Batch carbonator and method of forming a carbonated beverage
A batch carbonation apparatus includes a housing defining a vessel cavity. The housing includes an agitation mechanism. The pressure vessel includes a cap that has a CO2 inlet and a CO2 outlet is provided. The pressure vessel also includes a seal. The pressure vessel is moveable into an out of the vessel cavity. A locking mechanism is provided and is attached to the agitation mechanism to removably lock the cap and seal relative to the pressure vessel. A CO2 source is connected to a plurality of valves where each valve has a differing pressure. A selection toggle is attached to the housing. A control mechanism is coupled to the plurality of valves. A user selects a desired carbonation level using the selection toggle and CO2 is introduced to the pressure vessel at a specified pressure wherein the agitation mechanism agitates liquid within the pressure vessel forming a carbonated beverage having a selected carbonation level. Also disclosed is a process of forming a carbonated beverage in a batch.
1. A batch carbonation apparatus comprising:
a housing defining a vessel cavity, the housing including an agitation mechanism;
a pressure vessel including a cap, the cap including a CO2 inlet and a CO2 outlet, the pressure vessel including a seal, the pressure vessel moveable into and out of the vessel cavity;
a locking mechanism, the locking mechanism connected to the agitation mechanism and removably locking the cap and seal relative to the pressure vessel;
a CO2 source,
a plurality of valves connected to the CO2 source, each valve having a differing pressure;
a selection toggle attached to the housing;
a control mechanism connected to the plurality of valves;
wherein a user selects a desired carbonation level using the selection toggle and CO2 is introduced to the pressure vessel at a specified pressure wherein the agitation mechanism agitates liquid within the pressure vessel forming a carbonated beverage having a selected carbonation level.
2. The batch carbonation apparatus of claim 1 including a pressure vent valve connected to the CO2 outlet venting CO2 from the pressure vessel following carbonation of the liquid.
3. The batch carbonation apparatus of claim 1 including a door attached to the housing, the door including a latching mechanism that latches and unlatches in response to pressure within the pressure vessel.
4. The batch carbonation apparatus of claim 1 including timers coupled with the plurality of valves, the timers regulating the time that CO2 is introduced into the pressure vessel.
5. The batch carbonation apparatus of claim 1 including a flow control valve connected with CO2 outlet regulating a venting of CO2 from the pressure vessel.
6. The batch carbonation apparatus of claim 1 wherein the agitation mechanism includes a platform attached to a motor moving the platform in a vertical motion and further including springs attached to the platform creating rapid acceleration and deceleration of a liquid in the pressure vessel.
7. The batch carbonation apparatus of claim 6 wherein the agitation mechanism includes an electric motor assembly including a cam attached to a shaft of the motor and a linkage attached to the cam.
8. The batch carbonation apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the linkage is attached to a bearing, the bearing including reaction springs stabilizing movement of the platform.
9. The batch carbonation apparatus of claim 8 including an attachment rod connecting the bearing to the platform.
10. The batch carbonation apparatus of claim 1 including status display toggles positioned on the housing indicating a status of the pressure vessel.
11. The batch carbonation apparatus of claim 1 wherein the seal includes a vent slot formed therein.