which beer is fed pneumatically was equal to 0,015 MPa or less, the evaluations are the level A or B, that is, it was found that excessive beer foaming is suppressed. On the other hand, in a case that the differential pressure was set to 0.020 MPa, regardless of whether the steeped material was used and regardless of what kind of steeped material was used, the evaluation is the level C, that is, it was found that the beer foaming is excessive. Accordingly, by adjusting the differential pressure so as to become equal to 0.015 MPa or less, it is possible to suppress excessive beer foaming·. Further, by adjusting the differential pressure so as to become equal to 0.010 MPa or less, it is possible to suppress the beer foaming.
[0046]
I n the described beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus 10, the beer supply and discharge device 21 and the gas supply and discharge device 22 function, by cooperating with each other, as a flow rate adjusting device of the present invention. Further, the gas supply and discharge device 22 can adjust the inner pressure of the beverage characteristics adjusting container 20, thereby functions as an inner pressure adjusting device. However, the beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus and beverage characteristics adjusting method of the present invention could be executed in various different, ways within the scope of the subject matter of the present invention. [0047]
In the above embodiment, flavor is imparted to beer as carbonated beverage. However, it is also possible to impart, flavor to carbonated beverages such as soft drink including carbon dioxide gas and sparkling-alcoholic beverage as the carbonated beverage. Further, it is possible to execute the beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus of the present invention in an embodiment, that the beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus is built into a dispensing system where such carbonated beverages are provided.
[0048]
In the above mentioned embodiment, hops appropriate for beer are exemplified as a steeped material to be used for imparting flavor. Also, steeped materials are selectable as suitably for an object to which flavor should bo imparted. For example, plant parts such as fruits may be employed as steeped materials. The steeped materials not only can. be solid material such as granulated substance and power substance, but also may be high viscosity liquid such as honey. It is also possible to employ as steeped materials, capsules where various liquids are encapsulated, the capsules being configured to, at the moment of steeping time to a beer-related beverage, dissolve to be broken in the carbonated beverage, or he broken by external force.
[0049]
In the above mentioned embodiment, the carbonated beverage is introduced while adjusting the flow rate in a state that the inner pressure of the beverage characteristics adjusting container is made higher than the atmospheric pressure. However, it is not necessary to adjust the inner pressure. For example, the following embodiment is possible. An adjusting valve which is capable of freely adjusting a flow passage area of the beverage passage extending to the beverage characteristics adjusting container is provided as the flow rate adjusting device. The carbonated beverage is introduced to the beverage characteristics adjusting container which has not been pressurized, that is, the inner pressure of which is the atmospheric pressure, while the adjusting valve is controlled to adjust the flow rate so that the carbonated beverage is prevented from foaming. Further, it is not necessary that the position where the carbonated beverage is introduced is the bottom portion of the beverage characteristics adjusting container. In the above mentioned embodiments, the opening degree of each of the va lves 32, 33, 44 and 45 can be adjusted successively. However, in place of those valves, magnetic valves which are allowed to move between two positions: an opened position and a closed position, may be employed, and each of the magnetic valves may be controlled by the controller 50, [0050]
The beverage characteristics adjusting container is not limited to the above mentioned embodiment. For example, the beverage characteristics adjusting container may have various kinds of functions, such as a cooling function, a built-in stirring unit such as a screw capable of automatically sti.rri.ng, an inclinable function that inclines the container depending on a state that the carbonated beverage is introduced, and an attachable/detachable function which makes it easy to attach and detach the upper lid, and the like. In the above mentioned embodiment, the beverage characteristics adjusting container has the inner container which is attachable thereto and detachable therefrom. However, the inner container is not imperative. For example, it is possible to execute the present invention in an embodiment that the steeped material is inserted directly to the beverage characteristics adjusting container. 1()001.1
In the above mentioned embodiment, a beer keg is employed as the storage container. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the present invention may be executed in an embodiment that a PET bottle is employed as the storage container. Further, in the above mentioned embodiment, a tap which is opened and closed by a lever is employed as a device having a spout. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. It is also possible to execute the present invention in an embodiment that a device whose spout is opened according to a press operation to a dispensing button is employed as the device having a spout. 10052]
The above descriptions relate to the embodiment that flavor is imparted to beer as a carbonated beverage and the variations thereof. However, it. is possible to realize the present invention not only in an embodiment for imparting flavor to a carbonated beverage, but also in an embodiment for adjusting beverage characteristics, such as flavor, color, texture, and the like by steeping a steeped, material in a carbonated, beverage.
