CONTAINER FOR DETERMINING THE QUANTITY OF CO2 ABSORBED AND/OR EXPELLED BY A SAMPLE OF MATTER OVER TIME

Abstract

A container for determining the quantity of CO.sub.2 absorbed and/or expelled by a sample of matter over time, including: a bottom compartment designed to receive a sample of matter, a top compartment receiving element for trapping CO.sub.2, positioned in line with and communicating with the bottom compartment, and having an exhaust opening enabling gas to escape from the top compartment after it passes through the receiving element for trapping CO.sub.2, a separation element, disposed between the bottom compartment and the top compartment, configured to enable gas to pass from the bottom compartment to the top compartment.

Claims

1-17. (canceled)

18. An appliance for determining the quantity of CO.sub.2 absorbed by a sample of organic matter containing yeast and/or leaven and/or leavening powder, in particular dough, over time, comprising: a pressure-measuring means, and at least one container comprising: a bottom compartment designed to receive a sample of matter, a top compartment receiving means for trapping CO.sub.2, positioned in line with and communicating with the bottom compartment, and having an exhaust opening enabling gas to escape from the top compartment after it passes through said means for trapping CO.sub.2, a separation means, disposed between the bottom compartment and the top compartment, configured to enable gas to pass from the bottom compartment to the top compartment, wherein the pressure-measuring means is connected to the exhaust opening of the top compartment of the container so as to be able to determine the change over time in the pressure in the bottom compartment receiving the sample of matter after the gases coming from the bottom compartment pass into the top compartment of the container.

19. The appliance according to claim 18, wherein the bottom compartment is at least partially, preferably entirely, made from a transparent material, for example glass or thermoplastic material, so as to enable an observer to view the content of the bottom compartment.

20. The appliance according to claim 18, wherein the bottom compartment, the top compartment and the separation means form a self-supporting assembly.

21. The appliance according to claim 18, wherein the separation means includes a sieve in which a plurality of openings are provided, configured so as to enable gas to pass from the bottom compartment to the top compartment.

22. The appliance according to claim 18, wherein the means for trapping CO.sub.2 include granules of soda lime.

23. The appliance according to claim 22, wherein: the separation means includes a sieve in which a plurality of openings are provided, configured so as to enable gas to pass from the bottom compartment to the top compartment, and the granules of soda lime are disposed directly on the sieve, the openings in the sieve being configured so as to prevent the granules of soda lime passing from the top compartment to the bottom compartment.

24. The appliance according to claim 18, wherein the container includes a top opening and the top compartment includes a bottom opening, the top opening of the container being aligned with the bottom opening of the top compartment, and wherein the separation means is also aligned with the top opening of the container and with the bottom opening of the top compartment.

25. The appliance according to claim 24, wherein the top compartment is positioned entirely in the container, a plug, in particular removable, being positioned in the top opening of the container, so as to make said container airtight.

26. The appliance according to claim 25, wherein the plug includes a through piercing positioned in line with the exhaust opening of the top compartment, so as to enable the gas from the top compartment to escape therefrom via said exhaust opening.

27. The appliance according to claim 24, wherein the separation means is disposed at the bottom opening of the top compartment.

28. The appliance according to claim 18, wherein the bottom compartment and the top compartment are secured removably.

29. The appliance according to claim 18, wherein the container includes a substantially cylindrically shaped peripheral wall, and the top compartment also includes a substantially cylindrically shaped peripheral wall, with its axis coincident with the axis of the peripheral wall of the container.

30. The appliance according to claim 18, furthermore comprising a connection means, in particular removable, configured to allow connection of the top compartment to a conduit, and in particular a flexible conduit, said connection means being positioned at the exhaust opening of the top compartment, extending through said exhaust opening.

31. The appliance according to claim 30, wherein: the plug includes a through piercing positioned in line with the exhaust opening of the top compartment, so as to enable the gas from the top compartment to escape therefrom via said exhaust opening, and the connection means is held in position with respect to the top compartment by said exhaust opening of the top compartment, said connection means extending through the through piercing of the plug and being held in position with respect to the plug by said through piercing.

32. The appliance according to claim 18, wherein the top compartment includes a top wall, the exhaust opening being provided in said top wall.

