Fluid line apparatus

Abstract

Fluid line apparatus comprising a container, a line, a line end valve, pressurization means and control means, in which the line connects the container to the line end valve, in which a first function of the pressurization means is to pressurize the container such that fluid in the container is forced in the direction of the line end valve, in which a second function of the pressurization means is to pressurize the line such that fluid in the line is forced in the direction of the container, in which in use the control means controls the application of the pressurization means to the container and the line such that when fluid is to be dispensed from the apparatus it is forced towards the line end valve, and when the line is to be cleared of fluid, said fluid is forced towards the container, and in which fluid returning to the container is subjected to a filtering means.

Description

This invention relates to fluid line apparatus with a novel line draining mechanism, for use particularly, but not exclusively with pressurized commercial beer lines.

Beer lines in public houses are commonly cleaned once a week or so, or whenever a beer keg is changed. They must be kept clean to prevent the build up of scale and micro organisms. Current practice involves removing the line from the keg, draining the contents of the line and disposing of it, then cleaning the empty line with cleaning fluids. However, this results in the loss of large quantities of product. Each separate line can contain six pints of beer, which is lost every time the line is cleaned. In addition, the task of emptying the line can be messy and time consuming because all the fluid needs to be captured and disposed of.

Another problem associated with current systems is over-frothing of the beer when the keg is re-pressurized after a line clean. The keg is re-pressurized at once, with the result that the beer froths in the keg and the line, and the first few pints drawn are spoiled.

One further problem with current systems is that product contained in lines overnight, or whenever the line is not used for an extended period, can spoil and go flat. When this happens the first few pints drawn are unfit for consumption.

The present invention is intended to provide a solution to some of the above problems. Therefore, according to a first aspect of the present invention fluid line apparatus comprises a container, a line, a line end valve, pressurization means and control means, in which the line connects the container to the line end valve, in which a first function of the pressurization means is to pressurize the container such that fluid in the container is forced in the direction of the line end valve, in which a second function of the pressurization means is to pressurize the line such that fluid in the line is forced in the direction of the container, in which in use the control means controls the application of the pressurization means to the container and the line such that when fluid is to be dispensed from the apparatus it is forced towards the line end valve, and when the line is to be cleared of fluid, said fluid is forced towards the container, and in which fluid returning to the container is subjected to a filtering means.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the term “filtering means” is intended to define any means which can perform a filtering function. According to the invention this filtering function can be for any purpose, however it will be appreciated that the present invention is preferably used with a beer line, and as such the filtering function can be sufficient to fully or partially remove or destroy microbial bacteria in beer returning to a container. This is so the returned beer is fully or partially sterilised, and fit for consumption. As described below, the filtering means is preferably a physical filter which actually removes the bacteria, however the invention also covers other means which can either remove or kill the bacteria. Such means could be any mechanical device which can apply one or more of the following things to the beer: a laser or lasers, ultra violet or infra red radiation, heating or cooling, a high impact force, magnetohydrodynamic sterilisation or irradiation.

Thus, the present invention provides for product to be returned to the keg and saved during a line clean, in order to be re-used later. This prevents the costly and time consuming disposal of product associated with known systems. In addition, the product returned to the keg does not contaminate the product therein because it is subjected to the filtering means.

It will be appreciated that the apparatus can also be used to return product to the keg overnight to prevent it spoiling in the line. Alternatively, the apparatus can be used to pressurize product in the line in order to maintain it, by applying the second function of the pressurization means but preventing fluid entering the container.

It will be appreciated that the pressurization means could be a single source of pressure, with means to apply it at different locations. However, in a preferred embodiment the pressurization means can comprise a first pressurization means adapted to pressurize the container such that fluid in the container is forced in the direction of the line end valve, and a second pressurization means adapted to pressurize the line such that fluid in the line is forced in the direction of the container. The pressurization means employed in the invention can be any means which can apply a pressure, including a source of positive pressure, for example a compressed gas, or, as appropriate, a source of negative pressure, for example a vacuum pump. However, preferably the second pressurization means can comprise a positive pressurization means disposed at the line end valve end of the line.

Line valve means can be disposed on the line adjacent the container, and can be adapted to direct fluid along the line towards the line end valve when the first pressurization means is applied, and to direct fluid to the filtering means then into the container when the second pressurization means is applied and the line is to be drained. Thus, only fluid returning to the container is subjected to the filtering means.

In order to facilitate the above arrangement a return fluid branch line can be provided, which extends from a junction point on the line adjacent the container to the container, and the filtering means can be disposed on the return fluid branch line. The line valve means can comprise a two way valve disposed at the junction point which is adapted to open the line and shut the return fluid branch line when fluid is to be dispensed from the apparatus, and to close the line and open the return fluid branch line when fluid is to be returned to the container. Said junction point hereinafter also referred to as the “first junction point”, especially when referenced in relation to a second junction point.

In a preferred arrangement the return fluid branch line can comprise a loop line which extends from said first junction point to a second junction point on the line between said junction point and the container. Further, the line valve means can also comprise a second two way valve disposed at the second junction point which is adapted to open the line and shut the return fluid branch line when fluid is to be dispensed from the apparatus, and to close the line and open the return fluid branch line when fluid is to be returned to the container.

In addition, the line valve means can also comprise a one way valve disposed on the line between said first junction point and the second junction point, which one way valve can be adapted to only allow fluid to pass along the line in the direction of the line end valve. Thus, even if the two way valve at the first junction point fails in use, no liquid can enter the container which has not been subjected to the filtering means.

It will be appreciated that in order to move fluid up or down the line, the control means must control the two pressurization means such that a pressure differential is created across the line. Thus, when fluid is to be forced towards the line end valve the first pressurization means can apply a greater pressure to the container than the second pressurization means applies to the line. In a preferred embodiment when fluid is to be forced towards the line end valve the first pressurization means can be applied to the container and the second pressurization means can not be applied to the line. Likewise, when fluid in the line is to be forced towards the container the second pressurization means can apply a greater pressure to the line than the first pressurization means applies to the container. Again, in a preferred embodiment when fluid in the line is to be forced towards the container the second pressurization means can be applied to the line and the first pressurization means can not be applied to the container. This can be done by removing the first pressurization means from the container and alleviating the pressure therein to zero, so the application of the second pressurization means will create the differential across the line. Alternatively, this can be done by removing the first pressurization means from the first container but not alleviating the pressure therein. If this is done, the second pressurization means must provide a higher pressure than is present in the line and the container to force the fluid towards the container.

The fluid can be an effervescent liquid, and the first pressurization means can be a source of pressurized gas, which can be connected to the container by a gas line.

Whether the pressure in the container is reduced or not when the fluid is forced towards the container, in either instance there must be a means to remove the first pressurization means and to alleviate the pressure in the container. In the second instance this is because an effervescent liquid under high pressure would froth up if the second pressurisation means were simply removed when fluid is to be forced towards the line end valve again. To prevent this, the pressure in the container may be reduced to a level which will not agitate the fluid when it is forced up the line, and then it can be brought back to full pressure when the line is full again. Therefore, a stop valve can be provided on the gas line, and a gas exhaust valve can be provided on the gas line between the stop valve and the container. When the first pressurization means is to be removed from the container in use the stop valve can close the gas line. When the pressure in the container is to be reduced, the gas exhaust valve can open the portion of the gas line between it and the container to atmosphere. If the gas exhaust valve is opened directly to the atmosphere there is a danger that the effervescent liquid in the container would froth up. Therefore the gas exhaust valve can be connected to one or more restrictor valves and a silencer, such that the pressure in the container can only be reduced at a predetermined rate, which pre-determined rate is below that which would agitate the effervescent liquid.

A pressure sensor means can be provided which is connected to the control means. If the pressure in the container is to be fully removed, when the pressure sensor means indicates that the pressure in the container is substantially 0 PSI after the gas exhaust vale has been opened, as described above, the control means can apply the second pressurization means to the line. Alternatively, if the pressure in the container is not to be removed, and it is to be reduced only so much as to prevent possible frothing upon re-pressurisation of the line, then the pressure sensor can indicate to the control means when such a reduced pressure is reached. The second pressurization means can be a source of pressurized gas which is connected to the line adjacent the line end valve. Again, in order for this arrangement of the invention to work, there must be means to remove this source of pressurized gas from the line, and to thereafter alleviate the pressure therein. Therefore, a line end stop valve can be provided between the second pressurization means and the line end valve. When the second pressurization means is to be removed from the line in use the line end stop valve can isolate the second pressurization means, and the line end valve can be opened to reduce the pressure in the line.

It will be appreciated that in a typical setting where the container is in a basement and the tap is on an upper level, the pressure required to force the fluid down the line and into a fully or partially depressurized container, will be less than is required to pressurize the whole container and force fluid up the line. Thus, when the line end valve is opened in the manner described above the pressurized fluid in the line does not froth up as the drop in pressure is not sufficient to make it do so. Nonetheless, it is also possible in use to open the line end valve slowly to release the pressure gradually if desired. Of course, when the apparatus is arranged in other configurations, for example in instances where the container remains pressurized when the fluid is forced towards it, or where the container is on the same level as or on a higher level than the tap, the pressure required to force the fluid along the line towards the container may be greater than that required to pressurize the container and force fluid along the line. When the second pressurization means is to be removed from the line in such arrangements, the pressure in the whole apparatus can be reduced via the gas exhaust valve first to prevent any fluid in the container or the line from frothing. When fluid is to be dispensed from the apparatus again, whether the container has been fully or partially depressurized or not, the control means can re-pressurize the container with the first pressurization means at a pre-determined rate, which is below that which would agitate the effervescent liquid. In order to achieve this, a flow restrictor valve can be provided between the first pressurization means and the container, which is adapted to facilitate re-pressurization of the container at said pre-determined rate.

The fluid line apparatus can be provided with one or more failsafe systems adapted to ensure that only the fluid which was in the line can be returned to the container when the second pressurization means is applied. Therefore, fluid sensor means can be provided which provide data to the control means relating to the fluid in the line. The control means can be adapted to use said data to control the apparatus, and ensure that only the fluid which was in the line is returned to the container. This arrangement prevents unscrupulous attempts to introduce a diluting fluid into the line via the line end valve when the fluid is being forced back into the container.

The fluid sensor means can be adapted to provide data to the control means on the quantity of fluid forced into the container in use, and the control means can use that data to ensure that only the correct volume of liquid can enter the container. The fluid sensor means can also provide data to the control means on the quantity of fluid forced from the container in use. Such data can provide a detailed record of the quantity of product sold.

In a preferred construction the fluid sensor means can comprise a fluid flow sensor, a fluid presence optronic sensor and a fluid conductivity sensor. The fluid presence optronic sensor can be adapted to signal to the control means when it senses a liquid or a gas in the line. The fluid flow sensor can be adapted to measure the quantity of fluid returning to the container in use, and the fluid conductivity sensor can be adapted to identify the electric resistance of that fluid. With this arrangement the fluid sensor means can detect not only the presence of any fluid, but also the quantities flowing back and forth, and the particular nature of the fluid from its electrical conductivity.

The fluid conductivity sensor can be disposed on the line end valve side of said first junction point, the fluid flow sensor can be disposed between the fluid conductivity sensor and said first junction point, and the fluid presence optronic sensor can be disposed between the container and the second junction point. The fluid presence optronic sensor indicates when the last fluid has been returned to the container, so a line draining procedure can be stopped at the right time.

