GB2411888A

GB2411888A - Beverage dispensing apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2411888A
Application number: GB0405460A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jake Duquemin
Original assignee: Stanwell Technic Ltd
Current assignee: Stanwell Technic Ltd
Priority date: 2004-03-11
Filing date: 2004-03-11
Publication date: 2005-09-14
Anticipated expiration: 2024-03-11
Also published as: GB2411888B; WO2005087650A3; WO2005087650A2; GB0405460D0

Abstract

A beverage dispensing apparatus includes a pump 6 arranged to pump beverage from a beverage supply 8 to a beverage dispensing unit 16 along a first beverage conduit 20. A beverage temperature variation unit 14 arranged in heat exchange relationship with the first beverage conduit, to vary the temperature of the beverage. The apparatus also includes a second beverage conduit 21 along which beverage is arranged to be returned from at least adjacent the dispensing unit to the pump. The apparatus may include a moisture removal apparatus 24 and a foam detector 10.

Description

241 1 888

BEVERAGE DISPENSING APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a beverage dispensing apparatus, and particularly, although not exclusively, to a temperature variation system for a beverage dispensing apparatus. The invention extends to an apparatus and improved method of cooling beverage in a dispensing apparatus.

Known methods employed to cool beverages in a cafe, bar, pub, restaurant, etc., use an in-line cooler or refrigeration system, which consists of a bank of ice in a large bath. Figure 1 illustrates a known beverage dispensing system. A thermostat controls the amount of ice made in the bath to enable a mixture of ice and very cool water to be maintained. A number of beverage lines or pipes containing various beverages, for example, beer, lager, soft drinks etc. are fed into the ice bath prior to being pumped up to dispensing taps in the bar. Hence, the beverages are initially cooled as the beverage lines pass directly into the ice bath, which thereby forms a simple heat exchanger to enable the heat to be removed from the beverages in the pipes.

On leaving the ice bath, the beverage lines are then grouped together around two or more larger pipes, which have cooled water re-circulating through them. The re-circulating cooling water is cooled by the in-line cooler and is re-circulated by a pump. The assembly of beverage lines and cooling pipes is sleeved within insulation of varying thickness to form a so-called "python". Hence, a python is essentially a basic heat exchanger by which the beverages can be kept cool in between the cooler and the dispcusing taps. When the beverages are static, i.e. when beverage is not being pumped out of the dispensing taps, the beverage lines are kept cool by the re- circulating cooling water.

Problems associated with using a python for cooling beverage lines are that, quite often, the first measure of beverage to be dispensed from the beverage line tends to be warm. This problem is most pronounced when the beverages have remained static for a period of time, for example, overnight. This is because the pipes - 2 containing the re-circulating cooling water do not extend all of the way to the dispensing tap, and so there is often a section of beverage line and, hence a measure of beverage, that cannot be cooled. Accordingly, the bar member has to discard the wand measure of beverage which is wasteful and costly. A further problem is that, following the warm measure of beverage, the next measure to be dispensed tends to be very cold. This is because the next measure of beverage is dispensed from the section of beverage line, which passes directly through the inline cooler. Hence, this measure of beverage sits in the ice bath and gets very cold. Problems associated with this very cold measure of beverage are that the cold temperature tends to mask the flavour of the beverage, and it is unpleasant to drink.

Further problems associated with using a traditional python system are that the presentation of the beverage is often not constant from measure to measure because of the fluctuation in temperature along different regions of the beverage line. For example, a pint of beer or lager may have a head, which is either too large or too small, or the beverage may be flat or too tizzy. Furthermore, it is very difficult to dispense extra cold beverage drinks at a consistent 2 C to 3 C.

