Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to a sealing system for an engine having an axial centerline, comprising: a stationary carbon segment, and a seal plate that rotates when the engine is operated, where the seal plate includes an end face that is opposed to an interface between the carbon segment and the seal plate, and where the end face includes at least one groove that conveys a liquid cooling fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) for conching edible mass, in particular cocoa containing mass, such as chocolate, cocoa liquor or compound, comprising a shear device, in particular a so-called taste-changer (14), in turn comprising a housing (16), a shaft (17) rotatably mounted in the housing (16), means (19, 20) for subjecting the edible mass to high shear stresses, means (21, 22) for spreading the edible mass after it has been subjected to high shear, and an inlet (24, 25) for supplying a gas to the spread edible mass. The system further comprises a thin film evaporator (15) to treat the edible mass exiting the shear device (14).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for modifying the density of a flowable material in need thereof comprising applying highly propagating ultrasonic energy at frequency of between about 16 kHz to about 40 kHz to the material wherein the highly propagating ultrasonic energy is uniformly distributed throughout the material thereby modifying the density of the material.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a glutinous millet nutrition milk taking glutinous millet as raw material, and preparation process thereof, and particularly relates to a glutinous millet nutrition milk or compound glutinous millet nutrition milk taking the rust-proofing and glutinous foxtail millet variety of “Ji Chuang 1” glutinous millet as raw material and preparation process thereof. The glutinous millet nutrition milk or compound glutinous millet nutrition milk prepared by the method has the characteristics that the emulsion is stable, it will neither become aged nor coagulate or precipitate after long-term storage, and it does not need to add any anticoagulant stabilizer, which is more environmental friendly and healthy; its products utilize the rich nutrition of the millet, digests and absorbs easily, and tastes delicately.

Abstract: A system for making a personalized malt-based beverage may comprise at least one packaged base liquid and at least one separately packaged flavor ingredient. The at least one packaged base liquid may comprise at least about 0.1% wt ethyl alcohol, at least about 3% wt malt extract solids, and a carbon dioxide level between about zero grams per liter and about 1.5 grams per liter. The separately packaged flavor ingredient may comprise a dry ingredient.

Abstract: A method of decarbonating fermented liquids in-line may comprise directing a carbonated malt-based liquid through a nozzle, and directing the carbonated malt-based liquid from the nozzle into a space maintained at a partial vacuum pressure. The method may further comprise maintaining the carbonated malt-based beverage in the space until substantially all of the carbon dioxide dissolved within the carbonated malt-based beverage has been removed to provide a non-carbonated liquid, and removing the non-carbonated liquid from the space at substantially the same rate that the carbonated malt-based liquid is directed into the space.

Abstract: A wine degassing apparatus 20 is mounted to the neck opening of a wine bottle and includes a gas separator rod 22 formed of cordierite or other suitable inert material with an exterior shape that causes nucleation of carbon dioxide from the wine. The gas separator rod is supported by a rod holder 23 having a mounting socket 35 at the upper end of the rod, and the mounting socket is inserted into the pump adapter plug 24 with air passages 40 formed between the mounting socket 35 and the plug so that the vacuum pump can pull gas from the bottle neck 18 up through the mounting socket 35 and pump adapter plug 24.

Abstract: A plant (1) for de-aerating and heating a vegetable product (100) comprises an extraction section (80) in which a vegetable starting product (5) is treated, in order to obtain an extracted vegetable product (100), in particular a puree, or a vegetable juice. The extracted vegetable product (100) is fed to a cold de-aeration section (10) obtaining an extracted vegetable product and de-aerated cold (105). The plant (1) also comprises a heating section (20) in which the de-aerated vegetable product (105) is heated from the starting temperature T1 to a final temperature T2, with T2>T1, obtaining a heated de-aerated product (110). The plant (1) also comprises a storage reservoir (30) of the de-aerated vegetable product. According to the invention, the storage reservoir (30) is located downstream of the heating section (20), proceeding along the conveying direction of the de-aerated vegetable product through the plant (1).

