NZ501823A - Producing beverages using nitrous oxide with nitrogen or carbon dioxide - Google Patents
Producing beverages using nitrous oxide with nitrogen or carbon dioxideInfo
- Publication number
- NZ501823A NZ501823A NZ501823A NZ50182398A NZ501823A NZ 501823 A NZ501823 A NZ 501823A NZ 501823 A NZ501823 A NZ 501823A NZ 50182398 A NZ50182398 A NZ 50182398A NZ 501823 A NZ501823 A NZ 501823A
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- liquid product
- nitrogen
- beer
- carbon dioxide
- cans
- Prior art date
Links
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 140
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 86
- GQPLMRYTRLFLPF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Nitrous Oxide Chemical compound [O-][N+]#N GQPLMRYTRLFLPF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title claims abstract description 67
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 title claims abstract description 43
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 43
- 239000001272 nitrous oxide Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 31
- JCXJVPUVTGWSNB-UHFFFAOYSA-N nitrogen dioxide Inorganic materials O=[N]=O JCXJVPUVTGWSNB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 title description 11
- 235000013361 beverage Nutrition 0.000 title description 5
- 239000012263 liquid product Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 80
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims abstract description 61
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 238000005187 foaming Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000007792 gaseous phase Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 abstract description 27
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 abstract description 27
- 235000013405 beer Nutrition 0.000 description 87
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 10
- 239000004088 foaming agent Substances 0.000 description 9
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 229910052799 carbon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 229910001873 dinitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 6
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000000047 product Substances 0.000 description 5
- 235000014171 carbonated beverage Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 3
- XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N Argon Chemical compound [Ar] XKRFYHLGVUSROY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- QJGQUHMNIGDVPM-UHFFFAOYSA-N nitrogen group Chemical group [N] QJGQUHMNIGDVPM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- MWUXSHHQAYIFBG-UHFFFAOYSA-N nitrogen oxide Inorganic materials O=[N] MWUXSHHQAYIFBG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 125000005931 tert-butyloxycarbonyl group Chemical group [H]C([H])([H])C(OC(*)=O)(C([H])([H])[H])C([H])([H])[H] 0.000 description 2
- 208000013641 Cerebrofacial arteriovenous metameric syndrome Diseases 0.000 description 1
- JGFZNNIVVJXRND-UHFFFAOYSA-N N,N-Diisopropylethylamine (DIPEA) Chemical compound CCN(C(C)C)C(C)C JGFZNNIVVJXRND-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- KPAMAAOTLJSEAR-UHFFFAOYSA-N [N].O=C=O Chemical compound [N].O=C=O KPAMAAOTLJSEAR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052786 argon Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009792 diffusion process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004090 dissolution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000035622 drinking Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002474 experimental method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000001307 helium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052734 helium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N helium atom Chemical compound [He] SWQJXJOGLNCZEY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 101150114630 mtcA2 gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 230000006911 nucleation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010899 nucleation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012047 saturated solution Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001953 sensory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004659 sterilization and disinfection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 125000002948 undecyl group Chemical group [H]C([*])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])C([H])([H])[H] 0.000 description 1
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
- B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
- B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
- B67C3/22—Details
- B67C3/222—Head-space air removing devices, e.g. by inducing foam
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
- A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
- A23L2/00—Non-alcoholic beverages; Dry compositions or concentrates therefor; Their preparation
- A23L2/52—Adding ingredients
- A23L2/54—Mixing with gases
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
- B67C7/00—Concurrent cleaning, filling, and closing of bottles; Processes or devices for at least two of these operations
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Nutrition Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
- Non-Alcoholic Beverages (AREA)
- Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
- Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
- Vacuum Packaging (AREA)
- Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
Abstract
A method of producing a liquid product packed in cans or bottles or other suitable containers is disclosed. The method includes injecting nitrogen, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide gas into the liquid product. One preferred feature of the method is to chill the liquid product prior to injecting gas. Another preferred feature is to add liquid nitrogen to the head spaces of filled containers before closing the containers. A liquid product which includes nitrogen, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide is also disclosed.
