A method for treating kegs in a container-treatment machine includes passing a first keg through a first set of treatment stations on the container-treatment machine and passing a second keg through a second set of treatment stations on the container-treatment machine. The first and second sets depend on a condition of the first and second kegs.

A container-treatment machine includes a frame, transport devices for conveying containers, and intermediate conveyors. Treatment stations, some of which are treatment modules, are arranged between the first and second transport-devices. The intermediate conveyors convey containers to corresponding ones of the treatment stations. The intermediate conveyors extend transversely between the transport devices. Some of the treatment modules are held on the frame so as to be removable from operating positions thereof.

A container-treatment machine includes a frame, transport devices for conveying containers, and intermediate conveyors. Treatment stations, some of which are treatment modules, are arranged between the first and second transport-devices. The intermediate conveyors convey containers to corresponding ones of the treatment stations. The intermediate conveyors extend transversely between the transport devices. Some of the treatment modules are held on the frame so as to be removable from operating positions thereof.

A container (1) supplied ready for filling with a liquid product such as beer includes a flexible bag (3) contained within a rigid outer body (2) with an outer space (4) in between, a first valve (6) for closing the bag (3) and a second valve (8) for closing the outer space (4). The first valve (6) is connected to a dip tube (7) which extends into the bag, and the first and second valves are contained within a neck fitting (5). The outer space (4) is pressurised to a first positive pressure relative to ambient atmospheric pressure and the bag (3) contains an oxygen-free gas such as nitrogen at a second positive pressure between the first positive pressure and atmospheric pressure.

A container (1) supplied ready for filling with a liquid product such as beer includes a flexible bag (3) contained within a rigid outer body (2) with an outer space (4) in between, a first valve (6) for closing the bag (3) and a second valve (8) for closing the outer space (4). The first valve (6) is connected to a dip tube (7) which extends into the bag, and the first and second valves are contained within a neck fitting (5). The outer space (4) is pressurised to a first positive pressure relative to ambient atmospheric pressure and the bag (3) contains an oxygen-free gas such as nitrogen at a second positive pressure between the first positive pressure and atmospheric pressure.

A method for the distribution and dispensing of beverages utilizes a one-way system including a disposable and freestanding container. The container is blow-molded in one piece from a preform of plastics. The system also includes a tube to be inserted in the container and a closure cap. The container can be filled, distributed to an end user and connected to standard beverage dispensing structure. After use, the empty container is collapsed and discarded.

A method for the distribution and dispensing of beverages utilizes a one-way system including a disposable and freestanding container. The container is blow-molded in one piece from a preform of plastics. The system also includes a tube to be inserted in the container and a closure cap. The container can be filled, distributed to an end user and connected to standard beverage dispensing structure. After use, the empty container is collapsed and discarded.

A system, method, and apparatus for managing a beverage held in bulk liquid beverage container is disclosed. The container has a closure sealingly received within an opening of the container, the closure including an outwardly disposed closure interface including first and second fluid ports. The system includes an interconnect having an interface in fluid communication with a primary fluid line and a secondary fluid line, the interface being operable to couple to the closure interface to place the primary fluid line in fluid communication with the first fluid port and the secondary fluid line in fluid communication with the second fluid port. The system also includes a fluid handler including a plurality of fluid flow elements in fluid communication with the primary fluid line and the secondary fluid line, and a controller operably configured to control operation of the plurality of fluid flow elements to perform operations for managing the beverage.

A system, method, and apparatus for managing a beverage held in bulk liquid beverage container is disclosed. The container has a closure sealingly received within an opening of the container, the closure including an outwardly disposed closure interface including first and second fluid ports. The system includes an interconnect having an interface in fluid communication with a primary fluid line and a secondary fluid line, the interface being operable to couple to the closure interface to place the primary fluid line in fluid communication with the first fluid port and the secondary fluid line in fluid communication with the second fluid port. The system also includes a fluid handler including a plurality of fluid flow elements in fluid communication with the primary fluid line and the secondary fluid line, and a controller operably configured to control operation of the plurality of fluid flow elements to perform operations for managing the beverage.

A keg filling apparatus (101) is disclosed. The apparatus (101) comprises a stand (102) and a keg receiving plate (201). The stand (102) comprises a plurality of legs (105) and braces (107) for supporting an upper bracket (106) at a convenient height. The keg receiving plate (201) is releasably attached to the upper bracket (106) of the stand (102) and comprises a coupler (204). The coupler (204) releasably engages a keg valve to allow the keg to be filled through the valve. The apparatus further comprises alternative keg receiving plates (208 & 210), these plates comprising alternative couplers (209 & 211) for releasable engagement with different valves. The apparatus obviates present issues in stability during the filling of one-way kegs which must be inverted during the filling process.