Apparatus for washing circuits involved in the preparation of milk-based beverages

Abstract

Apparatus for washing hydraulic circuits involved in the preparation of milk-based beverages in machines () for automatically dispensing hot drinks and/or in machines () for preparing and supplying espresso coffee, said circuits comprising at least one first hydraulic path () which extends between the milk storage vessel () and the delivery device (), at least one second hydraulic path () which extends between a steam source () and the same delivery device (), a source () of washing liquid, means () for connecting and disconnecting said source () of washing liquid to/from a point () along the said first hydraulic path (). The apparatus provides means () for connecting the said first hydraulic path () to the said second hydraulic path (), producing a closed recirculating circuit for the washing liquid, as well as valve means () for connecting the resultant hydraulic circuit () to a discharge outlet (). In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a cartridge () having a closed internal cavity () provided with first means () for connection to the said first hydraulic path () as well as second means () for connection to said second hydraulic path (), to be positioned on the machine in place of the beverage delivery unit ().