Dry Ice Sublimation for Beverage Container Pressure Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing pressure regulating devices for beverage containers are not efficient or easy to implement, particularly in maintaining consistent pressure for carbonated beverages like beer.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a gas container filled with dry ice, which sublimates to create CO2 gas, pressurizing the container and regulating pressure through a pressure regulator, integrated into the beverage container and filling line for precise pressure control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If dry ice is used to fill the gas container instead of CO2 gas under pressure, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for sublimation control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the filling material from gaseous CO2 under pressure to solid dry ice at atmospheric pressure. This parameter change simplifies the filling process and equipment requirements, as dry ice can be easily inserted through the filling opening without requiring high-pressure gas handling equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of dry ice from solid to gas (sublimation) to generate CO2 gas within the container. This phase transition provides a controlled and gradual pressure increase, eliminating the need for complex pressure regulation mechanisms during filling, while the sublimation process itself can be controlled by temperature management.
2Productivity
If the gas container is filled with dry ice that sublimates, then the productivity of the filling line is improved, but the manufacturing precision decreases due to variable sublimation rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a pressure regulator that provides feedback control on the pressure within the container. This regulator monitors the pressure generated by dry ice sublimation and adjusts the filling or release mechanisms to maintain consistent pressure levels, compensating for variations in sublimation rates and ensuring precise pressure control despite the variable nature of the phase transition process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary cooling and preparation of the dry ice before insertion into the gas container. By pre-conditioning the dry ice to optimal temperature and state, the sublimation process becomes more predictable and controlled, reducing variability in pressure generation and improving manufacturing precision while maintaining high productivity.
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
This solution effectively maintains pressure within the beverage container, ensuring consistent dispensing of carbonated beverages by regulating pressure to desired levels, enhancing the functionality and ease of manufacturing in the beverage container and filling line.
Implementation Method 1
An amount of dry ice is inserted through the filling opening into the gas container. The filling opening is closed and the dry ice is allowed to sublimate.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for manufacturing a pressurising device for a beverage container, wherein a gas container is provided having a filling opening, into which gas container an amount of dry ice is inserted through the filling opening, where after the filling opening is closed and the dry ice is allowed to sublimate.