JP4628559B2

JP4628559B2 - Forced deterioration device and turbidity prediction method

Info

Publication number: JP4628559B2
Application number: JP2001042595A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 学橋田; 健二吉水
Original assignee: Asahi Breweries Ltd
Current assignee: Asahi Breweries Ltd
Priority date: 2001-02-19
Filing date: 2001-02-19
Publication date: 2011-02-09
Anticipated expiration: 2021-02-19
Also published as: JP2002243627A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、種々の液状物質（例えばビールなどの発酵飲料）の強制劣化試験を行う装置、及び、その装置を用いて、効率的に混濁を発生させ、液状物質の混濁能を予測する方法に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
酵母による発酵を終えたビールは、濾過行程を経たのち壜や缶などの容器に充填されて市場で販売される。一般に、容器に充填されたビールは、凍結温度に近い低温域で薄い混濁や曇りを生じる。このような混濁は凍結混濁と呼ばれ、糖を主成分とする白濁した凝固物が沈殿したりビール内を浮遊したりしている場合が多く、その大半は加温すれば消滅する。しかし、容器に充填後、ある程度以上の日数を経て生じた混濁の中には加温しても消滅しないものがある。このような混濁は凍結混濁とは異なり、ビール全体の透明度を低くしてしまうものであって、永久混濁と呼ばれる。この永久混濁の原因は、多くの場合、タンパク質がポリフェノール（特に酸化により重合度が高くなったポリフェノール）と結合して凝固した１μｍ以下の粒子がビール内に懸濁していることによるものであり、その結果、ビール全体の透明度が低くなってしまう。
従来の凍結混濁能の予測方法としては、特開平１０−１６９４００号公報に、ビールを凍結させた後、凍結と一部溶解を複数回繰り返して凍結混濁能を予測する方法が記載されており、その実施例では、凍結と一部溶解を所定サイクルで繰り返して、戸外における気温変化と同じく徐々に凍結混濁を発生させるために、プログラム式恒温槽を用いて人為的にサイクルを作り出している。
しかしながら、この方法はあくまでも凍結混濁を予測するためのものであり、永久混濁を予測する方法ではない。
【０００３】
一方、永久混濁を予測する方法としては、ＭＥＢＡＫ法（ＢｒａｕｔｅｃｈｎｉｓｃｈｅＡｎａｌｙｓｅｎｍｅｔｈｏｄｅｎ）による永久混濁予側法が知られている。この方法によれば、被検査物を６０℃で２４時間加温し、次の２４時間を０℃で冷却する行程を１サイクルとして、１０サイクル（約３週間）行った後、被検査物の混濁測定を行うことにより、その永久混濁能を予測することが出来る。
また、Ａｎａｌｙｔｉｃａ−ＥＢＣ〔ＥｕｒｏｐｅａｎＢｒｅｗｅｒｙＣｏｎｖｅｎｔｉｏｎ，１９９８〕には、「９．３０ＰｒｅｄｉｃａｔｉｏｎｏｆＳｈｅｌｆ−ＬｉｆｅｏｆＢｅｅｒ」と題する、永久混濁能の予測方法として、壜に充填されたビールを６０℃の恒温槽に４８時間浸漬し、次いで、０℃で一晩冷却した後、０℃での混濁を測定することにより、永久混濁能を予測する方法が記載されている。
このような、永久混濁能の予測方法を実施する手段として、プログラム式恒温槽を用いて６０℃と０℃の状態を所定時間毎に繰り返す手段も考えられるが、この手段では６０℃と０℃の切り替え時の温度変化が緩慢となり、被検査物に急激な温度変化を与え難く、急激な温度変化を与えられない場合には、被検査物中に永久混濁が発生し難いという不都合がある。
そこで、通常は６０℃用と０℃用の二つの恒温槽を使用し、この壜の入れ替えを人手により行っているが、６０℃の高温のビール壜を取り扱うので破裂の危険があり、そのため一旦室温で放置してから１日１回のペースで約３週間続行した後、濁度測定を行わざるを得ず、操作が煩雑で効率が悪かった。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
本発明は、被検査物である種々の液状物質、特に容器に充填された液状物質（例えばビールなどの発酵飲料）の強制劣化試験を自動で行うことができる装置、及び、その装置を用いて、効率的に混濁を発生させ、該液状物質の混濁能、特に永久混濁能を予測する方法の提供を目的とする。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明者等は、上記課題について検討した結果、被検査物に対して高温と低温（例えば６０℃と０℃）の温度変換を繰り返すと同時に被検査物を振盪することにより、被検査物を強制劣化させて効率的に永久混濁を発生させることができ、従来技術に比べて短時間で永久混濁能を予測することが出来ることを見出した。
また、上記試験を自動的に行う装置として、高温と低温の二つの振盪槽以外にテンポラリー槽を備え、高温と低温の浸漬液を効率よく入れ替えることが出来る装置を開発した。
即ち、上記課題は、次の１）〜６）の発明によって解決される。
