John A. Nix - Atlanta GA Stephen W. Zagarola - Woodstock GA Louis Jolie - Dongen, NL
Assignee:
The Coca-Cola Company - Atlanta GA
International Classification:
G01N 2100
US Classification:
250343
Abstract:
A method for measuring carbonation loss in beverage bottles and predicting shelf-life thereof utilizes infrared (IR) absorption spectroscopy. The concentration of CO. sub. 2 gas in a bottle being tested is measured with an infrared beam according to Beer's Law. In one embodiment the CO. sub. 2 gas measured is in the headspace of a test bottle partially filled with carbonated water. The walls of the bottle are clamped in a fixture to maintain the bottle diameter substantially constant. An IR beam is transmitted through the bottle just below the fixture, and absorption values of the beam are measured. Shelf-life is calculated from the absorption values. In another embodiment the test bottle is filled with compressed CO. sub. 2 gas generated by dry ice placed in the bottle.
