Beverage preparation device with in-line scale removal system and descaling method using such system
AssigneeNestec S.A.
InventorChristophe S. Boussemart
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Beverage preparation machine comprising: a fluid circuit (2) comprising a water reservoir (4), a water pump (5), a heating means (7), a beverage producing module (9), which are fluidically connected for circulating water from the reservoir to the beverage producing module, wherein an inlinedescaling system (3) is provided in the fluid circuit (2)comprising a dedicated compartment (15) intended for receiving a predetermined dose of a water soluble/dispersible descaling agent (19). The invention also relates to a method for automatically descaling and rinsing the fluid circuit (2).
Claims25
Beverage preparation device comprising:
- a fluid circuit comprising a water reservoir, a water pump, an in-line heating means designed for heating circulating water, a beverage producing module, which are fluidically connected for circulating water from the reservoir to the beverage producing module;
- and,
- an in-line descaling system is located in the fluid circuit downstream of the reservoir, comprising a dedicated compartment that receives a predetermined dose of a water soluble/dispersible descaling agent and a water inlet and a water outlet allowing water to circulate through the compartment.
Kit comprising;
- a device comprising a fluid circuit comprising a water reservoir, a water pump, an in-line heating means designed for heating circulating water, a beverage producing module, which are fluidically connected for circulating water from the reservoir to the beverage producing module, and an in-line descaling system is located in the fluid circuit downstream of the reservoir, comprising a dedicated compartment that receives a predetermined dose of a water soluble/dispersible descaling agent and a water inlet and a water outlet, water circulating through the compartment, and
- a descaling agent which is selected from the group consisting of a water soluble/dispersible sachet, non-soluble/non-dispersible porous sachet containing a water soluble/dispersible descaling substance, a tablet made of a solid water soluble/dispersible descaling substance, granules of a solid water soluble/dispersible descaling substance and a liquid descaling substance.
Method for descaling a beverage preparation machine automatically under the control of a control unit of the machine comprising:
- placing a dose of descaling agent in a compartment of the machine and filling a reservoir with a predetermined quantity of water;
- circulating a first part of the predetermined quantity of water from the reservoir, in a fluid circuit, whereby the descaling agent is dissolved or dispersed progressively by water passing through the compartment to form descaling liquid circulating through heating means;
- and,
- automatically circulating a second or remaining part of the quantity of water from the reservoir in the fluid circuit through the heating means after the descaling agent has dissolved or dispersed in the compartment to rinse the said fluid circuit.
Beverage preparation device comprising:
- a fluid circuit comprising a water reservoir, a water pump, a heater that heats circulating water, a beverage producing module, the fluid circuit allowing water to be circulated from the reservoir to the beverage producing module;
- and
- an in-line descaling system located downstream of the reservoir, comprising a dedicated compartment for receiving a predetermined dose of a descaling agent and having a water inlet and a water outlet allowing water to circulate through the compartment.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.