WO2022167473A2

WO2022167473A2 - Method of producing drinks and drinks products

Info

Publication number: WO2022167473A2
Application number: PCT/EP2022/052462
Authority: WO
Inventors: Panayiotis THEOKLITOU
Original assignee: Theoklitou Panayiotis
Priority date: 2021-02-02
Filing date: 2022-02-02
Publication date: 2022-08-11
Also published as: GB2619194A; GB202101443D0; WO2022167473A4; WO2022167473A3; GB202313163D0

Abstract

A resource efficient manufacturing process of a drink (in particular a cold drink) for the retail market comprising: mixing essential drink component with purified rainwater, and filling a finalise retail product into a container in a bottling step; wherein the purification of the rainwater is characterised by: Subjecting water collected directly from precipitation to a first filtration process, Subjecting the water obtained from step a) to a reverse osmosis filtration step, and Remineralising the water obtained from step b); and drinks products obtained and obtainable from said method. The method is advantages in that it minimises the amount of water employed for bulk manufacturing whilst providing reproducibly high quality water with a pleasing taste suitable. It also allows drinks of high alkalinity to be prepared, which is very desirable and may have health benefits.

Description

METHOD OF PRODUCING DRINKS AND DRINKS PRODUCTS

The present disclosure relates to a method for the preparation of water for use in drinks products. That is drinks and components sold through commercial outlets, like shops, pubs and restaurants.

BACKGROUND

Drinkable water has become a very important commodity that needs to be conserved and used efficiently to minimise the impact on the environment The taste and quality of the water can be really important in the manufacture of drinks, such as soft drinks and alcoholic spirits.

If source water from a natural spiring or similar outlet is not available then water from the mains supplier (tap water) has to be employed. The latter has been processed to render it safe for consumption. However, it contains lots of particulates, electrolytes and ions. Reverse osmosis can be employed to remove these "contaminants”. However, the process is relatively intensive and generates large amounts of "waste” water that needs to be disposed of. Every 1 litre of purified water may generate 3 to 4 litres of waste water.

From the stage known in the art as rectification, alcoholic spirits generally use 39 litres of water for every 1 litre of spirit produced.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

The present inventors have established that the process of reverse osmosis can be rendered much more efficient by using water that has been directly collected from precipitation. Directly collected from precipitation as employed herein refers to collecting rain, sleet or snow as it falls or collecting fallen snow.

Surprisingly very little waste water, is generated when this "raw” water is employed. Alcoholic spirits made using the method of the present disclosure only require 2% of the energy and resources of spirits made by traditional methods. That is to say, the process of the present invention may be up to 98% more efficient than prior art processes.

Furthermore, the small amount of waste water that is generated can be recycled, for example by employing it in water cooling baths and/or to grow botanicals.

The process involves purification by reverse osmosis and remineralisation. This process has been used at the domestic level but it has not been proposed commercially for the drinks industry, especially premium brands like alcohol.

However, there are compelling advantages to using the processes of the present disclosure, including efficient use of resources which reduces the environmental impact of the manufacture; and the high alkalinity of the final products, which have health benefits. Acidification of the body short term leads to health problems, such as fatigue, anxiety, skin problems, aches and pains, cramping, heartburn, nausea, and loss of libo. Long term acidification of the body leads to serious problems.

Slowing acidification of the body is believed to slow the aging process. Surprisingly, alcoholic drinks with alkaline, in particular high alkaline pH’s are considered have a reduced propensity to cause hangovers.

Therefore, alkaline drinks are very desirable.

The method herein allows water to prepared reproducibility, which is highly pure and a pleasing taste, which is important to bulk manufacturing. The present invention is summarised in the following paragraphs:

1. A resource efficient manufacturing process of a drink (in particular a cold drink) for the retail market comprising: i) Mixing essential drink component with purified rainwater, and ii) Filling a finalise retail product into a container in a bottling step; wherein the purification of the rainwater is characterised by: a. Subjecting water collected directly from precipitation to a first filtration process, b. Subjecting the water obtained from step a) to a reverse osmosis filtration step, and c. Remineralising the water obtained from step b).

