Container for determining the amount of CO2 absorbed and / or expelled by a sample of matter over time

Abstract

A container (1) for determining the quantity of CO2 absorbed and / or expelled by a sample of matter over time, comprising: - a lower compartment (2) for receiving a sample of matter (M), - an upper compartment (3) receiving means (C) for trapping CO2, positioned in line with and communicating with the lower compartment (2), and having an exhaust opening (31) allowing the gas to escape from the upper compartment (3) after passing through said means (C) for trapping CO2, - a separation means (4), disposed between the lower compartment (2) and the upper compartment (3), configured to allow the passage of gas from the lower compartment (2) to the upper compartment (3). Abbreviated figure: Figure 3

Description

Title of the invention: Container for determining the quantity of CO2 absorbed and / or expelled by a sample of matter over time. Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for determining over time the quantity of carbon dioxide (CO2) absorbed and / or expelled by a sample of matter, and in particular of organic matter containing a raising agent, such as yeast and / or sourdough and / or raising powder, such as bread dough containing baker's yeast.

[0002] The invention also relates to an apparatus for determining over time the quantity of CO2 absorbed and / or expelled by a sample of material comprising such a container.

[0003] The invention further relates to a method for determining over time the quantity of CO2 absorbed and / or expelled by a sample of matter. Previous technique

[0004] The main function of a raising agent, such as yeast and / or sourdough and / or baking powder, is to make bread dough rise. To do this, it produces CO2 which rapidly saturates the liquid phase of the dough matrix and passes into the vapor phase within the numerous nuclei present in the dough at the end of kneading, thus causing their expansion, which will give rise in the final product to the numerous air pockets of the bread crumb. This expansion is only possible due to the gas retention capacity of the bread dough, particularly when based on wheat flour.

[0005] The expansion of the dough is easily observable. By placing a specific mass of dough in a test tube and regularly measuring the height of the dough in the tube, this expansion can be roughly assessed at the macroscopic level. This measurement is not very precise and, due to its macroscopic nature, incorporates other phenomena such as the rheology of the dough. For example, for the same volume of dough, different dough heights may occur (a "flat" or "round" rise), and gas pockets may become trapped between the dough and the test tube, which can distort the measurements.

[0006] Devices have long existed that allow the measurement of the overall CO2 production by yeast in bread dough. Their principle is as follows: a piece of dough of known mass is placed in an airtight container; then, when the yeast produces CO2, this generates overpressure in the container, partly because The volume of dough increases, thus compressing the gaseous space in the pot, and also because CO2 is expelled from the dough into the gaseous space, increasing the number of CO2 molecules present there. This overpressure can be quantified by the displacement of a liquid, which corresponds to a direct volume measurement, and / or by using a pressure sensor, as in certain well-known measuring devices, such as the RISOGRAPH® or RHEOFERMENTOMETER®. The main advantage of these devices is that they provide a kinetic view of the CO2 production phenomenon in dough over time.

[0007] However, measuring the total CO2 production of bread dough does not distinguish between the portion retained by the dough (resulting in dough expansion) and that lost to the atmosphere. It therefore provides excellent information on the yeast's fermentative activity, but not on the proportion of CO2 retained in the dough. Yet, numerous factors related to the bread-making recipe (starting with the quality of the flour) as well as the processing methods (e.g., frozen raw dough) strongly modulate this gas retention / expulsion. Having a precise understanding of the kinetics of gas retention / expulsion, beyond rheological aspects, is therefore essential to be able to decouple the effects related to the yeast's fermentative activity from the properties of the dough matrix.

[0008] The RHEOFERMENTOMETER®, mentioned above, attempted to provide a solution to this problem. Such a solution consists of simultaneously measuring the pressure variation in the headspace of the pot containing the dough via a direct channel, to obtain the total CO2 production by the dough, and via a channel passing through a CO2 trap, comprising, for example, soda lime, and thus measuring only the overpressure due solely to the expansion of the dough (which de facto induces compression of the headspace of the pot). In such an apparatus, the CO2 trap is connected to the pot containing the dough via a pipe, and is therefore located away from said pot and thus from the headspace of the pot containing the dough sample.

[0009] The curves shown on the graph in [Fig.1A] show an estimate of the evolution over time of the rate of CO2 release from a sample of bread dough in this type of device.

