Method of measuring carbonation levels in open-container beverages
Carbon dioxide levels in an open-container beverage are measured by transferring a quantity of the beverage to a vessel. A closure is secured onto the vessel to form an enclosed volume containing the beverage. A probe is inserted through the closure to contact the beverage, and a sample is transferred from the vessel to a measurement instrument to determine the carbon dioxide level. The methods allow for significantly greater precision and reliability in measuring carbonation levels of open-container beverages relative to currently available techniques.
1. A method of measuring carbon dioxide volume levels in an open-container beverage, the method comprising:
providing an open-container beverage in an open container;
transferring a quantity of the beverage from the open container to a vessel different from the open container to at least partially fill the vessel;
securing a closure onto the vessel to form an enclosed volume containing the quantity of the beverage;
inserting a probe through the closure to contact the beverage;
transferring a sample of the beverage from the vessel to a carbon dioxide measurement instrument; and
quantitatively determining the carbon dioxide volume level of the sample.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising a step of reducing the temperature of the beverage contained in the vessel.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the temperature of the beverage is reduced by placing the vessel in an ice bath.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the carbon dioxide level of the sample is determined by the steps of:
placing the sample in an expandable measurement chamber;
expanding a volume of the measurement chamber; and
measuring an equilibrium pressure of the expanded volume.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the volume of the measurement chamber is expanded by displacing a piston-type injector fitted fluid-tight to the measurement chamber.
6. The method of claim 4 , wherein the volume of the measurement chamber is expanded by displacing a flexible membrane.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the membrane is constructed from an elastomer.
8. The method of claim 4 , further comprising the steps of:
expanding the volume of the measurement chamber to a second expanded volume; and
measuring an equilibrium pressure in the second expanded volume.
9. The method of claim 4 , further comprising a step of applying ultrasonic energy to the measurement chamber.
10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising a step of applying pressurized gas to the head space of the vessel.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the carbon dioxide level of the sample is determined by the steps of:
contacting the sample with a CO 2 -selective membrane; and
measuring the amount of permeate passing through the membrane.
12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the carbon dioxide level of the sample is determined by the steps of:
passing infrared radiation through the sample; and
measuring the angle of refraction to determine the carbon dioxide level.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the beverage is a carbonated soft drink.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the beverage is carbonated water.
15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the beverage is provided in an opened can.
16. The method of claim 1 , wherein the beverage is provided in an opened bottle.
17. The method of claim 1 , wherein the beverage is dispensed from a fountain dispensing device.
18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the beverage is provided in a disposable cup, and the disposable cup together with the beverage are placed into the vessel.