摘要 |
<p>A safety flow control device for use in a beverage distribution system of the character using pressurized gas to dispense the beverage from its containers for ensuring that the containers are not accidentally overpressurized. The device of the invention is adapted to be placed in the line which connects the pressure source to the containers for the beverage. The device embodies a rupture disc having a first side exposed to the gas used in pressurizing the containers and a second side exposed to atmosphere. Strategically positioned between the pressure inlet of the device and the pressure side of the rupture disc is a valving mechanism which is maintained in an open configuration by the rupture disc. In the open configuration the valving mechanism permits the gas to flow from the inlet into a first sub-chamber defined by the first side of the rupture disc and then outwardly through the outlet of the device. When the rupture disc fails, the valve mechanism will automatically close preventing further flow of gas into the first sub-chamber and toward the outlet. The valve is constructed so that it will remain closed until pressure on the inlet side of the unit is relieved.</p> |