[0010] This solution is nevertheless unsatisfactory for accounting for the evolution over time of CO2 retention / expulsion by bread dough. Indeed, according to the inventor's observations, and as can be seen in the curves of the graph in [Fig. 1B]: if the flour-based bread dough is replaced by a control system containing yeast but incapable of retaining CO2, such as a beaker containing water, sugar, and yeast, the curve representing the retention of The CO2 level measured by the control system, obtained through pressure measurements via the channel with the CO2 trap, which should remain around zero (since water does not expand when sugar is converted to CO2 by yeast), can in fact closely overlap with the curve representing the increase in total pressure in the container obtained through pressure measurements via the direct channel, particularly at short time intervals. It appears as if the system (the beaker containing a sugary yeast solution) retains the CO2 for more than an hour, which is incorrect.This device therefore does not fulfill its mission of fully providing information on the occurrence of CO2 leaks in a bread dough, at least not in an absolute way, and therefore cannot be used to accurately meet the objective of monitoring the kinetics of CO2 retention / expulsion in a bread dough, and more generally in a sample of matter, and in particular of organic matter containing yeast, during the fermentation time.

[0011] There is also another technical approach using one or more CO2 sensors in the atmosphere (consisting, for example, of one or more infrared probes) to deduce the CO2 retention / expulsion kinetics of a sample of material, and in particular of bread dough containing a raising agent, such as yeast and / or sourdough and / or baking powder. Their use is technically complex, since it is necessary to dynamically compensate for the change in the volume of the gaseous space in the container holding the bread dough due to the expansion of the sample of material.Comparing the total CO2 production in the pot side-by-side is tricky, as the two pieces of information are very different in nature (pressure measurement to determine the total CO2 production by the dough in the pot and measurement of the CO2 concentration in the variable-volume gaseous space to determine the amount of CO2 retained / released by the dough in the pot). Some well-known devices employ such technology, such as the device marketed under the name BLUESENS®. Technical problem

[0012] The objective of the invention is therefore to overcome the drawbacks of prior art techniques for determining over time the quantity of CO2 retained / expelled by a sample of matter, and in particular of organic matter containing a raising agent, such as yeast and / or sourdough and / or raising powder, by allowing to determine in a more reliable and simpler way over time the quantity of CO2 retained / expelled by a sample of matter, and in particular of organic matter containing a raising agent, such as yeast and / or sourdough and / or raising powder.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to make it possible to determine over time the quantity of CO2 retained / expelled by a sample of matter, and in particular of organic matter containing a raising agent, such as yeast and / or sourdough and / or raising powder, for a reduced cost. Description of the invention

[0014] A container is proposed for determining the quantity of CO2 absorbed and / or expelled by a sample of matter over time, comprising: - a lower compartment designed to receive a sample of material (M), - an upper compartment containing means for trapping CO2, positioned in line with and communicating with the lower compartment, and having an exhaust opening allowing the gas to escape from the upper compartment after passing through said means for trapping CO2, - a separation means, disposed between the lower compartment and the upper compartment, configured to allow the passage of gas from the lower compartment to the upper compartment.

[0015] According to optional features of the invention, taken alone or in combination: - the lower compartment, the upper compartment and the separating means form a self-supporting unit; - the separation means comprises a sieve in which a plurality of openings are provided, configured so as to allow the passage of gas from the lower compartment to the upper compartment; - the means to trap CO2 include soda lime granules; - the soda lime granules are placed directly on the sieve, the openings of the sieve being configured so as to prevent the passage of the soda lime granules from the upper compartment to the lower compartment; - the lower compartment has a top opening and the upper compartment has a bottom opening, the top opening of the lower compartment being aligned with the bottom opening of the upper compartment, and in which the separating means is also aligned with the top opening of the lower compartment and with the bottom opening of the upper compartment; - the upper compartment is positioned entirely within the lower compartment, a plug, in particular removable, being positioned in the upper opening of the lower compartment, so as to make said lower compartment watertight; - the cap has a through hole positioned in line with the exhaust opening of the upper compartment, so as to allow the gas from the upper compartment to escape through said exhaust opening; - the separation means is positioned at the lower opening of the upper compartment; - the means of separation is designed to be secured, and in particular removably, to the upper compartment, possibly by means of securing; - the upper compartment has a lower wall in which the lower opening is provided, and in which the sieve has a width greater than the width of the lower opening, so as to rest against the lower wall of the upper compartment; - the upper compartment has a removable lid, designed to allow access to the inside of the upper compartment when removed, and to ensure a tight seal of the upper compartment when put in position; - the lower compartment and the upper compartment are designed to be attached in a removable manner; - the lower compartment has a peripheral wall of substantially cylindrical shape, and the upper compartment also has a peripheral wall of substantially cylindrical shape, with its axis coinciding with the axis of the peripheral wall of the lower compartment; - the container further includes a connection means, in particular removable, configured to allow the connection of the upper compartment to a pipe, in particular a flexible pipe, said connection means being positioned at the level of the exhaust opening of the upper compartment, extending through said exhaust opening; - the connecting means is held in position relative to the upper compartment by said upper compartment exhaust opening, said connecting means extending through the through hole in the plug and being held in position relative to the plug by said through hole; - the upper compartment has an upper wall, the exhaust opening being provided in said upper wall.

