Food preservation methods

Abstract

In some embodiments, a system for removing oxygen from a container includes a recirculation pump and an oxygen remover. The recirculation pump includes an inlet and an outlet, the inlet including a first connector. The outlet is fluidly connected to the oxygen remover.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 907,904, filed September 30, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to food preservation. [Background technology]

[0003] Today, there are literally hundreds of patents describing various methods or techniques for extending the life of foods and beverages. These patents typically describe three basic techniques or combinations thereof. The intent of nearly all of these devices is to reduce the amount of oxygen, which makes up 21% of the air to which these consumer goods (foods and beverages) are exposed. Of course, reducing the temperature, as in refrigeration, will slow the bacterial growth process and extend the life of foods and beverages, but this analysis will not consider reducing the temperature.

[0004] The first technique involves creating a vacuum. In practice, only a partial vacuum of varying degrees is created. As the vacuum level increases (lower pressure), the amount of oxygen available to react with the food or wine decreases, extending the shelf life of the ingredients. The challenges associated with this approach are that the vacuum system is expensive, the vessels required to maintain the low pressure are expensive, and only a portion of the oxygen is removed, limiting its benefits. Even with a high-level vacuum, which can reduce the pressure to 5 psi (approximately 34.5 kPa) absolute (approximately 1 / 3 atmospheric pressure), only 2 / 3 of the oxygen is removed. In other words, 1 / 3 of the oxygen remains.

[0005] The second technique, very common, involves replacing air (21% oxygen) with an inert gas such as nitrogen or argon. The concept behind this approach is quite simple: replacing air (oxygen) with these inert gases reduces oxidation and deterioration of these consumer goods. This technique is used worldwide and has actually improved the shelf life of food and wine. Systems that significantly reduce oxygen levels (0.1-1%) have extended the shelf life of wine indefinitely, while food has been extended by several months. However, there are many problems associated with this technique. While the use of inert gases has proven to be a cost-effective means of preserving these consumer goods on a large scale, most homes and institutions do not have easy access to these types of gases. While there are already established, dedicated businesses that bottle and distribute these gases to major gas consumers, this method does not work for the typical user due to gas supply issues and the handling of the heavy, high-pressure tanks in which the gas is maintained.

[0006] Finally, a third approach involves using chemicals to slow the deterioration of consumer goods. Needless to say, this is quite dangerous (the chemicals can enter the food chain) and very expensive. As a result, this method is rarely used in food and cosmetics beyond as a well-controlled preservative. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In some embodiments, a system for removing oxygen from a container includes a recirculation pump and an oxygen remover. The recirculation pump includes an inlet and an outlet, the inlet including a first connector. The outlet is fluidly connected to the oxygen remover.

[0008] The described system offers many advantages over previous systems. First, superior preservation performance, as measured by extended shelf life / low oxygen levels, is achievable. The preservation performance can be imparted at all points in the food chain, from the farm, through distribution, retail, and ultimately home or retail use. This performance can be highly valued in both established and emerging markets. Second, there are no burdensome gas tanks that require continuous refilling and / or transportation. Third, the final oxygen content of the container can be controlled without intervention and kept at very low levels. Fourth, the cost can be reasonable. Finally, utilizing an oxygen-absorbing material that allows oxygen to be released back into the environment is politically, commercially, and environmentally sound, and highly advantageous from a marketing and operational standpoint.

[0009] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is an exemplary food storage system. [Figure 2] Another example of a food preservation system. [Figure 3] 1 is another example of a food storage system.Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a food preservation system 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some implementations, the system 100 can generate a substantially inert gas environment. In these cases, the system 100 can slow the deterioration of consumables and is a cost-effective as well as efficient solution for removing oxygen from food and wine containers. The system 100 can be applied to any item (e.g., clothing) that is adversely affected by the presence of oxygen. The low-oxygen environment can reduce mold and associated odors and reduce or eliminate insect attack on clothing.

[0012] Currently, in Europe, fruit is often placed in sealed containers just before ripening. In these cases, the fruit ripens using the depleted trapped oxygen, and then unless the container is opened to allow oxygen in, the fruit remains preserved for several months. The illustrated system 100 can store ripe fruit and then reduce or remove oxygen to slow or prevent further ripening and spoilage.

