WO2017072531A1

WO2017072531A1 - Beverage cooling systems

Info

Publication number: WO2017072531A1
Application number: PCT/GB2016/053369
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simon Felton; Mark Bromwich
Original assignee: Cornelius Beverage Technologies Ltd
Current assignee: Marmon Foodservice Technologies UK Ltd
Priority date: 2015-10-30
Filing date: 2016-10-31
Publication date: 2017-05-04
Anticipated expiration: 2018-04-30
Also published as: GB201807076D0; GB2568413B; GB201901473D0; GB2557557A; GB2557557B; GB2568413A

Abstract

A beverage cooling system (10) that includes a cooling tank (40) configured to receive a cooling media, a first cooling coil (50) positioned in the cooling tank such that the cooling media contacts the first cooling coil, a refrigeration module (60A, 60W) coupled to the first cooling coil and configured to circulate a first coolant through the first cooling coil to thereby cool the cooling media, and a pair of couplers (71, 72) that removably couple the refrigeration module to the first cooling coil such as to isolate the first coolant in the first cooling coil when the refrigeration module is uncoupled from the first cooling coil.

Description

BEVERAGE COOLING SYSTEMS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.

62/248,634 filed on October 30, 2015, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/276,301 filed on January 8, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/358,660 filed on July 6, 2016, which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to beverage cooling systems, specifically modular beverage cooling systems with removable refrigeration modules.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The following applications and patents are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety:

[0003] U.K. Published Patent Application No. GB2490120A filed April, 18, 2011.

[0004] U.K. Patent Application No. GB 1507651.6 filed May 5, 2015.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 6,438,989, which discloses a juice dispenser that includes a water bath tank, a mechanical refrigeration system and a beverage containing cabinet. These three primary components are designed to be separable modular units that are easily assembled together and disassembled. A sheet metal refrigeration deck having an evaporator secured thereto and suspended there below is dropped into and secured to a top end of a water bath tank. Various mechanical refrigeration components including primarily a compressor and condenser, are supported above the deck at a rear portion thereof. The beverage cabinet is positioned and retained above a forward portion of the water bath tank and includes an internal space for retaining a beverage container for holding typically a volume of beverage or juice concentrate/syrup. Fluid disconnects provide for releasable connection with the water bath for providing fluid connection to a heat exchange coil located in the cabinet to provide cooling therein, and hence, cooling of the concentrate. A fluid disconnect is also provided for a line delivering cooled potable water to beverage dispensing valves secured externally of and to the cabinet. The valves combine the water with the beverage concentrate for preparing and dispensing the finished drink.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 6,324,850, which discloses a beverage dispense system that is designed to dispense a beverage, e.g. from a bulk supply, by chilling the beverage to a temperature close to its freezing point. The beverage dispense system includes a beverage recirculation loop and a water recirculation loop, two chillers, both loops passing through both chillers, and a dispense valve located in the beverage recirculation loop, a first of the chillers cooling both the beverage and the water and a second of the chillers comprising a thermo-electric device and being located between the first chiller and the dispense valve for further cooling of the beverage to be dispensed whilst removing heat from the device using the water in the water recirculation loop.

SUMMARY

[0007] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that are further described herein in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or central features from the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] In certain examples, a beverage cooling system includes a cooling tank configured to receive a cooling media, a first cooling coil positioned in the cooling tank such that the cooling media contacts the first cooling coil, a refrigeration module coupled to the first cooling coil and configured to circulate a first coolant through the first cooling coil to thereby cool the cooling media, and a pair of couplers that removably couple the refrigeration module to the first cooling coil such as to isolate the first coolant in the first cooling coil when the refrigeration module is uncoupled from the first cooling coil.

[0009] In certain examples, a method for cooling a beverage includes receiving a cooling media in a cooling tank, positioning a first cooling coil in the cooling tank such that the cooling media contacts the first cooling coil, and coupling a refrigeration module to the first cooling coil with a pair of couplers that isolate the first coolant in the first cooling coil when the refrigeration module is removed. The refrigeration module is configured to circulate a first coolant through the first cooling coil to thereby cool the cooling media.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present disclosure is described with reference to the following figures.

The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and like components.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an example beverage cooling system.

[0012] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the beverage cooling system of FIG. 1. [0013] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the beverage cooling system of FIG. 1 showing an air-cooled refrigeration module and a water-cooled refrigeration module.

