Patent ID: 6179986
Filing Date: 2001-01-30
Classification: A23L,B01D

Abstract:
A proton-exchange membrane (PEM) based electrochemical oxygen control (EOC) system for depleting, monitoring and controlling oxygen in a closed container, said system comprising:a stack of a plurality of series-connected electrochemical oxygen transfer cells, each of said cells having a cathode and an anode, said anode and said cathode in each cell being in intimate contact with and separated by a proton-exchange membrane;a power supply for imposing a controlled voltage and current on said electrochemical transfer cells to cause said anode to evolve oxygen from a supply of water and said cathode to consume oxygen from the recirculating gas in the closed container;a process controller for providing an integral reactor feedback electrical signal in response to an oxygen level in the closed container, to deplete, monitor and control the oxygen concentration in said recirculating gas in the dosed container to levels satisfactory for disinfestation and/or retention of the freshness, appearance and taste of the contents of the dosed container.