33. A method for determining over time the quantity of CO.sub.2 absorbed by a sample of organic matter containing yeast and/or leaven and/or leavening powder, in particular dough, during a fermentation reaction generating CO.sub.2, comprising: /a/providing an appliance according to claim 18 comprising the means for trapping the CO.sub.2 received in the top compartment of the container; /b/placing the sample of matter in the bottom compartment of the container, /c/measuring the change in the pressure over time in the bottom compartment receiving the sample of matter, after the gases coming from the bottom compartment pass into the top compartment of the container, the CO.sub.2 expelled by the sample eliminated by the means for trapping the CO.sub.2.

34. A method for determining over time the quantity of CO.sub.2 expelled by a sample of organic matter containing yeast and/or leaven and/or leavening powder, in particular dough, in the course of a fermentation reaction generating CO.sub.2, comprising simultaneously a first measurement and a second measurement on a first fraction of sample and a second fraction of sample, with the same volume, and wherein said first measurement is configured to measure the change in pressure due solely to the quantity of gas absorbed, and the second measurement is configured to measure the change in pressure due to the quantity of gas absorbed and to the quantity of gas expelled, and wherein the first measurement comprises: /a1/providing a first appliance according to claim 18 comprising the means for trapping the CO.sub.2 received in the top compartment of the container; /b1/placing the first fraction of sample of matter in the bottom compartment of the container, /c1/measuring the change in the pressure over time in the bottom compartment receiving the sample of matter, after the gases coming from the bottom compartment pass into the top compartment of the container, the CO.sub.2 expelled by the sample eliminated by the means for trapping the CO.sub.2, and wherein the second measurement comprises: /a2/providing a second appliance according to claim 18 with no means for trapping the CO.sub.2 received in the top compartment of the container, /b2/placing the first fraction of sample of matter in the bottom compartment of the container, /c2/measuring the change in the pressure over time in the bottom compartment receiving the second fraction of the sample of matter, after the gases coming from the bottom compartment pass into the top compartment of the container, with no means for trapping the CO.sub.2, and wherein the quantity of CO.sub.2 expelled by the sample is obtained from the difference between the second measurement and the first measurement.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] Other features, details and advantages of the invention will appear upon reading the detailed description hereinafter, and analysing the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0060] FIG. 1A shows a graph showing the change over time in the speed of release of CO.sub.2 by a sample of dough established with an appliance of the prior art.

[0061] FIG. 1B shows a graph showing the change over time in the speed of release of CO.sub.2 by a sample of water+yeast+sugar established with an appliance of the prior art.

[0062] FIG. 2A shows a graph showing the change over time in the speed of release of CO.sub.2 by a sample of dough established with an appliance according to the invention.

[0063] FIG. 2B shows a graph showing the change over time in the speed of release of CO.sub.2 by a sample of water+yeast+sugar established with an appliance according to the invention.

[0064] FIG. 2C shows a graph showing the change over time in the total quantity of CO.sub.2 released by a sample of water+yeast+sugar established with an appliance according to the invention.

[0065] FIG. 2D shows a graph showing the change over time in the total quantity of CO.sub.2 released by a sample of dough with or without an ingredient A.

[0066] FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of a container according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0067] FIG. 4 shows a schematic view of a container according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0068] FIG. 5 shows a schematic view of a container according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0069] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the top compartment of a container according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0070] FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of the bottom part of the top compartment of a container according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0071] FIG. 7B shows a perspective view of the sieve of a container according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0072] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the connection means of a container according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0073] FIG. 9A shows a perspective view of the top compartment of a container according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0074] FIG. 9B shows a perspective view of the top compartment of a container according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0075] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an appliance according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0076] The drawings and the description hereinafter contain, essentially, elements of a definite nature. Therefore they may not only serve to gain a better understanding of the present disclosure, but also contribute to the definition thereof, where applicable.

[0077] In the whole of the present application, top/bottom and lateral, with regard to the position of certain elements of the container, mean in the normal position of use of the container according to the invention, with the top compartment positioned above the bottom compartment in a substantially vertical direction in space.