2. A process according to claim 1, wherein step a) comprises a three-stage superfine filtration process.

3. A process according to claim 2, wherein the stage one of the three stage superfine filter is a 90 micron particle filter.

4. A process according to claim 2 or 3, wherein stage two of the three stage superfine filter is a 20 micron particle filter.

5. A process according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein stage three of the three stage superfine filter is a carbon filter.

6. A water preparation process according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the reverse osmosis of step b) is a five-stage process.

7. A process according to claim 6, wherein stage one of the reverse osmosis is a 5 micron polypropylene filter, for example to remove metals and general sediment

8. A process according to claim 6 or 7, wherein stage two of the reverse osmosis is a carbon water filter, for example to remove chemicals, free radicals, lead and aluminium.

9. A process according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein stage three of the reverse osmosis is a 1 micron polypropylene water filter, for example to remove particles and sediment A process according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein stage four of the reverse osmosis employs a membrane with a 0.001m rating, for example to remove microplastics. (This is the stage that generates a small amount of waste water). A process according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein stage five of the reverse osmosis is an activated carbon water filter, for example an in-line, in particular to polish the water. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the mineralisation of step c) comprising adding a salt selected from the group comprising calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and combinations thereof. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the water obtained from step c) is stored, for example in tanks. A process according to anyone of claims 1 to 13, wherein the drink is a soft drink, for example selected form a soda including a mixer, such as cola, tonic waters, ginger ale, tonic syrups, non-alcoholic gin, non-alcoholic cocktails and non-alcoholic mixed drinks including fruit juices. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein purified rainwater is blended with a botanical to provide a flavoured water (i.e the essential drink component is a botanical). A process according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the drink comprises a spirit. A process according to claim 17, wherein the drink is a cocktail bitters. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the mineralised water is blended with distilled alcohol (i.e. the essential drink component is a distilled alcohol), for example to provide a spirit where the alcohol by volume percentage is in an acceptable range for the product, in par particular suitable for human consumption, in the range 10 to 85. Liquors tend to have an ABV in the range 40%. ABV for vodka is in the range 35 to 46%. Whiskey, rum and tequila are in the range 40 to 46%. Cask strength products may be in the range 55 to 60%. Absinthe may be in the range 45 to 83%. A process according to claim 19, wherein the spirit is casked, for example in wooden barrels, such as Quercus alba, Quercus robur, Quercus sessiliflora, Quercus mongolica. A process according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the spirit is selected from Whiskey, Rye Whiskey, Bourbon Rum, and Brandy. A process according to claim 16 to 18, wherein the spirit is selected from Gin, Vodak, Tequila Raki, Pernod, Ouzo, Cachaca and Absinthe. A process according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the spirit is bottled. A process according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the spirit is filled into a container (such as a can, bottle, pouch, carton or similar) as a premixed beverage. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the water purification is performed on site (i.e. close to or co-located) where the retail drink is manufactured. A non-alcoholic drink obtainable from a process according to any one of claims 1 to 17 and 24, for example wherein the drink has high alkalinity, such as pH of 8 or above, in particular a pH of 9 or 10 or above, especially a pH of 11 or above more specifically a pH of 11.5. A spirit obtainable from a process according to any one of claims 16 to 24, for example wherein the drink has high alkalinity, such as pH of 8 or above, in particular a pH of 9 or 10 or above, especially a pH of 11 or above more specifically a pH of 11.5.