１）被検査物を振盪し強制的に劣化させる装置であって、被検査物を収納する収納器、該収納器を振盪させる振盪手段、該収納器を浸漬液に浸漬させて被検査物を所定温度に保持する高温振盪槽と低温振盪槽、該高温振盪槽に循環供給する高温浸漬液を貯留する高温貯留槽、該低温振盪槽に循環供給する低温浸漬液を貯留する低温貯留槽、前記何れかの振盪槽の浸漬液を一時貯留するテンポラリー槽、前記高温振盪槽の高温浸漬液と低温振盪槽の低温浸漬液をテンポラリー槽を介して一定時間毎に入れ替えると共に、高温振盪槽及び低温振盪槽に一定量の浸漬液を貯留させる手段を備えたことを特徴とする被検査物の強制劣化装置。
２）前記高温振盪槽の高温浸漬液と低温振盪槽の低温浸漬液をテンポラリー槽を介して一定時間毎に入れ替えると共に、高温振盪槽及び低温振盪槽に一定量の浸漬液を貯留させる手段が、前記高温振盪槽、低温振盪槽、テンポラリー槽、高温貯留槽、低温貯留槽の各槽間を送液するための配管、ポンプ、電磁弁、及び前記高温振盪槽、低温振盪槽、テンポラリー槽の各々に設けられた浸漬液満了と浸漬液排出完了を検知する二種のフロートスイッチからなることを特徴とする１）記載の被検査物の強制劣化装置。
３）１）又は２）記載の装置を使用し、被検査物である容器に充填された液状物質を、前記収納器に収納した状態で振動を加えて振盪し、前記液状物質を強制劣化させることを特徴とする容器に充填された液状物質の混濁能の予測方法。
４）前記容器が縦長の容器であり、該容器を横にして寝かせた状態で前記収納器に収納し、かつ、主として前記容器の長手方向（容器を正立させた時の上下方向）に振動を加えて振盪することを特徴とする３）記載の混濁能の予測方法。
５）前記被検査物が容器に充填された発酵飲料である３）又は４）記載の混濁能の予測方法。
６）前記振盪手段が振動アームを有し、該振動アームの振動数を５０〜１５０ｒｐｍとして振盪することを特徴とする３）〜６）の何れかに記載の混濁能の予測方法。
【０００６】
以下、本発明について図１、図２を参照しつつ詳しく説明する。
図１は、本発明の装置の一例を示すものである。
図１のように、本発明の装置は、二つの振盪槽、テンポラリー槽、高温貯留槽、低温貯留槽、各槽間を送液するための配管、ポンプ、電磁弁及び振盪装置を有している。
二つの振盪槽は、被検査物を一定温度に保持しつつ振盪するためのものであり、一方が高温槽、他方が低温槽となる。
ここで、高温、低温とは相対的なものであり、被検査物である液状物質の種類や検査したい劣化条件などにより適宜決定される。
テンポラリー槽は、二つの振盪槽の浸漬液を入れ替える時に何れかの振盪槽の浸漬液を一時的に貯留するためのものである。
高温貯留槽と低温貯留槽は、高温又は低温の恒温槽であって、二つの振盪槽の各々に一定温度の浸漬液を循環供給するためのものである。
ポンプと電磁弁は、各槽間の浸漬液の入れ替え及び送液方向の切り替えを自動的に行うためのものであり、これにより、二つの振盪槽の高温水と低温水の入れ替えを人手を使わずに短時間で行うことが出来ると共に、浸漬液の温度制御を迅速かつ簡便に行うことが出来る。
【０００７】
振盪装置は、被検査物に一定の振動を与えることが出来るものならばどのような装置でも構わない。
例えば、被検査物を収納する収納器を固定する収納器保持部と、この収納器保持部に振動を加える振動部を有し、収納器保持部は、収納器を積載する積載台と収納器側面を支える側面支持板を備え、その底には、水平方向からの振動が加わったときにスムーズに同じ方向に振動するようにキャスターが取り付けられており、更に、該収納器保持部は、振動部から延出したアーム（振動アーム）にボルトで固定され、該アームはシリンダに接続され、シリンダが小刻みに伸縮することにより、積載した被検査物に水平方向の振動を与えることが出来るような構造のものが挙げられる。
検査に際しては、被検査物を収納器中で動かないようにゴムバンド、スプリングなどの適当な手段により固定した上で収納器に収納し、該収納器を積載台の上に積載した後、ゴムバンドなどの固定材によって側面支持板に固定する。
【０００８】
次に、図２に示した例により、本発明の装置の配管、ポンプ、電磁弁（三方バルブ）、フロートスイッチの位置、及び動作について説明する。
各槽の配置は、基本的に図１と同じであり、浸漬液としては水を用いる。
なお、取り扱い易さなどから通常は浸漬液として水を用いるが、必要に応じて他の液体を用いることも出来る。
振盪槽Ａ、Ｂ及びテンポラリー槽は、それぞれ配管２３、２４、２５で連結されている。
配管２４には、振盪槽Ｂからテンポラリー槽へ浸漬水を移送するためのポンプ１１が、配管２５には、テンポラリー槽から振盪槽Ａへ浸漬水を移送するためのポンプ１２が、配管２３には、振盪槽Ａから振盪槽Ｂへ浸漬水を移送するためのポンプ１０が設けられている。
振盪槽Ａ、Ｂ及びテンポラリー槽には、浸漬水の水量満了を検知するフロートスイッチ１３、１５、１７が設けられ、被検査物の浸漬水の量が常に一定に維持されるようになっている。更に、浸漬水が完全に排出されたことを検知するためのフロートスイッチ１４、１６、１８が各槽に設けられている。
また、振盪槽Ａ、Ｂは浸漬水を所定温度（例えば６０℃と０℃）に保持するための高温貯留槽と低温貯留槽にそれぞれ配管で接続されている。
【０００９】
振盪槽Ａ、Ｂと高温貯留槽、低温貯留槽を相互に接続する配管は、各振盪槽から貯留水を排出する側を起点として、次の通りの構成となっている。
ａ．配管１９は、高温貯留槽から高温水を送水するためのものであり、電磁弁１により２方向に分岐する。分岐した一方の配管１９ａは振盪槽Ａに接続され、
配管１９ｂは振盪槽Ｂに接続される。
ｂ．配管２０は、低温貯留槽から低温水を送水するためのものであり、電磁弁３により２方向に分岐する。分岐した一方の配管２０ａは振盪槽Ａに接続され、
配管２０ｂは振盪槽Ｂに接続される。
ｃ．配管２１は、振盪槽Ｂに貯留している浸漬水を高温貯留槽又は低温貯留槽に返送するためのものであり、電磁弁４により２方向に分岐する。分岐した一方の配管２１ａは低温貯留槽に接続され、配管２１ｂは配管２２ａの途中に接続