[0078] The invention relates to a container 1 for determining the quantity of CO.sub.2 absorbed and/or expelled by a sample of matter M comprising: [0079] a bottom compartment 2 designed to receive a sample of matter M, and in particular organic matter containing a leavening agent, such as for example yeast and/or leaven and/or leavening powder, in particular dough (i.e. a mixture of flour, water, salt, yeast, etc), [0080] a top compartment 3 receiving means C for trapping CO.sub.2, positioned in line with and communicating with the bottom compartment 2, and having an exhaust opening 31 enabling gas to escape from the top compartment 3 after it passes through said means C for trapping CO.sub.2, [0081] a separation means 4, disposed between the bottom compartment 2 and the top compartment 3, configured to enable gas to pass from the bottom compartment 2 to the top compartment 3.

[0082] Such a container 1 advantageously makes it possible to position the means C for trapping CO.sub.2 as close as possible to the sample of matter M. Thus all the CO.sub.2 expelled by the sample of matter M over time is trapped by the means C for trapping CO.sub.2.

[0083] Because of this, by making for example a pressure measurement at the outlet of the top compartment 3, downstream of the exhaust opening 31, the measured pressure therefore reflects only the capacity for retention/expulsion of CO.sub.2 by the sample of matter M, and variation thereof advantageously reflects the kinetics of retention/expulsion of CO.sub.2 by the sample of matter M, and as can be seen more clearly on the curves of the graphs in FIGS. 2A (on dough), 2B and 2C (on liquid water+yeast+sugar system).

[0084] Moreover, and in accordance with the findings of the inventor, if a sample of a reference system containing yeast but incapable of retaining CO.sub.2, as described above, is placed in the bottom compartment 2 of the container 1, such as for example a beaker containing water, sugar and yeast, the curve representing the retention of CO.sub.2 by said reference system, obtained by the pressure measurements via the exhaust opening 31 of the top compartment 3 of the container 1, stagnates around a substantially zero value, as can be seen on the curves of the graphs in FIGS. 2B and 2C, which is in accordance with what occurs in said bottom compartment 2, since water does not retain CO.sub.2, and contrary to the measurements made with an appliance and a container of the prior art, as explained above, and as can be seen on the curves of the graph in FIG. 1B.

[0085] Thus all the CO.sub.2 expelled by a sample of matter M, and in particular dough, disposed in the bottom compartment 2, is therefore trapped by the means C for trapping CO.sub.2, disposed in the top compartment 3.

[0086] The container 1 according to the invention therefore proves to be particularly advantageous for determining the change over time in the quantity of CO.sub.2 retained/expelled by a sample of matter M, and in particular organic matter containing a leavening agent, such as for example yeast and/or leaven and/or leavening powder, in particular dough, reliably, and as can be seen for example on the curves of the graphs in FIGS. 2A to 2C.

[0087] Thus it becomes possible to particularly reliably determine the influence of various parameters on the change over time in the quantity of CO.sub.2 retained/expelled by a sample of matter M, and in particular organic matter containing a leavening agent, such as for example yeast and/or leaven and/or leavening powder, in particular dough. In particular, as can be seen on the graph in FIG. 2D, the inventors were able to determine, by means of the container 1 according to the invention, that adding an ingredient A in a dough composition had no influence on the total production of CO.sub.2 by the dough (the two curves in solid lines are substantially superimposed), but had an influence on the quantity of CO.sub.2 retained/expelled by said dough over time (the sample of dough containing ingredient A retains more CO.sub.2 over time than a sample of dough that has none, as shown by the two curves in broken lines). This would not have been possible with the techniques and appliances of the prior art.

[0088] In addition, such a container 1 has a particularly simple design that enables it to have a reduced cost.

[0089] The bottom compartment 2 can advantageously be produced, at least partially, preferably entirely, from a transparent material, for example glass or thermoplastic material, so as to enable an observer to view the content of the bottom compartment 2.

[0090] The top compartment 3 can advantageously be produced, at least partially, preferably entirely, from a rigid material, such as for example a plastics material or a metal material, and in particular aluminium.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the bottom compartment 2, the top compartment 3 and the separation means 4 form a self-supporting assembly.

[0092] This advantageous arrangement facilitates the handling, use and manufacture of the container 1 according to the invention.