Abstract: A method of decarbonating fermented liquids in-line may comprise directing a carbonated malt-based liquid through a nozzle, and directing the carbonated malt-based liquid from the nozzle into a space maintained at a partial vacuum pressure. The method may further comprise maintaining the carbonated malt-based beverage in the space until substantially all of the carbon dioxide dissolved within the carbonated malt-based beverage has been removed to provide a non-carbonated liquid, and removing the non-carbonated liquid from the space at substantially the same rate that the carbonated malt-based liquid is directed into the space.

Abstract: Processes for converting by-products of citrus, such as peels and juice from juice sacs attached to the peel after hand or mechanical peeling into high quality dietary fiber, naringin, juice, and oil. The processes involve pressing peels to release juice from vesicles and then grinding peels in water to create a slurry. Peel color and oil is removed by a flotation technique. Decolorized citrus peel particles—or pulp—are debittered with water in steps of boiling and washing. Dietary fiber obtained after debittering is dried and packaged for commercial use. The process promotes environmental responsibility by reducing standard citrus waste—a high BOD waste product, by overcoming discharging problems with industrial waste, by converting an environmentally undesirable product—peels, juice, and oils—into a value-added ingredient, by drastically reducing discharge and penalty cost of waste, and by eliminating the use of solvents that generate pollution.

Abstract: A beverage production device comprises a beverage production chamber designed to have a liquid interact with a beverage ingredient contained in a capsule, a liquid supply member for supplying liquid to the beverage production chamber, a heating member provided in the liquid supply member for heating the liquid, and an air separating compartment provided in the liquid supply member after the heating member for separating any air or other gas contained in the liquid. The air separating compartment comprises an inlet for introducing liquid into the air separating compartment, a member for breaking the kinetic energy of the liquid introduced through the inlet, a liquid outlet for evacuating liquid from the air separating compartment, and an air outlet for evacuating air from the air separating compartment.

Abstract: Provided are methods and apparatuses for the monitored and controlled removal of dissolved gasses and other vitriolic compounds from fermented liquid using evacuation, which can be mechanically enhanced, without fading or negatively impacting flavor, bouquet, complexity, balance or finish of the fermented liquid.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a processed tomato product having more tomato aroma inherent to grown tomatoes. Tomato fruits are washed and crushed. Juice is extracted from the crushed material, the extracted juice is deaerated and the deaerated material is heated. The crushed material and the extracted juice from immediately after the crushing until immediately before the deaerating are maintained at temperature of 15-40° C. The dissolved oxygen concentration of the crushed tomatoes and/or the extracted juice from immediately after the crushing until immediately before the deaerating is raised at least temporarily to 6 mg/L or over, and the dissolved oxygen concentration of the deaerated juice immediately before the heating is reduced to 3.5 mg/L or below.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a nutritious, tasty and affordable drink made from the sap of Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed which is readily cultivable. The drink resembles coconut water in appearance and taste and is rich in potassium. It also contains an adequate proportion of the daily requirement of iodine besides many other useful minerals such as magnesium, calcium, sodium, zinc, phosphorous and iron while having low concentrations of toxic elements such as lead and chromium. The process of refining sap, which enables the seaweed drink to be palatable and widely acceptable, besides bestowing adequate shelf life, is also described. The process of preparation is integrated with preparation of carrageenan and plant nutrient thereby making optimum use of the seaweed and minimizing waste.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a processed tomato product having more tomato aroma inherent to grown tomatoes. Tomato fruits are washed and crushed. Juice is extracted from the crushed material, the extracted juice is deaerated and the deaerated material is heated. The crushed material and the extracted juice from immediately after the crushing until immediately before the deaerating are maintained at temperature of 15-40° C. The dissolved oxygen concentration of the crushed tomatoes and/or the extracted juice from immediately after the crushing until immediately before the deaerating is raised at least temporarily to 6 mg/L or over, and the dissolved oxygen concentration of the deaerated juice immediately before the heating is reduced to 3.5 mg/L or below.