[0053]
For example, if raspberry is selected as the steeped material, and its components are transered to a beer-related beverage, it is possible to adjust the color of the beverage, that, is, one of the beverage characteristics, to red. In this case, it is possible to nnpart flavor caused by the raspberry together with the color adjustment. Further, if a coloring substance by which a taste and flavor are not changed is used as the steeped material, it is possible to change only color of the carbonated beverage while maintaining its original flavor.
[0054]
Further, if sarcocarp of any of various fruits is selected as the steeped material, it is possible to adjust texture, one of the beverage characteristics. In a case that the sarcocarp of any of various fruits is selected as the steeped material, and the texture of beer-related beverage is adjusted by using the inner container above mentioned, it is preferable to employ as the inner container, an container whose mesh count provides a size of mesh allowing sarcocarp having a size such that consumers can recognize the change of texture of the carbonated beverage to pass through.
[0033]
The above mentioned adjustment of the beverage characteristics is realized through the transfer of a component of the steeped material or transfer of the steeped material itself to the carbonated beverage. However, it is also possible to select as the steeped material, a materia! which is capable of taking out a component from the carbonated beverage, for example, an absorbing material. When such an absorbing material and the like is selected as the steeped material, it is possible to make the steeped material remove at least one part of components, flavor and the like, of the carbonated beverage, and thereby it is possible to adjust the beverage characteristics of carbonated beverage. The beverage characteristics as an object to be adjusted may be at least one of flavor, color and texture.
2015313285 19 Dec 2017
Claims (9)
1. A beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus which adjusts beverage characteristics of a carbonated beverage, the carbonated beverage being provided by a dispensing system where the carbonated beverage is taken out from a storage container and fed pneumatically to a spout via a beverage passage, the beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus comprising:
a beverage characteristics adjusting container which is connected with the beverage passage so as to be communicated with the beverage passage, and allows a steeped material for adjusting the beverage characteristics of the carbonated beverage, to be inserted into the beverage characteristics adjusting container; and a flow rate adjusting device which is configured to adjust a flow rate of the carbonated beverage to be introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container, wherein the flow rate adjusting device includes:
a set of adjusting valves including an adjusting valve which is capable of freely adjusting a flow passage area of the beverage passage extending to the beverage characteristics adjusting container; and a controller which is configured to monitor a differential pressure between an inner pressure of the beverage characteristics adjusting container and a pressure at which the carbonated beverage to be introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container is fed pneumatically, and control operations of the set of adjusting valves in such a way to stabilize the differential pressure so as to suppress foaming in the beverage characteristics adjusting container, the foaming being generated by the carbonated beverage to be introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container.
2. The beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein the controller of the flow rate adjusting device controls the set of adjusting valves so that the flow rate adjusting device is provided with:
an inner pressure adjusting device which adjusts the inner pressure of the beverage characteristics adjusting container; and a switching device which switches between a first state that the carbonated beverage is introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container from the beverage passage and a second state that the carbonated beverage is restricted to be introduced into the beverage characteristics adjusting container.
AH26( 14050076_ 1 ):TCW
2015313285 19 Dec 2017
3. The beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus, according to claim 2, wherein: the beverage characteristics adjusting container is configured so that the carbonated beverage is introduced from a bottom portion of the beverage characteristics adjusting container.
4. The beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus, according to claim 2 or 3, wherein:
the inner pressure adjusting device is configured to adjust a differential pressure between the inner pressure of the beverage characteristics adjusting container and a pressure at which the carbonated beverage is fed pneumatically to be equal to 0.015 MPa or less.
5. The beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:
an inner container which is configured so to be attachable to and detachable from the inside of the beverage characteristics adjusting container in a state of housing and holding the steeped material, and also configured so that the carbonated beverage in the beverage characteristics adjusting container is allowed to come into the inner container in a state that the inner container is attached to the inside of the beverage characteristics adjusting container.
6. The beverage characteristics adjusting apparatus, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein:
the beverage characteristics adjusting container is configured so that the inside of the beverage characteristics adjusting container is visible.
