Abstract: A method of beverage processing is disclosed wherein unwanted gases are stripped from ingredient water to form treated ingredient water. Formulating syrup to be utilized in mixing a beverage product is combined with the treated ingredient water as a water portion of the syrup, and the formulated syrup is mixed with one or more other constituents of the beverage product including water, using only the treated ingredient water.

Abstract: A proportioner apparatus for mixing together at least two fluids in controlled, preselected proportions, comprises first and second fluid inlet reservoirs, first and second fluid inlets coupled respectively for delivering fluids to the first and second reservoirs, first and second outlets coupled respectively with the reservoirs for receiving a flow of fluid therefrom, each said inlet having a control valve for controlling the flow of fluid therethrough in response to predetermined control signals, and each said reservoir having level sensor therein for producing the control signals in accordance with the level of fluid therein.

Abstract: A scrubbing apparatus comprises a gas-exchange column with a flow control system for removing extraneous gaseous matter from water. The flow control system includes an upper reservoir mounted above the column for receiving a supply of water to be passed through the column, a controllable valve responsive to predetermined control signals for regulating the flow of water to the upper reservoir, a level sensor in the upper reservoir responsive to the level of water therein for producing the predetermined control signals for the controllable valve in a predetermined systematic fashion in accordance with the water level, and a further adjustable orifice arrangement for delivering water from the upper reservoir to the column. The gas exchange column preferably comprises a plurality of foraminous sheets mounted in vertical array, each sheet including at least one enlarged through aperture; and the apertures of adjacent sheets in the vertical array being respectively offset.

Abstract: A scrubbing/degassing apparatus comprises a degassing column for removing extraneous gaseous matter from water; and a flow control arrangement for controlling a flow of water to the degassing column.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fluid flow metering device for use, for example, in a system for preparing a carbonated beverage wherein deaerated water and a beverage concentrate are mixed together in closely controlled proportions. The system can also include a vessel for storing a quantity of water and a deaerator for removing air from the water. The fluid flow metering device controls the rate of water flow from the vessel to the deaerator and is responsive to the water flow rate demand of the deaerator. The metering device includes a valve block having a fluid conducting channel for conducting water from the vessel to the deaerator, and a bore intersecting the channel. A valve element is disposed within the bore and is movable into and out of the channel for modulating the water flow rate through the channel.

Abstract: A pasteurizing system for soft drinks comprises a single-pass plate-type heat exchanger which is situated flowpathwise between a supply of prepared beverage liquid and apparatus for cooling and carbonating that liquid. A suitable heat exchange medium is supplied in closed fluid circuit with the plate-type heat exchanger; and advantageously, heat recovery means are situated downstream from the heat exchanger. A holding tube is coupled in fluid circuit downstream from the heat exchanger for retaining the beverage liquid at pasteurization temperature to insure effectiveness.

Abstract: A system for deaerating water is offered for use in brewing beer and the like. The novel system comprises a water-receiving preliminary deaerator, a water flow metering device, and a gas-exchange deaerating column connected to the water flow meter. The deaerating column includes a fluid exhaust pump unit bottom, and mounted atop the pump unit, one or more deoxygenating unit modules. Each deoxygenating unit module includes an outer unit wall, a foraminous retainer baffle sheet bottom, and a stack member extending upwardly from the baffle sheet. Together, the wall, sheet and stack form a foraminous-bottomed retainer for retaining a continuous layer of water. Below the retainer is a basin having another foraminous bottom for temporarily retaining liquid falling from the retainer baffle sheet above.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for producing beer and like extensively deaerated beverages. The system includes a deoxygenating column, a remote source of heavy beer, and a proportioner unit connected to receive deoxygenated water and heavy beer. After the water and heavy beer are mixed in the proportioner, the formed bright beer is exhausted. Water entering the system is routed to a deaeration column, which includes a fluid exhaust pump unit bottom, and at least one deoxygenating unit module mounted atop the pump unit.

Abstract: A method of preparing a carbonated beverage by driving dissolved air from the water to be carbonated. Carbonating gas under relatively high pressure is conducted from a beverage carbonating mechanism to a water conduit for mixing with the water. In accordance with the qualitative principles of Dalton's Law, the introduced carbonating gas drives out air dissolved in the water.

Abstract: A reflux deaeration system is disclosed which removes air from water used in producing carbonated beverages. Carbonating gas under relatively high pressure is conducted from a beverage carbonating mechanism to a water conduit for mixing with the water. In accordance with the qualitative principles of Dalton's Law, the introduced carbonating gas drives out air dissolved in the water.