[0013] As shown, system 100 includes a circulation system 102 that extracts oxygen from air, thereby providing an inert or substantially inert gas in an atmospheric pressure environment. The circulation system includes a circulation pump 104 that contains a canister 106 filled with oxygen-reducing material (either a single-use disposable or refillable, multi-use material), from which oxygen-reduced gas is pumped into a closed container 108 containing, for example, food, bottled goods, clothing, or other items. The gas from container 108 is then recirculated through air pump 104, and the oxygen removal process is repeated for the particular container 108. This process can be repeated for other containers.

[0014] System 100 includes oxygen-reducing materials, and other as-yet-unknown technologies may be developed in the future and then applied to proposed system 100. These may be, for example, vacuum-based or electric field-based.

[0015] Recirculation can provide several advantages. First, oxygen removal within the vessel 108 will never be 100% efficient for any practical system. If only a portion of the oxygen is removed as it passes through the vessel 108, a lower limit can be set for the final oxygen content within the vessel 108. As an example, 60% oxygen removal may result in 8% oxygen (40% of the original 20% oxygen content in air) remaining within the vessel 108. Even with 90% oxygen removal, the gas within the vessel 108 may still have 2% oxygen. However, recirculating the oxygen-depleted gas exiting the vessel 108 can continually reduce the oxygen content. Table 1 is an example showing the residual oxygen after each cycle. [Table 1] Even with only 70% oxygen absorption efficiency, the oxygen content in the container can be reduced to less than 0.6% after, for example, three circulations, and to less than 0.1% after, for example, five circulations.

[0016] The system 100 can be closed to make more efficient use of the oxygen absorbing material. When recirculating gas through the canister 108, typically less oxygen is removed with each cycle. No matter how many cycles are performed, the amount of oxygen removed is from the original 20% of the container 108. However, the container 108 may have a minor leak that introduces additional oxygen into the system 100. To be technically accurate, with pressure equalization (the final pressure in the container is approximately atmospheric), the amount of oxygen removed can be equal to approximately 25% of the original air volume.

[0017] In some embodiments, the oxygen scavenging material (ORM) may be reactivatable. In some cases, the ORM can be treated, perhaps with heat or UV, so that oxygen is released, and then the ORM can be reused to scavenge oxygen again. In these cases, reactivation can occur within system 100.

[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary food preservation system 200 for automating a preservation method. As shown, the system 200 includes fixed snap connectors 202a-202d at the input and output of the container 108. In these examples, the recirculation unit 102 can be quickly connected and disconnected from the container 108. The system 200 includes electronics 204 for controlling the operation (on / off, timing, etc.) of the pump 104. A check valve can be used in place of the ON / OFF valve, or the snap connector 202 can also be used. As an example, a check valve can be used to admit air into the system 200 when oxygen is removed. The cost of these items is typically less than $1. The current system 200 includes a low-pressure bleeder valve 206.

[0019] Appropriate controls can be implemented to optimize the performance of system 200. As an example, system 200 can be set to operate for a given period of time. For different size vessels, the operator can select the vessel size, or can simply allow system 200 to operate for an extended period of time (e.g., minutes, hours) for most or all of the oxygen.

[0020] 3 illustrates a preservation system 300 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown, the system 300 includes an oxygen sensor that allows a controller to turn off the pump when the oxygen level falls below a certain level.

[0021] An indirect and more cost-effective means of monitoring oxygen levels is through the use of a pressure sensor 302. As the oxygen level drops, the pressure within the closed system / container drops. Monitoring this pressure drop, as well as the rate at which the pressure changes, allows for an accurate determination of the oxygen content. This technique would avoid the need to know the container volume or efficiency of the oxygen absorbing material, which can change with use.

