Equilibrium value for carbonation level in beer

In summary, the conversation discussed the conversion between different pressure units, including absolute pressure, gauge pressure, atmospheric pressure, and hydrostatic pressure. The final calculation involved using Henry's Law to determine the equilibrium value for 44g of CO2 in a 1L vessel, which was found to be approximately 3.752 g/L. It was also noted that working symbolically and being mindful of significant figures is important in such calculations.
  • #1
sci0x
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Homework Statement
A beer is matured in a vessel at 5 degrees. The vessel has diameter of 5m. Top pressure is 0.1 bar g CO2. Fill level is 100%. Calculate equilibrium value for average carbonation level in beer in g/L.

Data: Atm pressure = 101.3kPa
Henrys constant for CO2 in beer at 5 deg C = 15.75 atm litre mol-1
Acc due to gravity = 9.81 ms-1
Beer density at 5 deg = 1010 kg m-3
Mol mass of CO2 = 44 g mol-1
Relevant Equations
Absolute pressure = Gauge press + Atm press + Hydrostatic press
Abs Pressure:
Gauge press: 1 bar G = 100,000 Pa = 0.987 atm
0.1 bar G = 0.0987 atm

Atm press = 101.3 kPa = 1 atm

Hydrostatic press: average CO2 occurs 2.5m up the vessel
(9.81 ms-2)(1010kgm-3)(5/2) = 24,770.25 Pa
1 Pa = 9.869x10^-6 atm
24,770.25 Pa = 0.2445 atm

Abs press= 0.0987 atm + 1 atm + 0.2445 = 1.3432 atm

Henrys Law: P = KhC
1.3432 atm = 15.75 atm litre mol-1 C
C = 0.0853 mol-1 / L

44g CO2 in 1 mole
3.752g CO2 in 0.0853 mol-1 / L

Equilibrium value = 3.752 g/L

Am i correct here please?
 
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  • #2
It looks to me like your approach was correct. I haven't checked the arithmetic, however.
 
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  • #3
sci0x said:
mol-1 / L
You mean mol/L, right?
As a matter of style, there are many benefits in working entirely symbolically, only plugging in numbers at the final step.
Also, you cannot justify that many significant digits in the answer. Some values are only given to one sig fig, but then there is the complication of adding the gauge pressure to atmospheric, which makes keeping track of the precision tricky. Looks like the final answer can only be claimed ±5%.
 
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What is the equilibrium value for carbonation level in beer?

The equilibrium value for carbonation level in beer refers to the point at which the amount of carbon dioxide dissolved in the beer is in balance with the amount of carbon dioxide escaping from the beer. This results in a stable and consistent level of carbonation in the beer.

How is the equilibrium value for carbonation level determined in beer?

The equilibrium value for carbonation level in beer is determined by several factors, including temperature, pressure, and the type of beer being carbonated. These factors affect the solubility of carbon dioxide in the beer, which ultimately determines the equilibrium value.

Why is it important to maintain the equilibrium value for carbonation level in beer?

Maintaining the equilibrium value for carbonation level in beer is important because it ensures that the beer has a consistent and desirable level of carbonation. This affects the taste, mouthfeel, and overall quality of the beer.

What are the consequences of an incorrect equilibrium value for carbonation level in beer?

If the equilibrium value for carbonation level in beer is too low, the beer will be undercarbonated and may taste flat and dull. On the other hand, if the equilibrium value is too high, the beer will be overcarbonated and may have a harsh and unpleasant carbonation bite.

How can the equilibrium value for carbonation level in beer be adjusted?

The equilibrium value for carbonation level in beer can be adjusted by changing the temperature and pressure during the carbonation process. It can also be adjusted by changing the type and amount of carbon dioxide used in the carbonation process.

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