Hello; I'm new here and this is my first post. I posted my question in
some physics groups, and someone suggested that I try the chemistry
groups. I think I've done all that I can do before posting this: I've
spend a lot of time searching for the answer myself seaching archives in
other physics forums, and through Google and Google-Groups with this
search:
-- containing all the words: formula gas liquid dissol* pressure temp*
-- containing the specific phrase: surface area
.... and I've not been able to find an answer, so I hope someone here
will be kind enough to help.
I'm looking for a formula (and/or graphs or charts) to enable me to
predict how much time it will take for a certain level of gas to
dissolve into a soluable liquid based on the following variables:
1. Time
2. Pressure
3. Partial Pressure
4. Volume of Liquid (and of gas, if necessary)
5. Surface Area of liquid exposed to pressurized gas
6. Specific Gravity (if that makes a difference)
Now, my specific concern is to determine how long to apply pressurized
CO2 to 'force-carbonate' beer in a brewpub or microbrewery we are
considering. I have charts which tell me, for example, that to reach my
target carbonation level of 2.5 volumes (atmospheres) of CO2 at 32F,
then I need 8.2 psi pressure, but they don't explain how long it will
take. I know that carbonation will occur quicker with increased
pressure, and that surface area where gas and liquid are in contact is a
factor, too. I would like a formula that could tell me, for instance,
how long it would take to reach 2.5 volumes if I apply 30 psi at
32degreesF in a 10 barrel tank (310 gallons) with a surface area of
1,018 square inches; I don't want to pass my target volumes by very much
because then I would need to spend more time outgassing to get the level
back down, wasting CO2 in the process.
Trial and error is not really an option in that this is for the purpose
of preparing a feasibility study and business plan, so we don't have the
equipment yet.
Thanks for any help anyone can provide.
Cheers.
Bill Velek
|