[0014] FIG. 4 is another example beverage cooling system showing an access panel in an open position.

[0015] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the beverage cooling system of FIG. 4 including the air-cooled refrigeration module.

[0016] FIG. 6 is an end view of the beverage cooling system of FIG. 4 with housing panels removed.

[0017] FIG. 7 is a view of the beverage cooling system of FIG. 4 along line 7-7 on

FIG. 4.

[0018] FIG. 8 is an example frame.

[0019] FIG. 9 is an example coupler.

[0020] FIG. 10 is an example coupler.

[0021] FIG. 11 is an example plumbing diagram for a beverage cooling system with an air-cooled refrigeration module.

[0022] FIG. 12 is an example plumbing diagram for a beverage cooling system with a water-cooled refrigeration module.

[0023] FIG. 13 is a top view of an air-cooled refrigeration module.

[0024] FIG. 14 is a top view of a water-cooled refrigeration module.

[0025] FIG. 15 is an example electrical wiring detail for the beverage cooling system with the air-cooled refrigeration module.

[0026] FIG. 16 is an example electrical wiring detail for the beverage cooling system with the water-cooled refrigeration module.

[0027] FIG. 17 is an example turbulator.

[0028] FIGS. 18-19 are example isolation valves.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0029] In the present disclosure, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be inferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly construed. The different apparatuses, systems, and methods described herein may be used alone or in combination with other apparatuses, systems, and methods. Various equivalents, alternatives and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0030] The present inventors have endeavored to provide beverage cooling systems that allow an operator to easily install and/or replace specific parts of beverage cooling systems.

[0031] Through research and development, the present inventors have observed that existing modular beverage cooling systems require two people to install and/or remove specific parts of the beverage cooling system for service-exchange, maintenance, and/or replacement. The existing beverage cooling systems are also quite large and bulky, and can exceed maximum weight limits for health and safety in the industry. The present inventors have also observed that in some existing beverage cooling systems, about 50% of system weight is unrelated to service-exchange functionality and therefore could be designed as a semi-permanent fixture. The present inventors have further observed that it is sometimes not necessary to remove the entire beverage cooling system during service. Instead, it would be advantageous to remove the parts requiring service, such as the compressors and pumps, while leaving the other beverage cooling system parts, such as cooling tanks, in place.

[0032] Accordingly, the present inventors have invented beverage cooling systems that include unitary refrigeration modules that have parts of the beverage cooling system coupled thereto. The refrigeration modules are packaged such that a single person can couple and decouple the refrigeration module to and from the beverage cooling system with little or no assistance. Accordingly, the time and costs associated with installation and/or service of the beverage cooling system is significantly reduced.

[0033] Referring to FIGS. 1-8, examples of beverage cooling systems 10 are depicted.

Specifically, FIGS. 1-3 depict a first example beverage cooling system 10 and FIGS. 4-8 depict a second example beverage cooling system 10. It should be noted that components of the beverage cooling systems 10 described herein can be interchanged with and between other beverage cooling systems 10 described herein. The beverage cooling systems 10 also can utilize components of ice bath coolers typically used in the industry for cooling beverages (e.g. beer, juice, soda). Reference is made to above incorporated U.S. Patent Nos. 6,324,850 and 6,438,989 for examples of ice bath coolers.

[0034] The beverage cooling system 10 includes a frame 20 (see FIG. 8) that defines an interior space 22 (see FIG. 3) which is configured to receive a refrigeration module 60A, 60W (describe herein) (see FIG. 3 ; distinctions between air-cooled refrigeration modules 60A and water-cooled refrigeration modules 60W are described herein). The frame 20 includes enclosure panels 28 and at least one access panel 30 that is configured to expose components of the beverage cooling system 10 describe herein. The frame 20 includes a surface 32 (see FIG. 3) that defines the lower extent of the interior space 22. In certain examples, the frame 20 comprises a modular first section 24 and a modular second section 26 which is supported by the modular first section 24 (see FIGS. 3 and 5).

