Devices, systems, and methods for removal of soluble gases from fluid samples
Inventors
Alburty, David Scott • Hornback, Michael Lee • Long, Bryan Charles • Page, Andrew Edward
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11839837-B2
Publication Date
2023-12-12
Expiration Date
Abstract
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to using containers with a multitude of nucleation sites covering a major portion of the inside wall of the container to enable rapid and nearly complete removal of soluble gases from fluid samples, including carbonated beverages and other carbonated fluid samples. A fluid sample is rapidly poured into the described container initiating a catastrophic release of the soluble gas from the sample.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a system and method for degassing a fluid sample by rapidly exposing the fluid to nucleation sites inside a container. The container has a total area of nucleation sites that is 5% or more of a total surface area of contact of the fluid sample with the container, and gas release is enabled using a lid that mates with screw threading on the container and allows gas to escape through open holes or holes covered with a membrane filter material.
The nucleation sites may be formed on the container itself or on one or plurality of devices placed in the container. Nucleation sites can be produced during molding using a mold having a mirror-image pattern of the nucleation sites, or created after molding by sandblasting and other mechanical means, including etched or frosted nucleated glass or plastic surfaces created by sandblasting and/or molding with reverse-image nucleation patterns.
The degassing approach is further enhanced by process-conditioning steps in which the fluid is incubated for a sufficient time to allow for degassing. The method may include first heating to increase the rate of degassing and/or cooling during or after degassing to increase the solubility of the gas in the fluid, and the fluid can be poured in a manner that agitates the fluid to increase the rate of degassing.
Claims Coverage
The provided independent claims cover three main aspects of the invention: a system with a nucleated container and screw-threaded vented lid with membrane-filtered gas escape, a degassing method using pouring into the nucleated container and incubation, and a degassing system where nucleation sites are carried by devices placed in the container. Across these, the inventive features are centered on nucleation-site area, lid screw-thread mating, and gas escape via open holes or membrane filter material.
Nucleation-site container with at least 5% contact-area coverage
A container with nucleation sites for exposing to a fluid sample, wherein a total area of the nucleation sites is 5% or more of a total surface area of contact of the fluid sample with the container.
Screw-threaded lid with open holes or membrane-filter-covered holes
A lid having screw threading that mates with corresponding screw threading on the container, and with open holes or holes covered with a membrane filter material allows gas to escape.
Degassing by pouring into the nucleated container and incubating
Pouring a fluid sample into a container with a plurality of nucleation sites having a total area of 5% or more of the total surface area of contact, using a lid with screw threading that mates with corresponding screw threading and with open holes or holes covered with a membrane filter material to allow gas to escape during degassing; and incubating the fluid in the container for a sufficient time to allow for degassing.
Nucleation sites carried by devices placed in the container
A system comprising a container with a plurality of nucleation sites for exposure to the fluid sample, wherein a total area of the nucleation sites is 5% or more of a total surface area of contact of the fluid sample with the container, and wherein the nucleation sites are on a device or plurality of devices which are placed in the container.
Overall claim coverage is directed to degassing using a nucleated container combined with a screw-threaded lid that permits gas escape through open holes or membrane-filter-covered holes, with degassing carried out by pouring into the container followed by incubation, and with nucleation sites optionally provided on devices placed within the container.
Stated Advantages
Efficient degassing and decarbonation of fluid samples by promoting rapid gas release.
Increased rate of degassing when the fluid sample is first heated.
Increased solubility of the gas in the fluid when cooling is performed during or after degassing.
Increased rate of degassing when the fluid is poured in a manner that agitates the fluid.
Documented Applications
Degassing of carbonated beverages, including beer, during processing using a Concentrating Pipette and associated instruments (CP-150 and CP SELECT), with associated filtration/concentration results for beer spoilage organisms.
Processing involving beer spoilage organisms, including L. brevis, in connection with degassing and downstream filtration/concentration described in the document.
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