Cleaning and liquid contact with solids – Processes – Combined
Patent
1996-05-08
1999-01-12
Horlick, Kenneth R.
Cleaning and liquid contact with solids
Processes
Combined
134 18, 134 2712, 134169C, 134166C, 134 2218, 134 30, 134 37, B08B 704, B08B 900, B08B 300
Patent
active
058581146
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to an improved method of and apparatus for cleaning liquid dispensing systems, for example beer dispensing systems as used in hotels or clubs.
BACKGROUND ART
In dispensing systems for beer which are currently used, a large number of couplings, connectors, hoses and pipes are used to convey the beer from kegs to taps which are located at a convenient dispensing position, for example at a bar. Because of the nature of beer, a bacterial yeast tends to grow on the inner walls of the lines and connectors in the direction of beer flow. Such bacterial yeast has proven difficult to remove with normal cleaning methods which generally involve passing cleaning fluids, water and gas through the system in the same direction as the beer flow from the keg or beer source end of the system to the dispensing end of the system and then out to drain. Such methods have been found to be not particularly effective and in many cases the built-up deposits are not fully removed. Other method have involved the soaking of the lines for an extended period of time with a strong caustic solution or detergent with the aim of burning or displacing the yeast growth from the walls of the beer lines and then manually flushing the yeast growth and other impurities to drain with fresh water. This arrangement is not only time consuming but also has not proved to be totally effective.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention aims to overcome or at least alleviate the above disadvantages by providing a method and apparatus for cleaning liquid dispensing systems and particularly but not exclusively beer dispensing systems which will ensure that bacterial growth is released from the walls of the lines, connectors and associated equipment and flushed from the system in a more efficient manner than the methods used in the prior art. The present invention further aims to provide a method and apparatus which may be effectively and conveniently applied to many different types of liquid dispensing systems for the cleaning thereof. Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description.
The present invention thus provides in a first aspect a method of cleaning a liquid dispensing system of the type including at least one fluid flow line, said method including the steps of introducing a cleaning or flushing fluid into said dispensing system, and causing said cleaning or flushing fluid to flow successively and alternatively in opposite directions in said fluid flow line.
Fluid flowing against the normal flow direction in the case of beer comprises a flow against the normal growth direction of the bacterial yeast resulting in the yeast growth being displaced from the walls of the lines.
The method of the present invention may also include the initial step of flushing any residue liquids, such as beer from the dispensing system to waste prior to passing the cleaning fluid therethrough. The method of the present invention further may include a step of allowing the cleaning or flushing fluid to remain within the liquid dispensing system for a predetermined period of time after the initial cycling operation and thereafter again cycling the cleaning or flushing fluid in opposite directions through the liquid dispensing system. The method of the present invention may further include the step of draining the cleaning or flushing fluids to waste after the above steps and replacing the cleaning fluid with water which is caused to flow in opposite directions as above for rinsing purposes. The system may thereafter be cleared and flushed again with fresh water. At the end of the flushing procedure above, gas may be added to the dispensing system to displace water or other liquid and provide an inert environment to negate any further growth of bacteria until the system is again reused for the dispensing of liquid.
The present invention in a further aspect provides apparatus for cleaning a liquid dispensing system of the type having at least one fluid flow line, said apparatus
REFERENCES:
patent: 4917176 (1990-04-01), Shimada et al.
Board Alan Edwin
Kentwell Clay McKenzie
Horlick Kenneth R.
Tung Joyce
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