[0016] The invention also relates to an apparatus for determining over time the quantity of CO2 absorbed and / or expelled by a sample of matter, and in particular of organic matter, containing a raising agent, such as yeast and / or sourdough and / or raising powder, comprising: - a means of measuring pressure, - at least one container according to one of the embodiments of the invention.

[0017] According to the invention, the pressure measurement means is intended to be connected to the exhaust opening of the upper compartment of the container so as to be able to determine the evolution over time of the pressure in the lower compartment receiving the sample of material, after passage of the gases from the lower compartment into the upper compartment of the container.

[0018] The invention further relates to a method for determining over time the quantity of CO2 absorbed and / or expelled by a sample of matter, and in particular of organic matter containing a raising agent, such as yeast and / or sourdough and / or raising powder, in particular of bread dough, comprising: / a / supplying a container according to one of the embodiments of the invention; / b / placement of the material sample in the lower compartment of the container, / c / measurement of the evolution of pressure over time in the lower compartment receiving the sample of material, after passage of gases from the lower compartment into the upper compartment of the container. Brief description of the drawings

[0019] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from reading the detailed description below and from analyzing the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. IA

[0020] [Fig. 1 A] shows a graph representing the evolution over time of the rate of CO2 release by a sample of bread dough prepared with a prior art apparatus. Fig. IB

[0021] [Fig.1B] shows a graph representing the evolution over time of the rate of CO2 release by a sample of water + yeast + sugar prepared with a prior art apparatus. Fig. 2A

[0022] [Fig.2A] shows a graph representing the evolution over time of the rate of CO2 release by a sample of bread dough prepared with an apparatus according to the invention. Fig. 2B

[0023] [Fig.2B] shows a graph representing the evolution over time of the rate of CO2 release by a sample of water + yeast + sugar prepared with an apparatus according to the invention. Fig. 2C

[0024] [Fig.2C] shows a graph representing the evolution over time of the cumulative amount of CO2 released by a sample of water + yeast + sugar established with an apparatus according to the invention. Fig. 2D

[0025] [Fig.2D] shows a graph representing the evolution over time of the cumulative amount of CO2 released by a sample of bread dough with or without an ingredient A. Fig. 3

[0026] [Fig.3] shows a schematic view of a container according to one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 4

[0027] [Fig.4] shows a schematic view of a container according to one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 5

[0028] [Fig. 5] shows a schematic view of a container according to one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 6

[0029] [Fig. 6] shows a perspective view of the upper compartment of a container according to one embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7A

[0030] [Fig.7A] shows a perspective view of the lower part of the upper compartment of a container according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 7B

[0031] [Fig.7B] shows a perspective view of the sieve of a container according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 8

[0032] [Fig.8] shows a perspective view of the means of connecting a container according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 9A

[0033] [Fig.9A] shows a perspective view of the upper compartment of a container according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 9B

[0034] [Fig.9B] shows a perspective view of the upper compartment of a container according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 10

[0035] [Fig. 10] shows a perspective view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention. Description of the implementation methods

[0036] The drawings and description below contain, essentially, elements of a definite nature. They may therefore not only serve to better understand the present invention, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary.

[0037] Throughout this application, upper / lower and lateral, with regard to the position of certain elements of the container, are understood to mean in the normal position of use of the container according to the invention, with the upper compartment positioned above the lower compartment in a substantially vertical direction of space.

[0038] The invention relates to a container 1 for determining the quantity of CO2 absorbed and / or expelled by a sample of matter M comprising: - a lower compartment 2 intended to receive a sample of matter M, and in particular organic matter containing a raising agent, such as yeast and / or sourdough and / or raising powder, in particular bread dough (i.e. a mixture of flour, water, salt, yeast, etc.), - an upper compartment 3 receiving means C for trapping CO2, positioned in the extension of and communicating with the lower compartment 2, and having an exhaust opening 31 allowing the gas to escape from the upper compartment 3 after passing through said means C for trapping CO2, - a separation means 4, disposed between the lower compartment 2 and the upper compartment 3, configured to allow the passage of gas from the lower compartment 2 to the upper compartment 3.