[0093] According to one embodiment, and as can be seen more particularly on FIGS. 7B and 9B, the separation means 4 includes a sieve 41 in which a plurality of openings 42 are provided, configured so as to enable gas to pass from the bottom compartment 3 to the top compartment 2.

[0094] The separation means 4 thus has a simple design and reduced cost.

[0095] The sieve 41 can for example be produced from metal, and in particular from stainless steel.

[0096] Advantageously, the openings 42 can have a width of between 150 ?m and 350 ?m, preferably between 200 ?m and 300 ?m.

[0097] In order to facilitate access to said means C for trapping CO.sub.2, as well as optionally to said separation means 4, the top compartment 3 can advantageously be produced in two removable parts: a top part 3S and a bottom part 31. A thread can advantageously be provided on the periphery of the top part 3S and on the periphery of the bottom part 31, so as to be able to assemble/disassemble the bottom part 31 and the top part 3S of the top compartment 3 by screwing/unscrewing.

[0098] According to one embodiment, and as can be seen more particularly on FIGS. 3 to 5, the means C for trapping CO.sub.2 include granules C of soda lime.

[0099] The granules of soda lime are well known elements that make it possible to trap CO.sub.2. The main components of soda lime are generally calcium hydroxide: Ca(OH).sub.2 and sodium hydroxide: NaOH.

[0100] The granules of soda lime are particularly effective for trapping CO.sub.2, in that they react therewith so as to form water, in accordance with the following chemical reactions:

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[0101] The use of granules of soda lime as means C for trapping CO.sub.2 also has the advantage that, as soon as they are no longer able to react with the CO.sub.2 to trap it, it simply suffices to replace them with new granules of soda lime for the container 1 according to the invention to become operational again.

[0102] The quantity of granules of soda lime C is adjusted according to the quantity of CO.sub.2 to be trapped and the volume available in the top compartment 3 of the container 1.

[0103] According to one embodiment, and as can be seen more particularly on FIGS. 3 to 5, the granules C of soda lime are disposed directly on the sieve 41, the openings 42 in the sieve 41 being configured so as to prevent the granules C of soda lime passing from the top compartment 3 to the bottom compartment 2.

[0104] This advantageously makes it possible to simplify the design of the container 1 according to the invention, in that it is not necessary to provide an additional means for ensuring the holding of the granules C of soda lime in the top compartment 3.

[0105] According to one embodiment, and as can be seen more particularly on FIGS. 3 to 5, 7A and 9B, the container includes a top opening 21 and the top compartment 3 includes a bottom opening 32.

[0106] The top opening 21 of the container can advantageously be aligned with the bottom opening 32 of the top compartment 3.

[0107] Advantageously, the separation means 4, and in particular the sieve 41, can also be aligned with the top opening 21 of the container 1 and with the bottom opening 32 of the top compartment 3.

[0108] Thus the container 1 can have a reduced footprint and ensure optimum passage of the CO.sub.2 from the bottom compartment 2 to the top compartment 3 through the separation means 4.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the top compartment 3 is positioned entirely in the container 1. Advantageously, and as can be seen more particularly on FIG. 5, a plug 5, in particular removable, can be positioned in the top opening 21 of the container, so as to make said bottom compartment 2 airtight.

[0110] By virtue of this advantageous arrangement of the invention, the airtightness of the container is ensured, so that all the CO.sub.2 expelled by the sample of matter M over time necessarily passes through the top compartment 3, and therefore through the means C for trapping CO.sub.2.

[0111] Alternatively, and without departing from the scope of the present invention, the airtightness of the bottom compartment 2 could be provided by the top compartment 3. In particular, the top compartment 3 can be configured so as to close off the top opening of the bottom compartment 2 when at least partly received therein. Equally, a sealing means secured to the top compartment 3 can be provided, and in particular a gasket positioned on the periphery of the peripheral wall 35 of the top compartment 3.

[0112] Advantageously, the plug 5 can be produced from elastomer material.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the plug 5 includes a through piercing 51 positioned in line with the exhaust opening 31 of the top compartment 3, so as to enable the gas from the top compartment 3 to escape therefrom via said exhaust opening 31.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the separation means 4, and in particular the sieve 41, is disposed at the bottom opening 32 of the top compartment 3.