Preferably the control means can be provided with a database of information, which comprises the quantity of fluid which can be contained in the line, and the electric resistance of the fluid in the line. This information can be programmed into the control means, or the control means can perform a test line drain in which information from the fluid sensor means is recorded for future reference. Data gathered during all further operations can be compared with the data from the test run, in order to identify if the incoming data is outside the parameters of the test run, whether this be an increase in the quantity of fluid passing down the line, or the type of fluid passing down the line. The control means can be adapted to stop the apparatus from forcing fluid into the container if the quantity of fluid measured by the fluid flow sensor in use and/or the electric resistance of the fluid measured by the fluid conductivity sensor in use is substantially different from said information in the database.

In a preferred embodiment the fluid line apparatus can be a beer line supply apparatus and the filtering means can be a 0.2 micron filter disposed in the path of returning fluid. The control means can be an electronic control circuit created for the above described purposes in any of the known ways

As described above, beer lines need to be cleared of product and then cleaned, and one of the functions of the invention is to facilitate the draining of the line. Once drained, the line needs to be cleaned, and in known arrangements the line is removed from the rest of the apparatus to allow this to be done. Therefore, in one embodiment the line can be removable from the container, such that when line is cleared of fluid in use it can be removed for cleaning.

However, in another embodiment the fluid line apparatus can be provided with its own line cleaning system that does not require the line to be removed. Thus, a cleaning fluid line can be connected to the line adjacent the line end valve and a drain can be connected to the line between the filtering means and the container. When the line is cleared of fluid in use a cleaning fluid can be introduced to the line from the cleaning fluid line, it can be forced along the line by the pressurization means, and then directed to the drain, thereby to clean the line. In addition the pressurization means can be applied to the line after said cleaning fluid has been removed via the drain, thereby to dry and/or sterilize the line. Reference to the pressurization means in this paragraph refers to any pressurization means and not just the particular arrangements described above.

Another potential function of the fluid line apparatus of the present invention is to pressurize product in the line during a period of inactivity to prevent it from spoiling. Therefore in one embodiment the apparatus can comprise a stand-by mode in which the line valve means prevents fluid returning to the container when the second pressurization means is applied, such that fluid in the line is pressurized by the second pressurization means.

In an alternative pressurization means arrangement to that described above, the second pressurization means can comprise a vacuum pump means disposed at the container end of the line. When the line is to be drained with this arrangement the control means can first remove the first pressurization means from the container such that the container is de-pressurized, then apply a negative pressure to the container by means of the vacuum pump means, such that a force is created to draw the fluid in the line back into the container. In order to facilitate this process, first the fluid the line end valve can be closed and then the vacuum pump means can be operated until a pre-determined vacuum pressure is reached in the line, and once this pressure is reached the line end valve can be opened and the fluid in the line drawn into the container. With this alternative arrangement several of the features described above can also be employed. In particular, fluid sensor means can be provided and data provided by it can be used by the control means to ensure only fluid in the line is drawn into the container. The fluid sensor means can comprise a fluid flow sensor, a fluid presence optronic senor and a fluid conductivity sensor like those described above, and the control means can be provided with the same kind of database of information against which to compare signals received from the fluid sensor means in use, and it can shut down the system if the readings suggest any fault or wrong-doing. In addition, the first pressurization means can again be a source of pressurized gas, which can be connected to the container by a gas line. A gas exhaust valve with restrictor valves and a silencer can be provided on the gas line to allow the container to be de-pressurized in a controlled manner. In addition, a flow restrictor valve can be provided on the gas line so the container can be re-pressurized in a controlled manner. However, in other respects the use of a vacuum pump means as the second pressurization means requires alternative arrangements.

A line valve can be disposed on the line adjacent the container, which can be adapted to direct fluid along the line towards the line end valve when the line is pressurized, and to direct returning fluid to the fluid sensor means when a negative pressure is applied to the line. The line valve can be spring loaded, such that when it is pressurized in use it can be forced against the spring loading and assume a first position in which fluid can be directed along the line towards the line end valve, and when it is depressurized in use the line valve can be forced by the spring loading to assume a second position in which fluid being drawn down the line can be directed to the fluid sensor means.

In a preferred arrangement the fluid can be a liquid, and a float chamber with a ball valve can be disposed between the line and the container, such that when the last fluid in the line is drawn into the container the ball valve closes and prevents air entering the container. A filtering means can be provided between the line valve and the fluid sensor means, such that the filtering means is disposed in the path of fluid drawn back into the container in use. Again, the filtering means can be a 0.2 micron filter disposed in the path of returning fluid. A pressure sensor means can be provided which is connected to the control means. When the pressure sensor means indicates that the pressure in the container is substantially 0 PSI after the gas exhaust vale has been opened, as described above, the control means can operate the vacuum pump means. The control means can be adapted to operate the vacuum pump means such that a vacuum of substantially 30 per cent (300 mmbarg) is reached in the container in approximately 1 minute. The vacuum pump means, which can be an electrically operated vacuum pump, can be isolated from the container when the container is pressurized. The control means can be an electronic control circuit, created for the above described purposes in any of the known ways.

The line can be removable from the container, such that when the fluid in the line has been drawn back into the container in use, the line can be removed for cleaning. In a preferred construction the line valve, the float chamber, the filtering means and the fluid sensor means can all be removed from the container with the line for cleaning in use. The line can be connected to the container with a known spring-loaded closure means which closes the container when the line is removed. As above, in a preferred embodiment the fluid line apparatus can be a beer line.

As will be appreciated from the above descriptions, the various fluid line apparatuses of the invention can be operated in particular ways. Therefore the invention also includes methods of using a fluid line apparatus. Therefore, according to a second aspect of the present invention a method of using fluid line apparatus comprising a container, a line, a line end valve, pressurization means and control means, in which the line connects the container to the line end valve, in which a first function of the pressurization means is to pressurize the container such that fluid in the container is forced in the direction of the line end valve, in which a second function of the pressurization means is to pressurize the line such that fluid in the line is forced in the direction of the container, in which in use the control means controls the application of the pressurization means to the container and the line such that when fluid is to be dispensed from the apparatus it is forced towards the line end valve, and when the line is to be cleared of fluid, said fluid is forced towards the container, and in which fluid returning to the container is subjected to a filtering means; includes the following steps:

• • 1) Operating the control means such that the pressurization means performs its first function and forces fluid in the direction of the line end valve, such that fluid can be dispensed from the apparatus,
  • 2) Operating the control means such that the pressurization means performs its second function and forces fluid in the direction of the container, such that fluid is forced back into the container,
  • 3) Cleaning the line,
  • 4) Operating the control means such that the pressurization means performs its first function and forces fluid in the direction of the line end valve, such that fluid can be dispensed from the apparatus.

In one embodiment of the above method the pressurization means can comprise a first positive pressurization means adapted to pressurize the container such that fluid in the container can be forced in the direction of the line end valve, and a second positive pressurization means disposed at the line end valve end of the line and adapted to pressurize the line such that fluid in the line can be forced in the direction of the container. In an alternative embodiment of the above method the pressurization means can comprise a positive pressurization means adapted to pressurize the container such that fluid in the container is forced in the direction of the line end valve, and vacuum pump means adapted to create a negative pressure in the container such that fluid in the line is forced in the direction of the container. Thus, step (2) of the method can involve operating the control means such that the vacuum pump means is operated such that a negative pressure is applied to the container, then opening the line end valve such that fluid in the line is drawn into the container by said pressure.

In addition to the above methods of using the apparatus of the invention to drain the line in order to clean it, the apparatus can also be used to drain the line in order to prevent product spoiling in the line during a period of non use. Therefore, according to a third aspect of the present invention a method of using fluid line apparatus comprising a container, a line, a line end valve, pressurization means and control means, in which the line connects the container to the line end valve, in which a first function of the pressurization means is to pressurize the container such that fluid in the container is forced in the direction of the line end valve, in which a second function of the pressurization means is to pressurize the line such that fluid in the line is forced in the direction of the container, in which in use the control means controls the application of the pressurization means to the container and the line such that when fluid is to be dispensed from the apparatus it is forced towards the line end valve, and when the line is to be cleared of fluid, said fluid is forced towards the container, and in which fluid returning to the container is subjected to a filtering means; includes the following steps:

• • 1) Operating the control means such that the pressurization means performs its first function and forces fluid in the direction of the line end valve, such that fluid can be dispensed from the apparatus,
  • 2) Operating the control means such that the pressurization means performs its second function and forces fluid in the direction of the container, such that fluid is forced back into the container,
  • 3) Leaving the apparatus for a period of inactivity,
  • 4) Operating the control means such that the pressurization means performs its first function and forces fluid in the direction of the line end valve, such that fluid can be dispensed from the apparatus.

In addition to the above method of preventing product spoiling over a period of inactivity, the apparatus of the invention can also be used in a different way to achieve the same end. Therefore, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention a method of using fluid line apparatus comprising a container, a line, line valve means disposed on the line adjacent the container, a line end valve, pressurization means and control means, in which the line connects the container to the line end valve, in which a first function of the pressurization means is to pressurize the container such that fluid in the container is forced in the direction of the line end valve, in which a second function of the pressurization means is to pressurize the line such that fluid in the line is forced in the direction of the container, in which in use the control means controls the application of the pressurization means to the container and the line such that when fluid is to be dispensed from the apparatus it is forced towards the line end valve, and when the line is to be cleared of fluid, said fluid is forced towards the container, and in which fluid returning to the container is subjected to a filtering means; includes the following steps:

• • 1) Operating the control means such that the pressurization means performs its first function and forces fluid in the direction of the line end valve, such that fluid can be dispensed from the apparatus,
  • 2) Operating the control means such that the pressurization means performs its second function and forces fluid in the direction of the container, and at the same time the line valve means prevents any fluid entering the container, such that fluid in the line is placed under pressure,
  • 3) Leaving the apparatus for a period of inactivity,
  • 4) Operating the control means such that the pressurization means performs its first function and forces fluid in the direction of the line end valve, such that fluid can be dispensed from the apparatus.

In a preferred embodiment of the above described fluid line apparatus a number of the components are housed in a self contained filtering unit module which is disposed in use between the container and the line. Therefore, according to a fifth aspect of the present invention a filtering unit module for use with fluid line apparatus comprising a container, a line, a line end valve, pressurization means and control means, in which the line connects the container to the line end valve, in which a first function of the pressurization means is to pressurize the container such that fluid in the container is forced in the direction of the line end valve, in which a second function of the pressurization means is to pressurize the line such that fluid in the line is forced along the line in the direction of the container, in which in use the control means controls the application of the pressurization means to the container and the line such that when fluid is to be dispensed from the apparatus it is forced towards the line end valve, and when the line is to be cleared of fluid, said fluid is forced towards the container, and in which fluid returning to the container is subjected to a filtering means, in which the filtering unit module comprises a self contained unit adapted to be fitted between a container and a line of fluid line apparatus with which it is used, in which the filtering unit module comprises line valve means and the filtering means of said apparatus, in which the line valve means are adapted to direct fluid to said line in the direction of a line end valve of said apparatus when the pressurization means of said apparatus performs its first function, and in which the line valve means are further adapted to direct fluid to the filtering means then into the container of said apparatus when the pressurization means of said apparatus performs its second function and the line is to be cleared of fluid.

