Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the condition of a pressure relief safety valve, which has a magnetic ball shiftable from a home position by fluid under pressure when the relief valve opens, and an adjacent sensor responsive to shifting of the ball to provide a signal representing an open valve.

Abstract: A constant level of liquid carbonation is achieved irrespective of the rate at which liquid is supplied to a carbonating vessel by, respectively, establishing a thin film of liquid over refrigerated heat transfer surfaces, which may take the form of plates, and controlling, in response to the flow-rate of the liquid, the area of the heat transfer surface covered by the liquid film.

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 gas exchange deoxygenating unit is disclosed. The unit comprises a hollow mixing chamber having an upstream water inlet. A gas inlet located downstream of the water inlet delivers carbon dioxide gas to the mixing chamber. Stainless steel wool material within the chamber encourages turbulent water and gas flow and intimate water and gas intermixing. The mixed water and gas flows from the mixing chamber to a deoxygenating chamber containing a number of foraminous members mounted at spaced apart locations. Excess carbon dioxide gas and replaced oxygen is drawn from the deoxygenating chamber at a slight negative pressure. Below the deoxygenating chamber is a water collecting tank, which mounts controls for adjusting the level of water in the tank and flow rate of water through the apparatus.