Description
New Zealand Paient Spedficaiion for Paient Number 501 823 Received 19 October 1998 PRODUCING LIQUID PRODUCTS CONTAINED IN CAMS, BOTTLES AMD OTHER SUITABLE CONTAINERS The present invention relates to a method of producing a liquid product packed in cans or bottles or any other suitable container.
The present invention relates particularly, 15 although by no means exclusively, to a method of producing a carbonated beverage product/ such as beer, packed in cans or bottles or any other suitable container.
One particular, although by zio means exclusive, ' 20 application of the present invention is a method of producing beer in cans or bottles or any other suitable containers which has a smooth, non-bitter, taste and excellent foaming characteristics and the following discussion of the prior art is in this context.
Australian patent application 55602/86 entitled "Carbonating in Bottles and Cans" in the name of Gatehouse Techaical Venturas Limited describes that foam is an important element in the consumer appeal of most beers and 30 of some other carbonated beverages. More particularly, the Gatehouse patent application describes that: "The most important means by which foam is produced by any of these liquids is the release 3 5 of carbon dioxide from super-saturated solution.
Super-saturation arises when a previously-closed, pressurised container is opened to atmosphere or AMENDED SHEET ■ IPEA/AU Rcccivcd 19 Octobcr 1998 when the liquid contents are discharged from within it through a tap or similar device.
Bubbles of carbon dioxide gas are then released by turbulent flow, by nucleation on solid 5 surfaces or particles, or by diffusion into existing gas bubbles.
In the case of beers and other carbonated beverages, bubbles aggregate to produce foam 10 which rests on top of the beverage in the drinking-grl&ss (or other drinking container) .
More bubbles are released, and foam consequently produced, as the beverage is drawn into and flows within the mouth, producing a variety of sensory 15 iaspressions including viscosity. As the beverage is tipped from the glass, foam clings to its walls, giving an attractive pattern known as 'lacing'." It is known that c&rbonation causes beer to have carbon dioaeide bits and, whilst this taste is regarded favourably by some sections of the consumer market, there are other sections of the market that regard the taste as undesirable.
It is known to add nitrogen to beer as an alternative means of producing foam in beer. It is also known that nitrogen causes beer to have a smoother, less bitter, taste.
There are a number of known options for introducing nitrogen into beer.
One option is to dissolve nitrogen in beer prior 3 5 to filling into cans or bottles. This option is described in a number of patent applications and patents including, by way of example, Australian patents 642219 and 642714 in AMENDED SHEET - IPEA/AU Rcccivcd 19 October 1998 -the name of The BOC Group pic and International application PCT/SE95/01449 (WO 96/17529) in the name of Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S A, In each of these patents and patent application, the main reason for adding nitrogen gas 5 to cans is to generate super-atmospheric pressure in the head.-spaces of the cans to prevent deformation of the canB during normal handling of the cans.
The addition of nitrogen gas to non-carbonated 10 liquid products prior to filling into cans or bottles is also described in a number of patents and patent application® including, by way of example, Australian patent 642789 in the name of The BOC Group pic, UK patent application 2134496 in the name of Asahi Breweries Ltd, and 15 US patent 4347695 in the name of General Foods Corporation.
The Gatehouse patent application describes the option of dissolving nitrogen in beer prior to filling into cans or bottles in the following negative terms: "if nitrogen is dissolved in the beverage, in a reservoir before a filling operation carried out in currently used equipment for filling small containers with carbonated beverages, most of the 25 nitrogen is removed by 'gas washing' because, due to the much lower solubility of nitrogen than carbon dioxide in the liquid, any bubbles liberated by liquid movement entrain nitrogen." Another option for introducing nitrogen into beer is to add nitrogen to beer at a filling station.
The Gatehouse patent application describes as an invention a method of producing cans and bottles containing 35 beer in accordance with this option which comprises the steps of: AMENDED SHEET - IPEA/AU Rcccived 19 October L99{J (i) partially filling a can or bottle with a predetermined quantity of beer; (ii) adding a predetermined quantity of liquid 5 nitrogen to the container or bottle; and (iii)sealing the can or bottle.