Preferably the filtering unit module can comprise a main line which can form part of the line of said apparatus, and a return fluid branch line which can extend from a junction point on said main line to the container of said apparatus. The filtering means can be disposed on the return fluid branch line, and the line valve means can comprise a two way valve disposed at the first junction point which can be adapted to open the main line and shut the return fluid branch line when fluid is to be dispensed from said apparatus, and to close the line and open the return fluid branch line when fluid is to be returned to the container of said apparatus.

The return fluid branch line can comprise a loop line which can extend from said first junction point to a second junction point on the main line between said junction point and the container of the apparatus. The line valve means can comprise a second two way valve disposed at the second junction point which can be adapted to open the main line and shut the return fluid branch line when fluid is to be dispensed from said apparatus, and to close the main line and open the return fluid branch line when fluid is to be returned to the container of said apparatus.

The line valve means can further comprise a one way valve disposed on the main line between said junction point and the second junction point. This one way valve can be adapted to only allow fluid to pass along the main line in the direction of the line end valve of said apparatus.

The pressurization means of the fluid line apparatus with which the filtering unit module is used can comprises a source of pressurized gas, which can be connected to the container by a gas line. Therefore, in a preferred arrangement the filtering unit module can be adapted to be fitted between said source of pressurized gas and said container and can comprise a main gas line, which can form part of the gas line of said apparatus. A two-way gas stop valve can be disposed on said main gas line which can be adapted to open the main gas line when fluid is to be dispensed from said apparatus. The gas stop valve can be further adapted to close the main gas line when fluid is to be returned to the container of said apparatus.

The filtering unit module can further comprise fluid sensor means and interface means. The interface means can be adapted to connect to the control means of said apparatus, such that data can be sent to said control means. The fluid sensor means can be adapted to provide such data to said control means on the quantity of fluid forced into the container of said apparatus in use. The fluid sensor means can also provide data to the control means of said apparatus on the quantity of fluid forced from the container of said apparatus in use.

The fluid sensor means can comprise a fluid flow sensor and a fluid presence optronic senor. The fluid presence optronic sensor can be adapted to signal to the control means of said apparatus when it senses a fluid in the main line, and the fluid flow sensor can be adapted to measure the quantity of fluid returning through the main line to the container of said apparatus in use and to communicate such measurements to said control means. The fluid flow sensor can be disposed on the main line, on the line side of said junction point, and the fluid presence optronic sensor can be disposed between the second junction point and the container of said apparatus.

In one arrangement the fluid sensor means can further comprise a fluid conductivity sensor which can be adapted to identify the electric resistance of fluid passing though the main line, and to communicate such measurements to the control means of said apparatus. The fluid conductivity sensor can be disposed on the main line between the fluid flow sensor and the line of said apparatus.

It will be appreciated that the above described fluid line apparatus arrangements refer to an entire fluid line including the container, the line and the line end valve. In reality simple fluid line apparatus arrangements comprising these three basic elements already exist, and therefore the invention also includes fluid line draining apparatus for use with such existing lines.

Therefore, according to a sixth aspect of the present invention fluid line draining apparatus for use with fluid line apparatus comprising a container, a line, a line end valve and pressurization means, in which the line connects the container to the line end valve and the pressurization means pressurizes the container such that fluid in the container is forced along the line towards the line end valve, in which the fluid line draining apparatus comprises second pressurization means, control means, filtering means and connection means, in which in use the pressurization means, control means and filtering means are connected to fluid line apparatus with which the fluid line draining apparatus is used by means of the connection means, and in which in use the control means controls the application of the pressurization means of said fluid line apparatus to the container of said fluid line apparatus and the application of the second pressurization means to the line of said fluid line apparatus such that when fluid is to be dispensed from said fluid line apparatus it is forced towards the line end valve of said fluid line apparatus, and when the line of said fluid line apparatus is to be cleared of fluid, said fluid is forced towards the container of said fluid line apparatus, and in which fluid returning to the container of said fluid line apparatus is subjected to said filtering means.

In addition, it will be appreciated that the above described fluid line apparatus arrangements refer to a single fluid line. However it is well known to have beer line systems comprising several beer kegs with their own lines and taps. Therefore, according to a seventh aspect of the present invention, multiple fluid line apparatus comprises pressurization means, control means and two or more containers, each provided with a line and a line end valve, in which the lines connect the containers to their line end valves, in which a first function of the pressurization means is to pressurize the containers such that fluid in the containers is forced in the direction of their line end valves, in which a second function of the pressurization means is to pressurize the lines such that fluid in the lines is forced in the direction of the corresponding containers, in which in use the control means controls the application of the pressurization means to the containers and the lines such that when fluid is to be dispensed from one or other of the line end valves, it is forced along the corresponding line, and when one or other of the lines is to be cleared of fluid, said fluid is forced towards the corresponding container, and in which fluid returning to any container is subjected to a filtering means.

The invention can be performed in various ways, but four embodiments will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of fluid line apparatus according to the present invention,

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of a multiple fluid line apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a second fluid line apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, and;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of a multiple fluid line apparatus according to said another embodiment of the present invention.

Having the benefit of the teaching of this specification, it will be appreciated that there are two basic variants of the present invention, a first in which the second pressurization means is a form of positive pressure applied to the line end valve end of the line, and a second in which the second pressurization means is a vacuum pump means applied to the container. It is an embodiment of this second variation which is described first below.

As shown in FIG. 1 fluid line apparatus 1 comprises a container in the form of beer keg 2, a line 3, a line end valve in the form of tap 4, pressurization means in the form of gas cylinder 5 and electric vacuum pump 6, and control means in the form of electronic control circuit 7, which is contained in a control box 8. The line 3 connects the beer keg 2 to the tap 4.

As described below a first function of the pressurization means, specifically the gas cylinder 5, is to pressurize the keg 2 such that fluid in the keg 2 is forced in the direction of the tap 4. A second function of the pressurization means, specifically the vacuum pump 6, is to pressurize the line 3 such that fluid in the line 3 is forced in the direction of the keg 2. In use the control circuit 7 controls the application of the two pressurization means 5, 6 to the keg 2 and the line 3 such that when fluid is to be dispensed from the apparatus 1 it is forced towards the tap 4, and when the line 3 is to be cleared of fluid, said fluid is forced towards the keg 2, and in which fluid returning to the container is subjected to a filtering means 27.

In use as described below, the control circuit 7 removes the gas cylinder 5 from the keg 2 and vents the keg 2 such that the keg 2 is de-pressurized, then applies a negative pressure to the keg 2 by means of the vacuum pump 6 such that a force is created to draw the beer in the line 3 back into the keg 2.

In the following description, reference is made to “normal use”, and a “line cleaning procedure”. Normal use refers to use of the apparatus to dispense beer from the tap 4, where the apparatus functions in the manner of a known beer line. The keg 2 is pressurized and the line 3 is filled with beer, which is dispensed by operation of the tap 4. The line cleaning procedure is outside of normal use and comprises the various steps involved in draining, cleaning and re-connection the line as described in greater detail below.

As seen in FIG. 1, the fluid line apparatus 1 also comprises gas line 9 which connects the cylinder 5 to the keg 2. Mounted on the gas line 9 is a valve box 10, which carries a series of solenoid valves adapted to control the pressurization, de-pressurization and vacuum generation in the keg 2. The valve box 10 contains the following valves: a three way flow restrictor control valve 11, a restrictor valve 12, a two way stop valve 13, a three way gas exhaust valve 14, and a two way vacuum pump isolation valve 15. The flow restrictor control valve 11, the stop valve 13 and the gas exhaust valve 14 are mounted on the gas line 9, which then diverts out of the valve box 10 and to the keg 2. The vacuum pump isolation valve 15 is mounted on a vacuum pump line 16 which extends from the gas line 9 inside the valve box 10, then extends out to the vacuum pump 6.

The flow restrictor control valve 11 is a three way valve which opens the gas line 9 and shuts passage to the restrictor valve 12 in a first position adopted in normal use. It shuts the gas line 9 and diverts the pressurized gas to the restrictor valve 12, from where it is returned to the flow restrictor control valve 11 and back along the gas line 9, in a second position adopted during a part of the line cleaning procedure. The restrictor valve 12 restricts flow of the pressurized gas from the gas cylinder 5 when the apparatus is re-pressurized, thereby preventing the keg 2 from re-pressurizing too fast which would agitate the beer therein.

The two way stop valve 13 opens the gas line 9 in a first position adopted in normal use, and shuts the gas line 9 in a second position adopted during a part of the line cleaning procedure.

The gas exhaust valve 14 is connected to a gas exhaust restrictor valve 17 and a silencer 18, which leads to a vent 19 to atmosphere. The gas exhaust restrictor valve 17 and the silencer 18 prevent the keg 2 de-pressurizing too fast, which would lead to frothing of the beer. The gas exhaust valve 14 is a three way valve which opens the gas line 9 and shuts passage to the vent 19 in a first position adopted in normal use, and which shuts the gas line 9 and opens passage from the keg 2 to the vent 19 in a second position adopted during the line cleaning procedure. Therefore, switching of the gas exhaust valve 14 simultaneously isolates the keg 2 from the gas cylinder 5, and depressurizes the keg 2.

The vacuum pump isolation valve 15 shuts the vacuum pump line 16 in a first position adopted in normal use, and opens the vacuum pump line 16 in a second position adopted during part of the line cleaning procedure.

All the valves 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15 inside the valve box 10 are connected to the control circuit 7 by means of internal circuitry inside the valve box 10 (not shown), and are operated by commands sent from the control circuit 7 to the valve box by means of electronic circuitry 35. The vacuum pump 6 is also connected to, and controlled by, the control circuit 7 by means of electronic circuitry 36. Pressure sensor 20 is mounted in a section 9a of the gas line 9 between the valve box 10 and the keg 2, and is also connected to the control circuit 7 by means of electronic circuitry 37.

The section 9a of the gas line 9 has three functions. In normal use it forms part of the gas line 9 which extends from the gas cylinder 5 to the keg 2. However, during a first part of the line cleaning procedure the gas exhaust vale 14 adopts its second position, closing the gas line 9 and opening the keg 2 and the section 9a to the atmosphere. As a result the section 9a forms a part of a gas exhaust line. In addition, during a second part of the line cleaning procedure the gas exhaust valve 14 adopts its first position and closes the vent 19, the stop valve 13 adopts its second position and shuts the gas line 9 and the vacuum pump isolation valve 15 adopts its second position and opens the vacuum pump line 16. As a result the section 9a forms a part of a line connecting the vacuum pump 6 to the keg 2.

The fluid line apparatus 1 also comprises float chamber 21 which contains ball vale 22 (shown as a hashed check valve because in normal use when the line 3 is full of beer it performs no valve function, and during a part of the line cleaning procedure when the line 3 is empty it closes the line 3). The float chamber 21 is a unit mounted on connector 23. The connector 23 is a known spring loaded aperture which closes when the connection is severed by removal of the line 3 from the keg 2.

Line valve 24 is mounted on the line 3, adjacent the float chamber 21. Line valve 24 is a spring loaded three way spool valve, which opens the line 3 in a first position adopted when the line 3 is filled with pressurized beer in normal use. However, it shuts the line 3 and diverts fluid in the line 3 to return fluid loop line 25, from where it returns to the line valve 24 and back down the line 3, in a second position adopted when the line 3 is de-pressurized during part of the line cleaning procedure.