It is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to address the above problems, and to provide a beverage dispensing apparatus having enhanced beverage temperature variation characteristics.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a beverage dispensing apparatus comprising pumping means arranged to pump beverage from a supply of beverage to beverage dispensing means along a first beverage conduit, beverage temperature variation means arranged in heat exchange relationship with the first beverage conduit to thereby vary the temperature of the beverage, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a second beverage conduit along which beverage is arranged to be returned from at Icast adjacent the dispensing means to the pumping means. - 3

The beverage temperature variation means may comprise beverage refrigeration means or beverage heating means. Preferably, the refrigeration means is adapted to produce a supply of coolant for cooling the beverage. However, it will be appreciated that when the beverage temperature variation means comprises beverage heating means, it is adapted to produce a supply of warm or hot fluid for heating the beverage.

Preferably, the first and second beverage conduits form a continuous beverage conduit or loop, along which the beverage may flow. Preferably, the loop extends between the pumping means, and the dispensing means, and preferably, the beverage temperature variation means.

Advantageously, the inventors have found that providing the apparatus with the second beverage conduit enables the continuous pumping of beverage around the loop and this ensures that beverage is never static or stationary, even when beverage is not being pumped out of the dispensing means. The advantages of continuously pumping the beverage are that it will always be pumped passed the beverage temperature variation means through the first beverage conduit, thereby ensuring that the temperature of the beverage is always maintained at the required temperature.

When the beverage temperature variation means comprises refrigeration means, the beverage is constantly cooled to the required temperature, and this reduces the chances of dispensing warm or over cold measures of beverage. This improves the flavour, and visual appearance of the beverage.

The coolant may include chilled water, for example, ice-water. The temperature of the coolant is preferably in the region of 0 to 4 C, but may be altered depending on the beverages which requiring cooling. Preferably, the refrigeration means comprises ice in a container, thereby forming an ice bath. Preferably, the refrigeration means comprises a thermostat adapted to control the amount of ice made in the container. This enables a mixture of ice and very cool water to be maintained in the container. - 4

Preferably, the first beverage conduit or a region thereof is arranged in heat exchange relationship with the ice bath such that the beverage being pumped to the dispensing means is cooled. Preferably, the refrigeration means comprises a coolant conduit along which the coolant may flow. The refrigeration means preferably comprises pumping means adapted to pump the coolant along the coolant conduit.

Preferably, the coolant conduit is arranged in heat exchange relationship along substantially the whole length of the first beverage conduit, and preferably, along at least the length of beverage conduit extending between the refrigeration means and the dispensing means. The coolant conduit may be arranged in heat exchange relationship along the length of the second beverage conduit. Hence, the coolant conduit may be arranged in heat exchange relationship with either the first or second beverage conduit or both. This arrangement may be called a python.

Alternatively, the first and/or second beverage conduits may not be arranged in heat exchange relationship with the coolant conduit. Preferably, the first and/or second beverage conduit is only in heat exchange relationship with the ice bath.

Because the beverage is being continually recycled around the loop and therefore being pumped through the ice bath of the refrigeration means, in some cases, there may be no need for a coolant conduit to be in heat exchange relationship with the first and/or second beverage conduits. This is advantageous as it means that the coolant conduits may be taken out of the python, greatly reducing the bulk of the python, and its cost.

Preferably, the length of a region of the first and/or second beverage conduit, which is in heat exchange relationship with the temperature variation means may be varied. The region of the first and/or second beverage conduit in heat exchange relationship with the temperature variation means may comprise a coil.

Advantageously, and preferably, varying the length of coil in the temperature variation means enables a user to further control the temperature of the beverage. For example, if the beverage is a beer which is best served very cold, then a greater length of coil is inserted in the ice bath. Conversely, if the beverage does not need to be served too cold, then less of the coil is inserted in the ice bath.

Preferably, in a first embodiment, the second beverage conduit extends directly between the dispensing means back to the pumping means, and does not pass through the ice bath. Hence, the beverage is cooled directly in the ice bath once, i.e. as it is pumped to the dispensing means. The first embodiment is shown in Figure 2.