7. A beverage characteristics adjusting method for adjusting beverage characteristics of a carbonated beverage, the carbonated beverage being provided by a dispensing system having the flow rate adjusting device of claim 1, where the carbonated beverage is taken out from a storage container and fed pneumatically to a spout via a beverage passage, comprising the steps of:
inserting a steeped material for adjusting the beverage characteristics of the carbonated beverage into a beverage characteristics adjusting container which is connected with the beverage passage so as to be communicated with the beverage passage; and introducing the carbonated beverage into the beverage characteristics adjusting container in a state that an inner pressure of the beverage characteristics adjusting container where the steeped material has been inserted is made higher than an atmospheric pressure.
8. The beverage characteristics adjusting method, according to claim 7, wherein:
AH26( 14050076_ 1 ):TCW
2015313285 19 Dec 2017 in the step of introducing the carbonated beverage into the beverage characteristics adjusting container, the carbonated beverage is introduced from a bottom portion of the beverage characteristics adjusting container.
9. The beverage characteristics adjusting method, according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: in the step of introducing the carbonated beverage into the beverage characteristics adjusting container, a differential pressure between the inner pressure of the beverage characteristics adjusting container and a pressure at which the carbonated beverage is fed pneumatically is adjusted to be equal to 0.015 MPa or less.
Kirin Company, Limited
Patent Attorneys for the Applicant/Nominated Person SPRUSON & FERGUSON
AH26( 14050076_ 1 ):TCW
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Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP2014183304A JP6526952B2 (en) | 2014-09-09 | 2014-09-09 | Beverage characteristic adjusting apparatus and method |
| JP2014-183304 | 2014-09-09 | ||
| PCT/JP2015/075462 WO2016039338A1 (en) | 2014-09-09 | 2015-09-08 | Beverage characteristic adjusting device and method |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
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| AU2015313285A1 AU2015313285A1 (en) | 2017-03-02 |
| AU2015313285B2 true AU2015313285B2 (en) | 2018-02-08 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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| AU2015313285A Active AU2015313285B2 (en) | 2014-09-09 | 2015-09-08 | Beverage characteristic adjusting device and method |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JP6526952B2 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2015313285B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR112017002413A2 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2016039338A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2016069066A1 (en) * | 2014-10-28 | 2016-05-06 | Fusion Tower, LLC | Pressurized temperature-controlled liquid infusing device |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20020112776A1 (en) * | 2001-02-20 | 2002-08-22 | Nelson Patrick L. | Intermediate pressure dispensing method for a carbonated beverage |
| WO2008140331A1 (en) * | 2007-05-09 | 2008-11-20 | C Little Engineering Limited | Liquid infusing and flavouring device |
| WO2014062915A2 (en) * | 2012-10-17 | 2014-04-24 | Kyle Mathew J | A modular liquid infusing, flavoring, and dispensing device |
Family Cites Families (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JP3786382B2 (en) * | 1997-05-12 | 2006-06-14 | フジテクノ株式会社 | Donut ice-cooled server |
-
2014
- 2014-09-09 JP JP2014183304A patent/JP6526952B2/en active Active
-
2015
- 2015-09-08 AU AU2015313285A patent/AU2015313285B2/en active Active
- 2015-09-08 BR BR112017002413A patent/BR112017002413A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 2015-09-08 WO PCT/JP2015/075462 patent/WO2016039338A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20020112776A1 (en) * | 2001-02-20 | 2002-08-22 | Nelson Patrick L. | Intermediate pressure dispensing method for a carbonated beverage |
| WO2008140331A1 (en) * | 2007-05-09 | 2008-11-20 | C Little Engineering Limited | Liquid infusing and flavouring device |
| WO2014062915A2 (en) * | 2012-10-17 | 2014-04-24 | Kyle Mathew J | A modular liquid infusing, flavoring, and dispensing device |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
| Title |
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| "Urban Beer Nerd", Dogfish Head Randall the Enamel Animal 3.0 Now Available for $288, pages 1 - 2, URL: http:// urbanbeernerd.com/ 2012/12/11 /dogfish-head- randall-the-enamel-animal-3-0-now-available- for-288, (2015-11-30) * |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JP6526952B2 (en) | 2019-06-05 |
| BR112017002413A2 (en) | 2017-11-28 |
| AU2015313285A1 (en) | 2017-03-02 |
| JP2016055892A (en) | 2016-04-21 |
| WO2016039338A1 (en) | 2016-03-17 |
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Owner name: KIRIN HOLDINGS KABUSHIKI KAISHA Free format text: FORMER OWNER(S): KIRIN COMPANY, LIMITED |