Filter box 26 is mounted on the return fluid loop line 25, and houses 0.2 micron filter 27, fluid flow sensor 28 and a fluid presence optronic sensor 29. The optronic sensor 29 is connected to the fluid flow sensor 28, and switches on the fluid flow sensor 28 only when it detects fluid in the return fluid loop line 25. Fluid conductivity sensor 30 is provided on the return fluid loop line 25 outside of the filter box 26. Each of sensors 28, 29 and 30 are connected to the control circuit 7 and provide it with data.

The control circuit 7 is an electronic circuit designed with known techniques to operate the apparatus 1 as described below. However, it is provided with at least a database 31 for storing information about the apparatus 1. The control box 8 is provided with an operation keypad 32 and an LCD display 33, which provides information about the status of the apparatus 1.

Clearly FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of the fluid line apparatus 1, and is intended to show the various components in terms of their function and relationship to one another. In reality the apparatus 1 can be laid out as is convenient on site. Usually the gas cylinder 5 and the keg 2 are disposed in a cellar, and the line 3 leads up to the tap 4 at a bar, which could be one or more stories above the cellar. The control box 8 can be wall mounted adjacent the keg 2, and the return fluid loop line 25 and filter box 26 can be disposed on top of the keg 2 along with the float chamber 21. The valve box 10 and the vacuum pump 6 can be disposed anywhere between the cylinder and the keg 2 as appropriate. Several of the components require electrical power to operate, and it will be appreciated that they are appropriately connected to a power source. Suitable arrangements are known in the art and will not be further described here.

In normal use the fluid line apparatus 1 operates like a known beer line. Valves 11, 13 and 14 are open, and valve 15 is closed, so the gas cylinder 5 is connected straight through to the keg 2 by the gas line 9, 9a. Therefore the gas cylinder 5 provides pressure to the keg 2, and beer is forced along the line 3. As a result the ball valve 22 is suspended in fluid in the float chamber and is thus open, and the line valve is forced into an open position by the presence of the pressurized beer in the line 3. The return fluid loop line 25 is therefore isolated and the line 3 is open. When a user opens the tap 4 beer is dispensed for sale. If the keg 2 runs dry, it is disconnected from the cylinder 5 and line 3, and replaced.

However, when the line cleaning procedure is performed the following sequence takes place. A user initiates the procedure by inputting a start command on the keypad 32. This can be a single press of a button. The control circuit 7 then sends commands to the valve box 10 to switch the stop valve 13 and the gas exhaust valve 14 to their second positions. As a result, the pressurized gas supply to the keg 2 is cut off, and the section 9a of the line 9 and the keg 2 are opened to atmosphere, via the gas exhaust restrictor valve 17 and the silencer 18. The pressure in the keg 2 therefore drops at a slow rate which is low enough to prevent any beer in the keg 2 from frothing up, until the pressure in the keg is 0 PSI. It will be appreciated that only gas exhaust valve 14 need be switched to perform this step, but the switching of stop valve 13 provides a failsafe to prevent the gas cylinder 5 being opened to atmosphere at any point.

The pressure sensor 20 provides a pressure reading to the control circuit 7. Once the pressure sensor 20 indicates that the pressure in the section 9a of the line 9 is at 0 PSI the control circuit sends commands to the valve box 10 to switch the gas exhaust valve 14 to its first position, and the vacuum pump isolation valve 15 to its second position. As a result the vent 19 is closed and the apparatus is once again sealed, and a direct line is opened between the keg 2 and the vacuum pump 6 via the section 9a of the line 9, and the vacuum pump line 16. The gas cylinder 5 is still isolated from the keg 2 because the stop valve 13 remains in its closed second position.

Once this has been achieved the control circuit 7 switches on the vacuum pump 6. In the embodiment shown the line 3 has a capacity of six pints, and the keg has a 22 gallon capacity. The vacuum pump 6 is operated at such a rate that a vacuum of 30 per cent (300 mmbarg) is achieved in the keg 2 in about 1 minute. This vacuum level is sufficient to draw substantially 6.6 gallons out of the keg 2, which is clearly enough to effectively drain the line 3. Of course, lower or higher vacuums may be applied depending upon the specific circumstances, the configuration of the system and the speed with which the fluid is to be retracted into the container. Preferably the vacuum and duration is such as will not adversely affect the fluid, e.g., flatten the beer. Once the pressure sensor 20 provides a reading to the control circuit 7 that this vacuum level has been reached, it is indicated on the LCD screen.

At this point the user opens the tap 4. The moment this is done, the force of the vacuum sucks the fluid back down the line 3. As a result of the change in pressure the line valve 24 switches to its second position, and the return fluid loop line 25 is flooded. When this happens the optronic sensor 29 registers the presence of fluid in the loop line 25, and operates the flow sensor 28, which sends a data signal to the control circuit 7 relating to the flow of beer passing over it. The control circuit 7 calculates from this data the quantity of beer passing back into the keg 2. The control circuit 7 has data in the database 31 which defines how much beer should pass over the flow sensor. (This data is gathered by the system in a pre-use procedure described below.) If the quantity passing over the sensor is outside of this definition the control circuit will shut down the vacuum pump 6. Preferably the shut down is associated with the concurrent isolation of the keg 2 from line 3, e.g., closing line valve 24 so no fluid passes into the keg. The shut down may also trigger the return of the remaining components of apparatus 1 to their normal use configuration. This prevents any liquids entering the keg 2 which were not in the line 3 to begin with.

In addition, the fluid conductivity sensor 30 sends data to the control circuit about the electric resistance of the fluid in the line. The control circuit has data in the database 31 which defines what the electric resistance of the fluid should be. (Again, this information is gathered by the system in the pre-use procedure.) If the data from the sensor 30 conflicts with the data in the database 31, the control circuit 7 will again shut off the vacuum pump 6. As in the preceding paragraph, the shut down may be accompanied by an isolation of the keg 2 from the line 3 as well as the return of the remaining components of the apparatus 1 to their normal use configuration. This also prevents incorrect liquids being returned to the keg 2 by unscrupulous users.

When the line valve 24 is switched and the beer in the line 3 is diverted to the return fluid loop line 25, it passes over the filter 27. Due to the nature of the filter, the beer is cold sterilised as it passed over it, which prevents any contaminants from returning to the keg 2. The beer then returns to the line valve 24 and is directed through the float chamber 21 and back into the keg 2. When the last beer in the line 3 exits the float chamber 21 the ball valve 22 shuts the float chamber 21 off, which prevents any air being sucked into the keg 2. Provided the correct quantity of the correct fluid is drained from the line 3, the control circuit 7 then shuts down the vacuum pump 6 and indicates on the LCD display 33 that the line 3 is empty. The user then disconnects the line 3 from the container by pulling it from the connector 23. As a result the keg 2 is shut. It will be appreciated that the float chamber 21, the line valve 24, the filter box 26 and the return fluid loop line 25 are removed from the keg with the line 3. All these components are then cleaned in a known way, and then the line 3 is reconnected to the keg 2.

The final stage of the line cleaning procedure begins when the user inputs a further command on the keypad 32. The control circuit 7 sends signals to the valve box 10 to arrange the flow restrictor control valve 11 in its second position, and the stop valve 13, the gas exhaust valve 14, and the vacuum pump isolation valve 15 in their first positions. With this arrangement the flow restrictor control valve 11 directs pressurized gas from the cylinder 5 to the restrictor valve 12, from where it is returned at a lower pressure to the flow restrictor control valve 11, and travels through the open stop valve 13 and gas exhaust valve 14, and on through section 9a of the gas line 9 to the keg 2. The vacuum pump isolation valve 15 is shut, so no gas travels up to the pump 6. The restrictor valve 12 is adapted to restrict the flow of pressurized gas such that the keg 2 is re-pressurized to a normal operating pressure at a slow rate which will not agitate the beer. As a result no frothy unsalable product is forced up the line, and normal beer can be dispensed from the tap 4 straight away.

As the pressure in the keg 2 rises, beer is forced up the line 3. As it passes the line valve 24 it forces it to assume its first position which opens the line 3, and shuts off the return line loop line 25. The beer in the line 3 rises up towards the tap 4 as the pressure increases. Once data from the pressure sensor 20 indicates that the keg 2 has reached the normal use pressure, the LCD display 33 displays this fact, and the apparatus can be used again to dispense beer.

As described above the apparatus 1 performs a pre-use procedure to gather information required to perform the line cleaning procedure. The pre-use procedure occurs once the apparatus 1 has been fitted, and before normal use commences. The control circuit 7 pressurizes the keg 2 in the manner described above, in order to arrange the apparatus 1 for normal use. By doing this the line 3 is filled with a quantity of beer which can be measured. The control circuit 7 then performs the steps of a line cleaning procedure, however rather than receiving and comparing data from the sensors 28, 29 and 30, the control circuit simply records the data, and stores it in the database 31 for later comparison. The database 31 is therefore provided with information on the quantity of beer which should be returned to the keg 2, and on the type of beer which should be in the line 3. Further line drains are therefore compared to the one performed in the pre-use procedure for verification of authenticity.

The second aspect of the invention relates to a method of using fluid line apparatus, such as that shown in FIG. 1. The method involves four basic steps, each of which are clearly described above in detail in relation to the line cleaning procedure.

In addition, the sixth aspect of the present invention relates to fluid line draining apparatus for use with existing fluid line apparatus. Therefore, in an alternative embodiment (not separately shown) fluid line draining apparatus comprises the control box 8, the vacuum pump 6, the valve box 10 (and the associated vent 19), the pressure sensor 20, the float chamber 21, the line valve 24, the filter box 26 and the return fluid loop line 25. These components are provided with known connection means to mount them on the appropriate parts of an existing beer line apparatus. In particular, the valve box 10 and the pressure sensor 20 are mounted in a gas line, which thereby also connects the vent 19 and the vacuum pump 6 to the apparatus. Further, the float chamber 21 is mounted on the end of a line, and the line valve 24 is mounted on the line, which thereby also connects the return fluid loop line 25.

The seventh aspect of the present invention relates to a multiple fluid line apparatus. Therefore, FIG. 2 shows multiple fluid line apparatus 40, which generally comprises the same components and operates in the same manner as apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, but in which there are two beer lines, and some of the components are common to both. (The same reference numerals have been used in FIG. 2 as in FIG. 1 to refer to the components of a first of the two beer lines 3.)

Thus, the multiple fluid line apparatus 40 comprises a first beer line 3, which is connected to keg 2, and the keg 2 is pressurized by gas cylinder 5 via gas line 9. A pressure sensor 20, float chamber 21, ball valve 22, line valve 24, return fluid loop line 25, filter box 26, filter 27, and sensors 28, 29, and 30 are all provided. Mounted on the gas line 9 are flow restrictor control valve 11, which is connected to restrictor valve 12, stop valve 13, gas exhaust valve 14, which leads to restrictor valve 17 and vent 19, and vacuum pump isolation valve 15. The fluid line apparatus 40 further comprises a second beer line 41, which is connected to keg 42, and the keg 42 is pressurized by gas cylinder 43, via gas line 44. The keg 42 contains a different beer to that in keg 2, and the gas cylinder 43 provides a lesser gas pressure to keg 42 than cylinder 5 does to keg 2, because the particular beer in keg 42 requires a lower pressure. Identical components to those provided on the first line 3 are provided on the second line 41, and are given the same reference numerals as above, but with an “a” suffix. However, the restrictor valves 12 and 12a, and 17 and 17a are arranged to restrict the particular pressures for each keg 2 or 42 as required.