[0039] Such a container 1 advantageously allows the means C for trapping CO2 to be positioned as close as possible to the sample of matter M. Thus, all the CO2 expelled by the sample of matter M over time is trapped by the means C for trapping CO2.

[0040] Therefore, by carrying out, for example, a pressure measurement at the outlet of the upper compartment 3, downstream of the exhaust opening 31, the measured pressure reflects only the capacity to retain / expel CO2 by the sample of material M, and its variation advantageously reflects the kinetics of retention / expulsion of CO2 by the sample of material M, and as can be seen more particularly on the curves of the graphs in figures 2A (on bread dough), 2B and 2C (on liquid system water + yeast + sugar).

[0041] Furthermore, and according to the inventor's findings, if a sample of a control system containing yeast but incapable of retaining CO2, as described above, such as a beaker containing water, sugar, and yeast, is placed in the lower compartment 2 of container 1, the representative curve of the retention of CO2 by said control system, obtained by pressure measurements via the exhaust opening 31 of the upper compartment 3 of the container 1, stagnates around a value substantially zero, as seen on the curves of the graphs in Figures 2B and 2C, which is consistent with what happens in said lower compartment 2, since water does not retain CO2, and contrary to the measurements carried out with an apparatus and container of the prior art, as explained above, and as seen on the curves of the graph in [Fig.1B].

[0042] Thus, all the CO2 expelled by a sample of material M, and in particular of bread dough, placed in the lower compartment 2, is therefore trapped by the means C for trapping CO2, placed in the upper compartment 3.

[0043] The container 1 according to the invention is therefore particularly advantageous for determining the evolution over time of the quantity of CO2 retained / expelled by a sample of material M, and in particular of organic material containing a raising agent, such as yeast and / or sourdough and / or raising powder, in particular of bread dough, in a reliable manner, and as can be seen for example on the curves of the graphs in figures 2A to 2C.

[0044] Thus, it becomes possible to determine, in a particularly reliable manner, the influence of different parameters on the evolution over time of the quantity of CO2 retained / expelled by a sample of material M, and in particular of organic material containing a raising agent, such as yeast and / or sourdough and / or raising powder, in particular of bread dough. In particular, as can be seen in the graph of [Fig.[2D], the inventors were able to determine, using container 1 according to the invention, that the addition of an ingredient A to a bread dough composition did not affect the total CO2 production by the bread dough (the two solid curves are substantially superimposed), but did affect the amount of CO2 retained / released by said bread dough over time (the bread dough sample containing ingredient A retains more CO2 over time than the bread dough sample without it, as shown by the two dashed curves). This would not have been possible with prior art techniques and apparatus.

[0045] Moreover, such a container 1 has a particularly simple design which allows it to have a reduced cost price.

[0046] The lower compartment 2 can advantageously be made, at least partially, preferably entirely, of a transparent material, for example of glass or thermoplastic material, so as to allow an observer to view the contents of the lower compartment 2.

[0047] The upper compartment 3 can advantageously be made, at least partially, preferably entirely, of a rigid material, such as for example a plastic material or a metallic material, and in particular aluminum.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the lower compartment 2, the upper compartment 3 and the separating means 4 form a self-supporting assembly.

[0049] This advantageous arrangement facilitates the handling, use and manufacture of the container 1 according to the invention.

[0050] According to one embodiment, and as can be seen more particularly in Figures 7B and 9B, the separation means 4 comprises a sieve 41 in which a plurality of openings 42 are provided, configured so as to allow the passage of gas from the lower compartment 3 to the upper compartment 2.

[0051] The separation means 4 thus has a simple design and a reduced cost price.

[0052] The sieve 41 can for example be made of metal, and in particular of stainless steel.

[0053] Advantageously, the openings 42 can have a width between 150 pm and 350 pm, preferably between 200 pm and 300 pm.

[0054] The separation means 4, and in particular the sieve 41, can be positioned inside the upper compartment 3.

[0055] In order to facilitate access to said means C for trapping CO2, thus that possibly to the said separation means 4, the upper compartment 3 can advantageously be made in two removable parts: an upper part 3S and a lower part 31. A thread can advantageously be provided on the periphery of the upper part 3S and on the periphery of the lower part 31, so as to be able to assemble / disassemble the lower part 31 and the upper part 3S of the upper compartment 3 by screwing / unscrewing.