[0035] The beverage cooling system 10 includes a cooling tank 40 configured to receive a cooling media (see FIG 3). The cooling tank 40 defines a void 44 into which the cooling media is received (see FIGS. 3 and 5). The positioning of the cooling tank 40 relative to the frame 20 can vary. In one example, the cooling tank 40 is positioned vertically above the interior space 22 such that the cooling tank 40 is supported by the frame 20. The cooling tank 40 is made of any suitable material (e.g. plastic, metal) and can be insulated. In certain examples, an agitator (not shown) is received in the cooling tank 40 to agitate and/or circulate the cooling media. In certain examples, a latch mechanism (not shown) couples the cooling tank 40 to the frame 20.

[0036] The beverage cooling system 10 includes a beverage cooling coil 58 (see FIG.

3) that is positioned in the cooling tank 40 such that the cooling media contacts the beverage cooling coil 58 and thereby cools a beverage conveyed through the beverage cooling coil 58. In operation, the beverage is conveyed from a beverage source (not shown) (e.g. beer keg) and through the beverage cooling coil 58 by a beverage pump 56 to a tap (not shown) which dispenses the cooled beverage to an operator. In certain examples, the beverage cooling coil 58 and the beverage pump 56 are components of a lid pack 54 that is removably coupled to the beverage cooling system 10 (see FIG. 3). The type of beverage pump 56 can vary. An example beverage pump 56 is disclosed in the above-incorporated U.K. Patent Application No. 1507651.6. The beverage cooling system 10 is configured to receive various types of lid packs 54 such that the beverage cooling system 10 can be used with existing beverage cooling system parts and components (e.g. lid packs, pumps, and/or beverage cooling coils).

[0037] The beverage cooling coil 58 can be constructed of any suitable material, preferably stainless steel tubing. The lid pack 54 may include a python system (not shown) of known configuration to efficiently and effectively interact with the beverage cooling coil 58 and further cool the beverage. In certain examples, the python system can include high efficiency energy saving technologies known in the industry. The beverage cooling coil 58 and/or the cooling tank 40 can include an integrated cooling means (not shown) with a temperature and/or ice thickness control system for freeze suppressants and/or ice-bank operational modes.

[0038] The beverage cooling system 10 includes a first cooling coil 50 positioned in the cooling tank 40 such that the first cooling coil 50 contacts the cooling media. A first coolant is conveyed through the first cooling coil 50 to thereby cool the cooling media.

[0039] The beverage cooling system 10 includes a refrigeration module 60A, 60W coupled to the first cooling coil 50 and configured to circulate the first coolant through the first cooling coil 50 to thereby cool the cooling media. Note that the refrigeration module 60A, 60W can be either an air-cooled refrigeration module 60A, a water-cooled refrigeration module 60W, or combination thereof, which are described further herein. The refrigeration module 60A, 60W is slidably received in the interior space 22 of the frame 20. The refrigeration module 60A, 60W comprises a platform 62 that slides along the surface 32 of the frame 20 when the refrigeration module 60A, 60W is moved into and out of the interior space 22. The refrigeration module 60A, 60W includes a handle 66 that can be grasped by the operator when moving the refrigeration module into and out of the interior space 22. In certain examples, the platform 62 comprises wheels 63 (see FIG. 7) that reduce friction between the platform 62 and the surface 32 of the frame 20 as the refrigeration module 60A, 60W is moved into and out of the interior space 22. In other examples, the refrigeration module 60A, 60W can include castors, guide tracks, and/or the like. The refrigeration module 60A, 60W is a hermetically sealed module which includes components and parts (described herein) of the beverage cooling system 10. The refrigeration module 60A, 60W is portable and interchangeable. The refrigeration module 60A, 60W, including the parts coupled thereto, weighs no more than 25.0 kilograms and therefore can be moved by an operator with one or two hands. The refrigeration module 60A, 60W is a service exchange part. The refrigeration module 60 A, 60W can be removed from the beverage cooling system 10.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 9-10, the beverage cooling system 10 includes a pair of couplers 71, 72 that removably couple the refrigeration module 60 A, 60W to the first cooling coil 50 and isolate the first coolant in the first cooling coil 50 when the refrigeration module 60A, 60W is uncoupled from the first cooling coil 50. The pair of couplers 71, 72 includes an inlet coupler 71 through which the first coolant flows to the first cooling coil 50 and an outlet coupler 72 through which the first coolant flows to the refrigeration module 60A, 60W. The type of couplers 71, 72 can vary. In one example, the couplers 71, 72 are quick-disconnect couplers manufactured by CPC (model nos. HFCD23612 and HFCD17612).