The Gatehouse patent application describes that 10 the addition of nitrogen to beer in amounts of up to 1.14 grams of liquid nitrogen per litre of beer was found to progressively improve foaming properties of beer.
A further option for introducing nitrogen ineo 15 beer is by means of inserts, commonly referred to as "widgets", that are positioned in cans and store nitrogen gas when the cans are sealed and release the gas as small bubbles when the cans are subsequently opened. The small bubbles produce foam in the beer. The cost of the widgets , 2 0 and difficulties locating- the widgets in cans in a high throughput commercial line have limited the use of the tr widgets.
A particular objective of the present invention 25 is to provide an improved method of producing cans or bottles or other suitable containers containing beer.
A more general objective of the present invention is to provide an improved method of producing cans or 3 0 bottles or other suitable containers containing a carbonated or a non-carbonated liquid product.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of producing a liquid product 35 packed in cans or bottles or other suitable containers which includes s AMENDED SHEET - IPEA/AU Rcccived 19 Octobcr 1998 (i) injecting nitrous oxide and one or more than one of nitrogen and carbon dioxide into the liquid product; (ii) pressurising the liquid product to increase the solubility of nitrous oxide and one or more than one of nitrogen and carbon dioxide in the liquid product; and (iii)filling the liquid product into cans or bottles or other suitable containers and thereafter sealing the cans or bottles or other suitable containers.
The cans or bottles or other suitable containers may be made from any suitable material. By way of example, suitable materials include, metal, glass and pet.
In one embodiment the method further includes I 20 depressurising the liquid product of step (ii) prior to filling the liquid product into can® or bottles or other suitable containers in step (iii).
Sn. aaother embodiment the method further includes 25 partially depressurising the liquid product of step (ii) prior to filling the liquid product under the reduced pressure into cans or bottles or other suitable containers in step (iii). in one embodiment the method includes chilling the liquid product to a predetermined temperature prior to step (i) of injecting nitrous oxide and one or more than one of nitrogen and carbon dioxide into the chilled liquid product.
In another embodiment the method includes chilling the liquid product to a predetermined temperature AMENDED SHEET - IPEA/AU Received 19 October 191JX - 6 ••after step (i) of injecting nitrous oxide and one or more than one of nitrogen and carbon dioxide into the liquid product.
Preferably the predetermined temperature is in th© range of -1°C-8°C.
More preferably the temperature range is -1°C- 4°c.
It is preferred particularly that the temperature range be -10C~1°C.
Preferably step (i) of injecting nitrous oxide and one or more than one of nitrogen and carbon dioxide into the liquid product in step (i) is carried out under pressure.
Preferably the pressure is at least 2 atmospheres absolute.
Any suitable combination of nitrous oxide and one or more than one of nitrogen and carbon dioxide, may be injected into the lii^uid product in step (i) .
Specifically, nitrous oseide and nitrogen? nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide; and nitrous oxide, nitrogen and carbon dioxide; may be injected in step (i).
In a situation where the liquid product is beer, 3 0 it is preferred that each of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide be injected in step (i) into the beer.
In one embodiment the nitrous oxide, nitrogen and carbon dioxide are injected as gases.
The nitrogen, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide may be injected into the liquid product as a gas mixture or AMENDED SHEET - IPEA/AU Received 19 Octobcr 1998 -as separate gases.
In another embodiment the nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide are injected as gases and the nitrogen is 5 injected as a liquid.
Preferably, the liquid product supplied to step (i) is a carbonated liquid product. Depending on the concentration of carbon dioxide, the method may include stripping eaecess carbon dioxide from the liquid product prioz' to step (i).
Preferably the liquid product is pressurised to at least 2 atmosphere absolute in step (ii).
More preferably the liquid product is pressurised to at least 5 atmosphere absolute in step (ii).
It is preferred particularly that the liquid , 20 product be pressurised to 7-8 atmosphere absolute in step (ii) • / Preferably the liquid product is held under pressure in step (ii) for at least 2 minutes.
Preferably the liquid product is held under pressure in step (ii) for less than 10 minutes.