[0056] According to one embodiment, and as can be seen more particularly in figures 3 to 5, the means C for trapping CO2 comprise granules C of soda lime.

[0057] Soda lime granules are well known elements that allow CO2 to be trapped. The main components of soda lime are generally calcium hydroxide: Ca(OH)2 and sodium hydroxide: NaOH.

[0058] Soda lime granules are particularly effective at trapping CO2, in that they react with it to form water, according to the following chemical reactions:

[0059] H2O + CO2 = H+ + HCO3 NaOH + H2CO3 = NaHCO3 + H2O 2NaHCO3 + Ca(OH)2+ = 2NaOH + CaCO3 + H20

[0060] The use of soda lime granules as means C for trapping CO2 also has the advantage that, as soon as the latter are no longer able to react with CO2 to trap it, it is enough simply to replace them with new soda lime granules for the container 1 according to the invention to become operational again.

[0061] The quantity of soda lime granules C is adjusted according to the quantity of CO2 to be trapped and the volume available in the upper compartment 3 of the container 1.

[0062] According to one embodiment, and as seen more particularly in figures 3 to 5, the soda lime granules C are placed directly on the sieve 41, the openings 42 of the sieve 41 being configured so as to prevent the passage of the soda lime granules C from the upper compartment 3 to the lower compartment 2.

[0063] This advantageously simplifies the construction of the container 1 according to the invention, in that it is not necessary to provide an additional means to ensure the retention of the soda lime granules C in the upper compartment 3.

[0064] According to one embodiment, and as seen more particularly in figures 3 to 5, 7A and 9B, the lower compartment 2 has a top opening 21 and the upper compartment 3 has a bottom opening 32.

[0065] The upper opening 21 of the lower compartment 2 can advantageously be aligned with the lower opening 32 of the upper compartment 3.

[0066] Advantageously, the separation means 4, and in particular the sieve 41, can also be aligned with the upper opening 21 of the lower compartment 2 and with the lower opening 32 of the upper compartment 3.

[0067] Thus, the container 1 can have a reduced footprint and ensure optimal passage of CO2 from the lower compartment 2 to the upper compartment 3 through the separation means 4.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the upper compartment 3 is positioned entirely within the lower compartment 2. Advantageously, and as can be seen more particularly in [Fig.5], a plug 5, in particular removable, can be positioned in the upper opening 21 of the lower compartment 2, so as to seal said lower compartment 2.

[0069] Thanks to this advantageous arrangement of the invention, the sealing of the lower compartment 2 is ensured, so that all of the CO2 expelled by the sample of material M over time necessarily passes through the upper compartment 3, and therefore through the means C to trap the CO2.

[0070] Alternatively, and without departing from the scope of the present invention, the sealing of the lower compartment 2 could be ensured by the upper compartment 3. In particular, the upper compartment 3 can be configured so as to close the upper opening 21 of the lower compartment 2 when received, at least partially, into the latter. Also, a sealing means integral with the upper compartment 3 can be provided, and in particular a sealing gasket positioned around the perimeter of the outer wall 35 of the upper compartment 3.

[0071] Advantageously, the stopper 5 can be made of elastomeric material.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the cap 5 has a through hole 51 positioned in line with the exhaust opening 31 of the upper compartment 3, so as to allow the gas from the upper compartment 3 to escape through said exhaust opening 31.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the separation means 4, and in particular the sieve 41, is disposed at the lower opening 32 of the upper compartment 3.

[0074] This advantageously allows the means C for trapping CO2 to be positioned as close as possible to the lower compartment 2, and therefore to the sample of material M.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the separation means 4, and in particular the sieve 41, is provided to be secured, and in particular in a removable manner, to the upper compartment 3, possibly by means of securing means.

[0076] In particular, when said separation means 4, and in particular the sieve 41, is removably attached to the upper compartment 3, this facilitates its dismantling, for example to carry out its maintenance.

[0077] According to one embodiment, and as can be seen more particularly in figures 4 and 9B, the upper compartment 3 has a lower wall 33 in which the lower opening 32 is provided.

[0078] Advantageously, the sieve 41 may have a width W41 greater than the width W32 of the lower opening 32, so as to rest in support on the lower wall 33 of the upper compartment 3.

[0079] Thus, the sieve 41 can advantageously be held in position in the upper compartment 3 by being sandwiched between said lower wall 33 and the soda lime granules C.