Preferably, in a second embodiment, the second beverage conduit is arranged in heat exchange relationship with the ice bath such that the beverage being returned from the dispensing means back to the pumping means is cooled. The second embodiment is shown in Figure 3. Advantageously, in the second embodiment, the beverage is cooled directly in the ice bath twice, i.e. as it is pumped to the dispensing means, and also as it is pumped back to the pumping means.

Preferably, in a third embodiment, the first beverage conduit extends through the inside of the second beverage conduit. Hence, the first and second conduits form an integrated conduit. Beverage may flow through the first beverage conduit in a first direction, and through the second beverage conduit in a second direction.

The first beverage conduit may be disposed to one side within the second passageway. Alternatively, the second beverage conduit may be disposed substantially centrally within the first beverage conduit, thereby forming a central channel and an outer channel extending there around. Preferably, the second beverage conduit is maintained in position with respect to the first beverage conduit by spacing means.

The first and second directions may be the same or different. Preferably, beverage flows in the first beverage conduit from the pumping means to the dispensing means, and in the second beverage conduit from at least adjacent the dispensing means back to the pumping means.

Preferably, the dispensing means is attached to one end of the first beverage conduit, preferably forming a seal therewith. Preferably, an end of the second

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beverage conduit is spaced apart from the dispensing. Hence, beverage may flow in the first direction along the first conduit from the pumping means until it reaches the dispensing means, and then flow in the second direction along the second conduit, from the dispensing means back to the pumping means, and so on.

Preferably, the second beverage conduit comprises a side and, for example, a Tjunction, along which the beverage may flow to the pumping means.

Advantageously, the third embodiment in which the first and second beverage conduits are integrated together provides a compact method of providing a flow of beverage in two directions. The integrated conduit saves space, is easy to install and uninstall, and is less prone to entanglement with other tubing. In addition, the integrated conduit is useful if a bar or pub is unable to furnish their own two separate product lines for flow and retune as shown in the Figures.

Preferably, the dispensing means comprises a valve, which is for example a dispensing tap, which may be actuated to allow beverage to pass therethrough.

Preferably, the dispensing means is situated in a bar, cafe, restaurant area, where bar staff who would actuate the dispensing means spend the predominant amount of their time. Preferably, the temperature variation means is situated in a cellar of a bar, cafe, restaurant, so that it is conveniently positioned out of the way.

Preferably, the beverage dispensing apparatus comprises flow control means by which an operator may set, vary, and/or regulate the volume of beverage, which is pumped through the loop over a given period of time. Advantageously, this provides control over the temperature of the beverage. For example, the volume of beverage being pumped around the loop may be decreased or increase depending on to what degree the beverage is to be cooled/heated.

Preferably, the pumping means comprises an inlet for beverage, which inlet is connected to the beverage supply. Preferably, the supply of beverage comprises at least one container in which beverage may be stored, for example, a keg, barrel, or cask of beverage. Suitable beverages include beer, ale, lager, wine, and soft drinks etc. Preferably, the pumping means comprises an inlet for compressed gas, which inlet is connected to a gas compressor. The gas compressor may be connected to a gas supply. Preferably, the pumping means is adapted to pressurise the beverage with compressed gas. Preferably, the pumping means comprises an outlet for the compressed beverage, which outlet is connected to the first beverage conduit.

Preferably, the first beverage conduit extends from the pumping means to the dispensing means, preferably via the beverage temperature variation means.

Preferably, the second beverage conduit is connected to the beverage inlet of the pumping means such that beverage is re-circulated around the loop.

The inventors noticed that condensate has a tendency to build up in the beverage conduit loop, and in particular, in the pumping means, and had a detrimental effect on the functioning of the apparatus. They therefore realised that it would be beneficial to include a device in the apparatus, which was adapted to automatically remove this build up of moisture. Accordingly, preferably, the beverage dispensing apparatus comprises moisture removal apparatus adapted to remove moisture, which may accumulate in the loop.

