Leopard ValveElectronic Ratio Valve
ERV
Leopard valve
ERV - Dimensions:
ERV - Functionality
The ERV is a post-mix valve that uses a combination of sensors, stepper motors and aPC board to control flow rate and ratio.
When the valve is actuated, a signal is sent tothe PC board to start flow. The syrup and watermodules open allowing soda (or water) and syrup to enter the mixing body. The PC boardmonitors water flow rate based on informationsent by a small flow turbine. Syrup flow ismonitored by two transducers (pressure sensors)located on the syrup module.
The PC board calculates actual ratio and compares that to the programmed ratio. The PCBthen adjusts the stepper motor positions as needed to regulate the flow rate and ratio. Whenthe activation signal is released, the steppermotors close on both the syrup and water sides,completing the drink cycle.
ERV - Functionality
The valve is programmed using a PDA or TomCat device to set flow rate, and ratio. In addition, the PDA ( only ) can be used toobtain the following Diagnostic information
1. Valve Serial Number2. Current Flavor3. Finished Drink Ratio4. Flow Rate5. Total, syrup and water dispense volumes
Since the valve is opened and closed using stepper motors, it has a backup power supply system that will not activate the valve until it isfully charged.This can take several (3-4) minutes upon initialdispenser power up. If there is a power failure, the back up system provides power for the valve to close.
ERV - Features
IMPROVED QUALITY:
Electronically adjusts to provide correct water/syrup ratio on every dispense
Ratio not affected by syrup temperature or system pressure changes
Detects, indicates, & stops dispense when syrup or water are depleted to limit waste and poor served drink
Excellent casual drink temperature performance
ERV - Features
OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS
Ratio re-adjustments are not necessary
Re-adjustments of volume portions are not necessary
True volume controlled portions resulting in less crew intervention
System information stored within valve memory
Improved drink customer perception due to visual pouring without pulsating water and then syrup, continuous, quiet flow stream
ERV - Technical specifications:
Power requirements 24V, 50 or 60 Hz, 1A
Flow range 1.5 oz/sec to 6.0 oz/sec45 ml/sec to 180 ml/sec
Flow Control Constant volume feedback loopfor water and syrup.
Ratio Range 3.5:1 to 10:1
Ratio Control Ratio priority feedback loopfor water and syrup.
Supply Sold-Out Indicator LED on front panelfor water and syrup depletionautomatic return to normal
operation on replenishment of supply
ERV - Literature
BrochureInstallation ManualService ManualOperator ManualCrew Training ManualTrouble Shooting GuideIllustrated Parts ListTomCat ManualPresentations:
Commercial introductionTechnical training
ERV - Approvals
TCCC Authorization since June 2007
McDonald’s Global releasesince April 2008
Agency listings
ERV - Issues
Initial ERV Set-up device:Windows Pocket PC – HP iPAQ Serial Communication Port2008 – coming obsolete
US Investigates:New Software based on Windows XP - LaptopNew Software based on Windows Mobile - HandheldEnhance TomCat device with diagnostics Coca-Cola “Red Brick” device (?)
Technician device:IMI-Cornelius development “TomCat”Cheap and very easy to useNo Diagnostics feature
ERV - Issues
Open issue: Cleaning Syrup lines
Solution: New development of Cleaning Plug
Timeline:Field-test device available June 2008
Production release July 2008
PN: 620xxxxxx
Mini USB connector
2 “
1 “
What is a STEPPER MOTOR ?
Measures and controls water flow through the valve
Stepper Motor
Flow Turbine
Stepper Motor
Linear Stepper Motor
Case contains rotor and bearings
Shaft moves up and down to regulate flow through the V-Groove
V – Groove Technology
V-Groove gives linear flow control
Cornelius Patent
Stepper Motor Shaft
V - Groove
Flow Rate
Position
Needle Valve
Patented V-Groove
Flow TurbineWater
Rotor
Water Flow
Optical Transmitter
Guide Vane
Optical Receiver
IR beam is interrupted by the rotor
Optical Digital Device
6 pulses / ml
Pressure TransducerSyrup
Differential pressure measured across an orifice plate
Pressure Transducer
Orifice Plate
Syrup
Valve Setup Syrup Settings
Differential Signal from pressure transducer
Flow
None Sugar
Sugar
Syrup Type
Differential Signal from pressure transducer
Flow
Curve offset sets flavor
+ offset
- offset
RTD Flow Rate
ONZ / sec ML / sec
1.50 44
1.75 52
2.00 59
2.25 67
2.50 74
2.75 81
3.00 89