Importance

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Abstract

Method and apparatus is described for removing oxygen from a can and frothy head inducing capsule of a lightweight two piece can beverage pack storing alcoholic beverage under gaseous pressure. The method involves evacuating the can and the capsule combination and purging with an inert gas such as Nitrogen and retaining the purged condition of the capsule and of the can by filling the can with water. Just before the can is to be filled the can is inverted to pour the water away and is washed in a conventional manner and re-inverted ready for filling. The method may be automated by marshalling cans on a conveyor and purging a large number of cans simultaneously in a batch first of all to the evacuation, then the purging step and then the water filling step. Two batch purging units may be provided and operated out of synchronism to provide a continuous supply of purged cans partly filled with water ready for feeding to the can washing and filling facility. Alternative apparatus involves injecting Nitrogen gas in liquid or gaseous from into the capsule before or after it is inserted into the can and plugging the hole made by the falling device so as to retain the gas charge within the capsule.

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First Claim