Preferably, the moisture removal apparatus comprises a valve connected to a timer. Preferably, the valve comprises an inlet for moisture and an outlet for moisture, the inlet and outlet being interconnected by a passageway. The valve may be a solenoid valve. The moisture removal apparatus may be adapted to remove moisture from the loop automatically. Accordingly, the timer may be adapted to open the valve on a regular basis, for example, for at least a second every hour. Advantageously, and preferably, the timer is adapted to close the valve for the rest of the hour to prevent the pump from being continually emptied.

The moisture removal apparatus may be attached to the pumping means, preferably, to an exhaust outlet thereof, preferably, by a valve. Preferably, the valve - 8 comprises an inlet for exhaust produced by the pumping means, and an outlet for the exhaust, the inlet and outlet being interconnected by an exhaust passageway.

Preferably, the valve comprises an inlet for condensate collecting in the pumping means and an outlet for said condensate, said inlet and outlet being interconnected by a condensate passageway. Preferably, the inlet comprises at least one aperture.

Preferably, the beverage dispensing apparatus comprises foam detection means adapted to detect foam in the beverage. Preferably, the foam detection means is situated downstream of the pumping means. The foam detection means may be adapted to deactivate the pumping means, for example, if there is excessive foam build-up in the apparatus, or the beverage supply is empty. Advantageously, this ensures that a constant stream of beverage is pumped out of the dispensing tap, rather than beverage having intermittent regions of air, or gas. This helps to ensure that as beverage is dispensed, the beverage is not excessively gassy.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of dispensing a beverage, the method comprising pumping beverage from a supply of beverage to dispensing means along a first beverage conduit, the temperature of the beverage being varied by beverage temperature variation means in heat exchange relationship with the first beverage conduit, wherein at least a portion of said beverage is returned from at least adjacent the dispensing means to the pumping means along a second beverage conduit.

Preferably, the first and second beverage conduits are arranged to form a continuous beverage conduit or loop, along which the beverage may flow. The beverage temperature variation means may comprise beverage refrigeration means or beverage heating means.

Preferably, the second beverage conduit is arranged in heat exchange relationship with the refrigeration means to thereby cool the beverage.

Prcfcrably, method comprises the step of producing a supply of coolant for cooling the beverage in the refrigeration means.

Preferably, the method comprises setting, varying and/or regulating the volume of beverage flowing through the second beverage conduit by flow control means.

Preferably, the method comprises removing moisture from the loop, preferably, automatically, by moisture removal means. The moisture removal apparatus may be attached to the pumping means.

Preferably, the method comprises monitoring the amount of foam present in the conduits.

All of the features described herein (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect reference will now be made, by way of example, so the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a known beverage dispensing system with an associated cooling system; Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a first embodiment of a beverage dispensing system and an associated cooling system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 shows a schematic view of a second embodiment of the beverage dispensing system and an associated cooling system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 shows an enlarged schematic side view of an auto-condensate removal device of the beverage dispensing systems shown in Figures 2 and 3; Figure 5 shows an enlarged schematic side view of a pump of the beverage dispensing systems shown in Figures 2 and 3; Figure 6a shows a schematic perspective view of a valve used to connect the auto condensate removal device shown in Figure 4 to the pump shown in Figure 5; Figure 6b shows a schematic side view of the valve shown in Figure 6a; Figure 7 shows a schematic view of a third embodiment of the beverage dispensing apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 8 shows a partial schematic crosssectional view of a dispensing tap and beverage conduit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a prior art beverage dispensing system 2, used to dispense beverage, for example, beer, lager, soft drink, etc. The beverage is stored in a keg 8, which is connected to a dispensing tap 16 via a series of conduits 20. The tap 16 may be located in a bar, pub or restaurant etc., and is used by bar staff: The beverage dispensing system 2 includes a compressor 4, which pressurises gas supplied from cylinder 12. The gas compressor 4 is used to drive a pump 6. The compressor 4 is connected to the pump 6 by conduits 18. The beverage is pumped via the pump 6 from the keg 8 along conduit 20 to a foaming detection device 10. The foam detection device 10 monitors the amount of foam or fob in the system 2. The beverage then passes from the foaming detection device 10 to a remote water cooler 14 along conduit 20, where it is cooled in-line.