In a situation where the liquid product is beer, 3 0 the nitrogen is added principally to generate small bubbles which produce foam when sealed cans or bottles are opened.
The carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide are more soluble than nitrogen and therefore are not as effective as 3 5 nitrogen in generating foam - although a portion of both gases will contribute to producing foam when the cans or bottles are opened.
AMENDED SHEET - IPEA/AU Received 19 Octobcr 1998 The principal purpose of adding carbon, dioxide to beer is to ensure that beer doss not go "flat" shortly after being poured from the can or bottle into a glass or 5 other container.
The principal purpose of nitrous oxide is to take away the adverse effect of carbon bite caused by carbon dioxide. in addition to the above, each of nitrogen, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide contributes to producing a super atmospheric pressure in the head spaces of the cans or bottles or other suitable containers to withstand 15 deformation during normal handling of the sealed cans or bottles or othes1 suitable containers.
Preferably the method further includes injecting liquid nitrogen into the head spaces of the cans or bottles 20 or other suitable containers after filling the cans or bottles or other suitable containers with the liquid product mid prior to sealing the cans or bottles or other suitable containers.
According to the present invention there is also provided a liquid product contained undes pressure in a sealed can or bottle or other suitable container, which liquid product includes nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide which are released as gaseous phases and 30 cause foaming of the liquid product when the can, or bottle or other suitable container is opened.
The applicant has carried out a aeries of experiments/trials producing and thereafter testing liquid 35 products, such as beer, in sealed cans - as described in the preceding paragraph. The applicant found that the cans of liquid products exhibited excellent foaming AMENDED SHEET - IPEA/AU Rcccived 19 October 1998 $ - -characteristics and taste. The applicant also found in a number of instances that the foaming characteristics were enhanced by shaking the cans prior to opening the cans and pouring out the liquid products. This is a surprising 5 result in relation to carbonated liquid products, such as beer, because usually even minor amounts of shaking generate excessive amounts of foaming and are undesirable on this basis.
Preferably the sealed can or bottle or other (suitable container contains 0.01-4 volume of nitrous oxide pes- unit volume of the liquid product.
More preferably the sealed can or bottle or other 15 suitable container contains 0.3-1.2 volumes of nitrous oxide per unit volume of the liquid product.
More preferably the sealed can or bottle or other suitable container contains 0.4-1.2 volumes of nitrous 20 oaeide per-unit volume of th® liquid product. " / preferably the sealed can or boetle or other suitable container contains 0.1-3.5 volume of carbon dioxide per unit volume of the liquid product.
Mors preferably the sealed can or bottle os other suitable container contains O.S~2„6 volumes of carbon dioxide pes unit volume of the liquid product.
More preferably the sealed can or bottle of other suitable container contains 0.9-1.5 volumes of carbon dioxide per unit volume of liquid product.
It is preferred particularly that the sealed can 35 or bottle or other suitable container contains 1.2-1.5 volumes of carbon dioxide per unit volume of liquid product, AMENDED SHEET - IPEA/AU Received 19 October 1998 Preferably the sealed can or bottle or other suitable container contains 0.1-1.8 volume of nitrogen per unit volume of the liquid product. 24ore preferably the sealed can or bottle or other suitable container contains 0.5=1.2 volumes of nitrogen per unit volume of the liquid product.
More preferably the sealed can or bottle or other suitable container contains 0.8-1.2 volumes of nitrogen per unit volume of the liquid product.
It is preferred particularly that the sealed can 15 or bottle or other suitable container contains 1-1.2 volumes of nitrogen per unit volume of the liquid product.
Preferably the internal pressure of the sealed bottle or container is greater than 3 atmosphere absolute 20 at ambient* temperature.
Mors preferably the internal pressure is 4-5 atmospheres absolute.
Preferably the sealed can or bottle or other suitable container does not include a "widget" or other device for storing nitrogen, carbon dioxide and nitrous o^ide for release ■when the can or bottle is opened.
