Two-Compartment CO2 Measurement Container for Retention Kinetics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining CO2 retention and expulsion by samples containing raising agents like yeast and sourdough are unreliable and complex, failing to accurately distinguish between retained and expelled CO2, and are costly.
Innovation Solution
A container design with a lower compartment for the sample and an upper compartment containing CO2-trapping means, connected by a separation means, allows for precise pressure measurement of CO2 retention by positioning the trap close to the sample, using soda lime granules and a flexible pipe for accurate pressure measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a CO2 trap is positioned away from the sample container (as in prior art devices), then the device structure is simpler, but the measurement precision of CO2 retention is poor because the trap cannot effectively capture all expelled CO2
Solution Approach 1:
The upper compartment containing the CO2 trap is nested directly above the lower compartment containing the sample, creating a compact integrated structure. This nesting arrangement allows the trap to be positioned immediately adjacent to the sample container, ensuring all expelled CO2 is captured while maintaining structural simplicity through the unified two-compartment design
Solution Approach 2:
A separation means (such as a porous membrane or filter) is introduced as an intermediary between the lower and upper compartments. This intermediary allows CO2 gas to pass from the sample container to the trap while preventing liquid or solid particles from entering the trap, thereby enabling precise measurement without complicating the overall device structure
2Measurement precision
If macroscopic measurement methods are used to assess dough expansion, then the measurement process is simpler, but the measurement precision is poor due to incorporation of rheological phenomena and gas pocket trapping
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and isolates the CO2 measurement function from the complex rheological behavior of dough. By using a CO2 trap that specifically captures carbon dioxide gas and connects it to a pressure sensor, the system separates CO2 quantification from other dough expansion phenomena, achieving precise measurement without requiring complex rheological analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical measurement of dough expansion with a pneumatic measurement system. Instead of measuring physical dough dimensions affected by rheology, the system uses pressure sensor detection of CO2-induced pressure changes, substituting a simpler pneumatic measurement for complex mechanical assessment
3Loss of information
If total CO2 production is measured without distinguishing retained and expelled portions, then the measurement process is simpler, but the information value is reduced as it cannot differentiate between yeast fermentative activity and dough gas retention properties
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into distinct functional components: the lower compartment for sample containment, the upper compartment for CO2 trapping, and the pressure sensing system. This segmentation allows the trap to specifically capture expelled CO2 while the pressure sensor measures the retained portion, enabling separate quantification of both components without requiring a completely complex multi-sensor system
Solution Approach 2:
The CO2 trap is positioned with local quality specifically optimized for capturing expelled CO2 in the upper compartment, while the lower compartment maintains conditions suitable for sample fermentation. This localized functional differentiation enables the system to distinguish between retained and expelled CO2, providing detailed kinetic information without making the entire system overly complex
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 reliable and cost-effective determination of CO2 retention and expulsion kinetics by samples, allowing differentiation between absorbed and expelled CO2, and identifying the influence of ingredients on CO2 retention.
Implementation Method 1
an upper compartment (3) receiving means (C) for trapping CO2, positioned in the extension of and communicating with the lower compartment (2)
Implementation Method 2
a pressure measuring means, connected to the exhaust opening of the upper compartment of the container by a flexible pipe so as to be able to determine the evolution over time of the pressure in the lower compartment
Implementation Method 3
a sample of matter, and in particular of organic matter containing a raising agent, such as yeast and/or sourdough and/or raising powder
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
The invention relates to a container (1) for determining the quantity of CO2 absorbed and/or expelled by a sample of material over time, comprising: - a lower compartment (2) intended to hold a sample of material (M), - an upper compartment (3) that holds means (C) for trapping CO2, positioned in the continuation of and in communication with the lower compartment (2), and having an exhaust opening (31) allowing the gas to escape from the upper compartment (3) after it has passed through the means (C) for trapping CO2, - a separating means (4), disposed between the lower compartment (2) and the upper compartment (3), configured to allow the gas to pass from the lower compartment (2) to the upper compartment (3).