Also provided is: A water preparation process for water employed in drinks and drinks components comprising: a. Subjecting water collected directly from precipitation to a first filtration process b. Subjecting the water obtained from step a) to a reverse osmosis filtration step c. Remineralising the water obtained from step b) d. Optionally storing the water obtained from step c) e. Optionally blending the water from step c and/or d) with distilled alcohol f. Optionally casking the alcoholic spirit of step e), g. "Bottling” the product obtained from step c), d), e) or f). A water preparation process according to paragraph 27, wherein step a) comprises a three stage superfine filtration process. A water preparation process according to paragraph 28, wherein the stage one of the three stage superfine filter is a 90 micron particle filter. A water preparation process according to paragraph 29 or 30, wherein stage two of the three stage superfine filter is a 20 micron particle filter. A water preparation filter according to any one of paragraphs 28 to 30, wherein stage three of the three stage superfine filter is a carbon filter. A water preparation process according to any one of paragraphs 27 to 31, wherein the reverse osmosis of step b) is a five stage process. A water preparation process according to paragraph 32, wherein stage one of the reverse osmosis is a 5 micron polypropylene filter, for example to remove metals and general sediment. A water preparation process according to paragraph 32 or 33, wherein stage two of the reverse osmosis is a carbon water filter, for example to remove chemicals, free radicals, lead and aluminium. A water preparation process according to any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein stage three of the reverse osmosis is a 1 micron polypropylene water filter, for example to remove particles and sediment A water preparation process according to anyone of paragraphs 32 to 35, wherein stage four of the reverse osmosis employs a membrane with a 0.001m rating, for example to remove microplastics. (This is the stage that generates a small amount of waste water in the present process). A water preparation process according to any one of claims 32 to 36, wherein stage five of the reverse osmosis is an in-line activated carbon water filter, for example to polish the water. A water preparation process according to any one of paragraphs 27 to 37, wherein the mineralisation of step c) comprising adding an element selected from the group comprising calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and combinations thereof, for example added as a salt A water preparation process according to any one of paragraphs 27 to 38 wherein the water obtained from step c) is stored, for example in tanks. A water preparation process according to paragraph 39, wherein the water is stored for a period in the range 0.5 to 168 hours, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 or 24 hours. A water preparation process according to any one of paragraphs 27 to 40, wherein the drink is a soft drink, for example selected form a soda including a mixer, such as cola, tonic water, ginger ale, tonic syrups, non-alcoholic gin, non-alcoholic cocktails and non-alcoholic mixed drinks. A water preparation process according to any one of paragraphs 27 to 41, wherein water is blended with a botanical to provide a flavoured water. A water preparation process according to any one of paragraphs 27 to 42, wherein the drink or drink component comprises a spirit, for example optionally blended with a botanical. A water preparation process according to paragraph 43, wherein the drink component is a cocktail bitters. A water preparation process according to paragraph 42 or 43, wherein the mineralised water is blended with distilled alcohol, for example to provide a spirit where the alcohol by volume percentage is in an acceptable range for the product, in particular suitable for human consumption, for example in the range 10 to 85% ABV. Liquors tend to have an ABV in the range 40%. ABV for vodka is in the range 35 to 46%. Whiskey, rum and tequila are in the range 40 to 46%. Cask strength products may be in the range 55 to 60%. Absinthe may be in the range 45 to 83%. A water preparation process according to paragraph 45, wherein the spirit is casked, for example in wooden barrels. A water preparation process according to paragraph 46, wherein the wooden barrels are oak, for example Quercus alba, Quercus robur, Quercus sessiliflora, Quercus mongolica. A water preparation process according to any one of paragraphs 43 to 47, wherein the spirit is selected from Whiskey, Rye Whiskey, Bourbon Rum, and Brandy. 49. A water preparation process according to paragraph 43, wherein the spirit is selected from Gin, Vodka, Tequila, Raki, Pernod, Ouzo, Cachaca and Absinthe.

50. A water preparation process according to any one of paragraphs 43 to 49, wherein the spirit is bottled.

51. A water preparation process according to any one of paragraphs 43 to 49, wherein the spirit is canned

52. A water preparation process according to any one of paragraphs 43 to 49, wherein the spirit is packaged in pouches.

53. A water preparation process according to any one of paragraphs 43 to 49, wherein the spirit is filled into a container (such as a can, bottle, pouch, carton or similar) as a premixed beverage.

54. A water preparation process according to any one of paragraphs 27 to 53, wherein the water is filled into containers for consumption, for example a can, bottle, pouch, carton or similar.