Abstract: A means of preventing TCA taint from contaminating liquid foods and beverages is provided by incorporating molecular sieves into the manufacturing process and/or packaging materials in order to selectively adsorb the taint molecules while preserving the food's or beverage's flavor and aroma profiles. Also provided are methods and devices for remediating TCA taint present in the consumer's liquid foods and beverages.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a milk processing system receives a mixture including milk and one or more gas additives. The system sonicates the mixture according to sonication settings selected to reduce the amount of gas in the milk. The sonication settings include a frequency, a power, and a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: The present invention suggests a method for treating a liquid food, which is suitable for efficiently and effectively decreasing the dissolved oxygen concentration in liquid foods having high foaming property and low defoaming property such as skim milk. The dissolved oxygen concentration of the liquid food is decreased by putting the liquid food into a decompression vessel while heating the liquid food to a temperature higher than or equal to the saturation temperature (boiling point) of the liquid food under the decompression atmosphere in the decompression vessel, or putting the liquid food into a decompression vessel while depressurizing the decompression vessel to a pressure lower than or equal to the saturation vapor pressure of the liquid food at the temperature of the liquid food.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an apparatus or process for devolatilization of flowable materials (such as molten polymers with entrained or dissolved solvent or unreacted monomers or comonomers) using a plate heater having heating channels, the design or operation of which heating channels maintains the flowable material above its bubble point pressure during passage through a larger first zone and then induces flashing in, or downstream of, a smaller second zone of the heating channel. The apparatus enables a higher throughput per heating channel while achieving equivalent or better devolatilization, as compared to current devolatilization apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a vacuum stripping process having a first stripping vessel (2); at least one second further downstream stripping vessel (3), said at least one second further downstream stripping vessel (3) containing at least two trays (12), (13), (14) and (15) each provided with sparging (16), (17), (18) and (19) respectively, and further having a collector (4) connecting said first stripping vessel (2) and said at least one second stripping vessel (3), said collector (4) being provided with inlet openings above each said tray (12), (13), (14) and (15) and said collector (4) being connected to a pump (5) with a discharge into said first stripping vessel (2).

Abstract: Vacuum deaerators and methods of using for deaeration comprise a vessel having side walls and a cover. The vacuum deaerator further comprises at least one vacuum source coupled to the vessel, and an open-ended distributor plate comprising outer edges spaced from the walls of the vessel. Additionally, the vacuum deaerator comprises a drive shaft configured to rotate the distributor plate, and at least one feed port configured to provide a liquid comprising entrained gases to a surface of the distributor plate. The distributor plate is configured to deaerate the liquid by substantially removing entrained gases from the liquid through the application of centrifugal force.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the removal of undesirable flavours and odours from potassium lactate, wherein the potassium lactate is treated with active carbon. According to this method a potassium lactate is obtained which does not have the bitter aftertaste of the potassium lactate according to the state of the art.

Abstract: An anti-foaming device (1) configured to reduce foaming of a fluid within a fluid reservoir (2, 3), the device including; a conduit (5) wherein the conduit (5) is in contact with at least a part of the exterior surface of the fluid reservoir (2, 3); a thermally conductive media wherein the media is past through the conduit (5); and, a heat transfer device; characterised in that the heat transfer device controls the temperature of the media within the conduit to hold the temperature of the fluid above or below a foaming temperature.

Abstract: A fish sauce is treated for (2) to (16) hours at a pH of (9.0) to (10.0), under a temperature of (40° C.) or lower and under a reduced pressure of (80) to (180) Torr, and the pH is then adjusted, if required, to be (4.5) to (7.0), to thereby obtain a final fish sauce which contains specific odor components having specific values or less as determined by gas chromatography, and which thus contains an acceptable level of undesirable odor components.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evacuating pockets of injected fluid in meat products involves the structure and use of a machine which has a longitudinal movable conveyor surface on the machine; a fluid injection station on the machine for injecting fluid into a meat product on the conveyor surface; a second station on the machine downstream of the fluid injection station; the second station comprising an assembly for applying compressive pressure to the injected meat and penetrating the meat with a plurality of projecting elements to create a plurality of fluid conduits in the injected meat wherein the compressive pressure will force fluid out of the injected meat through the fluid conduits when the projecting elements penetrate the pockets of fluid.