されている。
ｄ．配管２２は、振盪槽Ａに貯留している浸漬水を高温貯留槽又は低温貯留槽に返送するためのものであり、電磁弁２により２方向に分岐する。分岐した配管２２ａは高温貯留槽に接続され、配管２２ｂは、配管２１ａの途中に接続され
ている。
【００１０】
具体的に振盪槽Ａの浸漬水が高温に保持され、振盪槽Ｂの浸漬水が低温に保持される場合の各配管の連通状態は次の通りとなる。
ａ．電磁弁１の切り替えにより、配管１９と配管１９ａが連通し、電磁弁２の切り替えにより、配管２２と配管２２ａが連通する。この電磁弁１、２の切り替えにより、浸漬水は、配管１９→配管１９ａ→振盪槽Ａ→配管２２→配管２２ａを経て、振盪槽Ａの浸漬水を高温貯留槽に循環させることが出来る。
ｂ．電磁弁３の切り替えにより、配管２０と配管２０ｂが連通し、電磁弁４の切り替えにより、配管２１と配管２１ａが連通する。この電磁弁３、４の切り替えにより、浸漬水は、配管２０→配管２０ｂ→振盪槽Ｂ→配管２１→配管２１ａを経て、振盪槽Ｂの浸漬水を低温貯留槽に循環させることが出来る。
ｃ．また、壜ビールのようなガラス容器に封入された液状物質の場合には、温度変化が急激であるとガラスが割れることもあるため、高温水と低温水を供給するための配管は各槽の下部に設けられ、高温水又は低温水を容器の底からゆっくりと供給することもできるようになっている。
【００１１】
続いて、高温振盪槽と低温振盪槽の温度の切り替えについて説明する。
前述の通り、振盪槽Ａ、Ｂにはそれぞれ「高温水」と「低温水」が貯留されており、所定時間経過後に、「低温水」と「高温水」に入れ替える。
入れ替え作業は、振盪槽Ａ、Ｂそれぞれに新たな「低温水」と「高温水」を貯留させるのではなく、振盪槽Ａ、Ｂに貯留している浸漬水を交換することにより行う。
振盪槽Ａの「高温水」と振盪槽Ｂの「低温水」を入れ替える操作手順は、次の１〜８の通りである。
１．高温貯留槽と低温貯留槽からの浸漬水の循環供給を停止する。
２．電磁弁１、２、３、４を全て閉とする。
３．ポンプ１１を駆動し、配管２４により振盪槽Ｂの低温水をテンポラリー槽に送る。
４．振盪槽Ｂの水位がゼロになったことをフロートスイッチ１６で検知して、ポンプ１１の駆動を停止する。
５．ポンプ１０を駆動し、配管２３により振盪槽Ａの高温水を振盪槽Ｂに送る。
６．振盪槽Ａの水位がゼロになったことをフロートスイッチ１４で検知して、ポンプ１０の駆動を停止する。
７．ポンプ１２を駆動し、テンポラリー槽に一時貯留された低温水を振盪槽Ａに送る。
８．テンポラリー槽の水位がゼロになったことをフロートスイッチ１８で検知して、ポンプ１２の駆動を停止する。
そして、ポンプ１２の駆動が停止したことを確認した上で、電磁弁１、２、３、４を切り替える。即ち、電磁弁１は配管１９と配管１９ｂが連通するように切り替え、電磁弁４は配管２１と配管２１ｂが連通するように切り替える。
これにより高温貯留槽と振盪槽Ｂが連通し、振盪槽Ｂに貯留された高温水が常に高温に維持されるように制御される。
一方、電磁弁２は配管２２と配管２２ｂが連通するように切り替え、電磁弁３は配管２０と配管２０ａを連通するように切り替える。
これにより、低温貯留槽と振盪槽Ａが連通し、振盪槽Ａに貯留された低温水が常に低温に維持されるように制御される。
なお、振盪槽Ａに貯留された低温水と振盪槽Ｂに貯留された高温水を入れ替える時の操作手順及び電磁弁１〜４の切り替えは、上記説明に順じて行えばよい。
【００１２】
【実施例】
以下、実施例により本発明を具体的に説明するが、本発明はこれらの実施例により限定されるものではない。
なお、実施例で用いたのは、前記図１、図２で説明した構造の装置である。
また、実施例ではビールを被検査物としたが、ビールの場合、振盪槽の水量を２０〜２５リットルにすれば、ガラス大壜入りビール１〜８本（約０．６〜５．０リットル）の間で検査本数を変えても各ビールに同じ温度変化を与えることができるので検査結果に影響はない。
更に、表１〜４中の数値は、前記ＥｕｒｏｐｅａｎＢｒｅｗｅｒｙＣｏｎｖｅｎｔｉｏｎ（欧州醸造協会）が定めた濁度（ＥＢＣ濁度単位）である。
【００１３】
実施例１
（１）試験前準備
振盪槽Ａに６０℃のお湯を張るか、水を入れたのち高温貯留水で６０℃になるまで加熱した。
（２）１日目の操作
ガラス大壜入りビール（６３３ｍｌ、以下、第１被検査物という）を横に寝かせて収納固定した収納器を、収納器保持部に固定した後、６０℃のお湯を貯留させた振盪槽Ａに浸漬し、この収納器保持部を振盪装置のアームに固定した。
振動アームを５０〜１００ｒｐｍで伸縮させて、上記第１被検査物をガラス大壜の長手方向（正立させた場合の上下方向）に振盪し、この状態を２４時間持続した。
（３）２日目の操作
振盪装置の振動を停止し、振盪槽Ａの高温水をテンポラリー槽を用いて振盪槽Ｂに移送し、振盪槽Ａには低温水を供給した。
高温水を貯留した振盪槽Ｂには、ガラス大壜入りビール（６３３ｍｌ、以下、第２被検査物という）を横に寝かせて収納固定した収納器を、収納器保持部に固定したのち浸漬し、この収納器保持部を振盪装置のアームに固定した。
５０〜１００ｒｐｍのアームの伸縮を再開し、振盪槽Ａでは１日目の高温操作を終了した第１被検査物の低温操作を開始し、振盪槽Ｂでは第２被検査物の１日目の操作である高温操作を開始し、前記（２）の場合と同様にして振盪し、この状態を２４時間持続した。
（４）３〜７日目の操作
振盪槽Ａと振盪槽Ｂの高温水と低温水を交互に入れ替えながら振盪を継続した。
なお、本実施例に対する対照試験として、振盪しない点を除き実施例と同じ条件の試験、空気式恒温槽を用いた試験、２５℃又は５０℃での恒温静置保管試験を行った。
上記実施例及び対照試験の濁度の測定結果を次の表１に示す。
【００１４】
【表１】