55. A water preparation process according to any one of paragraphs 27 to 54, wherein the waste water generated in the reverse osmosis step is employed in a water bath during an alcohol distillation process.

56. A water preparation process according to paragraph 55, wherein after use of the water bath the water therein is employed to grow botanicals, for example for use the spirits.

57. A mass of water obtainable from a process according to any one of paragraphs 27 to 42.

58. A non-alcoholic drink obtainable from a process according to any one of claims 27 to 43 or 57.

59. A spirit obtainable from a process according to any one of paragraphs 27 to 58.

Elements and details disclosed in the context of water preparation process apply equally the process for the manufacture of a drink.

In one embodiment the remineralisation includes adding in trace elements at an appropriate level. Examples of trace elements include fluoride, copper, chromium, selenium, iron, zinc and molybdenum (such as molybdenum iodide).

In one embodiment the remineralisation step is performed sequential to the reverse osmosis, for example in-line, such as where the osmosis and remineralisation appears from the exterior as one step.

Essential drink component as employed herein refers to an element or combination of elements, which are characteristic of the particular drink, for example the alcohol component of a spirit, the flavour component of a soft drink, such as carbonated drink, the fruit component of a fruit juice. This essential drink component is generally provided as a concentrate for dilution with purified water according to the present disclosure. Final retail product as employed herein refers to a drink that is packaged for consumer consumption. Drinks in this format can be transported and distributed. In one embodiment each unit (container) of drink contains "one drink”, in particular in the context of soft drinks or spirits with mixer. In one embodiment each unit of drink contains "multiple drinks”, for example soft drinks or spirits. It is not a reference to whether the retail product is sold for money, products distributed for free may still meet the criteria, if appropriately packaged/processed.

Retail market, as employed herein simply refers to consumers, the public. Thus the product needs to meet established standards of quality and comply with any governing regulations.

Botanical as employed refers to a flavouring, particularly from a natural source, such as a plant

In one embodiment the method comprises the step of the collecting the precipitation, for example in containers, in particular said container comprising a selectively permeable membrane.

In one embodiment a further filtration step (for example known as polishing) is employed after the spirit has been removed from the cask and before it is filled into its final container, such as a bottle. The stage of process is shown in Fig 1.

In one embodiment the concentrated alcohol for blending with the purified water generated by the present method is filtered before blending. Filters, such as carbon filters, may be incorporated into the blending tanks to filter the alcohol during the filling process. Tanks suitable for this purpose can be purchased from Pall Corporation.

The efficiency of the distillation and/or rectification processes can be optimised by employing vacuum distillation, for example using a Rotavapor R- 100 or similar equipment.

Remineralization comprises adding ingredients in a suitable form selected from calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and combinations thereof. Generally salts of these metals are added.

"Bottling” as employed herein simply refers to filling the product into a final container, for example a glass bottle, a plastic bottle, a can, a carton, a pouch or the like.

Polishing as employed herein refers to filtering to remove cloudiness.

Rectification refers to distillation after the first crude distillation.

Drinks component as employed herein refers to an entity used in drinks.

Soft drink as employed herein refers to an non-alcoholic drink, which is generally drunk cold.

In the context of this specification "comprising" is to be interpreted as "including". Aspects of the invention comprising certain elements are also intended to extend to alternative embodiments "consisting" or "consisting essentially" of the relevant elements. Where technically appropriate, embodiments of the invention may be combined.

Technical references such as patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference.

Any embodiments specifically and explicitly recited herein may form the basis of a disclaimer either alone or in combination with one or more further embodiments. The background may be used as basis for amendments.

The present application claims priority from GB 2101443.6, filed 02 Feb 2021 and incorporated herein by reference. The priority application may be employed as the basis for correction to the present specification.