The multiple fluid line apparatus 40 is provided with a control box 45, which contains a control circuit 46, provided with a database 47, and which is operated by keypad 49, and which indicates its status via LCD 48. A number of the above described components mounted on the lines 3 and 41 are connected to the control box 45 in the same manner as in apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1.

The apparatus 40 is also provided with a single valve box 50, through which passes both the gas line 9 and gas line 44. It also contains the valves 11, 11a, 12, 12a, 13, 13a, 14, 14a, 15 and 15a, which are controlled by signals received from the control circuit 46. As a result of aligning the two sets of valves in the valve box 50, a single vacuum pump 51 can be used. Vacuum pump line 52 extends separately from both vacuum pump isolation valves 15 and 15a, such that the vacuum pump 51 can be used in a line cleaning procedure on either line 3 or 41, separately, or on both of them simultaneously.

The multiple fluid line apparatus 40 essentially operates in an identical manner to the fluid line apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, except that the control circuit 46, and its database 47, are adapted to control both lines 3 and 41, either separately or individually. If either line is to be cleaned separately the same procedure is performed as described in relation to apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. 1, and all the components of the other line are left in the normal use position. In particular, the vacuum pump isolation valve 15 or 15a of the line which is not being cleaned is not switched, so the operation of the vacuum pump 51 does not affect that line. If both lines are to be cleaned simultaneously essentially the same procedure is performed, however the one vacuum pump 51 is used to create the vacuum in both lines 3 and 41 at the same time. As a result, the control circuit 46 runs the vacuum pump 51 at a higher speed as it needs to perform twice the work. In each case the control circuit 46 applies the appropriate data from the database 47 relating to each separate line to prevent misuse of the apparatus 40.

As mentioned above, the present invention can be performed in two basic ways, and a description will now be given of the preferred embodiment of the invention. Specifically, FIG. 3 shows fluid line apparatus 101, which comprises a container in the form of beer keg 102, a line 103, a line end valve in the form of tap 104, pressurization means in the form of first gas cylinder 105 and second gas cylinder 106, and control means in the form of electronic control circuit 107. The line 103 connects the keg 102 to the tap 104. As described below a first function of the pressurization means, specifically the first gas cylinder 105, is to pressurize the keg 102 such that fluid in the keg 102 is forced in the direction of the tap 104. A second function of the pressurization means, specifically the second gas cylinder 106, is to pressurize the line 103 such that fluid in the line 103 is forced in the direction of the keg 102. In use the control circuit 107 controls the application of the two pressurization means to the keg 102 and the line 103 such that when fluid is to be dispensed from the apparatus 101 it is forced towards the tap 104, and when the line 103 is to be cleared of fluid, said fluid is forced towards the keg 102, and in which fluid returning to the keg 102 is subjected to a filtering means 108.

Fluid line apparatus 101 performs the same basic functions as fluid line apparatus 1 described above, however the usage and position of the second cylinder 106 creates somewhat different functional requirements, which leads to a quite different lay out and manner of use. In the following description reference is made to “normal use”, and a number of different procedures. Normal use refers to use of the apparatus to dispense beer from the tap 104, where the apparatus 101 functions in the manner of a known beer line. The keg 102 is pressurized and the line 103 is filled with beer, which is dispensed by operation of the tap 104. The different procedures are outside of normal use and comprise various steps involved in adjusting the pressures applied to the apparatus, moving or adjusting the condition of fluid in the line, and cleaning the line.

Line valve means in the form of first line valve 109, one way valve 110 and second line valve 111 are disposed on the line 103 adjacent the keg 102. These valves 109, 110, 111 are disposed inside a filtering unit module 112 which connects the keg 102 to the line 103. A main line 113 extends through the filtering unit module 112, and this main line 113 forms part of the line 103 in use. As described below, the valves 109, 110, 111 act to direct beer along the line 103 towards the tap 4 when the first pressurization means 105 is applied, and to direct beer to the filtering means 108 then into the keg 102 when the second pressurization means 106 is applied. Thus, only beer returning to the keg 102 is subjected to the filtering means 108. A return fluid branch line 114 extends from a first junction point 115 on the main line 113 where the first line valve 109 is located, to a second junction point 116 where the second line valve 111 is located. It therefore comprises a loop line. The filtering means 108 is disposed on the return fluid branch line 114. The filtering means 108 is a 0.2 micron filter.

The first gas cylinder 105 is connected to the keg 102 by a gas line 119. Mounted on the gas line 119 is a valve box 120, which carries a series of solenoid valves adapted to control the pressurization, de-pressurization and re-pressurization of the keg 102. The valve box 120 contains the following valves: a three way flow restrictor control valve 121, a restrictor valve 122, a two-way stop valve 123 and a two way gas exhaust valve 124. The flow restrictor control valve 121, the stop valve 123 and the gas exhaust valve 124 are all mounted on the gas line 119, as it passes through the valve box 120.

The flow restrictor control valve 121 is a three way valve which opens the gas line 119 and shuts passage to the restrictor valve 122 in a first position adopted in normal use. It shuts the gas line 119 and diverts the pressurized gas to the restrictor valve 122, from where it is returned to the flow restrictor control valve 121 and back along the gas line 119, in a second position adopted during re-pressurization of the keg 102. The restrictor valve 122 restricts flow of the pressurized gas from the gas cylinder 105 when the apparatus is re-pressurized, thereby preventing the keg 102 from re-pressurizing too fast which would agitate the beer therein.

The two way stop valve 123 opens the gas line 119 in a first position adopted in normal use, and shuts the gas line 119 in a second position adopted during de-pressurization of the keg 102.

The gas exhaust valve 124 is connected to a restrictor valve 125 and a silencer 126, which leads to a vent 127 to atmosphere. The restrictor valve 125 and the silencer 126 prevent the keg 102 de-pressurizing too fast, which would lead to frothing of the beer. The gas exhaust valve 124 is a two way valve which opens the gas line 119 and shuts passage to the vent 127 in a first position adopted in normal use, and shuts the gas line 119 and opens passage from the keg 102 to the vent 127 in a second position adopted during de-pressurization of the keg 102. Therefore, switching of the gas exhaust valve 124 simultaneously isolates the keg 102 from the cylinder 105, and depressurizes the keg 102.

The gas line 119 leads to the keg 102 via the filtering unit module 112. A main gas line 128 extends through the module 112, and this main gas line 128 forms part of the gas line 119 in use. A two-way gas stop valve 129 is disposed on the main gas line 128 inside the module 112. This stop valve 129 opens the main gas line 128 in a first position adopted in normal use, and shuts the main gas line 128 in a second position adopted during pressurization of the line 103. The main gas line 128 and the portion 119a of the gas line 119 which leads to the gas exhaust valve 124, has two functions. In normal use it forms part of the gas line 119 which extends from the gas cylinder 105 to the keg 102. However, during de-pressurization of the keg 102, it forms a gas exhaust line.

The second gas cylinder 106 is connected to the line 103 by a second gas line 130. A two-way line end stop valve 131 is disposed between the line 103 and the second gas line 130. This valve opens the line 103 and isolates the second gas cylinder 106 in a first position adopted in normal use. It shuts the line 103 and opens the second gas line 130 in a second position in order to pressurize the line 103 as part of a line clearing, or a product pressurizing, process.

All the valves involved in controlling the appliance of pressure, 121, 122, 123, 124, 129 and 131 are connected to the control circuit 107 by means of electronic circuitry, which is represented in FIG. 3 by lines 132 which connect the various components together. These valves are all operated by commands sent from the control circuit 107 in use.

Fluid sensor means are provided in the form of a fluid flow sensor 133, a fluid presence optronic sensor 134 and a fluid conductivity sensor 135. The fluid flow sensor 133 and the fluid presence optronic sensor 134 are housed inside the filtering unit module 112. The fluid flow sensor 133 is disposed between the first junction point 115 and the line 103, and the fluid presence optronic sensor 134 is disposed between the second junction point 116 and the keg 102. The fluid conductivity sensor 135 is mounted directly to the line 103. Each of the sensors 133, 134 and 135 are connected to the control circuit 107 by means of electronic circuitry, which is represented in FIG. 3 by lines 136. The sensors 133, 134 and 135 all provide data to the control circuit 107 in use.

The apparatus 101 is also provided with its own line cleaning means. A cleaning fluid line 137 is connected to the line 103 adjacent the tap 104 and, in the configuration shown in FIG. 3, passes behind the second gas cylinder 106. A two-way cleaning line valve 138 is disposed between the line 103 and the cleaning fluid line 137. The cleaning fluid line 137 leads from a source of clean water 139 and a source of cleaning fluid 140. A peristaltic pump 141 is disposed between the source of cleaning fluid 140 and the cleaning fluid line 137. The cleaning line valve 138 opens the line 103 and isolates the cleaning fluid line 137 in a first position adopted in normal use. It opens the cleaning fluid line 137 in a second position adopted during a line cleaning procedure. The cleaning procedure may be, and is preferably, facilitated by the contents of the second gas cylinder 106 which help force the cleaning fluid through the line 103, return fluid branch line 114 and filter 108 as well as help dry the interior walls of the same once the cleaning fluid is fully evacuated. In this configuration, as seen in FIG. 3, the cleaning line valve is downstream, relative to tap 104, from the end stop valve 131; though in practice both are in close proximity to the tap 104.

A drain line 142 is connected to the other end of the line 103 adjacent the keg 102. It extends from the main line 113 inside the filtering unit module, to a drain 143. A two-way drain valve 144 is disposed between the main line 113 and the drain line 142, which opens the main line 113 and isolates the drain line 142 in a first position adopted in normal use, and shuts the main line 113 and opens the drain line 142 in a second position adopted during a line cleaning procedure. Again, these valves 138 and 144 are connected to the control circuit 107 by electronic circuitry.

The control circuit 107 is an electronic circuit designed with known techniques to operate the apparatus 101 as described below. However, it is provided with at least a database 145 for storing information about the apparatus 101. This information comprises the quantity of fluid which can be contained in the line 103, and the electric resistance of the fluid which is supposed to be in the line 103. This information can be programmed into the control circuit 107, or the control circuit 107 can perform a test line drain in which information from the fluid sensor means is recorded for future reference. Data gathered during all further operations can be compared with the data from the test run, in order to identify if the incoming data is outside the parameters of the test run, whether this be an increase in the quantity of fluid passing down the line 103 or the type of fluid passing down the line 103. The control circuit 107 is housed in a control box 146, which is provided with an operation keypad 147 and an LCD display 148, which provides information about the status of the apparatus 101.

A pressure sensor 149 is mounted in the section 119a of the gas line 119 between the filtering unit module 112 and the valve box 120, and is also connected to the control circuit 107.