Preferably the liquid product is beer.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is also provided a method of producing a carbonated liquid product, such as beer, packed in cans or 3 5 bottles or other suitable containers which includes: (i) placing a predetermined quantity of a AMENDED SHEET - IPEA/AU Received 19 October 1998 11 carbonated liquid product in the cans or bottles or other suitable containers; (ii) adding nitrogen, and optionally one or more 5 other additives which promote foaming, to the liquid product in the cans or bottles or other suitable containers; and (iii)sealing the cans or bottles or other 10 suitable containers.
It is preferred that the nitrogen be added as liquid nitrogen.
Preferably nitrous oaside is added as a foaming agent„ Preferably, when the nitrogen and carbon dioxide are the only foaming agent© in the liquid product, the 20 nitrogen is added to step (ii) in an amount of more than 1.14 grams of nitrogen per litre of the liquid product.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is also provided a method of producing a 25 carbonated liquid product, such as beer, packed in cans or bottles or other suitable containers, which includes: (i) dissolving nitrogen, and optionally one or more other additives which promote foaming, into a carbonated liquid product to form a nitrogen-containing liquid product; (ii) filling a can or bottle or other suitable container with a predetermined quantity of 3 5 the nitrogen-containing liquid product; and (iii)sealing the can or bottle or other suitable AMENDED SHEET - IPEA/AU Received 19 Octobcr 1998 - container.
It is preferred that the nitrogen be added as a gas.
Preferably nitrous oaeide is added as a foaming agent.
Preferably the method includes chilling the 10 carbonated liquid product prior to dissolving nitrogen in step (i).
Preferably, when nitrogen carbon dioxide are the only foaming agents in the liquid product, the nitrogen is 15 added in an amount of more than 1.14 grams of nitrogen per litre of lilquid product.
She applicant has found that the addition of nitrogen to beer that contains less than the conventional 2 0 level of carbonation in amounts greater than 1.14 grams of nitrogen per litre of beer increases significantly the ** / foaming characteristics of the beer and causes the beer to have a smoother, less bitter, taste compared to beer having no nitrogen addition, the conventional level of 25 carbonation, and no other foaming agents. it is preferred that the liquid product be beer although it is emphasised that the invention is not restricted to beer and extends to any other liquid product 30 and to any non-carbonated liquid product.
The term "foaming agent" is understood to mean any agent, in gaseous or liquid form, that promotes foaming in a liquid product. term "foaming agent" includes, by way of example only, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, o AMENDED SHEET - FPEA/AU Rcccived 19 October 1998 o*- i •helium, and argon.
Where the liquid product contains foaming agents in addition to nitrogen and carbon dioxide, the amount of 5 the nitrogen added to the liquid product may be less than 1.14 grams per litr® of the liquid product with the amount of the nitrogen depending oa the amount and foaming properties of the other foaming agent(s) added to the liquid product. la oae embodiment the beer and the cans or bottles or other suitable containers are separately sterilised and transferred under sterile conditions to a filling station maintained under sterile conditions. At 15 the filling station, measured quantities of beer are filled into the cans and bottles or other suitable containers, thereafter an amount of liquid nitrogen, preferably greater than 1.14 grams per litre of beer, is added to the cans and bottles or other suitable containers, and finally the cans / 20 and bottles or other suitable containers are sealed. • / & particular advantage of this embodiment is that the sterilisation of the beer sad the cans and bottles or other Suitable containers involves no increase in the 25 internal pressure of the eanaed and bottled beer.
Alternatively the beer and the cans or bottles or other suitable containers ©re transferred under non-sterilised conditions to a filling station, measured 3 0 quantities of the beer are filled into the cans or bottles or other suitable containers, thereafter an amount of liquid nitrogen, preferably greater than 1.14 grams per litre of beer, is added, and the cans or bottles or other suitable containers are then sealed. Finally, in order to 35 pasteurise or sterilise the canned and bottled beer, the cans and bottles or other suitable containers are eacposed to various means of heating. Th& heating of the beer AMENDED SHEET - IPEA/AU Received 19 Octobcr 1998 o t .produces an increase in internal pressure. In order to accommodate the pressure increase it is necessary to use stronger cans or bottles or other suitable containers than are used conventionally and/or to provide a larger head 5 space than is used conventionally for a given volume of beer to allow for volume expansion.