The present invention is further described by way of illustration only in the following examples.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE FIGURES

Figure 1 Shows a summary of a distillation process according to the present disclosure Filtered harvested rainwater

1 Harvested rainwater is then pumped into 2^nd phase filtration

2 2^nd phase filtration through a 3-stage superfine filter

3 Water from step 1 is pumped into 3^rd phase (5-stage reverse osmosis filter)

4 Water from step 3 is remineralised to introduce: calcium, magnesium, potassium and others

5 Remineralised water is stored in tanks ready for use (optional)

6 Remineralised water is used in the distillation process (for example using rotary evaporator). A small amount of waste water created in the filtration process is employed in water bath in the distillation process, and then used to grow botanicals

7 Remineralised water (step 5 and 9) is blended in tanks with the distilled alcohol from step 6, for example ready for bottling to appropriate ABV%

8 Spirit is then bottled ready for sale.

10 Spirit is casked in accordance with product type

11 Spirit is then bottled for sale

This process uses only 2% of the energy and resources of any other distilled spirit, less food miles than any other spirit on the market, making it more environmentally friendly.

Figure 2 Equipment for the three stage particle filtration step

Figure 3 Equipment for reverse osmosis.

EXAMPLE Neutral Grain Spirit Production

It is possible to purchase forms of distilled alcohol as a staple commercial product In this instance then the process begins with stage 3 rectification.

Optional Stage 1: Selecting the Raw Material

Different agricultural products are used to make neutral spirits, the most common one being grains (wheat, barley, corn, rye), molasses, potato, grapes, sugarcane or sugar beet

Optional Stage 2: Fermentation

To make neutral or rectified spirits you need organic materials that contain either starch or sugar. Enzymes are added to starch to convert it into sugar (glucose, fructose, or sucrose) in a process called saccharification. If the organic material already contains sugar (e.g. grapes), no enzymes need to be added. The next stage is the fermentation. Yeast is added to the sugar mixtures, breaking it down into alcohol (ethanol) and carbon dioxide, which proceeds to bubble away or is captured and reused for other purposes, such as the production of soft drinks.

Stage 3: Distillation & Rectification

Regardless of what raw material is employed to make a neutral spirit, the fermentation process only produces dilute alcohol. Certainly not enough for it to be used to make a retail bottle of spirit To increase the alcohol concentration, it has to undergo a distillation process. Distillation is the method of separating components in a liquid mixture through boiling and condensation.

There are two main distillation methods: column distillation and pot still distillation. Ethanol has a lower boiling than water (78.5 degrees versus 100 degrees Celsius). When the wash (the liquid mixture) is heated up, the ethanol vaporises first There are three different stages of the vaporisation process.

The first is to boil off (the component with the lowest boiling point) is the foreshot (also known as "heads”), followed by the "heart", and finally, the last to boil off is the feint ("tails”). Neutral ethanol is distilled via column distillation because it strips out more of the impurities and congeners. For beverages, the "heart” is the most desirable part of the liquid. This is where you get the flavour without the bitterness of the heads. That said, heads and tails are still of use.

Column distillation at an industrial scale is performed in large plants.

Once the gas is captured and cooled it produces a liquid mixture with a high concentration of alcohol. Yeast is no longer part of this mixture as it cannot survive in environments that have high levels of alcohol. Typically, one round of distillation produces 24-45% ABV.

T o create a purer solution (that is one with a higher ABV). The solution has to undergo a repeated round of distillation, called rectification. At the end of rectification, a colourless, odourless liquid is obtained that typically has a concentration of min. 95% ABV. This is considered a "neutral” spirit. Stage 4: Rectification

Using the appropriate base for the production spirit e.g.

Grain Neutral Spirit = Vodka, Gin, Whiskey, Bourbon, Absinthe etc.

Sugarcane / Molasses Neutral Spirit = Rum

The spirit is then rectified using a Rotary Vacuum Evaporator in order that the base spirit is distilled to remove impurities and other unwanted congeners.

Stage 5: Filtration

The spirit from Stage 4 is then filtered through a lenticular housed carbon filtration system to enhance the purity of the spirit

Stage 6: Bottling and Casking

The filtered Spirit from Stage 5 is then treated as follows:

Vodka - the spirit is then blended with filtered and re-mineralised rainwater to the required ABV and then bottled.

Whiskey / Bourbon - the spirit is blended with filtered and re-mineralised rainwater to the required ABV before being matured in the associated casks accordingly.