（注）「−」は、測定値なしを意味する。
表１から明らかなように、振盪と温度変化を組み合わせると、温度変化のみの場合よりも劣化速度が速く、２日目で既に、２５℃で１ヶ月保管したときや５０℃で６日間保管したとき以上に劣化を促進させることができる。
なお、劣化促進の理由の一つは、振盪により壜や缶内での流体の撹拌を起こし、ビールの温度を静置した場合よりも速く槽内温度にすることが出来ることによる。
【００１５】
実施例２
ガラス大壜入りビール（６３３ｍｌ）及びアルミ缶入りビール（３５０ｍｌ）について、実施例１と同じ装置を使用し、ガラス大壜及びアルミ缶を収納器中に正立させて収納した場合と、横に寝かせて収納し、かつ、これら容器の長手方向（正立させたときの上下方向）に振盪した場合とを比較した。
上記実施例の濁度の測定結果を次の表２に示す。
【表２】

表２から明らかなように、横に寝かせて収納した横置きの場合には、正立させた場合に比べて顕著な効果を奏することが判る。
対照試験として、５０℃で７日間静置した場合についても測定したところ、アルミ缶では、濁度１．５であって、正立の１日の場合（１．４）とほぼ同等であり、本発明の顕著な加速効果が確認できた。
【００１６】
実施例３
ガラス大壜入りビール（６３３ｍｌ）及びアルミ缶入りビール（３５０ｍｌ）について、実施例１と同じ装置を使用して、同じ様に収納器に固定し、６０℃に保持した状態で、回転数を０ｒｐｍ（対照）、５０ｒｐｍ、１００ｒｐｍ、１５０ｒｐｍと変えて振盪した場合の、１日後及び２日後の濁度を表３（ガラス大壜）、表４（アルミ缶）に示す。
【表３】