The present invention is described further by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, of 10 which i Figure 1 is one preferred embodiment of a method of producing canned or bottled beer in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is another preferred embodiment of a method of producing canned or bottled beer in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 3 is another preferred embodiment of a method of producing canned or bottled beer in accordance with the present invention.
Sh© preferred embodiments described below relate 25 to producing beer. It is emphasised that the present invention is not limited to producing beer and extends to producing any carbonated and nen-carbonated liquid product.
With reference to Figure 1, carbonated beer 30 produced by conventional beer-making technology flows along a line 12 and excess carbon dioaeide (if any) is stripped from the beer prior to the beer reaching the holding tank 14,.
The beer flows from the holding tank 14 through a chiller 16 in which the beer is chilled to a temperature in a range of -1°C to 4°c.
AMENDED SHEET - IPEA/AU Received 19 Octobcr 1998 - Thereafter, any one or mora of nitrogen gas, carbon dioxide gas, and nitrous oxide gas are injected under pressure of 2=3 atmospheres absolute into the chilled 5 beer as it flows from the chiller 16 to a holding tank 18.
The gases may be injected separately or as a gas mixture. 2t is preferred that a mixture of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide gases be injected in the chilled beer. fhe amount of each gas injected into the chilled 15 beer should be within the broad range described above and having regard to the levels of injection of the other gases. As a general guideline, as the level of injected carbon dioseide increases, the level of injected nitrous oxide can decrease.
The beer flows from the holding tank 18 to a pressurisation station 20 at which the beer is pressurised to at least 7 atmosphere absolute to increase the dissolution of the injected gases into the beer.
The pressurised bear flows to a holding tank 22 and thereafter to a depressurisation station 24 at which the pressure is reduced to atmospheric pressure or any other suitable filling pressure and the beer is then filled 30 into cans at a filling station 26.
The pressurisation station 20 and the depressurisation station 24 may be of any suitable construction. Typically, the stations are tank or pipes. 35 The stations may be a single vessel.
The embodiment of the method shown in Figure 2 is AMENDED SHEET - IPEA/AU I Rccctvcd 19 Octobcr 1998 - IS - .similar to that shown in Figure 1. She main difference ia that the beer supplied to the method is not carbonated. As a consequence/ injection of carbon dioxide gas after the chiller 16 is necessary to produce required levels of 5 carbon dioseide.
With reference to Figure 3, carbonated beer produced by conventional beer-saaking technology flows along a line 32 to a chillar 36 and is cooled in the chiller to a 10 temperature in the range of =1°C to 4°c.
The chilled beer flows from the chiller 36 to a holding tank 38 and a ga® mixture of nitrogen and nitrous oxide, and optionally carbon dioxide, is injected into the 15 beer under pressure of 2-3 atmospheres absolute before it reaches the holding tank 36. ^he beer flows from the holding tank 38 to a pressuris&tion station 40 at which the beer is pressurised 2 0 to 7-8 atmospheres absolute.
/ The method pay include the optional steps 'of passing the beer from fehe holding tank 38 through a second chiller (not aho^sn) to adjust the temperature of the beer 25 and injecting further nitrogen gas to the beer to reach a required level of nitrogen in the beer before supplying the beer to the preseurisation station 40.
The beer flows from the pressurisation station £0 3 0 to a depressurisation station 42 at which the beer is depressurised to 3=5 atmospheres absolute.
The beer is then filled at a filling station 44 into cans or bottles or other suitable containers under 35 this pressure and liquid nitrogen is added to the head space of each container prior to closing the containers.
AMENDED SHEET - IPEA/AU Rcceivcd 19 Octobcr 1998 The applicant has carried out a series of trials of the preferred embodiment shown in Figure 3 on a commercial filling line. The trials were successful and produced canned beer with foaming characteristics that were 5 at least comparable to "widget" containing cans.