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the refrigeration module 60A, 60W is configured to cool the first coolant conveyed in the first cooling coil 50. The refrigeration module 60A, 60W includes a first coolant pump 82 that circulates the first coolant through the first cooling coil 50 and an evaporator 84, and the refrigeration module 60 A, 60W circulates a second coolant through the evaporator 84 to thereby cool the first coolant.

[0042] The refrigeration module 60A, 60W includes a condenser 86 and circulates the second coolant through the condenser 86 to thereby cool the second coolant. The refrigeration module 60 A, 60W includes a restrictor capillary device 88 configured to regulate the pressure of the second coolant.

[0043] Referring specifically to FIG. 11, the example beverage cooling system 10 depicted includes the air-cooled refrigeration module 60A. In this example, the refrigeration module 60A includes a fan 104 that is coupled to the air-cooled refrigeration module 60A. The fan 104 is configured to cool the second coolant by moving air across the condenser 86. Note that the parts of the refrigeration module 60A enclosed by line A shown in FIG. 11 are coupled to the refrigeration module 60 A. Also see FIG. 13 for an example part layout of the air-cooled refrigeration module 60 A.

[0044] Referring specifically to FIG. 12, the example beverage cooling system 10 depicted includes the water-cooled refrigeration module 60W. In this example, the beverage cooling system 10 includes a second cooling coil 94, and the refrigeration module 60W is configured to circulate a third coolant through the second cooling coil 94 and the condenser 86 to thereby cool the second coolant. The refrigeration module 60W includes a second coolant pump 96 that circulates the third coolant through the second cooling coil 94 and the condenser 86. The second coolant pump 96 is coupled to the water-cooled refrigeration module 60W. The beverage cooling system 10 further includes a heat dump unit 98 that is coupled to the second cooling coil 94 and configured to cool the third coolant. The type of heat dump unit 98 can vary. The type of coolant pumps 82, 96 can vary (e.g. centrifugal pump, regenerative pump, positive displacement pump).

[0045] The beverage cooling system 10 includes a pair of self-sealing service valves

101, 102 that couple the water-cooled refrigeration module 60W to the second cooling coil 94. When the water-cooled refrigeration module 60W is removed, the water-cooled refrigeration module 60W and the second cooling coil 94 decouple and the self-sealing service valves 101, 102 seal to prevent particulates from entering the water-cooled refrigeration module 60W and the second cooling coil 94, respectively. The service valves 101, 102 include an inlet service valve 101 through which the third coolant flows to the second cooling coil 94 and an outlet service valve 102 valve through which the third coolant flows to the water-cooled refrigeration module 60W. Note that the parts of the refrigeration module 60W enclosed by line A shown in FIG. 12 are coupled to the water-cooled refrigeration module 60W. Also see FIG. 14 for an example part layout of the water-cooled module refrigeration 60W.

[0046] The beverage cooling system 10 includes a coolant reservoir 106 (see also

FIGS. 6-7) that couples to the first cooling coil 50 and/or the second cooling coil 94. The coolant reservoir 106 is configured to supply the first coolant to the first cooling coil 50 and/or the third coolant to the second cooling coil 94. The coolant reservoir 106 is configured hold a reserve volume of coolant that can be supplied to the first cooling coil 50 and/or second cooling coil 94 to supplement the first coolant and/or third coolant, respectively. The coolant reservoir 106 receives coolant through a fill hole 110. The coolant reservoir 106 includes an inlet port 107 configured to receive coolant from the second cooling coil 94 and an outlet port 108 configured to dispense coolant to the second cooling coil 94. The inlet port 107 is positioned vertically above the outlet port 108.

[0047] The beverage cooling system 10 includes a first valve 111 and a second valve

112 that couple the first cooling coil 50 to the coolant reservoir 106. The first valve 111 and the second valve 112 are configured to selectively open to thereby fill the first cooling coil 50 with the first cooling coil 50 (refer to example coolant filling steps and procedures are described herein). The beverage cooling system 10 includes a third valve 113 that bypasses the first valve 111 and the second valve 112 when the first valve 111 and the second valve 112 are closed and the first cooling coil 50 is filled with the first coolant.

