RU230627U1 - Container for storing food liquids - Google Patents

Abstract

The utility model relates to devices for selling food products through vending machines (terminals) using the self-service method in accordance with the rules of sale, namely to its component - a tank or container intended for accumulating and storing water. The container for storing food liquid consists of an all-metal hollow body having a bottom, side walls and a lid, means for supplying and draining food liquid, filling control valves and disinfection means. The disinfection means are made in the form of an ultraviolet lamp (UV) and an ozonizer. The all-metal hollow body is made of food-grade stainless steel. The ultraviolet lamp is installed in the lower part of the container. The ozonizer is equipped with an ozone supply tube, at the end of which there is a sprayer located in the upper part of the container. 3 cl. 4 fig.

Description

The utility model relates to devices for the sale of food products through vending machines (terminals) using the self-service method in accordance with the rules of sale, namely to its component part - a reservoir or container intended for the accumulation and storage of water.

A self-service terminal is a device that allows users to independently fill and pay for the amount of drinking water they need, which is automatically poured into bottles or other containers.

State of the art

Various methods for disinfection and purification of water from various pollutants are known from the state of the art, the most effective and relatively accessible method is photolytic ozonation, disclosed in the journal "Medical Almanac". 2013 Agalakova L.M. et al. Ozonation unit for disinfection of drinking water. Several years ago, the practical use of photochemical methods for water purification began, among which photolytic ozonation is the most effective. Photolytic ozonation is the simultaneous treatment of water with ozone and ultraviolet light, which increases the oxidation rate of dissolved organic molecules by 100-10,000 times, while mutual enhancement of the effects of ozone and UV light is observed. Usually, reactions occur until complete mineralization of organic compounds, detoxification of a number of inorganic compounds is also observed. The efficiency of water ozonation with simultaneous irradiation with ultraviolet light is many times higher, which allows the use of a much less powerful and, accordingly, cheaper ozonizer. Due to the exceptionally high rate of oxidation processes and the high ozone utilization factor, there is also no need to use a bulky contact chamber, as is required with classical ozonation. In addition, photolytic ozonation has the following advantages: no chemical reagents are used; a high degree of water disinfection, unattainable by other methods; a reduction in capital and operating costs for water disinfection.

This method of purification has found various design implementations in self-service terminals for the sale and bottling of water into consumer containers, as well as in water treatment systems.

From the prior art RU 2536375 C2, (Chernienko A.V. et al.), 20.12.2014, a device for dispensing water is known, comprising a housing with a water tank, a level sensor, a water purification device, an ozonation device, a pump with a water drain, a liquid dispensing unit, an ultraviolet lamp, a control device - a controller and a payment device mounted inside, wherein the water supply and drainage pipelines are mounted under the tank, equipped with shut-off valves and looped with each other, in the ring of which a pump for pumping and feeding water and a means for its ozonation are mounted, wherein the ultraviolet lamp is mounted above the liquid dispensing unit, the light flux of which is directed at the protruding part of the water drainage pipeline and at the surface of the filling unit in contact with the environment.

From the prior art RU 2747230 C1, (Vyatkin V.V.), 04/29/2021, a device is known for disinfecting water and dispensing water into a water buyer's container during aquavending, containing a source of ultraviolet radiation and a chamber for filling water into the water buyer's container, it contains an ozone generator and a water flow expander, wherein the source of ultraviolet radiation is installed in the said expander, the output of which is hydraulically connected to the water filling chamber, and the ozone generator is installed with the possibility of ozonizing the internal space of the water buyer's container while this container is in the water filling chamber, and in such a way that the possibility of water passing into the ozone generator during the process of dispensing water into the water buyer's container is excluded.

From the prior art RU 2057548 C1 (OJSC HC "Granit-Salamandra") 12/26/1994, equipment is known for preparing liquids and feeds for household and drinking, agricultural, domestic and technical consumption, in particular devices for treating liquids with ultraviolet radiation and ozone, can be used in agriculture and veterinary medicine, in everyday life and by individual consumers, at pharmacology enterprises, medicine, microelectronics, in the production of liquid food products, on vehicles. The essence of the invention: the control unit supplies pulse voltage to the interconnected current leads of the ozonizer and the UV lamp. In this case, the liquid entering the device is mixed in a mixer with ozone and, entering the body treatment chamber, is subjected to the combined action of ozone, ultraviolet radiation and an oxidation photocatalyst applied to the rotation blades and mesh blades of the mixing device, intensifying the mixing of the liquid with the gas-ozone mixture directly in the UV radiation zone, allowing maximum use of the synergistic effect in liquid disinfection. The use of a system for monitoring and adjusting the ozone concentration using a photodetector and a thermal sensor connected to the control unit allows continuous and smooth adjustment and control of the degree of disinfection and purification of the liquid on the discharge pipe.