【表４】

表３、表４から分かるように、ガラス大壜及びアルミ缶の何れの場合も、５０〜１５０ｒｐｍで一定の効果を奏し、１００ｒｐｍで振盪した時に最も濁度が高くなる。
【００１７】
【発明の効果】
本発明の装置及び方法によれば、温度変化と振動を組み合わせることにより、被検査物の劣化を早め、その混濁能、特に永久混濁能を短時間で評価することが出来る。
また、縦長の容器に入った被検査物を横に寝かせて収納し該容器の長手方向に振動を加えて振盪することにより顕著に劣化を促進させることが出来る。
また、温度変化を高温水と低温水を使用して行えば、被検査物への熱伝導が良くなり、急激な温度変化が発生した場合と同じ状況を作り出せる。
更に、二つの振盪槽の高温水と低温水の入れ替えを人手を使わずに短時間で行うことが出来るので安全であり、かつ、浸漬液の温度制御を迅速かつ簡便に行うことが出来る。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の強制劣化装置の一例を示す図。
【図２】本発明の強制劣化装置の一例を示す図であって、各槽、配管及びポンプの位置並びに動作を説明するための図。
【符号の説明】
１高温貯留槽のｏｕｔ側切り替え電磁弁（三方バルブ）
２低温貯留槽のｏｕｔ側切り替え電磁弁（三方バルブ）
３振盪槽Ａのｏｕｔ側切り替え電磁弁（三方バルブ）
４振盪槽Ｂのｏｕｔ側切り替え電磁弁（三方バルブ）
１０振盪槽Ａから振盪槽Ｂへの送水ポンプ
１１振盪槽Ｂからテンポラリー槽への送水ポンプ
１２テンポラリー槽から振盪槽Ａへの送水ポンプ
１３振盪槽Ａの水量満了検知用フロートスイッチ
１４振盪槽Ａの排水完了検知用フロートスイッチ
１５振盪槽Ｂの水量満了検知用フロートスイッチ
１６振盪槽Ｂの排水完了検知用フロートスイッチ
１７テンポラリー槽の水量満了検知用フロートスイッチ
１８テンポラリー槽の排水完了検知用フロートスイッチ
１９高温貯留槽からの送水用配管
１９ａ高温貯留槽から振盪槽Ａへの送水用配管
１９ｂ高温貯留槽から振盪槽Ｂへの送水用配管
２０低温貯留槽からの送水用配管
２０ａ低温貯留槽から振盪槽Ａへの送水用配管
２０ｂ低温貯留槽から振盪槽Ｂへの送水用配管
２１振盪槽Ｂからの返送用配管
２１ａ振盪槽Ｂから低温貯留槽への返送用配管
２１ｂ振盪槽Ｂから高温貯留槽への返送用配管
２２振盪槽Ａからの返送用配管
２２ａ振盪槽Ａから高温貯留槽への返送用配管
２２ｂ振盪槽Ａから低温貯留槽への返送用配管
２３振盪槽Ａから振盪槽Ｂへの送水用配管
２４振盪槽Ｂらテンポラリー槽への送水用配管
２５テンポラリー槽から振盪槽Ａへの送水用配管[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus for performing a forced deterioration test of various liquid substances (for example, fermented beverages such as beer), and a method for predicting the turbidity of a liquid substance by efficiently generating turbidity using the apparatus. Is.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Beer that has been fermented with yeast is subjected to a filtration process, and then filled in containers such as jars and cans and sold in the market. Generally, beer filled in a container is slightly cloudy or cloudy in a low temperature range close to the freezing temperature. Such turbidity is called freezing turbidity, and in many cases, a white turbid coagulate mainly composed of sugar is precipitated or floats in beer, and most of them disappear when heated. However, some of the turbidity generated after a certain period of time after filling the container does not disappear even when heated. Such turbidity is different from freeze turbidity and lowers the transparency of the entire beer, and is called permanent turbidity. The cause of this permanent turbidity is often due to suspension of particles of 1 μm or less, which are solidified by binding proteins with polyphenols (particularly polyphenols whose degree of polymerization has been increased by oxidation), As a result, the transparency of the entire beer is lowered.
As a conventional method for predicting freezing turbidity, JP-A-10-169400 describes a method for predicting freezing turbidity by repeatedly freezing and partially lysing a plurality of times after freezing beer, In the embodiment, freezing and partial thawing are repeated in a predetermined cycle, and a cycle is artificially created by using a programmed thermostat in order to gradually generate freezing and turbidity in the same manner as outdoor temperature changes.
However, this method is only for predicting freeze turbidity, and is not a method for predicting permanent turbidity.
[0003]
On the other hand, as a method for predicting permanent turbidity, a method for predicting permanent turbidity by the MEBAK method (Bratechnische Analysis) is known. According to this method, the test object is heated at 60 ° C. for 24 hours, and the process of cooling the test object at 0 ° C. for the next 24 hours is defined as one cycle, followed by 10 cycles (about 3 weeks). By performing turbidity measurement, its permanent turbidity can be predicted.
In addition, in Analytica-EBC [European Brewery Convention, 1998], as a method for predicting permanent turbidity entitled “9.30 Prediction of Shelf-Life of Beer”, a constant temperature bath of 60 ° C. is placed in a beer packed in a straw. A method is described in which the permanent turbidity is predicted by measuring the turbidity at 0 ° C. after soaking for 48 hours and then cooling at 0 ° C. overnight.
As a means for carrying out such a method for predicting the permanent turbidity, a means for repeating a state of 60 ° C. and 0 ° C. every predetermined time using a programmed thermostat is conceivable, but in this means 60 ° C. and 0 ° C. The temperature change at the time of switching is slow, it is difficult to give a rapid temperature change to the inspection object, and when the rapid temperature change cannot be given, there is a disadvantage that permanent turbidity hardly occurs in the inspection object.
Therefore, normally, two constant temperature baths for 60 ° C and 0 ° C are used, and this jar is manually replaced. However, there is a risk of rupture because a 60 ° C high temperature beer jar is handled. After being allowed to stand at room temperature and continuing for about 3 weeks once a day, turbidity measurement had to be performed, and the operation was complicated and inefficient.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention uses an apparatus capable of automatically performing a forced deterioration test of various liquid substances that are inspected objects, particularly liquid substances (for example, fermented beverages such as beer) filled in a container, and the apparatus. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for efficiently generating turbidity and predicting the turbidity of the liquid substance, particularly the permanent turbidity.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
As a result of studying the above problems, the present inventors have repeatedly performed temperature conversion between a high temperature and a low temperature (for example, 60 ° C. and 0 ° C.) on the inspection object, and simultaneously shaken the inspection object to thereby change the inspection object It has been found that permanent turbidity can be efficiently generated by forcible degradation, and that the permanent turbidity can be predicted in a shorter time than the prior art.
In addition to the two high-temperature and low-temperature shaking tanks, an apparatus that can replace the high-temperature and low-temperature immersion liquids efficiently has been developed as an apparatus for automatically performing the above test.
That is, the above-mentioned problems are solved by the following inventions 1) to 6).
1) A device for shaking and forcibly degrading an object to be inspected, a container for storing the object to be inspected, a shaking means for shaking the container, and an object to be inspected by immersing the container in an immersion liquid. A high-temperature shaking tank and a low-temperature shaking tank that are kept at a predetermined temperature, a high-temperature storage tank that stores a high-temperature immersion liquid that is circulated and supplied to the high-temperature shaking tank, Temporary tanks that temporarily store the immersion liquid in any shaking tank, the hot immersion liquid in the high-temperature shaking tank and the low-temperature immersion liquid in the low-temperature shaking tank are replaced at regular intervals via the temporary tank, and the high-temperature shaking tank and the low-temperature shaking An apparatus for forcibly degrading an inspection object, comprising means for storing a certain amount of immersion liquid in a tank.
2) A means for replacing the high temperature immersion liquid in the high temperature shaking tank and the low temperature immersion liquid in the low temperature shaking tank at regular intervals via the temporary tank, and storing a certain amount of immersion liquid in the high temperature shaking tank and the low temperature shaking tank, Pipes, pumps, solenoid valves, and high temperature shaking tanks, low temperature shaking tanks, and temporary tanks for feeding between each of the high temperature shaking tank, low temperature shaking tank, temporary tank, high temperature storage tank, and low temperature storage tank 1) The forced deterioration device for an object to be inspected according to 1), comprising two kinds of float switches for detecting completion of immersion liquid and completion of discharge of immersion liquid.
3) Using the apparatus described in 1) or 2), the liquid substance filled in the container to be inspected is vibrated and shaken while being stored in the container to forcibly degrade the liquid substance. A method for predicting the turbidity of a liquid substance filled in a container.
4) The container is a vertically long container, stored in the container with the container lying down sideways, and vibrated mainly in the longitudinal direction of the container (vertical direction when the container is upright) 3) The method for predicting turbidity according to 3), wherein the mixture is shaken.
5) The method for predicting turbidity according to 3) or 4), wherein the test object is a fermented beverage filled in a container.
6) The method for predicting turbidity according to any one of 3) to 6), wherein the shaking means has a vibrating arm and shakes at a vibration frequency of 50 to 150 rpm.
[0006]
Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 shows an example of the apparatus of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the apparatus of the present invention has two shaking tanks, a temporary tank, a high-temperature storage tank, a low-temperature storage tank, piping for feeding liquid between each tank, a pump, a solenoid valve, and a shaking device. Yes.
The two shaking tanks are for shaking the object to be inspected while maintaining a constant temperature, one being a high-temperature tank and the other being a low-temperature tank.
Here, the high temperature and the low temperature are relative, and are appropriately determined depending on the type of the liquid substance that is the object to be inspected, the deterioration condition to be inspected, and the like.
The temporary tank is for temporarily storing the immersion liquid in one of the shaking tanks when the immersion liquids in the two shaking tanks are replaced.
The high-temperature storage tank and the low-temperature storage tank are high-temperature or low-temperature thermostatic tanks for circulating and supplying a constant temperature immersion liquid to each of the two shaking tanks.
The pump and solenoid valve are used to automatically replace the immersion liquid between the tanks and change the direction of the liquid delivery. This allows manual replacement of the hot water and cold water in the two shaking tanks. The temperature of the immersion liquid can be controlled quickly and easily.
[0007]
The shaking device may be any device as long as it can give a constant vibration to the object to be inspected.
For example, it has a container holding unit for fixing a container for storing an object to be inspected, and a vibration unit for applying vibration to the container holding unit, and the container holding unit includes a loading table and a container for loading the container. A side support plate is provided to support the side, and a caster is attached to the bottom so that it vibrates in the same direction smoothly when vibration from the horizontal direction is applied. It is fixed to the arm (vibration arm) extended from the part with bolts, and the arm is connected to the cylinder, and the cylinder can be expanded and contracted in small increments to give horizontal vibration to the loaded inspection object. Examples include structures.
In the inspection, the inspection object is fixed by an appropriate means such as a rubber band or a spring so as not to move in the container, and then stored in the container. After the container is loaded on the loading table, the rubber is loaded. Fix to the side support plate with a fixing material such as a band.
[0008]
Next, the position and operation of the piping, pump, solenoid valve (three-way valve), float switch of the apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to the example shown in FIG.
The arrangement of each tank is basically the same as in FIG. 1, and water is used as the immersion liquid.
In addition, although water is normally used as an immersion liquid from the ease of handling etc., another liquid can also be used as needed.
The shaking tanks A and B and the temporary tank are connected by

