Abstract: A proportioner apparatus is capable of proportioning and admixing at least two liquids at relatively low pressures and minimizing waste of the liquids. The proportioner apparatus has a pressurizable reservoir for each liquid and a mix reservoir. The liquid reservoirs define an interior having a lower region. A fluid communication conduit provides fluid communication between the interior of the mix reservoir and the interior of the liquid reservoirs. A run-out conduit provides fluid communication between the lower region of at least one of the liquid reservoirs and the mix reservoir interior. When it is desired to run-out the liquid in the one liquid reservoir fluid flow from the one liquid reservoir through the fluid communication conduit is suspended and fluid flow through the run-out conduit is permitted.

Abstract: A column for removing a gas from a gas-containing liquid using a stripping gas has an enclosed shell having a side wall defining an inner periphery and a top and a bottom. A gas containing liquid inlet is provided proximate at the top of the shell for introducing a gas-containing liquid into the column. At least two adjacent parallel spaced apart substantially planar sieve plates, each sieve plate being oriented transverse the side wall of the shell and having an edge conforming substantially to the inner periphery of shell, are provided within the shell. The seive plates are perforated to facilitate the passing of the gas-containing liquid therethrough. A stripping gas inlet causes a stripping gas to flow between the adjacent sieve plates. Baffles are provided between adjacent sieve plates for directing the stripping gas to flow in a torturous path, the path being parallel to and between planes formed by the sieve plates.

Abstract: A proportioner apparatus is capable of proportioning and admixing at least two liquids at relatively low pressures. The proportioner apparatus has a pressurizable reservoir for each liquid and a mix reservoir. A fluid communication conduit provides fluid communication between the interior of the mix reservoir and the interior of the liquid reservoirs. The liquid reservoirs are pressurized with a pressurizing gas to cause flow from the liquid reservoirs into the mix reservoir. A discharge conduit of the mix reservoir discharges admixture therefrom. When flow ceases in the discharge conduit the flow into the mix reservoir is also stopped as by shutoff valves in the fluid communication conduit. The proportioner apparatus can also include a pump operably associated with the discharge conduit to enhance admixture flow to a pressurizable tank that holds the admixture for further downstream processing. The pressure downstream of the pump is usually higher than the pressure upstream of the pump.

Abstract: Deoxygenating apparatus and method for use with a system for producing deoxygenated beverages comprises a deoxygenating column with stacked units each comprising a distributor plate and a subjacent shallow tray, both of which are perforated for downward dripping of water. Carbon dioxide gas flows upwardly, counter to the water, in a serpentine path over the plates and trays and through the dripping water for replacing the air in the water by the carbon dioxide gas. The water flow rate and extent of perforation of the plates and trays is such that films of water cover the respective plates and trays to permit some of the carbon dioxide gas to bubble through the plates and trays and thereby enhance the absorbtion of the gas into the water.

Abstract: A method of simultaneously completely deoxygenating and partially carbonating a supply of water is disclosed. The method includes the steps of receiving and metering a flow of water, injecting at a positive pressure a first flow of carbon dioxide gas into the metered, flowing water, introducing the flow of metered, carbonated water into a vessel, maintaining the pressure within the vessel at less than one atmosphere, and drawing off the deoxygenated, carbonated flow of water. Equipment for performing this process is also disclosed. The equipment includes a metering device, deoxygenating column vessels, and devices for injecting the carbon dioxide gas into the water as the water flows from the metering device to the deoxygenating vessels.