From the prior art US 6093312 A1 (Entre Pure Inc) 22.01.1998 a combined water purification and ice supply system is known, equipped with an air cooler on the ice container, which prevents the ice from freezing. The system contains a UV sterilizer. The housing is preferably made of stainless steel. The water pipes, preferably made of quartz, are transparent, which allows the water to be exposed to ultraviolet radiation. The ozone generator has a housing in which a fan and an ozone lamp are located.

From the prior art US 9796613 B2 (Woosh Water System LTD) of 27.12.2012, a drinking water vending machine for dispensing purified water is known, comprising a mechanical coarse filter, an RO purification unit, an ozone purification unit, a UV purification unit, a filter with activated carbon, a chemical purification unit based on and a mechanical fine filter.

From the prior art RU 2711644 C1 (Vyatkin V.V.) of 17.01.2020, a reservoir for bactericidal storage of water is known, made in the form of a vertically oriented body, including a bottom and a side wall made of a light-opaque material, as well as a lid hermetically connected to the side wall, wherein the reservoir contains pipes for supplying and draining water, spaced apart in height so that the nozzle for draining water is located in the area of the bottom of the reservoir, as well as a protective pipe made of a light-transmitting material installed inside the reservoir body, intended to accommodate a bactericidal ultraviolet radiation lamp in it, wherein the protective pipe is located in the area of the bottom of the reservoir parallel to this bottom and hermetically fixed to the side wall of the reservoir with the possibility of free access to the internal cavity of this pipe from the outside of this side wall, and the cover of the reservoir body is designed with the possibility of visual inspection of the state of the inner surface of the reservoir body protected from ultraviolet radiation through this lid.

From the prior art RU 113043 U1 (Bakaleiko V.V.) 27.01.2012 a kiosk-automated device for selling water is known, in which at least one vending machine, a heating and temperature control unit and at least one water tank, having a drain from overflowing the tank with water, water level sensors interconnected with the vending machine, an ozonation device connected to the water tank, and in the lower part of the water tank there is a drain that supplies water through a pump, and a water purification device to the vending machine, as well as a filling unit, on one side having an outlet into the tank, and on the other a connection for filling the water tank from an external source.

The closest technical solution selected as a prototype is RU 218779 U1 (Noda A.S.) 06/09/2023 a multi-vending machine containing a module for storing and dispensing related products, a water dispensing module and a control system, additionally contains a module for obtaining drinking water and an ozonizer, while the module for obtaining drinking water is designed with the possibility of connection to a water supply. The module for storing and dispensing related products, the water dispensing module, as well as the module for obtaining drinking water are located in a common sealed housing and are connected by pipelines to the ozonizer, and the control system is designed with the additional ability to control the operation of the drinking water module. In addition, in order to obtain mineralized and high-quality purified water, the module for obtaining drinking water contains filters, a reverse osmosis membrane, a mineralizer, a tank with an ultraviolet lamp and a water level sensor in the tank. For the convenience of trade, the module for storing and dispensing related products is made with shelves on which spirals are installed, connected to electric motors providing translational movement of the goods. In addition, the drinking water production module additionally contains a block of additives for producing beverages based on purified drinking water.

A common disadvantage of known solutions is the short service intervals of water tanks and the high probability of pathogenic organisms and bacteria getting into the water.

Disclosure of the essence of the utility model

The disadvantages of known technical solutions are that materials subject to corrosion and chemical decay are used to manufacture the tank, as a result of which the inner surface of the tank may be subject to corrosion and metals may enter the water. In the case of using plastics to manufacture the tank, toxic substances enter the drinking water, since during the process of water purification by photolytic ozonation, the inner walls of the tank are exposed to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation and ozone, and as a result of the oxidation reaction, the tank itself becomes a source of drinking water pollution.