pipes

23, 24 and 25, respectively.
The pipe 24 has a pump 11 for transferring immersion water from the shaking tank B to the temporary tank, the pipe 25 has a pump 12 for transferring immersion water from the temporary tank to the shaking tank A, and the pipe 23 has A pump 10 for transferring immersion water from the shaking tank A to the shaking tank B is provided.
The shaking tanks A and B and the temporary tank are provided with float switches 13, 15, and 17 for detecting the expiration of the amount of immersion water, so that the amount of immersion water of the object to be inspected is always maintained constant. . Furthermore, float switches 14, 16, 18 for detecting that the immersion water has been completely discharged are provided in each tank.
Further, the shaking tanks A and B are connected to a high-temperature storage tank and a low-temperature storage tank for holding immersion water at predetermined temperatures (for example, 60 ° C. and 0 ° C.), respectively, by piping.
[0009]
The piping connecting the shaking tanks A and B with the high-temperature storage tank and the low-temperature storage tank has the following configuration starting from the side from which the stored water is discharged from each shaking tank.
a. The pipe 19 is for supplying high-temperature water from the high-temperature storage tank, and branches in two directions by the electromagnetic valve 1. One branched pipe 19a is connected to shaking tank A,
The pipe 19b is connected to the shaking tank B.
b. The pipe 20 is for supplying low-temperature water from the low-temperature storage tank, and branches in two directions by the electromagnetic valve 3. One branched pipe 20a is connected to shaking tank A,
The pipe 20b is connected to the shaking tank B.
c. The pipe 21 is for returning the immersion water stored in the shaking tank B to the high temperature storage tank or the low temperature storage tank, and is branched in two directions by the electromagnetic valve 4. One branched pipe 21a is connected to the low temperature storage tank, and the pipe 21b is connected in the middle of the pipe 22a.
d. The pipe 22 is for returning the immersion water stored in the shaking tank A to the high temperature storage tank or the low temperature storage tank, and branches in two directions by the electromagnetic valve 2. The branched pipe 22a is connected to the high temperature storage tank, and the pipe 22b is connected in the middle of the pipe 21a.
[0010]
Specifically, when the immersion water in the shaking tank A is kept at a high temperature and the immersion water in the shaking tank B is kept at a low temperature, the communication state of each pipe is as follows.
a. By switching the solenoid valve 1, the pipe 19 and the pipe 19a communicate with each other, and by switching the solenoid valve 2, the pipe 22 and the pipe 22a communicate with each other. By switching the

electromagnetic valves

1 and 2, the immersion water can be circulated to the high-temperature storage tank through the pipe 19 → the pipe 19a → the shaking tank A → the pipe 22 → the pipe 22a.
b. By switching the solenoid valve 3, the pipe 20 and the pipe 20b communicate with each other, and by switching the solenoid valve 4, the pipe 21 and the pipe 21a communicate with each other. By switching the