[0080] Also, in order to reinforce the holding of the sieve 41 in the upper compartment, a removable elastic ring, of width substantially equal to the width W41 of the sieve 41, may also be provided, intended to press on the sieve 41 while remaining immobile with respect to the lower wall 33 of the upper compartment 3, so as to hold it in contact with the lower wall 33 of the upper compartment 3 with the sieve 41 interposed between the elastic ring and the lower wall 33.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the upper compartment 3 has a removable cover 34, provided to allow access to the interior of the upper compartment 3 when removed, and to ensure a tight seal of the upper compartment 3 when put in position.

[0082] Said cover 34 can in particular form the upper part 31 of the upper compartment 3, as described above.

[0083] The removable cover 34 thus facilitates access to the inside of the upper compartment 3, and in particular to the means C for trapping CO2, in particular for carrying out maintenance, for example to change the soda lime granules C.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the lower compartment 2 and the upper compartment 3 are provided to be fixed in a removable manner.

[0085] This advantageous arrangement of the invention facilitates the maintenance of the container 1 according to the invention, and makes it easier to access the inside of the lower compartment 2, and in particular to be able to position or remove the sample of material M. This makes it possible to simplify the design of the container 1 according to the invention in that it is not necessary to provide an additional access opening inside the lower compartment 2.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the lower compartment 2 has a peripheral wall 22 of substantially cylindrical shape, and the upper compartment 3 also has a peripheral wall 35 of substantially cylindrical shape, with an axis coinciding with the axis of the peripheral wall 22 of the lower compartment 2.

[0087] The stopper 5 may advantageously have a substantially frustoconical shape, so as to ensure the sealing of the lower compartment 2 by conforming to the shape of the peripheral wall 22 of the lower compartment 2.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the container 1 further includes a connection means 6, in particular removable, configured to allow the connection of the upper compartment 3 to a pipe, in particular a flexible pipe, said connection means 6 being positioned at the level of the exhaust opening 31 of the upper compartment 3, extending through said exhaust opening 31.

[0089] As shown in Figures 4, 5, 8 and 9A, the connecting means 6 may, for example, have a substantially frustoconical shape, so as to facilitate the connection and retention of a pipe, and in particular a flexible pipe. One or more annular ribs may be provided around the periphery of the connecting means 6, so as to facilitate the retention of a pipe, and in particular a flexible pipe, in position on it.

[0090] The connecting means 6 may thus have a through hole 61 extending between a lower longitudinal end 62 and an upper longitudinal end 63. The lower longitudinal end 62 may advantageously be positioned inside the upper compartment 3, while the end upper longitudinal 63 can be positioned outside the upper compartment 3.

[0091] A filtration means 7, such as for example a porous film, in particular made of nylon, can be fixed at the lower longitudinal end 62, so as to filter the gases passing through said through bore 61 and thus prevent the passage of dust through said through bore 61, which could for example damage a pressure measuring means, positioned downstream.

[0092] Such a connection means 6 has a simple design and a low cost. In particular, it may be a standard commercially available connection means.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the connecting means 6 is held in position relative to the upper compartment 3 by said exhaust opening 31 of the upper compartment 3, said connecting means 6 extending through the through hole 51 of the plug 5, in particular with its through hole 61 in the continuation of the through hole 51 of the plug 5, and being held in position relative to the plug 5 by said through hole 51.

[0094] Thanks to this advantageous arrangement of the invention, the connecting means 6 can also fulfill a function of maintaining the upper compartment 3 in position relative to the lower compartment 2, by ensuring a transmission of force between the upper compartment 3 and the plug 5, which is maintained in position relative to the lower compartment 2.

[0095] Alternatively, or in addition, in order to ensure that the upper compartment 3 is held in position relative to the lower compartment 2, the diameter D35 of the peripheral wall 35 of the upper compartment 3 can be substantially equal to the diameter D22 of the peripheral wall 22 of the upper compartment 2, within the gap between the fittings, and so that the peripheral wall 22 of the upper compartment 2 is, at least partially, in friction against the peripheral wall 35 of the upper compartment 3.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the upper compartment 3 comprises an upper wall 36, the exhaust opening 31 being provided in said upper wall 36.

[0097] Advantageously, the upper wall 36 can be formed in the upper part 3S of the upper compartment 3 and / or in the cover 34.

[0098] The invention also relates, as seen in [Fig. 10], to an apparatus 10 for determining over time the quantity of CO2 absorbed and / or expelled by a sample of material M, and in particular of organic material containing a raising agent, such as yeast and / or sourdough and / or raising powder, in particular bread dough, comprising: - a pressure measuring means 11, - at least one container 1 according to one of the embodiments of the invention described above.