Abstract: Relatively low molecular weight components which contribute undesirable flavor, odor, appearance, functionality, and/or other characteristics to soy protein materials may be removed, in accordance with the present invention, by treating the materials with a size exclusion resin selective for removal of the low molecular weight components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for continuously deaerating a liquid. The method comprises the step that the liquid is led into a closed container (1) so that a liquid surface (7) is formed within the container (1). The space above the liquid surface (7) is under vacuum. The method further includes the step that a gas is led into the liquid at a level below the liquid surface (7). The invention also relates to an apparatus which comprises a closed container (1). The container (1) has an inlet (5) for the liquid which is to be deaerated, as well as an outlet (6) for the liquid which has been deaerated, both placed in the lower region of the container (1). The container (1) further has a connection (13) to a vacuum pump (14) placed in the upper region of the container (1), as well as an inlet (15) for a gas placed in the lower region of the container (1).

Abstract: A method and system for processing citrus peel to produce food grade products and environmentally safe liquid discharge, by cutting mixing, heating, separating, pressing and drying the citrus peel.

Abstract: A flavorless, odorless and colorless malt base is produced by preheating a malt base derived from malt grains in aqueous solution in the presence of an activated charcoal absorbent to remove proteins from the mixture before or after fermenting the mixture in the presence of a yeast to convert carbohydrates to ethyl alcohol. The yeast and activated carbon are then removed and the fermented intermediate beer is subjected to treatment in series with an anion exchange resin, a cation exchange resin and an adsorption resin to remove undesired colors, odors and/or flavors. The resulting flavorless malt base can be used to formulate flavored malt beverages.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method to extract terpenoids in aquatic environments by using a hydrophobic absorbent, thus reducing or eliminating off-flavor in water and aquaculture products which is caused by cyanobacteria-produced terpenoids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of packaging goods having a liquid element, said liquid element comprising dissolved gases, wherein the liquid element is treated prior to the goods being subjected to a vacuum packing process, such that a substantial volume of the dissolved gages do not escape from said liquid element during said vacuum packing process. Suitable methods of treatment of the liquid element include subjecting the liquid element to a gas removal process and subjecting the liquid element to a freezing process.

Abstract: An enclosed tank with a water inlet, a water outlet, an air inlet, and an air outlet. A flavor additive cartridge is attached in-line with the air inlet. It evaporates flavoring or other additives into the air inlet. Water is forced to flow turbulently through the tank. Simultaneously air is pumped through the tank via the additive cartridge. Turbulence induced in the water encourages pollutant gases dissolved in the water to transfer to the pumped air and then to exit the air outlet. It also encourages flavoring and/or homeopathic medicine in the additive cartridge to dissolve from the pumped air into the water. Water pressure is provided externally to the invention, such as by a water utility or house water pump. The water level in the tank is stabilized by controlling the air pressure in the tank, via various alternative means.

Abstract: A process of removing off-flavors and off-odors, such as caused by TCA, from food or beverage products by contacting the food or beverage with one or more aliphatic synthetic polymers so as to sufficiently lower the concentration of the off-flavors and off-odors that they are undetectable by taste or smell.

Abstract: The present invention has an object which is not to allow a characteristic discomfort smell to generate in processing brassicaceous vegetables typical of cabbages. According to the present invention are provided processes in which after pretreatment of loosening whole vegetables, heat treatment is carried out by directly applying steam to them in such a manner that the temperature of the vegetables is allowed to maintain in the range of about 80 to 95° C., followed by subsequent chopping and squeezing steps. The heat treatment can result in deactivating enzymes causing a discomfort smell, and the activation of enzymes can be suppressed also during the chopping and squeezing steps, and consequently no formation of a nasty smell characteristic of brassicaceous vegetables can be achieved.

Abstract: A device for eliminating unwanted volatile components from beer wort comprises a column (1) comprising:

Abstract: A process effective for providing a deflavored coconut concentrate is provided. More specifically, a coconut concentrate is processed to separate coconut oil from coconut concentrate fibrous material. The separated oil is deodorized and blended back with the coconut concentrate fibrous material to extract further flavorings from the coconut concentrate fibrous material. The separation and reblending steps are repeated until the desired degree of deflavoring has been obtained at which point the fibrous material and the final deflavored oil are blended together to form the deflavored coconut concentrate. The present process allows the production of deflavored coconut concentrate without adversely affecting the color and functionality, including the texture enhancing ability, of the coconut concentrate.