The cooler 14 consists of an ice/water bath and a thermostat (not shown), which controls the amount of ice made in the bath to enable a mixture of ice and very cool water to be maintained. The region of the conduit 20, which passes in to the ice/water bath consists of a length of coil (not shown) through which the beverage may flow. The length of coil passing in to the ice/water bath, i.e. the region of the conduit, which is in heat exchange relationship with the ice bath, may be varied. This allows a user to further control the temperature of the beverage. For example, if the beverage is a beer which is best served very cold, then a greater length of the coil is inserted in the ice bath. Conversely, if the beverage does not need to be served too cold, then less of the coil is inserted in the ice bath.

The cooled beverage is then pumped from the in-line cooler 14 to the dispensing tap 16 along conduit 20. The beverage is pumped through the tap 16 by which the beverage exits the dispensing system 2 under control by bar staff. The prior art beverage dispensing system 2 further includes a chilled water re-circulating loop through which cooled water generated by the water cooler 14 constantly flows in a loop system. The chilled water is pumped through the re-circulating loop 30 by a pump (not shown). The cooled water conduits 30 are placed closely along side the region of the beverage conduit 20, which extends from the water cooler 14 to the tap 16, thereby forming a so-called 'python' arrangement. In some circumstances, it is not always necessary to have the cooled water conduits 30 extending next to the beverage conduits 20,21, i.e. the beverage conduit 20,21 pass into the water bath 14, for heat exchange therewith, and do not need to be cooled by additional heat exchange with the cooled water conduits 30, which can be dispensed with.

Hence, during times when the beverage is static, i.e. is not being constantly pumped out of the tap 16, a portion of the beverage line 20 leading from the cooler 14 to the tap is cooled by the cooling loop 30. However, as can be seen in Figure 1, there is a region marked as 54 in Figure I located between the end of the cooled water loop and the tap 16, along which the python conduit 20, and hence, static beverage contained therein, is not cooled. This results in the first measure of beverage being dispensed from the conduit 20 being wane. In addition, when the beverage dispensing - 12 system 2 is static (no beverage being pumped out of tap 16), the beverage in the conduit 20 that is located in the ice bath of the cooler 14 in the conduit and adjacent the cooled water loop 30 is "stationery" or static, and this results in the beverage contained therein being very cold. The volume of beverage maintained directly in the ice bath alone may be as much as several litres. Depending on the location of the tap 16 relative to the cooler 14, the portion of the conduit 20 adjacent to the cooling loop may also contain several litres of beverage. Accordingly, this results in a very cold measure(s) of beverage being dispensed out of the system 2 if the beverage has been static for some time.

Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a first embodiment of a beverage dispensing system 22 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system 22 is similar to that of the prior art dispensing system 2 shown in Figure 1, having a keg 8 of beverage. The beverage is fed into a pump 6 along a conduit 20.

The apparatus includes a compressor 4 which compresses gas stored in a cylinder 12 which is then fed into the pump 6 to thereby pressurise the beverage. The compressed beverage is then pumped through a foaming detection apparatus 10 to a cooler 14 along conduit 20, and from the cooler 14 up to a dispensing tap 16 along conduit 20.

However, unlike the prior art system 2, in the first embodiment 22, beverage is not stationary or static in the conduit 20 that leads from the cooler 14 to the tap 16, even when beverage is not being pumped out of dispensing tap 16. Instead, the beverage is pumped via the pump 6 from the dispensing tap 16 along a return conduit 21 through a clean service valve 26. The recycled beverage is then pumped from the clean service valve 26 to a flow control apparatus 28, by which the flow of recycled beverage is controlled and monitored. From flow control apparatus 28, the recycled beverage is then pumped back to the pump 6. The pump 6 then mixes the recycled beverage being returned from tap 16 along return conduit 21 with new beverage from keg 8. The returned beverage is therefore pumped around the complete system loop again. - 13

The clean service valve 26 is used for maintenance of the system 22. The valve 26 is provided on the return path back to the pump 6, so as to allow the conduit 21 to be drained. Thus the valve 26 allows the conduit 21 to be cleaned. The flow control apparatus 28 controls the flow of beverage through the return conduit 21.

Hence, in the first embodiment, when the system is in normal use, the beverage is never stationery even when not being pumped out of the dispensing tap 16. In particular, the beverage is constantly pumped around the regions of the conduit 20 and the return conduit 21 that are located near the dispensing pump 16, which are the cause of the initial warm measure of beverage when using the prior art system shown in Figure 1.

Additionally, it will be noted that a substantial portion of the returned conduit 21, as well as a substantial portion of the conduit 20, do not lie adjacent to the cooled water loop 30. In other words, portions of the conduits are not in heat exchange relationship with the beverage temperature variation means. These portions of the conduits preferably amount to at least 50% of the length of either conduit. Beverage passing along these sections of the conduit is in heat exchange relationship with the ambient environment. For beverages that are served chilled, the ambient environment will normally be warmer than the desired serving temperature.

This means that the temperature of the beverage in the dispensing system is always chilled throughout, but never over-cooled, i.e. it is maintained at a constant cooled temperature thereby obviating the problems associated with the prior art system shown in Figure 1.

As shown in Figure 2, the first embodiment of the dispensing system 22 also includes an auto-condensate removal apparatus 24, which is attached directly to the pump 6. The auto-condensate removal apparatus 24 is shown in further detail in Figure 4, and is provided to automatically remove condensate 34 collecting in the pump 6. - 14

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a second embodiment of the beverage dispensing system 56. The second embodiment 56 is similar to the first embodiment 22 shown in Figure 2. However, in the first embodiment 22 shown in Figure 2, the beverage is subjected to a single pass of in-line cooling by passing the pressurized beverage along conduit 20 through the ice bath of the water cooler 14 to the dispensing tap 16, whereas in the second embodiment 56, the pressurized beverage is pumped from the tap 16 along conduit 21 back into the in-line cooler 14 where it is re-cooled in the ice bath. The beverage is then pumped from the cooler 14 back to the pump 6 via the clean service valve 26 and the flow control apparatus 28.

Hence, in the second embodiment, the beverage is subjected to two passes through the in-line cooler 14, i.e. in both directions, and this is particularly advantageous for beverages which are preferred to be at cold temperatures, such as tizzy soft drinks. Further, all of the conduits can be enclosed within a single python extending from the in-line cooler 14 to the tap 16. Consequently, it is not necessary to "break open" the python to extract the retum conduit 21.

Referring to Figure 4, there is shown an enlarged view of the autocondensate removal apparatus 24 used in the first and second embodiments of the dispensing system 22, 56. The auto-condensate removal apparatus 24 is connected to the pump 6, which is shown in greater detail in Figure 5, by a valve 46, which is shown in greater detail in Figures 6a and fib. As shown in Figure 4, condensate 34 collecting in the pump 6 flows from thepump 6, through Imm diameter vent holes 40 in the valve which lead to channels 41. The channels 41 are positioned around the outer perimeter of the valve 46. The channels 41 converge at condensate outlet 44 as shown most clearly in Figure fib. The condensate 34 leaves the valve 46 via outlet 44, passing along conduit 58, and into the condensate removal apparatus 24. The auto-condensate removal apparatus 24 consists of a solenoid valve and timer 32, which periodically opens the solenoid for two seconds every hour, but which closes the valve for the rest of the hour in order to prevent the gas pump 6 from being continually emptied of air. 15

Referring to Figure 5, there is shown a cross-sectional view of the pump 6 in detail. Beverage flows from keg 8 into the pump 6 along conduit 20 and return conduit 21. Pressurised gas is fed into the pump 6, and pressurised beverage exits the pump 6 along conduit 18 where it passes to the foaming detection means 10. The foaming detection means 10 is arranged to automatically shut off the recirculation loop if too much foam is detected in the conduit 20. The pump includes an exhaust outlet 62 through which exhaust gas 36 and collected condensate 34 may leave the pump 6, as shown in Figure 4.

Referring to Figures 6a and 6b, there is shown the valve 46 for connecting the auto-condensate removal apparatus 24 to the pump 6. The valve 46 has an inlet 48, which is inserted into the exhaust outlet 62 of the pump 6. The valve 46 has an outlet 44 through which condensate 34 may pass along conduit 58 into the auto condensate removal device 24. The valve 46 further consists of an exhaust port 36 through which exhausted gas from the normal operation of the pump 6 may pass, and this only occurs when the pump 6 is operating.

Referring to Figure 7, there is shown a third embodiment of the beverage dispensing system 64. The third embodiment 64 is similar to the first embodiment 22 shown in Figure 2 except that a special type of conduit 66 is used to facilitate the beverage re-circulating system. The conduit 66 is shown in greater detail in Figure 8, and consists of an inner tubing 50 located within an outer tubing 52. The inner tubing consists of a 3/6 inch outer diameter tube extending inside a brewing standard tube of 3/8 inch outer diameter and having a '/. inch internal diameter.

Beverage is pumped from the cooler 14 up to the dispensing tap 16 along the outer tubing 52 of the conduit 66. If the tap 16 is opened, beverage exits the conduit 66. However, if the tap 16 is not opened, beverage cannot flow through the tap 16, and the beverage is recycled back down conduit 66 through the inner tubing 50. At point 70 of conduit 66 shown in Figures 7 and 8, the inner tubing 50 extends outwardly through the outer tubing 52 forming a Tjunction, and leads to the pump 6 via the clean serve apparatus 26 and flow control device 28. The beverage is then - 16 pumped in the normal way back to the cooler 14, and then up to the dispensing tap 16 in conduit 66 and so on. Hence, the portion of inner' tube 50, which comes off the main conduit 66, takes on a similar role to the return conduit 21 shown in Figures 2 and 3 in the first and second embodiments. Hence, the conduit 66 provides a very compact method of introducing a flow 52 and return 50 piping system for the beverage re-circulation system 64.

Advantages of the beverage dispensing system described herein, reside in the efficient way in which beverage is constantly pumped around a loop system from the gas pump 6 through the water cooler 14 to the tap 16 and, back to the gas pump 6 and so on. Hence, because the beverage is constantly flowing around the loop system, it is much easier to keep the temperature of the beverage constant. Therefore, the above embodiment of the present invention does not succumb to problems seen in prior art dispensing systems, such as having a wanm first beverage, or very cold measures of beverage depending on where the stationery beverage sits with respect to the cooled water circulation loop 30.

Although the above embodiments have been described in reference to a dispensing system used to dispense cold drinks, it will be appreciated that the invention may equally be applied to system used to dispense warm or hot beverages (i.e. beverages that typically have a temperature higher than the surrounding air temperature), with a beverage heating means (not shown) being used to replace the beverage refrigeration means 14 in such instances.

In addition, the flow control apparatus 28 regulates the volume of the beverage being re-circulated through the system over a given period of time, which gives control over the temperature of the beverage. The systems can be cleaned with the added feature that this can be done in the cellar rather than in the bar.