[0048] The beverage cooling system 10 of the present disclosure can include a method for filling the first cooling coil 50 and/or the second cooling coil 94 with the first coolant and the third coolant, respectively. In operation, the operator inserts a refrigeration module 60A, 60W into the interior space 22 defined by the frame 20. Note that if the water- cooled refrigeration module 60W is used with the beverage cooling system 10, the service valves 101, 102 couple the water-cooled refrigeration module 60W to the second cooling coil 94. Next, the operator couples the refrigeration module 60A, 60W to the first cooling coil 50 using the couplers 71, 72. To fill the first cooling coil 50 with the first coolant, the first valve 111 and second valve 112 are opened and the third valve 113 is closed. The beverage cooling system 10 is turned on such that coolant from the coolant reservoir 106 flows through and fills the first cooling coil 50. When the first cooling coil 50 is filled with the first coolant, the first valve 111 and the second valve 112 are closed and the third valve 113 is opened.

[0049] When the water-cooled refrigeration module 60W is used with the beverage cooling system 10, the operator must fill the second cooling coil 94 with the coolant. To fill the second cooling coil 94, the operator adds a volume of coolant to the coolant reservoir 106 such that a coolant level 109 is above the outlet port 108 and couples a temporary bypass 115 to the second cooling coil 94 to isolate the heat dump unit 98. The operator turns on the beverage cooling system 10 such that the coolant in the coolant reservoir 106 flows into the second cooling coil 94 through the outlet port 108. The operator monitors the coolant level 109 during operation the beverage cooling system 10 to ensure that the coolant level remains vertically above the outlet port 108. When the second cooling coil 94 is filled with the third coolant, the operator turns off the beverage cooling system 10 and the operator verifies that the coolant level 109 is above the outlet port 108. Once the second cooling coil 94 is filled with the third coolant, the temporary bypass 115 is removed and the heat dump unit 98 coupled to the second cooling coil 94.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, example electrical wiring details are depicted

(FIG. 15 is an example wiring detail for a beverage cooling system 10 with the air-cooled refrigeration module 60A; FIG. 16 is an example wiring detail for a beverage cooling system 10 with the water-cooled refrigeration module 60W). The beverage cooling system 10 includes a computer controller 121 for controlling various components of the beverage cooling system 10 including the compressor 90, the first coolant pump 82, the second coolant pump 96, the fan 104, and the beverage pump 56. A thermistor temperature sensor 123 is coupled to the controller 121 and positioned in the cooling tank 40. The temperature sensor 123 senses the temperature of the cooling media and relays signals to the controller 121 such that the controller 121 interprets signals from the temperature sensor 123 to thereby control other components of the beverage cooling system 10 (e.g. if the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor 123 increase, the controller 121 will activate components of the beverage cooling system 10 to thereby cool the cooling media, as described herein). The compressor 90 can be coupled to a transformer 125. A refrigeration cutout switch 127 can be provided to cut electrical power to the beverage cooling system 10. A diagnostic display panel 38 is electrically coupled to the controller 121 and positioned on an enclosure panel 28. The diagnostic display panel 38 displays information regarding the beverage cooling systems 10 and/or operations thereof. The diagnostic display panel 38 can be a LCD screen, a touchscreen, and/or the like, and can include input button for receiving operator inputs. An example controller is manufactured by DFX Technology (Part # 91-170-SLT-CAL).

[0051] In certain examples, the beverage cooling system 10 includes methods for cooling a beverage. The method includes receiving the cooling media in the cooling tank 40, positioning the first cooling coil 50 in the cooling tank 40 such that the cooling media contacts the first cooling coil 50, and/or coupling the refrigeration module 60 to the first cooling coil 50 with the pair of couplers 71, 72 that isolate the first coolant in the first cooling coil 50 when the refrigeration module 60 is removed.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 16, certain example beverage cooling systems 10 include a turbulator 130 can be positioned in the first cooling coil 50 to make the flow of the first coolant more turbulent to thereby creates more efficient cooling by the sidewall of the first cooling coil 50.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 17-18, in certain examples the beverage cooling systems

10 include an isolation valve 132 configured to isolate the first coolant in the first cooling coil 50. The isolation valve 132 can be a backflow valve, check valve, poppet valve, duckbill valve, and/or the like. In one example, the isolation valve 132 prevents coolant flowing in a first direction (see FIG. 17, flow arrow A) through the isolation valve 132 and allows the coolant to flow in a second direction opposite the first direction (see FIG. 18, flow arrow B). In certain examples, the isolation valve 132 is an added redundancy used in conjunction with the couplers 71, 72 to isolate the first coolant in the first cooling coil 50.