[0099] Advantageously, the pressure measuring means 11 can be provided to be connected to the exhaust opening 31 of the upper compartment 3 of the container 1 so as to be able to determine the evolution over time of the pressure in the lower compartment 2 receiving the sample of material M, after passage of the gases from the lower compartment 2 into the upper compartment 3 of the container 1.

[0100] Such an apparatus 10 advantageously allows one to know in a simple and reliable way the evolution of the pressure in the lower compartment 3 of the container 1 due to the capacity of expulsion / retention of CO2 by said sample of material M, and in particular in order to know the evolution over time of the quantity of CO2 retained and / or expelled over time by a sample of material M, and in particular of organic material containing a raising agent such as yeast and / or sourdough and / or raising powder, in particular of bread dough.

[0101] Advantageously, the device can be made from a commercial device, such as for example the device marketed under the name RISOGRAPH ®, described above, with only a few adaptations.

[0102] The apparatus 10 may advantageously comprise several containers 1 according to the invention, so as to carry out simultaneous pressure measurements of the different containers 1, and so as to simultaneously determine the evolution of the pressure over time in the lower compartments 2 of these containers 1, and in particular in order to know the evolution over time of the quantity of CO2 retained and / or expelled over time by a plurality of samples of matter M.

[0103] The pressure measuring means 11 can in particular be connected to the exhaust opening 31 of the upper compartment 3 of the container 1, in particular via the plug 5 and / or the connection means 6, by means of a pipe P, and advantageously a flexible pipe.

[0104] The pressure measurement means 11 can, for example, be a pressure sensor connected to a control unit.

[0105] All the provisions described above concerning an apparatus for determining over time the quantity of CO2 absorbed and / or expelled by a sample of matter M apply to the apparatus 10 according to the invention.

[0106] The invention further relates to a method for determining over time the quantity of CO2 absorbed and / or expelled by a sample of material M, and in particular of organic material containing a raising agent, such as yeast and / or sourdough and / or raising powder, in particular bread dough, comprising: / a / supply of a container according to one of the embodiments of the invention described above; / b / placement of the sample of material M in the lower compartment 2 of the container 1, / c / measurement of the evolution of the pressure over time in the lower compartment 2 receiving the sample of material M, after passage of the gases from the lower compartment 2 into the upper compartment 3 of the container 1.

[0107] Advantageously, the method according to the invention can be implemented in the apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the invention, as described above.

[0108] Such a process advantageously allows one to know in a simple and reliable way the evolution of the pressure in the lower compartment 3 of the container 1 generated by the expulsion / retention of CO2 by the sample of material M, and in particular in order to know the evolution over time of the quantity of CO2 retained and / or expelled over time by a sample of material M, and in particular of organic material containing a raising agent, such as yeast and / or sourdough and / or raising powder, in particular of bread dough.

[0109] As can be seen from the curves in the graphs of Figures 2A and 2B, the method according to the invention makes it possible, for example, to determine the evolution over time of the CO2 expulsion / retention rate by a sample of material M, and in particular of a bread dough. The sawtooth curve in [Fig. 2A] indeed shows the evolution of the CO2 expulsion rate of a bread dough sample.

[0110] Also, as explained above, the method according to the invention also makes it possible to determine, in a particularly reliable manner, the influence of various parameters on the evolution over time of the quantity of CO2 retained / released by a sample of material M, and in particular of organic material containing a raising agent, such as yeast and / or sourdough and / or raising powder, especially in bread dough. In particular, as explained above and as shown in the graph in [Fig. 2D], the inventors were able to determine that the addition of an ingredient A to a bread dough composition did not influence the total CO2 production by the bread dough but did influence the quantity of CO2 retained / released by said bread dough over time, which would not have been possible with prior art methods.

[0111] All the provisions described above concerning the determination over time of the quantity of CO2 absorbed and / or expelled by a sample of material M received in the lower compartment 2 of a container 1 according to one of the embodiments of the invention described above apply to the process according to the invention.