As a result of long-term observation during the manufacturing, repair and maintenance of containers for self-service terminals, the author found that the area between the water surface and the inner part of the container lid is significantly susceptible to the accumulation and reproduction of various pathogenic organisms and bacteria. This is due to the fact that the container lid is removable for maintenance, and the ozone inflow and ultraviolet lamps are located closer to the bottom of the container. When the container is completely filled, the water does not reach the upper boundary of the tank (container), since a valve controlling the filling is located on top of the side wall. Various bends and flanges at the container and lid create zones that are not exposed to UV radiation from the lamps and practically exclude the ingress of ozone. As a result, water vapor constantly accumulates in the upper part of the container between the water surface and the inner part of the lid, forming a favorable environment for bacteria, and ozone and ultraviolet disinfectants, due to their location, do not provide disinfection of this space.

When photolytic ozonation sources are located at the top of the tank, disinfection does not occur quickly enough, since the amount of water interacting with ozone is significantly less, in contrast to the situation when photolytic ozonation sources are located at the bottom of the tank.

The technical problem solved by the utility model is the arrangement and configuration of photolytic ozonation elements for the simultaneous disinfection of water and all internal surfaces of the container.

The technical result consists in increasing the service intervals of a water storage tank while maintaining the properties of clean drinking water stored in the tank.

The technical problem is solved and the technical result is achieved by the fact that the container for storing food liquid consists of an all-metal hollow body having a bottom, side walls and a lid, means for supplying and draining food liquid, water level control valves, disinfection means containing an ultraviolet lamp (UV) enclosed in a protective water-repellent screen and an ozonizer for additional disinfection of water, according to the utility model, the all-metal hollow body is made of food grade stainless steel, the ultraviolet lamp is installed in the lower part of the container, and the ozonizer is equipped with an ozone supply tube, at the end of which there is a sprayer located in the upper part of the container.

In one embodiment, AISI 304 steel is used for the body.

In one embodiment, the atomizer is made of corundum.

In one embodiment, the spray nozzle in the tank is located from 1/8 to 1/2 the height of the tank.

An ultraviolet (UV) lamp that is mounted inside the tank and enclosed in a glass water-repellent screen, in particular, made of quartz. The UV lamp operates continuously, which reduces its service life, or periodically. The UV lamp is installed directly at the outlet pipe for food liquid, which makes its use effective, but insufficient for disinfecting the entire volume of water in the tank.

An ozonizer is connected from the outside (top, side) through a technological hole, which disinfects food liquid according to a timer, independently of the UV lamp. In this case, ozone forms vortex flows (movement, mixing) of food liquid water in the tank. The ozonizer operates cyclically, switching on and off is regulated by a relay. The ozonizer ensures safer storage of food liquid, since the disinfecting effect of ozone is 3-5 times higher than that of ultraviolet radiation. The ozone supply tube, at the end of which there is a sprayer located in the upper part of the tank, increases the reaction area of the interaction of ozone and water, due to an increase in the number of bubbles (an increase in the gas exchange area), the oxidation reaction occurs faster, and the mixing of water layers occurs more intensively, as a result, small bubbles saturate the water more effectively. Thus, the use of a sprayer on the ozone supply tube allows you to place it in the upper part of the tank to disinfect the entire amount of food liquid (water). In addition, due to such a design and location, part of the ozone (not having entered into an oxidation reaction with water) interacts with the upper part of the tank and the inner part of the lid, disinfecting places prone to the accumulation of pathogenic organisms and bacteria, which leads to an increase in service intervals and preservation of the properties of clean drinking water in the tank.

The ozone atomizer in the tank is located from 1/8 to 1/2 of the tank height. This location has been determined empirically and depends on the geometry of the tank. If the tank is narrow and long, then it is more appropriate to place the atomizer closer to the center of the tank 1/2, and if the tank is wide and not high, then it is more appropriate to place the atomizer closer to the top 1/8. This is due to the minimum volume of water interacting with ozone and the amount of ozone that has not had time to enter into an oxidation reaction.

The author has carried out measurements of purified drinking water from the tank, with an extended interval between maintenance, which demonstrated that the drinking water was not contaminated or infected with pathogens and bacteria. In addition, samples were analyzed from the inside of the cover, in the flaps and flanges, which also showed the absence of pathogens and bacteria in this area, which confirms the practical feasibility of this design and placement of disinfectants.

The use of ozone also helps remove impurities and solid particles (dirt, sand, etc.), soften hard water, eliminate bacteria, destroy foreign odors, and improve water quality characteristics. Ozonized water acquires additional beneficial properties: it will have a higher oxygen content, which is beneficial for the body.

