Biological co 2 production system in the carbonated beverage sector

Abstract

The invention relates to the design of a biological system capable of producing CO2 from wastewater generated during the production of sugar-containing carbonated beverages.

Description

[0001] Biological CO2Production System in the Carbonated Beverage Sector

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to the design of a biological system that enables the production of CO2from wastewater generated during the production of sugar-containing carbonated beverages.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] The production of carbon dioxide from wastewater can be achieved through various processes. One of these is biogas production: Biogas, formed through the fermentation of organic waste, contains gases such as methane and carbon dioxide. In this process, organic matter decomposes under the influence of microorganisms, releasing CO2as a by-product.

[0006] Microbial fermentation is another method for obtaining CO2from wastewater. Microorganisms can produce CO2by breaking down organic matter. This process can be used in laboratories or on an industrial scale, especially for energy production from wastewater.

[0007] Another method for producing carbon dioxide is carbonization. In this process, organic waste materials are decomposed at high temperatures to release gases such as CO2and carbon monoxide. This method is commonly used to convert biomass or organic waste.

[0008] Electrochemical methods can also be used to produce CO2from wastewater. Through electrochemical reactions, carbon compounds in wastewater can be converted into CO2. These methods may vary depending on factors such as the composition of the wastewater, the amount of waste being treated, and the technology used.

[0009] In the prior patent search, the following documents were encountered:

[0010] Document number JP7326079B2 includes a system aimed at increasing energy efficiency in beverage production facilities. A cooling machine uses waste heat to cool raw water and simultaneously heats hot water. Carbon dioxide gas is added to the cooled raw water to form the beverage product, which is then filled into a container in the filling section. Afterwards, the water heated by the low-stage cooling machine is used to heat the filled container. In this way, waste heat is recycled to save energy in beverage production.

[0011] Document number WO2021029866A1 presents a system used to adjust the hardness and alkalinity of water from water treatment or wastewater treatment plants while aiming to capture greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide is present in solution with the water flow and reacts with a calcium-based compound to form calcium bicarbonate. The resulting calcium bicarbonate can be used as a product that captures CO2almost entirely. This soluble product can be discharged into natural water sources or used in drinking water, irrigation, or industrial processes. This invention enables the capture and disposal of greenhouse gases in usable forms.

[0012] The document titled “Treatment of High-Strength Wastewater from the Sugar- Sweetened Beverage Industry by an Alcoholic Fermentation Process” examines an alternative treatment process for wastewater from the non-alcoholic sugar-sweetened beverage industry. This process includes the alcoholic fermentation of sugars in wastewater, separation of produced ethanol and biomass, and removal of resulting glycerol through aerobic fermentation using yeast. This allows the conversion of organic matter in the wastewater into ethanol — alongside gases and biomass — which can be separated by distillation. The ethanol is produced through yeast-mediated fermentation of sucrose and / or high-fructose corn syrup commonly found in sugary beverages. Yeast is removed through filtration. There is no system where yeast microorganisms are reused in a recirculating manner. Therefore, no external feed is provided into the system. Further R&D is needed to develop a system where the yeast microorganism is reused in a recirculating manner.

[0013] In conclusion, the aforementioned studies focus on wastewater treatment and ethanol production using yeast. However, they do not offer a methodology for meeting a portion of the CO2demand of the beverage industry through wastewater. Challenges in CO2supply within the sector have necessitated innovation in this field. PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention aims to eliminate the aforementioned problems and introduce a technical innovation in the related field.

[0015] The primary objective of the invention is to produce the CO2required in the beverage industry from sugars (monosaccharides) present in the wastewater generated within the same production facility.

[0016] Another objective of the invention is to reduce the organic load by collecting and processing sugar-rich wastewater originating from the syrup used in beverage production.

[0017] A further objective is to prevent the mixing of sugar-rich wastewater with other wastewaters, and to increase recycling potential by offering an efficient collection and processing method.

[0018] An additional objective of the invention is to optimize sugar-containing wastewater through a yeast fermentation process in a fermenter, thereby enabling the production of CO2from the wastewater.

[0019] Another aim of the invention is to separate the yeast formed after fermentation in the fermenter from the liquid phase and make it reusable for recycling.

[0020] The invention also aims to reduce the overall CO2footprint in the beverage industry.