The method includes an option of providing nitrogen gas, carbon dioxide gas, and nitrous oxide gas at the depressurisation station 24 to maintain the levels of 10 these gases in the beer, Specifically, in a situation where the depressurisation station includes a tank with a head space, it is iapostant to a&istaia the partial pressure of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide in the head space the same as the required partial pressure of 15 these gases in the beer.
In addition, the method includes an option of introducing liquid nitrogen into the head space of cans or bottles prior to sealing the cane or bottles. ,20 BSany modifications may be made to the preferred embodiments described above without departing from the spirit and scope of th© present invention.
By my of example^ whilst each preferred embodiment chills the beer prior to injecting one os more of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide into the beer, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement and gas injection can be made prior to chilling 3 0 the beer. Chilling the beer prior to gas injection is particularly preferred for a range of reasons, including avoiding the possibility of icing up of the chiller.
Sy way of further example, whilst each preferred 35 embodiment includes separate holding tanks and pressurisation/depressuris&tion stations, the present invention is not limited to this arrangement and extends to AMENDED SHEET - DPEA/AU
Claims (1)
1.PCT/AU98/00540 Rcccivcd 19 Octobcr 199^ 18 - -any suitable arrangement. By way of example, a single tank could be used in place of the holding tanks and the pressuris&tion/deprassurisation stations. AMENDED SHEET - IPEA/AU PCT/AU9S/00540 Received 19 October 1998 - 19 - _ _ claims: £)) y) i \s> 1. A liquid product contained under pressure in a sealed can or bottle or other container, which 5 liquid product includes nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and nitrous oxide which are released as gaseous phases and cause foaming of the liquid product when the can or "bottle or other container is opened. 10 2. The container defined in claim 1 contains 0.1-3.5•volumes of carbon dioxide per unit volume of the liquid product. 3 o The container defined in claim 2 contains 15 0.9-1.5 volumes of carbon dioxide per unit volume of liquid product. ^ * The container defined in claim 3 contains 1.2-1.5 volumes of carbon dioxide per unit volume of liquid 20 product-;5. TSie container defined in any one of claims ■ 1 to & contains 0.1-1.8 volumes of nitrogen per unit volume of the liquid product.;25;6. The container defined in claim 5 contains 0.8-1.2 volumes of nitrogen per-unit volume of the liquid product.;30 7. The container defined in claim 6 contains;1-1.2 volumes of nitrogen per unit volume of the liquid product.;8. The container defined in any one of claims 35 1 to 7 contains 0.01-3.5 volumes of nitrous oxide per unit volume of the liquid product. N;INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY OFFICE OF N.Z.;2 1 DEC 2001;tIEEWEB;AMENDED SHEET - IPEA/AU;- 20 -;PCT/AL98/0054C;^ ,^c
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUPO7803A AUPO780397A0 (en) | 1997-07-10 | 1997-07-10 | A method of producing cans and bottles containing a liquid product |
| AUPP3750A AUPP375098A0 (en) | 1998-05-28 | 1998-05-28 | A method of producing cans and bottles containing a liquid |
| PCT/AU1998/000540 WO1999002406A1 (en) | 1997-07-10 | 1998-07-10 | Producing liquid products contained in cans, bottles and other suitable containers |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| NZ501823A true NZ501823A (en) | 2002-03-28 |
Family
ID=25645461
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZ501823A NZ501823A (en) | 1997-07-10 | 1998-07-10 | Producing beverages using nitrous oxide with nitrogen or carbon dioxide |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0994809A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2001509456A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1106325C (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2295856A1 (en) |