[0112] Naturally, other embodiments could have been considered by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims below. List of reference signs

[0113] 1. Container 2. Lower compartment 21. Top opening 22. Peripheral wall D22. Diameter 3. Upper compartment 31. Lower part 3S. Upper part 31. Exhaust opening 32. Lower opening 33. Lower wall 34. Lid 35. Peripheral wall D35. Diameter 36. Upper wall W32. Width 4. Means of separation 41. Sieve W41. Width 42. Opening 5. Cork 51. Through drilling 6. Means of connection 61. Through drilling 62. Lower longitudinal end 63. Upper longitudinal end 7. Filtration method 10. Device 11. Means of measuring pressure C. Methods for trapping CO2 / Soda lime granules Mr. Sample of matter

[0114] P. Conduct

Claims

Claims

1. Apparatus (10) for determining the amount of CO2 absorbed by a sample of organic material (M) containing yeast and / or leaven and / or raising agent, in particular baker's dough, over time, comprising: - a pressure measuring means (11), and - at least one container (1) comprising: - - a lower compartment (2) provided to receive said sample of material (M), - - an upper compartment (3) receiving means (C) for trapping CO2, positioned in the extension and communicating with the lower compartment (2), and having an exhaust opening (31) allowing the gas to escape from the upper compartment (3) after its passage through said means (C) for trapping CO2, - - a separating means (4), arranged between the lower compartment (2) and the upper compartment (3), configured to allow the passage of gas from the lower compartment (2) to the upper compartment (3),in which the pressure measuring means (11) is connected to the exhaust opening (31) of the upper compartment (3) of the container (1) so as to be able to determine the evolution over time of the pressure in the lower compartment (2) receiving the sample of material (M), after passage of the gases from the lower compartment (2) into the upper compartment (3) of the container (1).,

2. Apparatus (10) according to claim 1, wherein the lower compartment (2), the upper compartment (3) and the separating means (4) form a self-supporting assembly.

3. Apparatus (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the separating means (4) comprises a screen (41) in which are provided a plurality of openings (42) configured so as to allow the passage of gas from the lower compartment (2) to the upper compartment (3).

4. Apparatus (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the means (C) for trapping CO2 comprise granules (C) of soda lime.

5. Apparatus (10) according to claims 3 and 4, wherein the soda lime granules (C) are arranged directly on the sieve (41), the openings (42) of the sieve (41) being configured so as to prevent the passage of the soda lime granules (C) from the upper compartment (3) to the lower compartment (2).

6. Apparatus (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the container (2) has an upper opening (21) and the upper compartment (3) has a lower opening (32), the upper opening (21) of the container (1) being aligned with the lower opening (32) of the upper compartment (3), and wherein the separating means (4) is also aligned with the upper opening (21) of the container (1) and with the lower opening (32) of the upper compartment (3).

7. Apparatus (10) according to claim 6, in which the upper compartment (3) is positioned entirely in the container (1), a stopper (5), in particular removable, being positioned in the upper opening (21) of the container (1), so as to make said container (1) watertight.

8. Apparatus (10) according to claim 7, wherein the plug (5) comprises a through bore (51) positioned in the extension of the exhaust opening (31) of the upper compartment (3), so as to allow the gas from the upper compartment (3) to escape therefrom via said exhaust opening (31).

9. Apparatus (10) according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the separating means (4) is arranged at the lower opening (32) of the upper compartment (3).

10. Apparatus (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, in which the separation means (4) is secured, and in particular in a removable manner, to the upper compartment (3), possibly by means of securing means.

11. Apparatus (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the lower compartment (2) and the upper compartment (3) are removably attached.

12. Apparatus (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, in which the container (1) comprises a peripheral wall (22) of substantially cylindrical shape, and the upper compartment (3) also comprises a peripheral wall (35) of substantially cylindrical shape. cylindrical, with an axis coincident with the axis of the peripheral wall (22) of the container (1).

13. Apparatus (10) according to one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a connection means (6), in particular removable, configured to allow the connection of the upper compartment (3) to a pipe, and in particular a flexible pipe, said connection means (6) being positioned at the exhaust opening (31) of the upper compartment (3), extending through said exhaust opening (31).

14. Apparatus (10) according to claim 13, taken in combination with claim 8, wherein the connecting means (6) is held in position relative to the upper compartment (3) by said exhaust opening (31) of the upper compartment (3), said connecting means (6) extending through the through bore (51) of the cap (5) and being held in position relative to the cap (5) by said through bore (51).

15. Apparatus (10) according to one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the upper compartment (3) comprises an upper wall (36), the exhaust opening (31) being provided in said upper wall (36).

16. Method for determining over time the quantity of CO2 absorbed by a sample of organic matter containing yeast and / or leaven and / or raising agent, in particular baker's dough, comprising: / a / providing an apparatus according to one of claims 1 to 15; / b / placing the sample of matter (M) in the lower compartment (2) of the container (1), / c / measuring the change in pressure over time in the lower compartment (2) receiving the sample of matter (M), after passage of the gases from the lower compartment (2) into the upper compartment (3) of the container (1).

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