electromagnetic valves

3 and 4, the immersion water can be circulated to the low temperature storage tank through the pipe 20 → the pipe 20 b → the shaking tank B → the pipe 21 → the pipe 21 a.
c. In addition, in the case of a liquid substance enclosed in a glass container such as coffee beer, the glass may break if the temperature changes suddenly. It is provided in the lower part so that hot water or cold water can be slowly supplied from the bottom of the container.
[0011]
Next, switching of the temperature between the high temperature shaking tank and the low temperature shaking tank will be described.
As described above, “high temperature water” and “low temperature water” are stored in the shaking tanks A and B, respectively, and are replaced with “low temperature water” and “high temperature water” after a predetermined time has elapsed.
The replacement work is performed not by storing new “low-temperature water” and “high-temperature water” in the shaking tanks A and B, but by replacing the immersion water stored in the shaking tanks A and B.
The operation procedure for switching the “hot water” in the shaking tank A and the “cold water” in the shaking tank B is as follows.
1. Stop circulating water supply from the high temperature storage tank and the low temperature storage tank.
2. The

solenoid valves

1, 2, 3, 4 are all closed.
3. The pump 11 is driven, and the low-temperature water in the shaking tank B is sent to the temporary tank through the pipe 24.
4). The float switch 16 detects that the water level in the shaking tank B has become zero, and the drive of the pump 11 is stopped.
5. The pump 10 is driven, and the high-temperature water in the shaking tank A is sent to the shaking tank B through the pipe 23.
6). The float switch 14 detects that the water level in the shaking tank A has become zero, and the drive of the pump 10 is stopped.
7). The pump 12 is driven, and the low-temperature water temporarily stored in the temporary tank is sent to the shaking tank A.
8). The float switch 18 detects that the water level in the temporary tank has become zero, and the drive of the pump 12 is stopped.
Then, after confirming that driving of the pump 12 is stopped, the

solenoid valves

1, 2, 3, 4 are switched. That is, the solenoid valve 1 is switched so that the pipe 19 and the pipe 19b are communicated, and the solenoid valve 4 is switched so that the pipe 21 and the pipe 21b are communicated.
As a result, the high-temperature storage tank and the shaking tank B communicate with each other, and the high-temperature water stored in the shaking tank B is controlled to be constantly maintained at a high temperature.
On the other hand, the solenoid valve 2 is switched so that the pipe 22 and the pipe 22b communicate with each other, and the solenoid valve 3 is switched so that the pipe 20 and the pipe 20a are communicated with each other.
Thereby, the low temperature storage tank and the shaking tank A communicate with each other, and the low temperature water stored in the shaking tank A is controlled to be always kept at a low temperature.
In addition, what is necessary is just to perform the operation procedure at the time of switching the low temperature water stored in the shaking tank A, and the high temperature water stored in the shaking tank B, and switching of the solenoid valves 1-4 according to the said description.
[0012]
【Example】
EXAMPLES Hereinafter, although an Example demonstrates this invention concretely, this invention is not limited by these Examples.
The apparatus having the structure described in FIGS. 1 and 2 was used in the examples.
In the examples, beer was used as an object to be inspected, but in the case of beer, if the amount of water in the shaking tank is 20 to 25 liters, 1 to 8 beers (approximately 0.6 to 5.0 liters) containing glass jars. ) Even if the number of inspections is changed between, the same temperature change can be given to each beer, so the inspection results are not affected.
Furthermore, the numerical value in Tables 1-4 is the turbidity (EBC turbidity unit) which the said European Brewery Convention (European Brewing Association) defined.
[0013]
Example 1
(1) Hot water of 60 ° C. was put in the pre-test preparation shaking tank A, or water was added and heated to 60 ° C. with high-temperature stored water.
(2) Operation on the first day After fixing the storage container with beer (633 ml, hereinafter referred to as the first object to be inspected) placed in a large bowl on the side, the container is fixed to the storage container holder, and then hot water of 60 ° C. Was stored in a shaking tank A, and the container holder was fixed to the arm of the shaking device.
The vibrating arm was expanded and contracted at 50 to 100 rpm, and the first inspection object was shaken in the longitudinal direction of the glass bowl (up and down direction when erecting), and this state was maintained for 24 hours.
(3) Operation on the second day The vibration of the shaking device was stopped, the high-temperature water in the shaking tank A was transferred to the shaking tank B using a temporary tank, and low-temperature water was supplied to the shaking tank A.
In a shaking tank B storing hot water, a container containing glass beer (633 ml, hereinafter referred to as a second object to be inspected) laid sideways and stored and fixed is fixed to the container holder and then immersed. The container holder was fixed to the arm of the shaking device.
The expansion and contraction of the arm at 50 to 100 rpm is resumed, the shaking tank A starts the low temperature operation of the first inspection object that has finished the high temperature operation on the first day, and the shaking tank B starts the first day of the second inspection object. A high temperature operation, which is an operation, was started and shaken in the same manner as in (2) above, and this state was maintained for 24 hours.
(4) Operation on the 3rd to 7th days The shaking was continued while alternately exchanging the hot water and the cold water in the shaking tank A and shaking tank B.
In addition, as a control test for this example, a test under the same conditions as in the example, except that no shaking was performed, a test using a pneumatic thermostat, and a constant temperature stationary storage test at 25 ° C. or 50 ° C. were performed.
The turbidity measurement results of the above examples and control tests are shown in Table 1 below.
[0014]
[Table 1]

(Note) “-” means no measured value.
As is clear from Table 1, when shaking and temperature change are combined, the deterioration rate is faster than when only temperature change is performed, and already stored at 25 ° C. for 1 month or stored at 50 ° C. for 6 days on the second day. Deterioration can be promoted more than sometimes.
One of the reasons for the promotion of deterioration is that the temperature of the beer can be brought to a higher temperature than when the temperature of the beer is allowed to stand by stirring the fluid in the jar or can by shaking.
[0015]
Example 2
For beer with glass caps (633 ml) and beer with aluminum cans (350 ml), use the same equipment as in Example 1 and store the glass caps and aluminum cans upright in a container. Comparison was made with the case where the container was laid down and shaken in the longitudinal direction (up and down direction when erecting) of these containers.
The turbidity measurement results of the above examples are shown in Table 2 below.
[Table 2]