| NZ (1) | NZ501823A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1999002406A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (15)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE19917944A1 (en) * | 1999-04-21 | 2000-11-23 | Messer Austria Gmbh Gumpoldski | Process for stabilizing the pressure of PET drinks bottles filled with still beverages |
| US7302974B2 (en) | 2002-08-21 | 2007-12-04 | Sapporo Breweries Limited | Process for producing low-alcoholic beer-like drink and low-alcoholic beer-like drink |
| RU2266026C1 (en) * | 2004-09-10 | 2005-12-20 | Кутьев Анатолий Анатольевич | Beverage |
| RU2262869C1 (en) | 2004-09-10 | 2005-10-27 | Кутьев Анатолий Анатольевич | Method for preparing beverage |
| IL166672A (en) * | 2005-02-03 | 2010-05-17 | Medirap Ltd | Gasified alcoholic beverage |
| US20090130274A1 (en) * | 2005-07-07 | 2009-05-21 | Takeshi Iwashita | Method and Apparatus for Manufacturing a Beverage Contained In a Container |
| JP4770307B2 (en) * | 2005-07-14 | 2011-09-14 | 東洋製罐株式会社 | Method and apparatus for producing containerized beverage |
| EP2038398A2 (en) * | 2006-06-30 | 2009-03-25 | Carlsberg Breweries A/S | Beverage comprising insoluble gas |
| WO2008121557A1 (en) * | 2007-03-30 | 2008-10-09 | The Coca-Cola Company | Methods for extending the shelf life of partially solidified flowable compositions |
| DE102011084720A1 (en) * | 2011-10-18 | 2013-04-18 | Krones Aktiengesellschaft | Blender for pulp and fiber drinks |
| JP5730227B2 (en) * | 2012-03-05 | 2015-06-03 | サッポロビール株式会社 | Sparkling beverage product and method relating thereto |
| JP5702752B2 (en) * | 2012-06-05 | 2015-04-15 | サッポロビール株式会社 | Effervescent beverage in a container |
| US9950820B2 (en) * | 2015-01-22 | 2018-04-24 | Yushin Co., Ltd. | Method for filling and packing gas and liquid material |
| TWI685318B (en) * | 2017-12-13 | 2020-02-21 | 光騰國際科技股份有限公司 | Beverage product, and system and method for manufacturing the same |
| US20190335789A1 (en) * | 2018-05-04 | 2019-11-07 | Michael Dray | Packaged beverages, and a process and device for introducing gases into packaged beverages |
Family Cites Families (8)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3607303A (en) * | 1968-02-26 | 1971-09-21 | Lynn G Foster | Beverage carbonation methods and apparatus |
| US4347695A (en) * | 1980-03-26 | 1982-09-07 | General Foods Corporation | Beverage bottling method |
| FR2533015A1 (en) * | 1982-09-13 | 1984-03-16 | Air Liquide | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR INJECTING LIQUEFIED PRESSURIZING GAS INTO CONTAINERS |
| GB8508835D0 (en) * | 1985-04-04 | 1985-05-09 | Gatehouse Electrical Ventures | Small container of carbonated liquids |
| EP0447103A1 (en) * | 1990-03-12 | 1991-09-18 | The BOC Group plc | Dissolving gas in a liquid |
| GB9005495D0 (en) * | 1990-03-12 | 1990-05-09 | Boc Group Plc | Dissolving a gas in a liquid |
| EP0447104A1 (en) * | 1990-03-12 | 1991-09-18 | The BOC Group plc | Dissolving a gas in a liquid |
| GB9026385D0 (en) * | 1990-12-05 | 1991-01-23 | Boc Group Plc | Dissolving a gas in a liquid |
-
1998
- 1998-07-10 EP EP98931843A patent/EP0994809A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1998-07-10 NZ NZ501823A patent/NZ501823A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1998-07-10 JP JP2000501949A patent/JP2001509456A/en active Pending
- 1998-07-10 WO PCT/AU1998/000540 patent/WO1999002406A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1998-07-10 CN CN98807056A patent/CN1106325C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1998-07-10 CA CA002295856A patent/CA2295856A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CN1106325C (en) | 2003-04-23 |
| EP0994809A1 (en) | 2000-04-26 |
| WO1999002406A1 (en) | 1999-01-21 |
| JP2001509456A (en) | 2001-07-24 |
| CA2295856A1 (en) | 1999-01-21 |
| CN1262655A (en) | 2000-08-09 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| PSEA | Patent sealed | ||
| RENW | Renewal (renewal fees accepted) | ||
| RENW | Renewal (renewal fees accepted) | ||
| RENW | Renewal (renewal fees accepted) | ||
| RENW | Renewal (renewal fees accepted) | ||
| EXPY | Patent expired |