Clearly FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the fluid line apparatus 101, and is intended to show the various components in terms of their function and relationship to one another. In reality the apparatus 101 can be laid out as is convenient on site. Usually the gas cylinder 105 and the keg 102 are disposed in a cellar, and the line 103 leads up to the tap 104 at a bar, which could be one or more stories above the cellar. The control box 146 can be wall mounted adjacent the keg 102, or it can be mounted at the bar, and the filtering unit module 112 can be mounted on top of the keg 102 by means of connector 150. The valve box 120 can be disposed anywhere between the first cylinder 105 and the keg 102 as appropriate. The second gas cylinder 106, the line end stop valve 131, the cleaning fluid line 137, the source of cleaning fluid 140, the pump 141 and the cleaning line valve 138 can all be stowed under the bar. Several of the components require electrical power to operate, and it will be appreciated that they are appropriately connected to a power source. Suitable arrangements are known in the art and will not be further described here.

In normal use the fluid line apparatus 101 operates like a known beer line. Valves 121, 123, 124 and 129 are open so the first gas cylinder 105 is connected straight through to the keg 102 by the gas line 119. In addition, valves 109, 111, 131, 138 and 144 are also open, so the line 103 is open from the keg 102 up to the tap 104. Therefore, the first gas cylinder 105 pressurizes the keg 102, and beer is forced from there up the line 103 to the tap 104. When a user opens the tap 104 beer is dispensed for consumption. If the keg 102 runs dry, it is disconnected from the first gas cylinder 105 and the line 103 and replaced. However, when a line draining procedure is performed the following sequence takes place.

A user initiates the procedure by inputting a start command on the keypad 147. This can be single press of a button. The control circuit 107 then sends commands to the valve box 120 to switch the stop valve 123 to assume its second position, thereby isolating the gas cylinder 105 from the keg 102. The gas exhaust valve 124 is then switched to its second position, and the keg 102, the main gas line 128 and the section 119a of the gas line 119 are opened to atmosphere, via the restrictor valve 125 and the silencer 126. The pressure in the keg 102 therefore drops at a slow rate which is low enough to prevent any beer in the keg 102 from frothing up, until the pressure in the keg is 0 PSI. It will be appreciated that only gas exhaust valve 124 need be switched to perform the above described step, however the stop valve 123 provides a failsafe to prevent the first gas cylinder 105 from being opened to atmosphere.

The pressure sensor 149 provides a pressure reading to the control circuit 107, and once this reading indicates that 0 PSI has been reached, the control circuit 107 commands the gas stop valve 129 to assume its second position and shut the main gas line 128. The gas exhaust valve 124 can also be switched back to its first position, to provide a failsafe seal of the keg 102. Once this has been achieved, the control circuit 107 commands the first line valve 109 and the second line valve 111 to assume their second positions in which they shut the main line 113 and open the return fluid branch line 114. Once this has been done the control circuit 107 commands the line end stop valve 131 to assume its second position, and close the line 103 and open the second gas line 130. As a result the pressure provided by the second gas cylinder 106 is applied to the fluid in the line 103, and it is forced into the keg 102. The fluid is diverted from the main line 113 onto the return fluid branch line 114 by the first line valve 109. The beer passes over the filter 108, and is then diverted into the keg 102 by the second line valve 111. Thus, all the beer returned to the keg 102 is passed over the filter 108 to ensure its cleanliness.

When this happens the fluid flow sensor 133, the fluid presence optronic sensor 134 and the fluid conductivity sensor 135 send data to the control circuit 107 on the fact that fluid is flowing back into the keg 102, the quantity of said fluid, and the conductivity of said fluid. The control circuit 107 has data in the database 145 which defines how much beer should pass over the flow sensor 133. If the quantity passing over the sensor 133 is outside of this definition the control circuit 107 shuts down the system by switching the line valves 109 and 111, and the line end stop valve 131 to their first positions. This removes the pressure from the line 103, and shuts the return fluid branch line 114. The one-way valve 110 prevents any fluid entering the keg 102. In addition, the fluid conductivity sensor 135 sends data to the control circuit 107 about the electric resistance of the fluid in the line 103. The control circuit 107 has data in the database 145 which defines what the electric resistance of the fluid should be, and if the data from the sensor 135 conflicts with the data in the database 145, the control circuit 107 will perform the same shut down procedure. In any event, when the last beer is forced into the keg the optronic sensor senses that no more fluid is present in the main line 113 and the control circuit 107 closes the valves 109 and 111 and the process is shut down, so no gas enters the keg 102.

The above described line draining procedure can be performed for two reasons. Firstly, the line 103 can be drained to allow it to be cleaned as described below. Secondly, the line 103 can be drained of product in order to store it in the keg 102 and prevent it spoiling in the line 103. If the line 103 has been drained in order to store the beer, the apparatus 101 is left as it was when the beer was being forced back into the keg 102, in other words the line valves 109 and 11 are left in their second positions. The positive pressure of inert gas from the first gas cylinder 106 is left applied to the line 103 and to the keg 102 in order to keep the line 103 sterile and the keg 102 pressurized. However, if the line 103 is to be cleaned the following sequence takes place.

The cleaning line valve 138 and the drain valve 144 are switched to their second positions such that a clear path is opened from the cleaning fluid line 137 to the drain 143. Water and cleaning fluid are introduced to the line 103 from the sources 139 and 140, and the pressure from the first gas cylinder 106 forces this cleaning fluid down the line, over all the sensors and through the filtering unit module 112. This action is performed for a pre-determined time until the line 103 and its various components are clean. The cleaning line valve 138 is then switched back to its first position to isolate the cleaning fluid line 137, but the line end stop valve 131 and the drain valve 143 are left open so pressurized gas is forced through the line 103 in order to drain it of cleaning fluid and to dry it. Once this has been performed for a desired period the line end stop valve 131 and the drain valve 143 are switched back to their first positions, and the apparatus 101 is left in a standby mode.

Whether the line 103 is drained in order to store the beer or to clean the line 103, in order to begin serving beer again the apparatus 101 must be re-pressurized once more. If the apparatus is in storage mode, the pressure being applied from the second gas cylinder 106 must first be removed. A user inputs a command to the keypad 147, and the control circuit 107 switches the line end stop valve 131 to its first position, thereby isolating the pressure from the second gas cylinder 106, and opening the line 103 to the tap 104. The user then opens the tap 104 to release the pressure in the line 103 and the keg 102 to atmosphere.

Once this is done, the control circuit 107 commands the line valves 109 and 111 to switch to their first positions, and as such the line 103 is now ready for beer to be dispensed from the tap 104. The control circuit 107 then sends commands to the flow restrictor control valve 121 to assume its second position, and to the stop valve 123, and the gas stop valve 129 to assume their first positions. As such, the first gas cylinder 105 is again applied to the keg 102 in order to pressurize it. However, the pressure is diverted by the flow restrictor control valve 121 to the restrictor valve 122, from where it is returned to the flow restrictor control valve 121 at a lower pressure. The restrictor valve 122 is adapted to restrict the flow of pressurized gas such that the keg 102 is re-pressurized to a normal operating pressure at a slow rate which will not agitate the beer. As a result no frothy unsalable product is forced up the line 103, and normal beer can be dispensed from the tap 104 straight away.

As the pressure in the keg 102 rises, beer is forced up the line 103. Once the pressure sensor 149 indicates that the keg 102 has reached the normal use pressure, the LCD 148 displays that fact, and the apparatus 101 can be used again to dispense beer.

The apparatus of the invention can be used in a different manner to that described above. In particular, the line 103 can be drained without reducing the pressure in the keg 102 to 0 psi, which prevents the waste of pressurised gas. In order to achieve this alternative method of use it is simply necessary to program the control circuit 107 to operate in a different manner, as described below, and to use the second gas cylinder 106 to provide a greater gas pressure than is present in the keg 102 and the line 103.

Therefore, a user can initiate such a procedure by inputting a start command on the keypad 147. The control circuit 107 sends commands to the gas stop valve 129 and the stop valve 123 to isolate the first gas cylinder 105 from the keg 102. Commands are then sent to the first line valve 109 and the second line valve 111 to assume their second positions in which they shut the main line 113 and open the return fluid branch line 114. Once this has been done the control circuit 107 commands the line end stop valve 131 to assume its second position, and close the line 103 and open the second gas line 130. As a result the pressure provided by the second gas cylinder 106 is applied to the fluid in the line 103. As this pressure is greater than the pressure in line 103 and keg 102, the fluid in the line 103 is forced into the keg 102. During said process, the fluid is diverted from the main line 113 onto the return fluid branch line 114 by the first line valve 109. The beer passes over the filter 108, and is then diverted into the keg 102 by the second line valve 111. It will be appreciated that there is a drop in fluid pressure over the filter 108, and therefore the pressure differential between the second gas cylinder 106 and the pressure in the keg 102 must be greater than this in order to force all the fluid back into the keg 102.

As with the above manner of use, when the fluid is diverted to the return fluid branch line, the fluid flow sensor 133, the fluid presence optronic sensor 134 and the fluid conductivity sensor 135 send data to the control circuit 107 on the fact that fluid is flowing back into the keg 102, the quantity of said fluid, and the conductivity of said fluid. Again, the control circuit 107 has data in the database 145 which defines how much beer should pass over the flow sensor 133. If the quantity passing over the sensor 133 is outside of this definition the control circuit 107 shuts down the system by switching the line valves 109 and 111, which shuts the return fluid branch line 114. The one-way valve 110 prevents any fluid entering the keg 102.

Again, the fluid conductivity sensor 135 sends data to the control circuit 107 about the electric resistance of the fluid in the line 103, and if it conflicts with the data in the database 145, the control circuit 107 will perform the same shut down procedure.

Assuming the proper quantity and fluid has been returned to the keg 102, essentially leaving line 103, return fluid branch line 114 and the filter 108 empty, the control circuit 107 automatically issues, or the user manually inputs, commands whereby the line end stop valve is switched to its first position so the second gas cylinder 106 is The apparatus 101 is then left for a period of time with the pressure being applied by the second gas cylinder 106. Alternatively, both gas cylinders can be set to provide the same pressure, e.g, the pressure delivered by gas cylinder 105 is isolated from the line 103. This leaves the line 103 and the keg 102 in a pressurized isolated state.

If the line 103 has been drained to store the beer, the apparatus 101 is left in this state. However, if the line 103 is to be cleaned the tap 104 is opened to reduce the pressure in the line 103. The pressure in the container 102 is not reduced because the second line valve 111 does not allow fluid up the line in its second position. The cleaning line valve 138 and the drain valve 144 are then switched to their second positions such that a clear path is opened from the cleaning fluid line 137 to the drain 143. When the drain valve 144 switches to this position it isolates the keg 102 from the line 103, so the keg 102 is not opened to the drain 143. Water and cleaning fluid are then introduced to the line 103 from the cleaning fluid source 140 and the clean water source 139, and pressure from the first gas cylinder 106 is used to forces this cleaning fluid down the line 103, over all the sensors and through the filtering unit module 112. This action is performed for a pre-determined time until the line 103 and its various components are clean. The cleaning line valve 138 is then switched back to its first position to isolate the cleaning fluid line 137, but the line end stop valve 131 and the drain valve 143 are left open so pressurized gas is forced through the line 103 in order to drain it of cleaning fluid and to dry it. Once this has been performed for a desired period the line end stop valve 131 and the drain valve 143 are switched back to their first positions, and the apparatus 101 is left in a standby mode.

