Infrared CO2 Microleakage Detection for Beverage Kegs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting microleakages in kegs containing CO2 under pressure, such as beer kegs, are complex, expensive, and unable to detect CO2 microleakages, which can compromise the quality of the beverage by leading to 'flatness' and contamination, as they rely on indirect measurements like pressure or electrical conductivity and require costly equipment and handling systems.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with a light source emitting infrared wavelengths corresponding to CO2 absorption wavelengths and a detector to measure CO2 concentration, allowing direct detection of CO2 microleakages without the need for complex equipment or handling systems, using sensors like NDIR to determine the presence and quantity of CO2 leaking from the keg.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If vacuum equipment and monitoring cameras are used to detect leakages, then liquid leakage detection is feasible, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical vacuum equipment and optical monitoring systems with a simple pressure sensor-based detection system. The invention uses a pressure difference measurement approach where a seal element closes the container opening and a pressure sensor detects pressure changes in the sealed environment, eliminating the need for vacuum pumps and cameras while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the essential detection function from the complex vacuum-camera system. By isolating the pressure measurement aspect and removing unnecessary components (vacuum equipment, cameras), the system achieves the same detection goal with minimal equipment - just a seal element and a pressure sensor.
2Measurement precision
If vacuum equipment is used to detect leakages, then detection can be performed, but CO2 microleakages cannot be detected as gas is sucked by the vacuum equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the vacuum-based detection mechanism with a pressure sensor-based system that operates at atmospheric pressure. This substitution allows the system to detect CO2 microleakages through pressure changes caused by gas escape, rather than having the vacuum equipment consume the leaking gas, thereby enabling reliable detection of CO2-specific microleakages.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameter from vacuum conditions to atmospheric pressure conditions. By performing the detection at normal pressure rather than under vacuum, the system avoids the problem of vacuum equipment consuming the CO2 gas, allowing accurate measurement of pressure changes that indicate CO2 microleakages.
3Measurement precision
If electrical conductivity measurements are used to detect leakages, then tightness testing can be performed, but CO2 microleakages remain undetected and the handling system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical conductivity measurement system with a pressure-based detection system. Instead of using electrodes to measure conductivity changes in the liquid, the invention uses a pressure sensor to detect pressure changes in the sealed environment, which directly indicate gas leakage. This mechanical substitution simplifies the handling system while enabling CO2 microleakage detection.
4Measurement precision
If indirect measurement methods like pressure or electrical conductivity are used, then detection can be performed, but the equipment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the core detection function from complex measurement systems. By using only a pressure sensor and a seal element, the system performs microleakage detection without the additional complexity of electrical conductivity equipment, vacuum systems, or multiple sensors, achieving cost-effective and simple implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, simple components - a basic pressure sensor and a seal element - rather than expensive, complex measurement equipment. This approach uses affordable, easily replaceable parts to achieve reliable detection, reducing both initial cost and maintenance complexity.
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 enables the detection of minimal CO2 leakages without complex equipment, is cost-effective, and can be easily integrated into existing production lines, ensuring the quality of beverages by preventing CO2 loss and contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a light source (12) which faces said measuring chamber (11) and which has an infrared component with wavelengths corresponding to typical CO2 absorption wavelengths... at least one light sensor (13) which faces said measuring chamber (11) and which is adapted to detect the infrared light component with wavelengths corresponding to CO2 absorption wavelengths emitted inside the measuring chamber (11) by said light source (12)
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Device (1) for detecting microleakages from kegs (2) and similar containers containing a liquid with CO2 under pressure and provided with an outlet mouth (21) provided with a sealing valve (22), characterized in that it comprises a detection head (10) adapted to be coupled with sealing to said keg (2) at said outlet mouth (21), said detection head (10) comprising a measuring chamber (11) adapted to face over said outlet mouth (21), a light source (12) having an infrared component with wavelengths corresponding to CO2 absorption wavelengths facing said measuring chamber (11); a light sensor (13) facing said measuring chamber (11) and capable of detecting said infrared light component with wavelengths corresponding to the CO2 absorption wavelengths emitted in said measuring chamber (11) by said light source (12); at least a first air inlet (14) into said measuring chamber (11) and at least one air vent (15) from said measuring chamber (11).