Nitrogen Membrane Generator for Beverage Infusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nitrogen gas supply systems for retail and home use are inconvenient due to space consumption and safety concerns, and lack a continuous supply at elevated pressure suitable for nitrogen infusion systems, while also generating excessive noise.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained nitrogen supply system comprising a compressed air feed, nitrogen membrane separator, storage unit, pressure control unit, and release valve, which generates and stores nitrogen at elevated pressure for continuous supply, integrated with a beverage dispense system using a bag-in-box container and diaphragm pumps to infuse nitrogen into beverages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional compressed nitrogen cylinders are used for nitrogen supply, then a sufficient supply of nitrogen at elevated pressure can be provided, but space consumption increases and safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical compressed gas cylinder system with a membrane-based nitrogen generation system that separates nitrogen from air using a selective membrane, eliminating the need for large storage cylinders while maintaining continuous nitrogen supply at required pressures
Solution Approach 2:
The system generates its own nitrogen supply by separating it from ambient air through the membrane separator, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for external compressed gas cylinder deliveries and exchanges
2Volume of stationary object
If membrane separation technology is used to reduce footprint, then space consumption decreases, but the system cannot provide continuous nitrogen supply at elevated pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the membrane separator with an integrated compression system and storage mechanism, merging multiple functions into a single compact unit that can continuously produce, compress, and store nitrogen at elevated pressures within a small footprint
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic pressure control and regulation mechanisms that allow the membrane separator to operate continuously at varying pressures, maintaining elevated nitrogen output pressure while adapting to different demand conditions
3Quantity of substance
If larger footprint systems are used to provide adequate nitrogen supply, then sufficient nitrogen at elevated pressure can be supplied, but noise level increases to unacceptable levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces noisy mechanical compression systems with a membrane-based separation process that requires minimal mechanical intervention, significantly reducing noise generation while maintaining nitrogen production capability
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane acts as an intermediary that separates nitrogen from air without requiring high-noise mechanical compression, using the membrane's selective permeability properties to achieve nitrogen enrichment quietly and efficiently
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 system provides a continuous, quiet, and cost-effective supply of nitrogen gas suitable for nitrogen infusion across semi-porous membranes, reducing the need for compressed gas cylinders and allowing for efficient nitrogenation of beverages in retail and home settings.
Implementation Method 1
nitrogen is separated from the air via compression/membrane technology
Implementation Method 2
nitrogen membrane separator
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method to supply nitrogen gas is provided. Ambient air is compressed and stored in a storage receiver and then nitrogen is separated from the compressed air in a nitrogen membrane separation unit. The separated nitrogen is stored in a nitrogen storage tank under pressure and released through a pressure control valve. The system is confined to a small footprint and is useful as a nitrogen source where conventional compressed nitrogen tanks are a safety or space issue. Systems to prepare nitrogen infused beverages are also provided.