[0021] Yet another objective is to remove excess yeast from the system in order to optimize the process flow.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] To achieve all the objectives mentioned above and those that will become clear in the detailed description below, the present invention is a biological method designed to produce CO2from wastewater generated during the production of sugar-containing carbonated beverages. Accordingly, the invention comprises the following method steps. a. Directing the wastewater generated during the production of sugar- containing beverages into a collection tank in order to isolate it from the external environment and eliminate the risk of contamination, b. Feeding the wastewater stored in the collection tank into the fermenter using a wastewater feed pump, c. Using yeast microorganisms in the fermenter to convert the sugar in the wastewater into CO2and ethanol through a fermentation reaction, d. Collecting the CO2gas produced during the fermentation process via a gas collection unit, e. Passing the collected CO2gas through a dehumidification filter to remove water vapor, f. Passing the CO2gas through a volatile matter filter to remove volatile organic compounds, g. Transferring the remaining liquid in the fermenter to a settling tank, h. Separating the yeast and the liquid phase in the settling tank, i. While the yeast settles in the settling tank, discharging the clarified water on top from the system through a liquid discharge pipe, j. Returning the settled yeast to the fermenter via a return pump located on the recirculation line.

[0024] A preferred embodiment of the invention includes the use of a fermenter equipped with a heating jacket in method step b.

[0025] Another preferred embodiment of the invention is the selection of Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast species as the microorganism used in method step c.

[0026] A preferred embodiment of the invention involves using a dehumidification filter in method step e and a volatile matter filter in method step f, both made of 1 mm chrome material and having a cylindrical structure.

[0027] Another preferred embodiment of the invention is the use of a silica gel-containing dehumidification filter in method step e.

[0028] A preferred embodiment also includes the use of a volatile matter filter containing activated granular carbon in method step f. Another preferred embodiment of the invention is the removal of yeast microorganisms from the system via a valve located on the recirculation line.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] Figure 1 illustrates the flow diagram of the Biological CO2Production System in the Carbonated Beverage Sector.

[0031] The drawings do not necessarily need to be to scale, and details not essential for understanding the present invention may have been omitted. Furthermore, elements that are at least substantially identical or perform at least substantially identical functions are represented by the same reference numbers.

[0032] DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE FIGURES

[0033] 1 . Fermenter

[0034] 2. Collection tank

[0035] 3. Recirculation pump

[0036] 4. Settling tank

[0037] 5. Dehumidification filter

[0038] 6. Volatile matter filter

[0039] 7. Recirculation line

[0040] 8. Gas collection chamber

[0041] 9. Fermenter feed pump

[0042] 10. Settling tank feed pump

[0043] 1 1 . Liquid discharge pipe

[0044] 12. Gas transfer pump

[0045] 13. Valve

[0046] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] In this detailed description, the invention titled Biological C02Production System in the Carbonated Beverage Sector is explained through examples solely for the purpose of better understanding and does not impose any limiting effect.

[0048] The invention is a biological system design that enables CO2production by utilizing wastewater generated during the production of sugar-sweetened carbonated beverages. The conventional sugar-sweetened carbonated beverage production process begins with water purification and preparation; this water is then mixed with a sugar solution. Sweeteners, acids, flavors, and colorants are added to this mixture to create the desired taste and visual profile. Afterwards, carbon dioxide gas is added through carbonation, resulting in a fizzy and sparkling beverage. The beverage is filled into suitable packages using automated filling machines and sealed. Finally, labeling is applied to the packages, and the products are prepared for storage or transportation.

[0049] The Biological C02Production System in the Carbonated Beverage Sector is handled as a process consisting of the following steps:

[0050] Step A - Wastewater Generation and Collection

[0051] • Wastewater containing sugar is generated in the production vessels during both routine operations and faulty production scenarios.

[0052] • This wastewater is collected before it can mix with other waste streams and typically consists of juice flavorings, water, and sugar. It does not contain microbiological contamination.

[0053] Step B - Wastewater Processing and CO2Production

[0054] • The collected wastewater is directed to the collection tank (2).

[0055] • From there, it is fed into the fermenter (1 ) using the fermenter feed pump (9).

[0056] • In the fermenter (1 ), Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast is maintained at a concentration of 4000 mg volatile suspended solids / L.

[0057] • Through fermentation with yeast, the sugar in the wastewater is converted. One mole of sugar yields 2 moles of CO2and 2 moles of ethanol (C2H5OH).

[0058] • The resulting CO2is collected in the gas collection chamber (8), and then passed through a dehumidification filter (5) to remove moisture, followed by a volatile matter filter (6) to eliminate volatile organic compounds.

[0059] • The purified CO2is then reused in the production facility.

[0060] Step C - Water and Yeast Separation

[0061] • After fermentation, the remaining liquid is transferred to the settling tank (4). • In this tank, yeast and other suspended solids settle to the bottom, and the clarified water (supernatant) is discharged from the system.

[0062] • The settled yeast is returned to the fermenter (1 ) via the recirculation pump (3).

[0063] • If excess yeast is present in the line, it can be discharged from the system using the valve (13).

[0064] As illustrated in Figure 1 , the invention is fundamentally a biological system designed to produce CO2from wastewater generated during the production of sugar-sweetened carbonated beverages. At its core, the system includes:

[0065] • A collection tank (2),

[0066] • A fermenter (1 ),

[0067] • A dehumidification filter (5),

[0068] • A volatile matter filter (6),

[0069] • A settling unit (4),

[0070] • A recirculation line (7) from the settling unit to the fermenter, and

[0071] • A recirculation pump (3).