[0054] In certain examples, the flow direction of the first coolant in the first cooling coil corresponds or is opposite the flow of the cooling media in the cooling tank being agitated by an agitator (not shown). That is, the flow direction of the first coolant and/or the cooling media can be customized and controlled to efficiently cool the cooling media.

[0055] The coolants described herein (e.g. the first coolant, the second coolant, third coolant) can be any suitable coolant. Examples of suitable coolants include soluble freeze suppressants and natural refrigerants. In certain examples, the refrigeration module 60 includes a secondary coolant reservoir 92 that supplies supplemental second coolant to the compressor 90.

[0056] In certain examples, the beverage cooling system includes methods for cooling a beverage. The method can include receiving the cooling media in the cooling tank, positioning the first cooling coil in the cooling tank such that the cooling media contacts the first cooling coil, positioning the beverage cooling coil that conveys the beverage in the cooling tank such that the cooling media contacts the beverage cooling coil, and/or coupling the refrigeration module to the first cooling coil with the pair of couplers that isolate the first coolant in the first cooling coil when the refrigeration module is removed. The refrigeration module is configured to circulate the first coolant through the first cooling coil to thereby cool the cooling media and the beverage.

[0057] In certain examples, the beverage cooling system includes a cooling tank configured to receive a cooling media, a first cooling coil positioned in the cooling tank such that the cooling media contacts the first cooling coil, a refrigeration module coupled to the first cooling coil and configured to circulate a first coolant through the first cooling coil to thereby cool the cooling media, and a pair of couplers that removably couple the refrigeration module to the first cooling coil such as to isolate the first coolant in the first cooling coil when the refrigeration module is uncoupled from the first cooling coil. The pair of couplers include an inlet coupler through which the first coolant flows to the first cooling coil and an outlet coupler through which the first coolant flows to the refrigeration module. The refrigeration module comprises an evaporator, and the refrigeration module is configured to cool a second coolant, circulate the second coolant through the evaporator, and circulate the first coolant through the evaporator such that the second coolant cools the first coolant.

[0058] In certain examples, the beverage cooling includes a second cooling coil configured to cool a third coolant, and the refrigeration module includes a condenser through which the second coolant is circulated there through. The refrigeration module is configured to circulate the third coolant through the second cooling coil and the condenser to thereby cool the second coolant. A pair of service valves couple the refrigeration module to the second cooling coil, and the refrigeration module decouples from the second cooling coil when the refrigeration module is uncoupled from the first cooling coil. The pair of service valves include an inlet service valve through which the third coolant flows to the second cooling coil and an outlet service valve through which the third coolant flows to the refrigeration module. The refrigeration module can include a fan configured to cool the second cooling coil.

[0059] In certain examples, the beverage cooling system includes a coolant reservoir coupled to the first cooling coil and the second cooling coil. The coolant reservoir configured to selectively supply the first coolant to the first cooling coil and the third coolant to the second cooling coil. The coolant reservoir is further configured hold a reserve volume of coolant such that the reserve volume of coolant can be supplied to the second cooling coil to supplement the third coolant in the second cooling coil. A first valve and a second valve couple the first cooling coil to the coolant reservoir, and the first valve and the second valve are configured to selectively open to thereby supply the first coolant to the first cooling coil.

[0060] In certain examples, the beverage cooling system includes a frame that defines an interior space that slidably receives the refrigeration module, and the pair of couplers decouple the refrigeration module from the first cooling coil such that the refrigeration module can thereby be removed from the interior space. In certain examples, the frame supports the cooling tank vertically above the interior space. The frame includes a bottom surface that defines a lower extent of the interior space, and the refrigeration module includes a platform that radially slides along the bottom surface of the frame when the refrigeration module is moved into and out of the interior space. In certain examples, the platform comprises wheels that reduce friction between the platform and the bottom surface of the frame.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A beverage cooling system comprising:

a cooling tank configured to receive a cooling media;

a first cooling coil positioned in the cooling tank such that the cooling media contacts the first cooling coil;

a refrigeration module coupled to the first cooling coil and configured to circulate a first coolant through the first cooling coil to thereby cool the cooling media; and

a pair of couplers that removably couple the refrigeration module to the first cooling coil such as to isolate the first coolant in the first cooling coil when the refrigeration module is uncoupled from the first cooling coil.