Abstract: The tendency of carbonated beverage to generate excessive foam when it is produced and bottled is reduced in a process including: (a) providing water or a mixture of water and syrup, which contains oxygen or air dissolved therein, and maintaining a pressure greater than atmospheric thereon; (b) saturating said mixture with carbon dioxide, and feeding the resultant mixture to step (c), while maintaining sufficient pressure thereon that no dissolved gas evolves therefrom; and (c) removing dissolved oxygen or air from the mixture formed in step (b) while dissolving additional carbon dioxide into said mixture and maintaining over said mixture a pressure greater than atmospheric.

Abstract: A method for partially refining a crude vegetable oil utilizing physical refining techniques is described. The crude vegetable oil is first degummed by either (1) allowing the crude oil to settle over a period of time, such as twenty days, so that the oil becomes stratified into at least two layers, wherein one layer comprises gums with low oil content and a second layer comprises oil containing only a fraction of the gums originally present and then separating the oil layer from the gum layer, or (2) heating the crude oil to a temperature of about 270-300° F. with agitation and then allowing the crude oil to settle for a period of time until the oil becomes stratified into the at least two layers. The degummed oil is then aerated and agitated while being maintained at a temperature of 170-180° F. for a time period sufficient to obtain a desired oil viscosity. The resulting partially refined oil is suitable for use in industrial applications such as the preparation of urethane foams.

Abstract: A method of treating antimicrobial products, dairy products, pharmaceutical products and other products having offensive tastes or odors to remove the off-odors and off-tastes from the products. The method involves exposing a selected commercial grade product that contains a small amount of free acid impurities to an ammonia gas. The ammonia gas reacts with the free acid impurities to convert the free acids into ammonium salts, thereby reducing or eliminating the off-flavor and off-odor of the product.

Abstract: The preparation and the use of pulverulent compositions consisting of (a) from 10 to 90% by weight of cellulose, (b) from 5 to 60% by weight of an alkali metal caseinate, and (c) from 5 to 85% by weight of a polymer c1) an N-vinyllactam polymer obtained by copolymerization of from 90 to 99.5% by weight of one or more N-vinyllactam monomers and from 0.5 to 10% by weight of a crosslinking monomer, or c2) a polymer obtained by copolymerization of from 50 to 99.5% by weight of at least one vinyl heterocyclyl monomer having a PKa of at least 3.8, from 0 to 49.5% by weight of another copolymerizable monomer and from 0.5 to 10% by weight of a crosslinking monomer, or c3) a mixture of the polymers c1) and c2). The compositions are used in the treatment of biological liquids of plant origin in an unfermented or partially or completely fermented state for sensory stabilization of the liquids with a view to preserving taste and color.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for extracting fish oil. The installation is characterised in that it has a flesh press (1) receiving the eviscerated headless fish forming a mixture in which the flesh press separates the flesh from the bones and the skin, a mixer (3) supplied with cold water (4) receiving the flesh, a decanter (6) receiving the flesh with water added from the mixer (3) for separating the loaded liquid phase from the flesh from which the oil has been extracted, a bagging machine (7) and means for deep-freezing the flesh (8) as well as a silo for storing the liquid phase (9) and an oil/sludge separator.

Abstract: A filtration device for the preparation of foods from food concentrates and liquids includes a composite formed from a plurality of layers having a food preparation applicator secured to the composite at the fluid contact region of the composite. The food preparation applicator includes food concentrate so as to result in a dispensing structure having the food concentrate therein which applies the food concentrate to liquid flowing through the applicator so as to mix the food concentrate with the liquid in the food preparation. The device may also include pockets containing treating material for removing contaminants.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing chocolate includes premixing a charge of cocoa paste, sugar, and optionally powdered milk under application of heat, subsequently conveying the charge to a first grinder, and thereafter treating the resulting paste by tumbling in at least one stirring device under temperature control. In this process, removal of the volatile components as well as the reactions of the charge are conducted in a first operation, the paste is then pulverized, and after that the addition of fat and emulsifiers, and the dispersion and the liquefaction of the paste are implemented in a further operation.

Abstract: A method of continuously de-activating enzymes, sterilizing or deodorizing a liquid material such as liquid foodstuff or liquid medicine with a supercritical fluid of carbon dioxide. The method includes the following steps: 1) the liquid material is continuously supplied from an inlet at a bottom of a processing tank; 2) micro-particles of the supercritical fluid of the carbon dioxide are formed so that a density of the supercritical fluid is smaller than that of the liquid material; 3) the micro-particles of the supercritical fluid are injected continuously into the liquid material from another inlet at the bottom of the processing tank; and 4) the liquid material and the supercritical fluid are separated into different phases at the top of the processing tank and are taken out of the processing tank separately.

Abstract: A self-venting package (A) contains peracetic acid or other strong oxidants in a unit dose that assures sterilization of instruments and equipment in an automated sterilizing apparatus (FIG. 3) or of biological wastes in a biological waste comminuting apparatus (FIG. 4). The self-venting package is constructed of a cylindrical body having first and second vent apertures (12, 14) 180.degree. offset adjacent a first edge (20) and third and fourth vent apertures (16, 18) 180.degree. offset adjacent a second edge (26). The first and second vent apertures are 90.degree. offset relative to the third and fourth vent apertures. The first edge is flattened and sealed forming a pair of corners (40, 42) such that the first and second vent apertures are disposed closely adjacent the first and second corners. The container is filled with peracetic acid or other liquids which liberate gas or vapors. A second end (26) of the container is flattened and sealed in a direction transverse to the first edge.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a high molecular weight molasses product having improved drying properties, which includes: feeding starting material molasses having a RT value of 8-45% and a color of at least 100,000 ICUMSA units to a membrane filtering plant (apparatus) having an inert membrane having a nominal cut off value of at least 2,000 dalton; and filtering a low molecular weight fraction as a permeate from a high molecular weight fraction as a retentate, and collecting the high molecular weight fraction having a color of at least two times the color of the starting molasses or at least 200,000 ICUMSA units.

Abstract: A thermal processing system for processing a hot-fill liquid product and filling containers with the hot-fill liquid product is set forth that includes: 1) a thermal processing unit for thermally processing the hot-fill liquid product; 2) a packaging machine for filling individual containers with the hot-fill liquid product; and 3) an intermediate degassing tank. The intermediate degassing tank includes a tank body having an inlet receiving the thermally processed hot-fill liquid product from the thermal processing unit, an interior chamber holding the thermally processed hot-fill liquid, and an outlet facilitating fluid communication of the thermally processed hot-fill liquid product from the interior chamber of the degassing tank to the packaging machine, and a vent. A degasser is disposed in the interior chamber of the tank body and receives the hot-fill liquid product from the inlet.

Abstract: Wines and other alcoholic beverages are treated to remove sulfides by passing the beverage through a filter medium comprising polyvinyl polypyrrolidone, polyvinylimidazole, or a copolymer of the monomers of these two polymers, the polymer or copolymer having been pretreated with a solution of a metallic salt, preferably copper sulfate or silver nitrate.

Abstract: Oil mixtures, which provide lipid compositions for restraining skin degeneration, contain, by weight, 30% to 50% rice bran oil and 15% to 25% sesame oil and also contain additional oil, which includes in particular, oil from among maize oil, wheat germ oil and sunflower oil, so that the composition contains linoleic acid and contains vitamin E for protecting the composition against oxidation, the composition being prepared from oils containing gum, color and odor which are subjected to degumming, decoloring and deodorizing, the deodorizing being carried out under conditions of temperature and vacuum so that the composition has at least 2% by weight unsaponifiable oil matter and particularly from 2% to 3% unsaponifiable oil matter.

Abstract: A filter for fluids includes a pair of layers or multiple layers or pairs of material joined together to form a laminate having a fluid contacting surface. A plurality of spaced pockets is formed between the layers of material in the contacting surface. The layers of material are fluid permeable at the pockets whereby fluid may flow through the laminate at the pockets. The fluid contacting surface is fluid impermeable except for the pockets to require the fluid passing through the laminate to be confined to flowing through the pockets. Filter members are in the pockets for removing any contaminants from the fluid. Alternatively, additive materials such as powdered cream or sugar in the pockets dissolve in the fluid passing through the pockets to enhance the fluid.