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the collection tank (2) is a sealed container used to store sugar-rich wastewater generated during production and to protect it from external contamination until it is processed in the fermenter. The tank minimizes contamination risk and allows temporary storage for homogenization and stabilization of the wastewater. Considering the risk of corrosion due to moisture and liquid in the environment, the collection tank (2) is made of 1 mm thick chrome material. The stainless nature of chrome allows long-term operation in wet or humid conditions.

[0073] The wastewater is transferred from the collection tank (2) to the fermenter (1 ) via the fermenter feed pump (9).

[0074] The fermenter (1 ) in the preferred embodiment is a closed system that contains yeast microorganisms used during beverage production. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the preferred yeast strain. These microorganisms convert sugars into CO2and ethanol through fermentation. In another embodiment, if ambient temperature is insufficient, the system includes heating. A heating jacket is externally mounted onto the fermenter (1 ).

[0075] After fermentation in the fermenter (1 ), the resulting CO2is collected via the gas collection chamber (8). To remove moisture, the gas is transferred using the gas transfer pump (12) to the dehumidification filter (5), which is cylindrical and made of 1 mm chrome material. It includes a cap for inserting filter media and contains silica gel inside. Silica gel absorbs water vapor from the CO2. In alternative embodiments, activated clay or molecular sieves may be used instead of silica gel.

[0076] After the dehumidification filter (5), the gas passes through the volatile matter filter (6) to remove volatile organic compounds. The volatile matter filter (6) is also cylindrical, made of 1 mm chrome, and contains a cap for media insertion. Inside, it contains activated granular carbon, which adsorbs volatile organic compounds. In other embodiments, zeolites, clay minerals, specially designed polymers, or metal oxides may be used as alternatives.

[0077] Following gas removal, the remaining liquid is transferred to the settling tank (4) using the settling tank feed pump (10). In the settling tank (4), yeast and the liquid phase are separated. While the yeast settles, the clarified water is discharged from the system via a liquid discharge pipe (1 1 ). The settled yeast is returned to the fermenter (1 ) through a recirculation line (7), using the recirculation pump (3) and a valve (13).

[0078] In another embodiment, the system includes a valve (13) on the recirculation line (7) to remove excess yeast and to regulate the flow. This completes the cycle.

[0079] The scope of protection of the invention is defined in the appended claims and is in no way limited to the exemplary descriptions provided in this detailed disclosure. It is evident that a person skilled in the art could develop similar embodiments based on the main concept of the invention without departing from its scope.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . The invention is a biological method for producing CO2from wastewater generated during the production of sugar-containing carbonated beverages, comprising the steps of: a. directing the wastewater generated in the environments where sugar-containing beverages are produced to a collection tank (2) in order to isolate it from the external environment and eliminate the risk of contamination, b. feeding the wastewater stored in the collection tank (2) into the fermenter (1 ) using a fermenter feed pump (9), c. using yeast microorganisms in the fermenter (1 ) to convert the sugar in the wastewater into CO2and ethanol through a fermentation reaction, d. collecting the CO2gas formed after the fermentation reaction in step (c) using the fermenter (1 ) with a gas collection structure, e. passing the collected CO2gas through a dehumidification filter (5) to remove water vapor, f. passing the CO2gas through a volatile matter filter (6) to remove volatile organic particles remaining after step (e), g. transferring the remaining liquid in the fermenter (1 ) to a settling tank (4), h. separating the yeast and the liquid in the settling tank (4), i. discharging the clarified water from the top of the settling tank (4) via a liquid discharge pipe (1 1 ) while the yeast settles, j. returning the settled yeast to the fermenter (1 ) via a recirculation line (7) using a recirculation pump (3).

2. A method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that a fermenter (1 ) equipped with a heating jacket is used in step (b).

3. A method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that Saccharomyces Cerevisiae yeast species are used as the yeast microorganisms in step (c).

4. A method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the dehumidification filter (5) used in step (e) and the volatile matter filter (6) used in step (f) are made of 1 mm thick chrome material and have a cylindrical structure.

5. A method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the dehumidification filter (5) used in step (e) contains silica gel.

6. A method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the volatile matter filter (6) used in step (f) contains activated granular carbon.

7. A method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that a recirculation line (7) equipped with a valve (13) is used to remove excess yeast microorganisms from the system.

8. A method according to Claim 1 , characterized in that in step (f), the CO2gas is passed through the volatile matter filter (6) to remove volatile organic compounds such as ethanol, methanol, propanol, butanol, ethyl acetate, methyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, methyl butyrate, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, lactic acid, acetone, butanone, pentanedione, dimethyl disulfide, ethyl mercaptan, methyl mercaptan, and 2-methyl-3-butanone, either individually or in combination.

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