[0115] This advantageously makes it possible to position the means C for trapping CO.sub.2 as close as possible to the bottom compartment 2, and therefore to the sample of matter M.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the separation means 4, and in particular the sieve 41, is designed to be secured, and in particular removably, to the top compartment 3, optionally by means of securing means.

[0117] In particular, when said separation means 4, and in particular the sieve 41, is secured removably to the top compartment 3, this facilitates removal thereof, for example for carrying out maintenance thereof.

[0118] According to one embodiment, and as can be seen more particularly on FIGS. 4 and 9B, the top compartment 3 includes a bottom wall 33 wherein the bottom opening 32 is provided.

[0119] Advantageously, the sieve 41 can have a width W41 greater than the width W32 of the bottom opening 32, so as to rest in abutment on the bottom wall 33 of the top compartment 3.

[0120] Thus the sieve 41 can advantageously be held in position in the top compartment 3 while being sandwiched between said bottom wall 33 and the granules C of soda lime.

[0121] Equally, in order to reinforce the holding in position of the sieve 41 in the top compartment, a removable elastic ring can also be provided, with a width substantially equal to the width W41 of the sieve 41, designed to bear on the sieve 41 while remaining immobile with respect to the bottom wall 33 of the top compartment 3, so as to keep it in abutment against the bottom wall 33 of the top compartment 3 with the sieve 41 interposed between the elastic ring and the bottom wall 33.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the top compartment 3 includes a removable cover 34, designed to allow access to the interior of the top compartment 3 when removed.

[0123] Said cover 34 can in particular form the top part 31 of the top compartment 3, as described above.

[0124] The removable cover 34 thus facilitates access to the interior of the top compartment 3, and in particular to the means C for trapping CO.sub.2, in particular for carrying out maintenance thereof, for example to change the granules C of soda lime.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the bottom compartment 2 and the top compartment 3 are designed to be secured removably.

[0126] This advantageous arrangement of the invention facilitates maintenance of the container 1 according to the invention, and facilitates access to the interior of the bottom compartment 2, and in particular to be able to position therein or remove the sample of material M. This simplifies the design of the container 1 according to the invention in that it is not necessary to provide an additional access opening to the interior of the bottom compartment 2.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the container 1 includes a substantially cylindrically shaped peripheral wall 22, and the top compartment 3 also includes a substantially cylindrically shaped peripheral wall 35, with its axis coincident with the axis of the peripheral wall 22 of the bottom compartment 2.

[0128] The plug 5 can advantageously have substantially a frustoconical shape, so as to provide the airtightness of the container by following the shape of the peripheral wall 22 of the container.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the container 1 furthermore comprises a connection means 6, in particular removable, configured to allow a connection of the top compartment 3 to a conduit, and in particular a flexible conduit, said connection means 6 being positioned at the exhaust opening 31 of the top compartment 3, extending through said exhaust opening 31.

[0130] As can be seen on FIGS. 4, 5, 8 and 9A, the connection means 6 can for example have a substantially frustoconical shape, so as to facilitate the connection and holding of a conduit, and in particular a flexible conduit. One or more annular ribs can be provided on the periphery of the connection means 6, so as to facilitate the holding in position of a conduit, and in particular a flexible conduit, thereon.

[0131] The connection means 6 can thus have a through piercing 61 extending between a bottom longitudinal end 62 and a top longitudinal end 63. The bottom longitudinal end 62 can advantageously be positioned inside the top compartment 3, while the top longitudinal end 63 can be positioned outside the top compartment 3.

[0132] A filtration means 7, such as for example a porous film, in particular made from nylon, can be secured at the bottom longitudinal end 62, so as to filter the gases passing through said through piercing 61 and thus prevent dust passing through said through piercing 61, which would risk for example damaging a pressure measuring means, positioned downstream.

[0133] Such a connection means 6 has a simple design and reduced cost. It can in particular be a case of a standard commercially available connection means.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the connection means 6 is held in position with respect to the top compartment 3 by said exhaust opening 31 of the top compartment 3, said connection means 6 extending through the through piercing 51 of the plug 5, in particular with its through piercing 61 in line with the through piercing 51 of the plug 5, and being held in position with respect to the plug 5 by said through piercing 51.