Gin - The Spirit from stage 5 is used in an additional stage of distillation in which the spirit along with the botanicals as re-distilled together using the Rotary Vacuum Evaporator. The resultant botanical spirit is then blended in accordance with our Gin profile and then blended with the filtered and re-mineralised rainwater to the required ABV and then bottled.

Absinthe - The Spirit from stage 5 is used in an additional stage of distillation in which the spirit along with the botanicals as re-distilled together using the Rotary Vacuum Evaporator. The resultant botanical spirit is then blended in accordance with our Absinthe profile and then blended with the filtered and re-mineralised rainwater to the required ABV and then bottled.

Stage 7: De-Casking

Taking the Spirit from Stage 6 which has been maturated in cask barrels in accordance with the length of time appropriate to the type of spirit, this spirit is then filtered through a lenticular housed carbon filtration system to polish and enhance the purity of the dark spirit (removing haze that is caused by the wood).

Stage 8: Bottling

Taking the maturated filtered spirit from Stage 7 it is then blended with the filtered and remineralised rainwater to the required ABV and then bottled.

In the case of Rum Grain Neutral Spirit derived from sugarcane and / or molasses will be used from stages 1-8 above.

Claims

2. A process according to claim 1, wherein step a) comprises a three stage superfine filtration process.

6. A water preparation process according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the reverse osmosis of step b) is a five stage process.

9. A process according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein stage three of the reverse osmosis is a 1 micron polypropylene water filter, for example to remove particles and sediment

10. A process according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein stage four of the reverse osmosis employs a membrane with a 0.001m rating, for example to remove microplastics. (This is the stage that generates a small amount of waste water).

11. A process according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein stage five of the reverse osmosis is an activated carbon water filter, for example an in-line, in particular to polish the water.

12. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the mineralisation of step c) comprising adding a salt selected from the group comprising calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and combinations thereof.

13. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the water obtained from step c) is stored, for example in tanks. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the drink is a soft drink, for example selected form a soda including a mixer, such as cola, tonic waters, ginger ale, tonic syrups, non-alcoholic gin, non-alcoholic cocktails and non-alcoholic mixed drinks including fruit juices. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein purified rainwater is blended with a botanical to provide a flavoured water (i.e the essential drink component is a botanical). A process according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the drink comprises a spirit. A process according to claim 17, wherein the drink is a cocktail bitters. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the mineralised water is blended with distilled alcohol (i.e. the essential drink component is a distilled alcohol), for example to provide a spirit where the alcohol by volume percentage is in an acceptable range for the product, in par particular suitable for human consumption, in the range 10 to 85. Liquors tend to have an ABV in the range 40%. ABV for vodka is in the range 35 to 46%. Whiskey, rum and tequila are in the range 40 to 46%. Cask strength products may be in the range 55 to 60%. Absinthe may be in the range 45 to 83%. A process according to claim 19, wherein the spirit is casked, for example in wooden barrels, such as Quercus alba, Quercus robur, Quercus sessiliflora, Quercus mongolica. A process according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the spirit is selected from Whiskey, Rye Whiskey, Bourbon Rum, and Brandy. A process according to claim 16 to 18, wherein the spirit is selected from Gin, Vodak, Tequila Raki, Pernod, Ouzo, Cachaca and Absinthe. A process according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the spirit is bottled. A process according to any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the spirit is filled into a container (such as a can, bottle, pouch, carton or similar) as a premixed beverage. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein the water purification is performed on site (i.e. close to or co-located) where the retail drink is manufactured. A non-alcoholic drink obtainable from a process according to any one of claims 1 to 17 and 24, for example wherein the drink has high alkalinity, such as pH of 8 or above, in particular a pH of 9 or 10 or above, especially a pH of 11 or above more specifically a pH of 11.5. A spirit obtainable from a process according to any one of claims 16 to 24, for example wherein the drink has high alkalinity, such as pH of 8 or above, in particular a pH of 9 or 10 or above, especially a pH of 11 or above more specifically a pH of 11.5.