As can be seen from Table 2, it can be seen that the horizontal position that is stored while lying down has a remarkable effect compared to the case where it is erected.
As a control test, it was also measured when left at 50 ° C. for 7 days. With an aluminum can, the turbidity was 1.5, which was almost equivalent to the case of an upright day (1.4). The remarkable acceleration effect of the present invention was confirmed.
[0016]
Example 3
For beer with glass jar (633 ml) and beer with aluminum can (350 ml), using the same equipment as in Example 1, fixed in the same manner and kept at 60 ° C., rotating at 0 rpm The turbidity after 1 day and 2 days after shaking (control), 50 rpm, 100 rpm, and 150 rpm is shown in Table 3 (glass cup) and Table 4 (aluminum can).
[Table 3]

[Table 4]

As can be seen from Tables 3 and 4, in both cases of glass bowls and aluminum cans, there is a certain effect at 50 to 150 rpm, and the turbidity is highest when shaken at 100 rpm.
[0017]
【The invention's effect】
According to the apparatus and method of the present invention, by combining temperature change and vibration, it is possible to accelerate the deterioration of an object to be inspected and evaluate its turbidity, particularly permanent turbidity, in a short time.
Moreover, deterioration can be remarkably promoted by placing an object to be inspected in a vertically long container on its side and storing it and shaking it in the longitudinal direction of the container.
Further, if the temperature change is performed using high temperature water and low temperature water, the heat conduction to the object to be inspected is improved, and the same situation as when a sudden temperature change occurs can be created.
Furthermore, the high-temperature water and low-temperature water in the two shaking tanks can be replaced in a short time without using human hands, so that it is safe and temperature control of the immersion liquid can be performed quickly and easily.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a forced deterioration device of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a forced deterioration device of the present invention, for explaining the positions and operations of tanks, pipes and pumps.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 High temperature storage tank out side switching solenoid valve (three-way valve)
2 Out-side switching solenoid valve (three-way valve) of the cryogenic storage tank
3 Shaking tank A out side switching solenoid valve (3-way valve)
4 Shaking tank B out side switching solenoid valve (three-way valve)
10 Water pump 11 from shaking tank A to shaking tank B Water pump 12 from shaking tank B to temporary tank Water pump 12 from temporary tank to shaking tank A Float switch 14 for detecting the expiration of the amount of water in shaking tank A 14 of shaking tank A Drainage completion detection float switch 15 Float switch 16 for detection of completion of water in shaking tank B Float switch 17 for detection of completion of drainage in shaking tank B Float switch 18 for detection of completion of water volume in temporary tank 18 Float switch 19 for detection of completion of drainage of temporary tank Water supply pipe 19a from the high temperature storage tank to the shaking tank A Water supply pipe 19b from the high temperature storage tank to the shaking tank B Water supply pipe 20a from the low temperature storage tank to the shaking tank A Water supply pipe 20b Water supply pipe 21 from the low temperature storage tank to the shaking tank B Return distribution from the shaking tank B Pipe 21a Pipe 21b for returning from shaking tank B to low temperature storage tank Pipe 22 for returning from shaking tank B to high temperature storage tank 22a Pipe for returning 22 from shaking tank A Pipe 22b for returning from shaking tank A to high temperature storage tank Pipe 23 for returning from shaking tank A to low temperature storage tank Pipe 24 for feeding water from shaking tank A to shaking tank B Pipe 24 for feeding water from shaking tank B to temporary tank 25 Pipe for feeding water from temporary tank to shaking tank A

Claims

An apparatus for shaking and forcibly degrading an object to be inspected, comprising a container for storing the object to be inspected, a shaking means for shaking the container, and immersing the container in an immersion liquid so that the object to be inspected has a predetermined temperature. A high-temperature shaking tank and a low-temperature shaking tank that are held in a high-temperature storage tank that stores a high-temperature immersion liquid that is circulated and supplied to the high-temperature shaking tank; The temporary bath for temporarily storing the immersion liquid in the shaking tank, the hot immersion liquid in the high-temperature shaking tank and the low-temperature immersion liquid in the low-temperature shaking tank are replaced at regular intervals via the temporary tank, and the high-temperature shaking tank and the low-temperature shaking tank An apparatus for forcibly degrading an inspection object, comprising means for storing a certain amount of immersion liquid.

A means for replacing the high temperature immersion liquid in the high temperature shaking tank and the low temperature immersion liquid in the low temperature shaking tank at regular intervals through the temporary tank, and storing a certain amount of immersion liquid in the high temperature shaking tank and the low temperature shaking tank is the high temperature Pipes, pumps, solenoid valves for feeding between each of the shaking tank, the low temperature shaking tank, the temporary tank, the high temperature storage tank, and the low temperature storage tank, and each of the high temperature shaking tank, the low temperature shaking tank, and the temporary tank The forced deterioration device for an object to be inspected according to claim 1, comprising two types of float switches for detecting completion of immersion liquid and completion of discharge of immersion liquid.

Using the apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, forcibly deteriorating the liquid material by shaking the liquid material filled in the container as the object to be inspected while being vibrated in the container. A method for predicting the turbidity of a liquid substance filled in a characteristic container.

The container is a vertically long container, stored in the container with the container lying on its side, and vibration is mainly applied in the longitudinal direction of the container (vertical direction when the container is upright). 4. The method for predicting turbidity according to claim 3, wherein shaking is performed.

The method for predicting turbidity according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the inspection object is a fermented beverage filled in a container.

The method for predicting turbidity according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the shaking means has a vibrating arm, and shakes the vibrating arm at a frequency of 50 to 150 rpm.