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beer
in box :: system & technique:: the carbonator
The Anker carbonator lies at the heart of the process. Beer
cannot be aerated with CO2 using existing carbonation techniques,
as known within the area of post mix, because they cause the
build-up of too much foam. This is why Ankerbräu Nördlingen
developed its own carbonator for this purpose.
During development particular emphasis was placed on the following
points:
- Simple and reliable
- Easy installation
- Installation within existing dispensing units
- Consistent CO2 aeration of the beer
- Flexible dispensing speeds (2 - 4 l/min)
- Easy cleaning
| The finished carbonator meets these aims. It has three
functions. |
Proportionality valve (below)
The beer without CO2 is mixed with CO2 from
a cylinder here. The valve ensures that the correct quantity
of CO2 is always fed in – irrespective of
the actual flow rate (dispense speed). |
Carbonation zone (black area)
In this section the added CO2 gas bonds with
the beer again. |
Pressure reduction valve (top)
The high carbonator internal pressure is reduced to the
normal keg outlet pressure (2.5 bar). Thus the carbonator can
also be easily installed in existing dispensing units. The
unit’s beer line (usually the keg tap head) is connected
to the carbonator head piece. |
Positioning:
The carbonator should be positioned upright with the outlet at
the top. This intensifies the carbonation effect.
Components:
All components of the carbonator are food safe.
Cleaning:
The carbonator is cleaned in the cleaning cycle of the normal
dispensing unit (eg every 2 weeks). Cleaning is by chemical
means. Mechanical cleaning is not possible.
We recommend an
acid-based cleansing agent. Cleaning can be helped along by
the addition of CO2 (carbonation). However, this is only possible
with acidic agents, the effect of alkaline agents being weakened
by CO2.
For cleaning, the Bag-In-Box beer container is unscrewed
and the connector head placed in a receptacle holding the cleansing
agent. By opening the tap, the pump draws in the cleaning solution,
pushes it into the carbonator and from there into the beer
line. In this way, cleaning can be done as normal or, by using
the appropriate flow reversal, in both directions.
However,
the carbonator and the pump cannot be used at random as a flow
reversal line. This is only possible if the beer-carrying lines
on the carbonator are exchanged. The same applies to the pump.
Certification:
German SK and CE certification have been applied for. Status:
14.11.2007.
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more in system & technique:
the process
components
dispensing equipment
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The Anker Carbonator
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