Beverage Can Headspace Oxygen Measurement via Bottom Piercing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring oxygen content in the headspace of beverage cans are challenging due to access issues and require precise alignment and sealing, leading to potential measurement errors and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that lower the liquid level in the can to create a direct connection between the headspace and a sampling tube, allowing for the measurement of oxygen content and partial pressure using a sensor unit, which can also recirculate the headspace gas for more accurate readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the can is pierced at the top edge or lid to access headspace gas, then access to headspace gas is achieved, but precise alignment and positioning are required which increases device complexity and operation difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by piercing the can at the bottom instead of the top. The withdrawal tube extends through the bottom of the can, allowing liquid to be removed and creating a direct pathway to the headspace gas. This inversion eliminates the need for precise alignment on the top surface and simplifies the piercing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimensional approach by accessing the headspace gas through the bottom of the can rather than the top surface. This vertical dimensionality change allows the withdrawal tube to penetrate the bottom and reach the headspace, avoiding the alignment issues associated with top-surface piercing while maintaining effective gas access.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the can is tilted or pierced through the lid to access headspace gas, then measurement access is achieved, but sealing reliability is compromised and measurement errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the piercing location from the top lid to the bottom of the can. The withdrawal tube penetrates the bottom surface, providing a stable sealing point that is not affected by the can's pre-embossed structures or curvature issues at the top. This inversion improves sealing reliability while enabling headspace gas measurement.
3Quantity of substance
If only a few milliliters of headspace gas are present, then the measurement sample is limited, but it becomes difficult to discard the gas as it flows past the oxygen sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous circulation of the headspace gas through the sensor unit. The pump circulates the gas repeatedly past the oxygen sensor, allowing sufficient measurement time and multiple readings from the limited gas volume. This continuous action maximizes the utilization of the small gas sample without requiring large volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the oxygen sensor readings to determine when sufficient measurement data has been collected. The sensor continuously monitors the gas composition during circulation, and the system can determine the oxygen content with high precision by analyzing the feedback signals from multiple measurement cycles.
4Measurement precision
If the liquid level is lowered to create direct connection to headspace, then measurement accuracy is improved, but additional equipment and process steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
The withdrawal tube serves multiple functions: it removes liquid from the can, creates a direct pathway to the headspace gas, and enables gas circulation through the sensor unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate liquid level control equipment while achieving the desired measurement precision through direct gas access.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables simple and precise measurement of oxygen content in the headspace gas without requiring precise positioning of the can, reducing measurement errors and improving accuracy by ensuring sufficient headspace gas is available for analysis.
Implementation Method 1
liquid level in the beverage can is lowered by removing a defined part of the sample liquid in the beverage can by means of a pump
Implementation Method 2
pressure increase by means of a gas, in particular nitrogen, introduced into the beverage can via the piercer or the sampling tube
Implementation Method 3
sensor unit comprising a number of sensors, and in this way the oxygen content and/or the oxygen partial pressure and/or the headspace volume of the headspace gas is determined by the sensor unit
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Method for measuring the oxygen content of the headspace gas in a beverage can (6), in particular having a curved bottom (20), - wherein the beverage can (6) is arranged upside down with the bottom (20) tilted against gravity, so that the headspace gas collects in the region of the bottom, - wherein a sampling opening is made in the bottom (20), in particular in the center of the bottom (20), of the beverage can (6) by means of a hollow piercer (2) arranged on a piercing head (1), into which a sampling tube (3) penetrates and wherein the sampling opening is covered airtight by means of sealing elements arranged on the piercer (2) or the piercing head (1), wherein the liquid level in the beverage can (6) is lowered via the sampling tube (3) such that there is a direct connection between the headspace (4) filled with headspace gas and the sampling opening,wherein, after lowering the liquid level, the headspace gas located in the headspace (4) of the beverage can (6) is supplied via the sampling tube (3) and/or the hollow piercer (2) or the piercing head (1) to a sensor unit (8) comprising a number of sensors, and the oxygen content and/or the oxygen partial pressure and/or the headspace volume of the headspace gas is thus determined by the sensor unit (8).