Beverage Container Pressure Relief for HPP Vacuum Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
High pressure processing (HPP) of beverages can cause catastrophic damage to packaging due to vacuum generation, limiting the use of large format or bulk packaging for extended shelf-life products.
Innovation Solution
A container assembly with a pressure relief mechanism, such as a small hole or a deformable sealing element, is integrated into the fitment assembly to prevent pressure buildup and vacuum formation, allowing pressurized air to vent and maintaining safe pressure levels within the container during HPP.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If high pressure processing is applied to large format or bulk packaging, then extended shelf-life is achieved, but catastrophic damage occurs to the packaging due to vacuum generation
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure equalization channel is introduced as an intermediary pathway between the container interior and exterior. This channel allows pressure equalization during HPP processing, preventing vacuum formation that would cause packaging collapse, while maintaining the sealed container structure for extended shelf-life
Solution Approach 2:
The container is segmented into functional zones: a sealed container body for product containment, and a pressure equalization channel system that provides a controlled pathway for pressure regulation. This segmentation allows the container to maintain integrity while accommodating pressure changes during processing
2Reliability
If sealed container structure is maintained for extended shelf-life, then product protection is improved, but vacuum damage occurs during high pressure processing
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization channel acts as a mediator that protects the sealed container structure from vacuum damage during HPP. It provides a controlled mechanism for pressure equalization without compromising the overall seal integrity or product protection
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure equalization channel is designed in advance to prevent vacuum formation before it can cause damage. By providing a pre-established pressure equalization pathway, the system cushions against the harmful effects of vacuum during high pressure processing
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
The pressure relief mechanism prevents damage to the fitment assembly and allows for the use of HPP in large format or bulk packaging, maintaining the quality and safety of the beverage while extending its shelf-life.
Implementation Method 1
the vacuum generated in the packaging via application of the ultra-high pressure may cause catastrophic damage to the packaging
Implementation Method 2
HPP is used to pasteurize foods at elevated pressures of approximately 2,068 bar to 8,963 bar for a specified temperature and time
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing a pre-mixed beverage from a distribution device includes a first container including a first consumable material and a second container including a second consumable material. A mixing block is arranged in fluid communication with the first container, the second container, and the distribution device such that a mixture of the first consumable material and the second consumable material is formed within the mixing block. At least one pump is operably coupled to first container, the second container, and the distribution device.