[0022] Table 2 is provided below, which lists estimates for media volume based on the assumption that the material used to extract oxygen from the air is reactivatable (heat or light used to release oxygen). [Table 2] It should be noted that while systems 100-300 have been described as stand-alone, they may also be subsystems included in other systems. As an example, today's refrigerators have closed storage containers for storing vegetables, fruits, etc. The proposed systems 100-300 can be integrated into the refrigerator such that when the container is opened and subsequently closed, the oxygen reduction recirculation system 102 is activated manually or by sensing the closure. As refrigerators become more "intelligent," this subsystem may be integrated directly into and monitored by the refrigerator.

Claims

1. 1. A system for removing oxygen from a container, comprising: a recirculation pump having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet having a first connector fluidly connected to the container, and the outlet fluidly connected to an oxygen remover; the oxygen removal device; The oxygen removal device is an inlet fluidly connected to the outlet of the recirculation pump; an outlet including a second connector fluidly connected to the container; an oxygen remover configured to remove oxygen from the fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet; a low pressure bleeder valve fluidly connected to the inlet of the recirculation pump, the low pressure bleeder valve configured to introduce additional fluid into the system in response to pressure in the system being below a predetermined threshold, the additional fluid being introduced into the oxygen remover for oxygen removal before being introduced into the container. system.

2. a first flow path having a first end connected to an inlet of the system and a second end connected to an inlet of a first air switch; a second flow path having a first end connected to the outlet of the first air switch and a second end connected to the inlet of the recirculation pump; a third flow path having a first end connected to the outlet of the recirculation pump and a second end connected to the inlet of the oxygen remover; a fourth flow path having a first end connected to the outlet of the oxygen remover and a second end connected to the outlet of the system; a check valve connected between the first end and the second end of the third flow path or connected between the first end and the second end of the fourth flow path; The system of claim 1 .

3. The oxygen remover further comprises an oxygen delivery system: The oxygen releasing system comprises: a vent configured to allow fluid flow from the oxygen removal section of the oxygen remover to exit the system; an energy source configured to deliver energy onto the oxygen removal section of the oxygen removal device sufficient to cause the oxygen removal section to release scavenged oxygen; and optionally, the energy source is ultraviolet light, heat, an electric field, or a vacuum. The system of claim 1 .

4. an oxygen scavenging material (ORM) incorporated into the oxygen scavenging device and along a flow path from the inlet to the outlet, the ORM absorbing oxygen upon contact; A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the first connector and the second connector each include a snap disconnector that stops fluid flow when disconnected; 5. The system of claim 1 or claim 4.

6. a first valve connected between the first connector and the recirculation pump; a second valve connected between the second connector and the oxygen remover; a pressure sensor configured to sense pressure in the system and generate a signal of the sensed pressure; a controller configured to open and close the first valve and the second valve and to activate the recirculation pump based on a pressure signal from the pressure sensor; 5. The system of claim 1 or claim 4.

7. the system is incorporated into a container-type storage device, the container-type storage device comprising one or more containers; 5. The system of claim 1 or claim 4.

8. 1. A method for removing oxygen from a container, comprising: drawing fluid from the vessel via a recirculation pump; passing the fluid through an oxygen scavenger where the fluid contacts an oxygen scavenging material (ORM) that scavenges oxygen from the fluid to produce an oxygen-depleted fluid; returning the oxygen-depleted fluid to the vessel; and in response to the pressure in the vessel dropping below a predetermined amount, introducing new fluid into the vessel, the new fluid being introduced into the oxygen remover for oxygen removal before being introduced into the vessel. method.

9. receiving a first pressure measurement related to pressure in the vessel; determining a target pressure for the vessel associated with removing oxygen from the vessel; opening one or more valves to allow fluid flow; operating the recirculation pump; receiving a second pressure measurement related to the pressure in the vessel; and in response to the second pressure measurement being less than or equal to the target pressure, closing the one or more valves and stopping the recirculation pump. The method of claim 8.

10. determining scavenging efficiency; in response to the scavenging efficiency falling below a predetermined threshold; opening one or more valves to allow fluid flow from the ORM to reach an exterior region; exposing the ORM to energy sufficient to cause the ORM to release the scavenged oxygen; and optionally, the energy is ultraviolet light or heat. The method of claim 8.

11. further comprising controlling the humidity inside the container. The method of claim 8.

12. the container is one of one or more containers forming a container-type storage device; The method of claim 8.

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