Furthenmore, the auto-condensate removal apparatus 24 allows air to be exhausted from the main pressurised chamber of the gas pump 6, independently to the nonnal gas exhaust cycle. This allows any moisture or condensate in this chamber to be removed having no effect on the pumps capabilities to continue its normal function. The timer circuit on the solenoid valve 32 allows the facility to vary how often the condensate removal cycle takes place.

In addition, the new type of conduit 66 disclosed herein provides a very compact method of introducing a flow 52 and return 50 piping system for the beverage re-circulation system 64. The conduit 66 saves space, is easy to install and uninstall, and is less prone to entanglement with other tubing. in addition, the conduit 66 is useful if a bar or pub can not furnish their own two separate product lines for flow and return as shown in the Figures. - 18

Claims

1. A beverage dispensing apparatus comprising pumping means arranged to pump beverage from a supply of beverage to beverage dispensing means along a first beverage conduit, beverage temperature variation means arranged in heat exchange relationship with the first beverage conduit to thereby vary the temperature of the beverage, characterized in that the apparatus comprises a second beverage conduit along which beverage is arranged to be returned from at least adjacent the dispensing means to the pumping means.

2. A beverage dispensing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the beverage temperature variation means comprises beverage refrigeration means or beverage heating means.

3. A beverage dispensing apparatus according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first and second beverage conduits form a continuous beverage conduit or loop, along which the beverage may flow.

4. A beverage dispensing apparatus according to either claim 2 to 3, wherein the refrigeration means comprises ice in a container, thereby forming an ice bath.

5. A beverage dispensing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first beverage conduit is arranged in heat exchange relationship with the ice bath such that the beverage being pumped to the dispensing means is cooled.

6. A beverage dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the refrigeration means comprises a coolant conduit along which the coolant may flow.

7. A beverage dispensing apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first beverage conduit and the second beverage conduit is arranged in a heat exchange relationship with the ambient - 19 environment, and is not disposed in contact with said beverage temperature variation means.

8. A beverage dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the second beverage conduit extends directly between the dispensing means back to the pumping means, and does not pass through the ice bath.

9. A beverage dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the second beverage conduit is arranged in heat exchange relationship with the ice bath such that the beverage being returned from the dispensing means back to the pumping means is cooled.

10. A beverage dispensing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the length of a region of the first and/or second beverage conduit, which is in heat exchange relationship with the temperature variation means may be varied.

11. A beverage dispensing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first beverage conduit extends along the inside of the second beverage conduit.

12. A beverage dispensing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the second beverage conduit is disposed substantially centrally within the first beverage conduit, thereby forming a central channel and an outer channel extending there around.

13. A beverage dispensing apparatus according either claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the dispensing means is attached to one end of the first beverage conduit forming a seal therewith, and an end of the second beverage conduit is spaced apart from the dispensing means.

14. A beverage dispensing apparatus according to any one of claims I I to 14, wherein the second beverage conduit comprises a side any, for example, a Tjunction, along which the beverage is arranged to flow to the pumping means. / - 20

15. A beverage dispensing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage dispensing apparatus comprises flow control means by which an operator may set, vary, and/or regulate the volume of beverage, which is pumped through the first and second beverage conduits over a given period of time.

16. A beverage dispensing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage dispensing apparatus comprises moisture removal apparatus adapted to remove moisture, which may accumulate in the first and second beverage conduits.

17. A beverage dispensing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the moisture removal apparatus comprises a valve connected to a timer.

18. A beverage dispensing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beverage dispensing apparatus comprises foam detection means adapted to detect foam in the beverage.

19. A method of dispensing a beverage, the method comprising pumping beverage from a supply of beverage to dispensing means along a first beverage conduit, the temperature of the beverage being varied by beverage temperature variation means in heat exchange relationship with the first beverage conduit, wherein at least a portion of said beverage is returned from at least adjacent the dispensing means to the pumping means along a second beverage conduit.

20. A beverage dispensing apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to, Figures 2 to 8.

21. A method of dispensing a beverage substantially as herein described with reference to, Figures 2 to 8.