When the apparatus 101 is to be used again to dispense beer, the following sequence takes place. If the line has not been cleaned as above, then tap 104 is first opened to reduce the pressure in the line 103. The pressure in the container 102 is not reduced because the second line valve 111 does not allow fluid up the line in its second position. To prepare the apparatus for dispensing, the pressure in the keg 102 is reduced via the gas exhaust valve 124. The user initiates this by inputting commands into the keypad 147. The control circuit 107 then commands the gas exhaust valve 124 to switch to its second position, and the gas stop valve 129 to open, such that the keg 102, the main gas line 128 and the section 119a of the gas line 119 are opened to atmosphere, via the restrictor valve 125 and the silencer 126. The pressure in the keg 102 therefore drops at a slow rate which is low enough to prevent any beer in the keg 102 from frothing up. The control circuit 107 monitors the pressure reading from the pressure sensor 149, and closes the gas exhaust valve 124 when it indicates that the pressure in the keg 102 has dropped to a pre-determined level. This level is one at which the beer will still be forced up the line 103, but at a rate which will not agitate it. For example, if the beer is placed at 40 psi in normal use, the pre-determined level could be 20 psi.

The control circuit 107 indicates when this pre-determined level has been reached on the LCD 148. At the same time it commands the line valves 109 and 111 to switch to their first positions, and, with the tap 104 open, the beer rises up to the tap 104 at low pressure. The fluid flow sensor 133 sends data to the control circuit 107 on the quantity of fluid flowing into the line 103, and when the control circuit 107 calculates that the line 103 is full, by referring to the data in the database 145 which defines the capacity of the line 103, it then fully re-pressurises the keg 102 and the line 103 with the first gas cylinder 105. When the line 103 is full beer will begin to be dispensed from it, and when this occurs the tap 104 is shut again.

To re-pressurize the keg 102 again, the control circuit 107 sends commands to the flow restrictor control valve 121 to assume its second position, and to the stop valve 123 and the gas stop valve 129 to open. As such, the first gas cylinder 105 is again applied to the keg 102 in order to pressurise it. However, the pressure is diverted by the flow restrictor control valve 121 to the restrictor valve 122, from where it is returned to the flow restrictor control valve 121 at a lower pressure. The restrictor valve 122 is adapted to restrict the flow of pressurised gas such that the keg 102 is re-pressurised to a normal operating pressure at a slow rate which will not agitate the beer.

As described above the apparatus 101 can perform a pre-use procedure to gather information required to perform any of the above described line draining procedures. The pre-use procedure occurs once the apparatus 101 has been fitted, and before normal use commences. The control circuit 107 pressurises the keg 102 in the manner described above, in order to arrange the apparatus 101 for normal use. By doing this the line 103 is filled with a quantity of beer which can be measured. The control circuit 107 then performs the steps of a line draining procedure as described above, however rather than receiving and comparing data from the sensors 133, 134 and 135, the control circuit 107 simply records the data, and stores it in the database 145 for later comparison. The database 145 is therefore provided with information on the quantity of beer which should be returned to the keg 102, and on the type of beer which should be in the line 103. Further line drains are therefore compared to the one performed in the pre-use procedure for verification of authenticity. All this data can also be programmed into the control circuit 107 prior to use if preferred

The second aspect of the invention relates to a method of using fluid line apparatus, such as that shown in FIG. 3. The method involves four basic steps, each of which are clearly described above in detail in relation to the line draining and cleaning procedure.

The third aspect of the invention relates to another method of using fluid line apparatus, such as that shown in FIG. 3. The method involves four basic steps, and again the process is clearly described above in detail in relation to the line draining and product storing procedure.

The fourth aspect of the invention relates to another method of using fluid line apparatus, such as that shown in FIG. 3. This method involves pressurizing product in the line in order to maintain it during a period of inactivity, rather than transferring it back to the container. It will be appreciated that this is quite possible with apparatus 101. When the apparatus is to be left for a period of inactivity, the user inputs a command into the key pad 147 and the control circuit 107 switches the line end stop valve 131 to its second position, opening the second gas line 130. This shuts the line 103, and allows the product in the line 103 to be pressurized by the second gas cylinder 106. The beer does not return to the keg 102 because the line valves 109 and 111 are left in their first position, so the return fluid branch line 114 is closed off, and the one way valve 110 prevents any backflow to the container. Once beer is to be dispensed again the control circuit 107 can switch the line end stop valve 131 back to its first position and the user can open the tap 104 to alleviate the pressure in the line 103.

The fifth aspect of the invention relates to a filtering unit module for use with fluid line apparatus like that described above. Such a filtering unit module 112 is shown in detail in FIG. 3. In order to perform the fifth aspect of the present invention it is only necessary to ensure that the filtering unit module 112 can be released from the keg 102 and the line 103, and this can be readily achieved with known couplers. In addition, on one version of the fifth aspect of the invention a filtering unit module is provided with interface means adapted to connect to control means of fluid line apparatus. Again, such an interface means can comprise any known electronic data transference interface.

The sixth aspect of the present invention relates to fluid line draining apparatus for use with existing fluid line apparatus. Therefore, in an alternative embodiment (not separately shown) fluid line draining apparatus comprises the second gas cylinder 106, the control box 146, the filtering unit module 112 and means to connect at least these components to an existing beer line. These means to connect the components can comprise any known couplers, interfaces and valves.

The seventh aspect of the present invention relates to multiple fluid line apparatus, which functions in the same way as apparatus 101, but controls more than one line. Therefore, FIG. 4 shows multiple fluid line apparatus 400, which generally comprises the same components and operates in the same manner as apparatus 101, but in which there are four beer lines, and some of the components are common to all the lines. (The same reference numerals have been used in FIG. 4 as in FIG. 3 to refer to the common components, and the components of a first of the four beer lines.)

The multiple beer line apparatus 400 comprises first beer line 103, which connects keg 102 with tap 104. Filtering unit module 112 is mounted between beer line 103 and keg 102. Further identical lines 401 connect kegs 402 to taps 403. Filtering unit modules 404 are mounted on kegs 402. The first line has fluid conductivity sensor 135, cleaning line valve 138 and line end stop valve 131 mounted thereon. The lines 401 also have fluid conductivity sensors 405, cleaning line valves 406 and line end stop valves 407 mounted thereon. The apparatus 400 further comprises a control box 146, containing a control circuit (not shown), a first gas cylinder 105, a valve box 120 with a vent to atmosphere 127, a second gas cylinder 106, a source of water 139, a source of cleaning fluids 140 and a drain 143.

However, unlike in apparatus 101, a first gas line ring 408 extends to all four filtering unit modules 112, 404, a second gas line ring 409 extends to all four lines 103, 401, a cleaning fluid line ring 410 extends to all the lines 103, 401, and a drain line 411 extends from all four filtering unit modules to the drain 143. In addition, electronic circuitry 132 and 136 extends from the control box 146 to all the filtering unit modules 112, 401, all the fluid conductivity sensors 135, 405 and all the cleaning line valves 138, 406. In use the apparatus 400 operates the lines in the same manner as in apparatus 101. The control circuit can control all the lines 103, 401 in the same manner simultaneously, or each line individually as required.

The embodiments shown can be altered without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example in one alternative embodiment (not shown), rather than using fluid flow sensors to monitor the fluid returning to the keg during the line cleaning procedure of apparatus 1, the control circuit runs the vacuum pump for a pre-determined time only, which time period corresponds to the time it takes to draw the contents of the line back into the keg only.

In another alternative embodiment (not shown) the control circuit prevents misuse of apparatus 1 by monitoring the drop in the vacuum pressure when the tap is opened, and only runs the vacuum pump until the vacuum pressure has dropped to a level which corresponds to the fluid in the line having been drawn back into the keg.

In another alternative embodiment (not shown) a single gas cylinder can be used instead of the first and second gas cylinders 105 and 106 in apparatus 101. The single gas cylinder can be connected to both the container and the line end valve end of the line, and the pressure can be applied in different directions by the control circuit using valves.

In other alternative embodiments (not shown) the filtering means comprise mechanical devices which impact the quantity of live microbial bacteria in the beer returning to the keg in other ways. These include the application of: a laser or lasers, ultra violet or infra red radiation, heating or cooling, a high impact force, magnetohydrodynamic sterilisation or irradiation, or any combination of these things.

In another embodiment (not shown) the drain valve 144 as shown in FIG. 3 is disposed on the fluid return branch 114 between the filter 108 and the second line valve 111, as opposed t0 the position shown in FIG. 3.

It will also be appreciated that the invention can be performed with fluid lines not used with alcoholic drinks. For example, in alternative embodiments (not shown) the invention is used with industrial fluid lines in manufacturing procedures. Thus, a beer line is provided which can be cleaned without the loss of any product when the line is drained, and without any loss of the product through over frothing when the line is reconnected. Further, the process of line cleaning is considerably simplified for the user. In addition, apparatus is provided which maintains the condition of all the beer in the system during a period of inactivity.

While the present invention has been described with respect to aforementioned specific embodiments and appended figures, it should be appreciated that other embodiments utilizing the concept of the present invention are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. The present invention is defined by the claimed elements and any and all modifications, variations, or equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the underlying principles embraced or embodied thereby.

Claims

1. Fluid line apparatus comprising a container, a line, a line end valve, pressurisation means and control means, in which the line connects the container to the line end valve, in which a first function of the pressurisation means is to pressurise the container such that fluid in the container is forced in the direction of the line end valve, in which a second function of the pressurisation means is to pressurise the line such that fluid in the line is forced in the direction of the container, in which in use the control means controls the application of the pressurisation means to the container and the line such that when fluid is to be dispensed from the apparatus it is forced towards the line end valve, and when the line is to be cleared of fluid, said fluid is forced towards the container, and in which fluid returning to the container is subjected to a filtering means.

2. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the pressurisation means comprises a first pressurisation means adapted to pressurise the container such that fluid in the container is forced in the direction of the line end valve, and a second pressurisation means adapted to pressurise the line such that fluid in the line is forced in the direction of the container.

3. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which the second pressurisation means comprises a positive pressurisation means disposed at the line end valve end of the line.

4. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 3 in which line valve means are disposed on the line adjacent the container, in which the line valve means are adapted to direct fluid along the line towards the line end valve when the first pressurisation means is applied, and in which the line valve means are further adapted to direct fluid to the filtering means then into the container when the second pressurisation means is applied and the line is to be cleared of fluid.

5. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in which a return fluid branch line is provided, which return fluid branch line extends from a junction point on the line adjacent the container, in which the filtering means are disposed on the return fluid branch line, and in which the line valve means comprises a two way valve disposed at the junction point which is adapted to open the line and shut the return fluid branch line when fluid is to be dispensed from the apparatus, and to close the line and open the return fluid branch line when fluid is to be returned to the container.

6. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 5 in which the return fluid branch line comprises a loop line which extends from said junction point to a second junction point on the line between said junction point and the container, and in which the line valve means comprises a second two way valve disposed at the second junction point which is adapted to open the line and shut the return fluid branch line when fluid is to be dispensed from the apparatus, and to close the line and open the return fluid branch line when fluid is to be returned to the container.

7. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 6 in which the line valve means further comprises a one way valve disposed on the line between said junction point and the second junction point, which one way valve is adapted to only allow fluid to pass along the line in the direction of the line end valve.

8. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 7 in which the fluid is a liquid.

9. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which when fluid in the line is to be forced towards the line end valve the first pressurisation means applies a greater pressure to the container than the second pressurisation means applies to the line.

10. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 9 in which when fluid in the line is to be forced towards the container the second pressurisation means applies a greater pressure to the line than the first pressurisation means applies to the container.

11. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 10 in which when fluid in the line is to be forced towards the line end valve the first pressurisation means is applied to the container and the second pressurisation means is not applied to the line.

12. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 11 in which when fluid in the line is to be forced towards the container the second pressurisation means is applied to the line and the first pressurisation means is not applied to the container.

13. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 10 in which the fluid is an effervescent liquid, and in which the first pressurisation means is a source of pressurised gas, which is connected to the container by a gas line.

14. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 13 in which the second pressurisation means is a source of pressurised gas which is connected to the line adjacent the line end valve.

15. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 14 in which a stop valve is provided on the gas line, in which a gas exhaust valve is provided on the gas line between the stop valve and the container, and in which when the first pressurisation means is to be reduced or removed from the container in use the stop valve closes the gas line and the gas exhaust valve opens the portion of the gas line between it and the container to atmosphere in order to reduce the pressure in the container.

16. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 15 in which the gas exhaust valve is connected to one or more restrictor valves and a silencer, such that the pressure in the container can only be reduced at a pre-determined rate, which pre-determined rate is below that which would agitate the effervescent liquid.

17. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 16 in which a line end stop valve is provided between the second pressurisation means and the line, and in which when the second pressurisation means is to be removed from the line in use the line end stop valve isolates the second pressurisation means, and the line end valve is opened to reduce the pressure in the line.

18. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 13 in which the control means is adapted such that when fluid is to be dispensed from the apparatus after the line has been cleared, the container is re-pressurised with the first pressurisation means at a pre-determined rate, which pre-determined rate is below that which would agitate the effervescent liquid

19. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 18 in which a flow restrictor valve is provided between the first pressurisation means and the container, which flow restrictor valve is adapted to facilitate re-pressurisation of the container at said predetermined rate.

20. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which fluid sensor means are provided on the line which provide data to the control means on the quantity of fluid forced into the container in use, and in which the control means uses said data to operate the fluid line apparatus such that only fluid which was in the line is forced into the container.

21. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 20 in which the fluid sensor means comprises a fluid flow sensor, a fluid presence optronic senor and a fluid conductivity sensor, in which the fluid presence optronic sensor is adapted to signal to the control means when it senses a returning fluid, in which the fluid flow sensor is adapted to measure the quantity of fluid returning to the container in use, and in which the fluid conductivity sensor is adapted to identify the electric resistance of the fluid.

22. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 21 in which a return fluid branch line is provided, which comprises a loop line extending from a junction point on the line adjacent the container, to a second junction point on the line between said junction point and the container, in which the fluid conductivity sensor is disposed on the line end valve side of said junction point, in which the fluid flow sensor is disposed between the fluid conductivity sensor and said junction point, and in which the fluid presence optronic sensor is disposed between the container and the second junction point.

23. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 21 in which the control means is provided with a database of information, which information comprises the quantity of fluid which can be contained in the line, and the electric resistance of the fluid in the line, and in which the control means is adapted to stop the apparatus from forcing fluid into the container if the quantity of fluid measured by the fluid flow sensor in use and/or the electric resistance of the fluid measured by the fluid conductivity sensor in use is substantially different from said information in the database.

24. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 23 in which the information in the database is recorded from the fluid sensor means during a test line drain.

25. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 20 in which the fluid sensor means also provide data to the control means on the quantity of fluid forced from the container in use.

26. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the filtering means is a 0.2 micron filter disposed in the path of returning fluid.

27. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which a cleaning fluid line is connected to the line adjacent the line end valve, and a drain is connected to the line between the filtering means and the container, in which when the line is cleared of fluid in use a cleaning fluid is introduced to the line from the cleaning fluid line, is forced along the line by the pressurisation means, and is directed to the drain thereby to clean the line.

28. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 27 wherein the pressurization means for forcing the cleaning fluid, which pressurization means may be the same pressurization means as pressurizes the container or a second, different pressurization means, is associated with the cleaning fluid line or is associated with the end stop valve for forcing the cleaning fluid through the line and filtering means as well as drying the line and filtering means concurrent with and following the ejection of the cleaning fluid via the drain.

29. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the line is removable from the container, such that when line is cleared of fluid in use it is removed for cleaning.

30. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 4 in which the apparatus comprises a stand-by mode in which the line valve means prevents fluid returning to the container when the second pressurisation means is applied, such that fluid in the line is pressurised by the second pressurisation means.

31. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 2 in which the second pressurisation means comprises a vacuum pump means disposed at the container end of the line.

32. Fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the fluid is beer, and the container is a beer keg.

33. A filtering unit module for use with fluid line apparatus comprising a container, a line, a line end valve, pressurisation means and control means, in which the line connects the container to the line end valve, in which a first function of the pressurisation means is to pressurise the container such that fluid in the container is forced in the direction of the line end valve, in which a second function of the pressurisation means is to pressurise the line such that fluid in the line is forced in the direction of the container, in which in use the control means controls the application of the pressurisation means to the container and the line such that when fluid is to be dispensed from the apparatus it is forced towards the line end valve, and when the line is to be cleared of fluid, said fluid is forced towards the container, and in which fluid returning to the container is subjected to a filtering means, in which the filtering unit module comprises a self contained unit adapted to be fitted between a container and a line of fluid line apparatus with which it is used, in which the filtering unit module comprises line valve means and the filtering means of said apparatus, in which the line valve means are adapted to direct fluid to said line in the direction of a line end valve of said apparatus when the pressurisation means of said apparatus performs its first function, and in which the line valve means are further adapted to direct fluid to the filtering means then into the container of said apparatus when the pressurisation means of said apparatus performs its second function and the line is to be cleared of fluid.

34. A filtering unit module as claimed in claim 33 in which the filtering unit module comprises a main line which forms part of the line of said apparatus, and a return fluid branch line which extends from a junction point on said main line to the container of said apparatus, in which the filtering means is disposed on the return fluid branch line, and in which the line valve means comprises a two way valve disposed at the junction point which is adapted to open the main line and shut the return fluid branch line when fluid is to be dispensed from said apparatus, and to close the line and open the return fluid branch line when fluid is to be returned to the container of said apparatus.

35. A filtering unit module as claimed in claim 34 in which the return fluid branch line comprises a loop line which extends from said junction point to a second junction point on the main line between said junction point and the container of the apparatus, and in which the line valve means comprises a second two way valve disposed at the second junction point which is adapted to open the main line and shut the return fluid branch line when fluid is to be dispensed from said apparatus, and to close the main line and open the return fluid branch line when fluid is to be returned to the container of said apparatus.

36. A filtering unit module as claimed in claim 35 in which the line valve means further comprises a one way valve disposed on the main line between said junction point and the second junction point, which one way valve is adapted to only allow fluid to pass along the main line in the direction of the line end valve of said apparatus.

37. A filtering unit module as claimed in claims 33 in which the pressurisation means of the fluid line apparatus with which it is used comprises a source of pressurised gas, which is connected to the container by a gas line, in which the filtering unit module is adapted to be fitted between said source of pressurised gas and said container and comprises a main gas line which forms part of the gas line of said apparatus, in which a two-way gas stop valve is disposed on said main gas line which is adapted to open the main gas line when fluid is to be dispensed from said apparatus.

38. A filtering unit module as claimed in claim 37 in which the gas stop valve is adapted to close the main gas line when fluid is to be returned to the container of said apparatus.

39. A filtering unit module as claimed in claim 33 in which the filtering unit module comprises fluid sensor means and interface means, in which the interface means are adapted to connect to the control means of said apparatus such that data can be sent to said control means, and in which the fluid sensor means are adapted to provide such data to said control means on the quantity of fluid forced into the container of said apparatus in use.

40. A filtering unit module as claimed in claim 39 in which the fluid sensor means comprises a fluid flow sensor and a fluid presence optronic senor, in which the fluid presence optronic sensor is adapted to signal to the control means of said apparatus when it senses a fluid in the main line, in which the fluid flow sensor is adapted to measure the quantity of fluid returning through the main line to the container of said apparatus in use and to communicate such measurements to said control means.

41. A filtering unit module as claimed in claim 40 in which the filtering unit module comprises a main line which forms part of the line of said apparatus, and a return fluid branch line which comprises a loop line which extends from a junction point on said main line to a second junction point on the main line between said junction point and the container of the apparatus, in which the fluid flow sensor is disposed on the main line on the line side of said junction point, and in which the fluid presence optronic sensor is disposed on the main line between the second junction point and the container of said apparatus.

42. A filtering unit module as claimed in claim 40 in which the fluid sensor means further comprises a fluid conductivity sensor which is adapted to identify the electric resistance of fluid passing though the main line and to communicate such measurements to the control means of said apparatus.

43. A filtering unit module as claimed in claim 42 in which the fluid conductivity sensor is disposed on the main line between the fluid flow sensor and the line of said apparatus.

44. Fluid line draining apparatus for use with fluid line apparatus comprising a container, a line, a line end valve and pressurisation means, in which the line connects the container to the line end valve and the pressurisation means pressurises the container such that fluid in the container is forced along the line towards the line end valve, in which the fluid line draining apparatus comprises second pressurisation means, control means, filtering means and connection means, in which in use the pressurisation means, control means and filtering means are connected to fluid line apparatus with which the fluid line draining apparatus is used by means of the connection means, and in which in use the control means controls the application of the pressurisation means of said fluid line apparatus to the container of said fluid line apparatus and the application of the second pressurisation means to the line of said fluid line apparatus such that when fluid is to be dispensed from said fluid line apparatus it is forced in the direction of the line end valve of said fluid line apparatus, and when the line of said fluid line apparatus is to be cleared of fluid, said fluid is forced in the direction of the container of said fluid line apparatus, and in which fluid returning to the container of said fluid line apparatus is subjected to the filtering means.

45. A multiple fluid line apparatus comprising pressurization means, control means and two or more containers, each provided with a line, a line end valve and a filtering means, in which the lines connect the containers to their line end valves, in which a first function of the pressurization means is to pressurize the containers such that fluid in the containers is forced in the direction of their line end valves, in which a second function of the pressurization means is to pressurize the lines such that fluid in the lines is forced in the direction of the corresponding containers, in which in use the control means controls the application of the pressurization mean to the containers and the lines such that when fluid is to be dispensed from one or the other of the line end valves, it is forced along the corresponding line, and when one or the other of the lines is to be cleared of fluid, said fluid is forced towards the corresponding container, and in which fluid returning to any container is subjected to a filtering means, and wherein the control means is such that the operation of each fluid line is independent of the other.

46. A multiple fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 45 wherein each fluid line further comprises a filtering unit module adapted to be fitted between a container and its corresponding line, in which the filtering unit module comprises line valve means and the filtering means of said apparatus, in which the line valve means are adapted to direct fluid to said line in the direction of the line end valve of said fluid line when the pressurization means of said apparatus performs its first function, and in which the line valve means are further adapted to direct fluid to the filtering means then in to the container of said fluid line when the pressurization means of said apparatus performs its second function and the line is to be cleared of fluid.

47. A multiple fluid line apparatus as claimed in claim 50 wherein the pressurization means comprises two separate pressurization means, one for pressurizing the containers and the second, which is associated with the line end valve, for pressurizing the lines such that fluid in the lines is able to be forced in the direction of the containers.