2. The beverage cooling system according to claim 1, wherein the pair of couplers include an inlet coupler through which the first coolant flows to the first cooling coil and an outlet coupler through which the first coolant flows to the refrigeration module.

3. The beverage cooling system according to claim 2, wherein the refrigeration module comprises an evaporator, the refrigeration module configured to cool a second coolant and circulate the second coolant through the evaporator; and

wherein the refrigeration module is further configured to circulate the first coolant through the evaporator such that the second coolant cools the first coolant.

4. The beverage cooling system according to claim 3, further comprising a second cooling coil configured to cool a third coolant; and wherein the refrigeration module further comprises a condenser through which the second coolant is circulated there through; and wherein the refrigeration module is further configured to circulate the third coolant through the second cooling coil and the condenser to thereby cool the second coolant.

5. The beverage cooling system according to claim 4, further comprising a pair of service valves that couple the refrigeration module to the second cooling coil, wherein the refrigeration module decouples from the second cooling coil when the refrigeration module is uncoupled from the first cooling coil.

6. The beverage cooling system according to claim 5, wherein the pair of service valves include an inlet service valve through which the third coolant flows to the second cooling coil and an outlet service valve through which the third coolant flows to the refrigeration module.

7. The beverage cooling system according to claim 6, wherein the refrigeration module further comprises a fan configured to cool the second cooling coil.

8. The beverage cooling system according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a coolant reservoir coupled to the first cooling coil and the second cooling coil, the coolant reservoir configured to supply the first coolant to the first cooling coil and the third coolant to the second cooling coil.

9. The beverage cooling system according to claim 8, wherein the coolant reservoir is further configured hold a reserve volume of coolant such that the reserve volume of coolant can be supplied to the second cooling coil to supplement the third coolant in the second cooling coil.

10. The beverage cooling system according to claim 9, further comprising a first valve and a second valve that couple the first cooling coil to the coolant reservoir, the first valve and the second valve are configured to selectively open to thereby supply the first coolant to the first cooling coil.

11. The beverage cooling system according to any preceding claim, further comprising: a frame that defines an interior space that slidably receives the refrigeration module; wherein the pair of couplers decouple the refrigeration module from the first cooling coil such that the refrigeration module can thereby be removed from the interior space.

12. The beverage cooling system according to claim 11, wherein the frame supports the cooling tank vertically above the interior space.

13. The beverage cooling system according to claim 12, wherein the frame comprises a bottom surface that defines a lower extent of the interior space; and wherein the refrigeration module comprises a platform that radially slides along the bottom surface of the frame when the refrigeration module is moved into and out of the interior space.

14. The beverage cooling system according to claim 13, wherein the platform comprises wheels that reduce friction between the platform and the bottom surface of the frame.

15. The beverage cooling system according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the refrigeration module further comprises an evaporator, the refrigeration module configured to cool a second coolant and circulate the second coolant through the evaporator;

16. The beverage cooling system according to claim 15, wherein the refrigeration module further comprises a condenser through which the second coolant is circulated there through; and further comprising a second cooling coil configured to cool a third coolant; wherein the refrigeration module is further configured to circulate the third coolant through the second cooling coil and the condenser to thereby cool the second coolant.

17. The beverage cooling system according to claim 16, further comprising a pair of service valves that seal the refrigeration module to the second cooling coil, wherein the refrigeration module decouples from the second cooling coil when the refrigeration module is removed.

18. The beverage cooling system according to claim 17, wherein the refrigeration module further comprises a fan configured to cool the second cooling coil.

19. A method for cooling a beverage, the method comprising:

receiving a cooling media in a cooling tank;

positioning a first cooling coil in the cooling tank such that the cooling media contacts the first cooling coil; and

coupling a refrigeration module to the first cooling coil with a pair of couplers that isolate the first coolant in the first cooling coil when the refrigeration module is removed; wherein the refrigeration module is configured to circulate a first coolant through the first cooling coil to thereby cool the cooling media.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the refrigeration module comprises an evaporator configured to cool a second coolant, wherein the second coolant circulates through the evaporator;

wherein the refrigeration module is configured to circulate the first coolant through the evaporator such that the second coolant cools the first coolant.