[0135] By virtue of this advantageous arrangement of the invention, the connection 6 can also fulfil a function of holding in position the top compartment 3 with respect to the bottom compartment 2, by providing a transmission of force between the top compartment 3 and the plug 5, which is held in position with respect to the bottom compartment 2.

[0136] Alternatively, or in addition, in order to ensure the holding in position of the top compartment 3 with respect to the container, the diameter D35 of the peripheral wall 35 of the top compartment 3 can be substantially equal to the diameter D22 of the peripheral wall 22 of the container, to within any fitting clearance, and so that the peripheral wall 22 is, at least partially, rubbing against the peripheral wall 35 of the top compartment 3.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the top compartment 3 includes a top wall 36, the exhaust opening 31 being provided in said top wall 36.

[0138] Advantageously, the top wall 36 can be formed in the top part 3S of the top compartment 3 and/or in the cover 34.

[0139] The invention also relates, as can be seen on FIG. 10, to an appliance 10 for determining over time in the quantity of CO.sub.2 absorbed and/or expelled by a sample of matter M, and in particular organic matter containing a leavening agent, such as for example yeast and/or leaven and/or leavening powder, in particular dough, comprising: [0140] a means 11 for measuring the pressure, [0141] at least one container 1 according to one of the embodiments of the invention described above.

[0142] Advantageously, the pressure-measuring means 11 can be designed to be connected to the exhaust opening 31 of the top compartment 3 of the container 1 so as to be able to determine the change over time in the pressure in the bottom compartment 2 receiving the sample of matter M, after the gases coming from the bottom compartment 2 pass into the top compartment 3 of the container 1.

[0143] Such an appliance 10 advantageously makes it possible to know simply and reliably the change in the pressure in the bottom compartment 2 of the container 1 due to the capacity for expulsion/retention of CO.sub.2 by said sample of matter M, and in particular in order to know the change over time in the quantity of CO.sub.2 retained and/or expelled over time by a sample of matter M, and in particular organic matter containing a leavening agent, such as for example yeast and/or leaven and/or leavening powder, in particular dough.

[0144] Advantageously, the appliance can be produced using a commercially available appliance, such as for example the appliance marketed under the name Risograph? described above, with only a few adaptations.

[0145] The appliance 10 can advantageously include a plurality of containers 1 according to the invention, so as to make simultaneous pressure measurements of various containers 1, and so as to simultaneously determine the change in the pressure over time in the bottom compartment 2 of these containers 1, and in particular in order to know the change over time in the quantity of CO.sub.2 retained and/or expelled over time by a plurality of samples of matter M.

[0146] The pressure measuring means 11 can in particular be connected to the exhaust opening 31 of the top compartment 3 of the container 1, in particular via the plug 5 and/or the connection means 6, by means of a conduit P, and advantageously a flexible conduit.

[0147] The pressure measuring means 11 may for example be a pressure sensor connected to a control unit.

[0148] All the arrangements described previously relate to an appliance for determining over time the quantity of CO.sub.2 absorbed and/or expelled by a sample of matter M applied to the appliance 10 according to the invention.

[0149] The invention also relates to a method for determining over time the quantity of CO.sub.2 absorbed by a sample of matter M (namely retained by the sample), and in particular organic matter containing a leavening agent, such as for example yeast and/or leaven and/or leavening powder, in particular dough, comprising: [0150] /a/provision of a container according to one of the embodiments of the invention described above; [0151] /b/placing the sample of matter M in the bottom compartment 2 of the container 1, [0152] /c/measuring the change in the pressure over time in the bottom compartment 2 receiving the sample of matter M, after the gases coming from the bottom compartment 2 pass into the top compartment 3 of the container 1.

[0153] Advantageously, the method according to the invention can be implemented in the appliance 10 according to an embodiment of the invention, as described above.

[0154] When such a method is implemented, the pressure variation is due to the fermentation generating CO.sub.2 that is retained by the sample (namely the absorbed CO.sub.2), and not to the CO.sub.2 expelled by the sample since the CO.sub.2 expelled is eliminated by the means for trapping the CO.sub.2.

