This project worked in collaboration with Downeast Cider House to analyze trends of total package oxygen (TPO) in cans of Downeast original blend hard cider. TPO values were calculated by directly measuring dissolved oxygen and using Henry’s law to indirectly determine headspace oxygen. Statistical analysis showed that, of the ten fill heads in the packaging process, fill heads 2 and 5 produced significantly higher TPO values. Cans from fill heads 2 and 5 had average TPO values of 3.3 ± 0.8 ppm, while the remaining cans had average TPO values of 2.2 ± 1.0 ppm. Headspace volume did not vary significantly between fill heads or significantly impact TPO values. The composition of headspace, affected primarily by the nitrogen purge line in the packaging process, appeared to largely impact TPO.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Blakslee, Brenna Sylvia
• Rooney, Kendall Jacqueline
• Strangio, Lea M

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-032018-112304

Advisor

• Kmiotek, Stephen J.

Year

• 2018

Sponsor

• Downeast Cider House

Date created

• 2018-03-20

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Chemical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright