Foreign Gas Detection in CO2 Beverages via Dual-Sensor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the concentration of foreign gases, such as nitrogen and nitrous oxide, in carbon dioxide-containing beverages are inaccurate due to similar solubility, making it difficult to differentiate and measure these gases using existing technologies, especially in the food industry where hygiene and simplicity of integration are concerns.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a manometric measurement of the total pressure and temperature of a gas mixture, combined with an optical ATR sensor for exact CO2 concentration, allows for the determination of foreign gas content by comparing measurement values from two different methods, ensuring accurate and cost-effective integration within a process line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If manometric measurement methods are used to determine gas concentration, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to foreign gas interference
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement task is segmented into two independent parts: first measuring the total pressure of all gases using a manometric sensor, then measuring the CO2 concentration separately using an optical ATR sensor. This segmentation allows each sensor to measure its specific target without interference from other gases, resolving the precision problem while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation step using the ideal gas law and Henry's law to bridge the two measurements. By calculating the partial pressure of CO2 from the optical measurement and comparing it with the total pressure from the manometric measurement, the foreign gas concentration can be determined indirectly, thus maintaining precision while enabling comprehensive measurement.
2Measurement precision
If optical ATR sensor is used for CO2 measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical ATR sensor serve multiple functions: it primarily measures CO2 concentration with high precision, but its data is also used in conjunction with the manometric sensor to determine foreign gas concentrations. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by extracting maximum value from each sensor investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct total pressure measurement to separate CO2 concentration measurement using optical properties. This parameter change enables precise CO2 measurement unaffected by foreign gases, while the dual-sensor approach manages the complexity by using complementary rather than competing measurement methods.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple gas types are measured simultaneously, then measurement versatility is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to similar solubility characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the ideal gas law and Henry's law as intermediary mathematical relationships to differentiate between CO2 and foreign gases. By establishing these physical law-based relationships, the system can calculate foreign gas concentrations from the difference between total pressure and CO2 partial pressure, achieving precise differentiation despite similar solubility characteristics.
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 approach enables precise determination of foreign gas concentrations, particularly nitrogen and nitrous oxide, with improved accuracy and simplicity, addressing the limitations of existing technologies by using standard sensors and accounting for solubility and compressibility, and is applicable in beverage production and monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
optical ATR sensor for exact CO2 concentration
Implementation Method 2
manometric measurement of the total pressure and temperature of a gas mixture
Implementation Method 3
The concentration of the measurement gas carbon dioxide CO2 for example is then determined with the aid of a modified Henry and Dalton's equation
Implementation Method 4
The concentration of the measurement gas carbon dioxide CO2 for example is then determined with the aid of a modified Henry and Dalton's equation
Data Source
AI summary
A method and an apparatus determine a content of a foreign gas in a process liquid in which a measurement gas, especially CO2, has been dissolved. A concentration of the measurement gas is ascertained and a concentration of the gas mixture formed by the measurement gas and the foreign gas is ascertained, especially via a manometric measurement method. The measurement values are supplied to an evaluation unit. A concentration of the foreign gas is determined on the basis of the ascertained concentration of the measurement gas and the ascertained concentration of the gas mixture.