[0155] Since the fermentation reaction generates only CO.sub.2 gas, it is possible to determine by calculation a quantity of CO.sub.2 absorbed (retained by the sample) through knowledge of the internal volume of the container, or even to which there is added the internal volume of the flexible conduit connecting the exhaust opening to the pressure-measuring means.

[0156] Such a method advantageously makes it possible to know simply and reliably the change in the pressure in the bottom compartment 3 of the container 1 caused by the retention of CO.sub.2 by the sample of matter M, and in particular in order to know the change over time in the quantity of CO.sub.2 retained over time by a sample of matter M, and in particular organic matter containing a leavening agent, such as for example yeast and/or leaven and/or leavening powder, in particular dough, during the fermentation reaction.

[0157] The present description also relates to a method for determining over time the quantity of CO.sub.2 expelled by a sample of organic matter containing yeast and/or leaven and/or leavening powder, in particular dough, during a fermentation reaction generating CO.sub.2.

[0158] Such a method simultaneously comprises a first measurement on a first fraction of sample and a second measurement and a second fraction of sample. The first fraction and the second fraction have the same volume and are typically obtained on a sample, in particular a freshly prepared dough.

[0159] The first measurement is configured to measure the change in pressure due solely to the quantity of gas absorbed and therefore makes possible to determine the quantity of CO.sub.2 absorbed (or retained), as previously explained, whereas the second measurement is configured to measure the change in pressure due not only to the quantity of gas absorbed but also to the quantity of gas expelled and therefore makes it possible to determine the total quantity of CO.sub.2 generated by the fermentation (absorbed and expelled).

[0160] The quantity of CO.sub.2 expelled is determined by difference between the second measurement and the first measurement.

[0161] In particular, the first measurement comprises: [0162] /a1/providing a first appliance according to the present description comprising the means C for trapping the CO.sub.2 received in the top compartment of the container; [0163] /b1/placing the first fraction of sample of matter in the bottom compartment 2 of the container 1, [0164] /c1/measuring the change in the pressure over time in the bottom compartment 2 receiving the sample of matter M, after the gases coming from the bottom compartment 2 pass into the top compartment 3 of the container 1, the CO.sub.2 expelled by the sample eliminated by the means for trapping the CO.sub.2.

[0165] The second measurement, made simultaneously with the first measurement, comprises: [0166] /a2/providing a second appliance according to the present description, but without means C for trapping the comprising the means C for trapping the CO.sub.2 received in the top compartment 3 of the container 1; [0167] /b2/placing the second fraction of sample of matter M in the bottom compartment 2 of the container 1, [0168] /c2/measuring the change in the pressure over time in the bottom compartment 2 receiving the second sample of matter M, after the gases coming from the bottom compartment 2 pass into the top compartment 3 of the container 1, without means for trapping the CO.sub.2.

[0169] Such a method advantageously makes it possible to know the change over time in the quantity of CO.sub.2 expelled over time by a sample of matter M, and in particular organic matter containing a leavening agent, such as for example yeast and/or leaven and/or leavening powder, in particular dough, during the fermentation reaction.

[0170] As can be seen on the curves on the graphs in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the method according to the invention makes it possible for example to know the change over time in the rate of expulsion/retention of CO.sub.2 by a sample of matter M, and in particular a dough. The sawtooth curve in FIG. 2A shows in fact the change in the rate of expulsion of CO.sub.2 of a sample of dough.

[0171] Equally, as explained above, the method according to the invention also makes it possible to particularly reliably determine the influence of various parameters on the change over time in the quantity of CO.sub.2 retained/expelled by a sample of matter M, and in particular organic matter containing a leavening agent, such as for example yeast and/or leaven and/or leavening powder, in particular dough. In particular, as explained above and as can be seen on the graph in FIG. 2D, the inventors were able to determine that adding an ingredient A in a dough composition had no influence on the total production of CO.sub.2 by the dough, but had an influence on the quantity of CO.sub.2 retained/expelled by said dough overtime, which would not have been possible with the methods of the prior art.

[0172] All the provisions described previously related to determining over time the quantity of CO.sub.2 absorbed and/or expelled by a sample of matter M received in the bottom compartment 2 of a container 1 according to one of the embodiments of the invention described above apply to the method according to the invention.

[0173] Naturally, other embodiments would have been able to be envisaged by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the following claims.