The container body is equipped with upper and lower liquid level sensors that monitor the amount of food liquid in the container.

Depending on the requirements for a particular food liquid, the container can be additionally equipped (completed):

1. A hydrogen generator that uses electrolysis to obtain hydrogen, a natural antioxidant, from water and dissolves it in liquid.

2. An oxygen concentrator that receives oxygen from the surrounding air and saturates the liquid in the container with it. Ingestion of oxygen-enriched liquid increases saturation and the body's resistance to viruses and bacteria.

3. A means preventing freezing and changing the composition of the liquid. Such a means may be an ultraviolet lamp or an incandescent lamp with a water-repellent screen made of quartz glass, which is switched on forcibly by a thermostat if the water temperature approaches 0°C, and heats the food liquid, including purified drinking water. Also, the mentioned means may be a heating cable around the perimeter of the tank, connected to the thermostat, a blade device, for example, an electric motor with an impeller for swirls, for constant movement of water in the tank next to the UV lamp.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 shows a storage tank (tank) isometrically.

Fig. 2 shows a front view.

Fig. 3 is a side view (section A-A in Fig. 2).

Fig. 4 shows a top view.

1 - Storage tank;

2 - Bottom;

3 - Side walls;

4 - Cover;

5.1 - Means for supplying food liquid (optional location in the lid or in the wall of the tank);

5.2 - Means for draining food liquid;

6.1 - Upper liquid level control valve (upper water level control valve);

6.2 - Lower liquid level control valve (lower water level control valve);

7.1 - Ozonizer;

7.2 - Ultraviolet (UV) lamp;

8 - Ozone supply tube;

9 - Sprayer;

10 - Liquid (water);

11 - Water-free zone (the area between the water surface and the inside of the tank lid, which is highly susceptible to the accumulation and proliferation of various pathogenic organisms and bacteria).

Implementation of a utility model

Let us consider one of the possible examples of using the container, taking as an example the option of using it as part of a system for dispensing food liquid to the end customer (the principle of a vending machine) and using non-carbonated drinking water as the food liquid.

The container is used as follows:

Water (10), depending on the location of the tank application and the source water used, enters the tank through the inlet pipe (5.1) from the water pre-treatment systems and is poured through the top or side part of the tank body (1). The maximum amount of incoming water is regulated by the upper liquid level sensor (6.1) (upper water level control valve). The minimum amount of stored water is controlled by the lower liquid level sensor (6.2) (lower water level control valve). Water is stored in the tank and undergoes double treatment around the clock by disinfecting devices (7.1), (7.2):

- first treatment: with ultraviolet light using a lamp (7.1);

- the second treatment: with ozone using an ozonizer (7.2). The ozonizer also forms vortex flows and movement of liquid in the tank, preventing it from stagnation. The ozonizer is equipped with an ozone supply tube (8) at the end of which there is a sprayer (9), located in the upper part of the tank, closer to the zone without water (11). Water is disinfected by saturating it with small ozone bubbles. Ozone, which has not had time to enter into an oxidation reaction with water, spreads in the zone without water and disinfects this space.

Processing is carried out at a specified time interval by an adjustable relay.

Disinfected water flows through filling (pouring, dispensing) systems installed behind the tank into the consumer’s container.

In this case, the volume of water processed in the tank, that is, incoming or withdrawn, is regulated by sensors:

- upper level (signal and/or automatic stop of water flow into the tank)

- lower liquid level (signal and/or automatic interruption of the decrease (pouring) of water from the container).

Claims (4)

1. A container for storing food liquid, consisting of an all-metal hollow body having a bottom, side walls and a lid, means for supplying and draining food liquid, water level control valves, disinfection means containing an ultraviolet lamp (UV) enclosed in a protective water-repellent screen, and an ozonizer for additional disinfection of water, characterized in that the all-metal hollow body is made of food grade stainless steel, the ultraviolet lamp is installed in the lower part of the container, and the ozonizer is equipped with an ozone supply tube, at the end of which there is a sprayer located in the upper part of the container. 2. A container for storing food liquid according to paragraph 1, characterized in that AISI 304 steel is used for the body. 3. A container for storing food liquid according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the sprayer is made of corundum. 4. A container for storing food liquid according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the sprayer in the tank is located from 1/8 to 1/2 of the height of the tank.