CA1113413A - Fermentation apparatus - Google Patents
Fermentation apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA1113413A CA1113413A CA307,100A CA307100A CA1113413A CA 1113413 A CA1113413 A CA 1113413A CA 307100 A CA307100 A CA 307100A CA 1113413 A CA1113413 A CA 1113413A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- container
- valve
- outlet means
- fermentation
- outlet
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12C—BEER; PREPARATION OF BEER BY FERMENTATION; PREPARATION OF MALT FOR MAKING BEER; PREPARATION OF HOPS FOR MAKING BEER
- C12C11/00—Fermentation processes for beer
- C12C11/003—Fermentation of beerwort
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12C—BEER; PREPARATION OF BEER BY FERMENTATION; PREPARATION OF MALT FOR MAKING BEER; PREPARATION OF HOPS FOR MAKING BEER
- C12C13/00—Brewing devices, not covered by a single group of C12C1/00 - C12C12/04
- C12C13/10—Home brew equipment
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
- C12G—WINE; PREPARATION THEREOF; ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; PREPARATION OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES NOT PROVIDED FOR IN SUBCLASSES C12C OR C12H
- C12G1/00—Preparation of wine or sparkling wine
- C12G1/02—Preparation of must from grapes; Must treatment and fermentation
- C12G1/0206—Preparation of must from grapes; Must treatment and fermentation using a home wine making vessel
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Organic Chemistry (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Biochemistry (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Genetics & Genomics (AREA)
- Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
- Zoology (AREA)
- Food Science & Technology (AREA)
- Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
- Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Apparatus for conducting fermentation to produce carbonated fermentation beverage comprises a container having a downwardly tapering internal cross section (e.g. an inverted cone) with an inlet having a sealable closure, a pressure safety valve, and a valved outlet means at the bottom. When the inlet is sealed closed and the outlet valve is closed, the container is substantially hermetically sealed. Fermentation is conducted under sealed conditions so as to carbonate the beverage. The lees produced can be expelled through the outlet valve at the conclusion of fermentation, to leave carbonated beverage in the container.
Apparatus for conducting fermentation to produce carbonated fermentation beverage comprises a container having a downwardly tapering internal cross section (e.g. an inverted cone) with an inlet having a sealable closure, a pressure safety valve, and a valved outlet means at the bottom. When the inlet is sealed closed and the outlet valve is closed, the container is substantially hermetically sealed. Fermentation is conducted under sealed conditions so as to carbonate the beverage. The lees produced can be expelled through the outlet valve at the conclusion of fermentation, to leave carbonated beverage in the container.
Description
~34i3 This invention relates to fermentation apparatus, and more particularly to a simple apparatus for conducting fermentation to produce carbonated beverages, e.g. beer and sparkling wines, adaptable for domestic use.
Domestic production of fermented beverages, i.e. home wine and beer making, is an increasingly popular pastime.
Many people are, however, discouraged from pursuing this pastime by the amount of different kinds of equipment normally required, the amount of manipulation of large volumes of liquid required, e.g. in the transference of the liquid from one vessel to another during the process, and the amount of space required for such apparatus and the conducting of such operations.
The production of carbonated fermented beverages on the domestic scale has often caused problems. For example, a common difficulty experienced in domestic beer making is the obtaining of the correct degree of carbonation of the resulting product. Either a flat beer or an excessively frothy beer, liable to burst its bottles, is produced all too frequently.
The obtaining of a good head on the beer is particularly difficult. Sparkling wine production, e.g. champagne product-ion, also causes problems for the home wine-maker, in the absence of sophisticated equipment and the conducting of tedious techniques.
The present invention provides a simple, easily q~
usable apparatus for the domestic fermentation to produce carbonated beverages, especially beer. The fermentation is conducted in a sealed container, so that the gases generated during fermentation serve to carbonate the beverage. The lees are readily separated from the beverage at the end of the fermentation without removing the beverage from the container.
Thus, all the fermentation steps are conducted in one container, and the same container can then be used for storing and dispensing of the fermented carbonated beverage.
Thus according to the invention, there is provided a fermentation apparatus for production of carbonated alcoholic beverages and adapted for domestic use, comprising:
a container having a downwardly tapering internal cross section, the internal volume of said container being appropriate to contain domestic quantities of alcoholic beverages;
inlet means having a sealable closure therefor:
outlet means at the bottom of said container, said outlet means including a valve which is manually movable between an open position an~ a closed position, said outlet means also being manually removable from the bottom of said container to facilitate emptying and cleaning thereof;
a safety pressure release valve at the upper part of said container, set to remain closed until a predetermined pressure within the container is exceeded:
a bottom residue receiving receptacle attachable to and releasable from the outlet means to be located downstream of the valve therein, said receptacle being of smaller volume than the container;
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said container being substantially hermetically sealed when the inlet means is closed by its closure and the valve in the outlet means is in its closed position and the pressure release valve is closed.
In a preferred form, the apparatus according to the - 2a -~
1~134i~
invention has the shape of an inverted cone, with a circular horizontal cross section, and a circular upper wall. It is conveniently made of clear plastic material, so as to permit visual observation of the contents. Then the progress of the fermentation conducted in the vessel can be followed visually, to determine when fermentation has effectively stopped. At the termination of the fermentation, the valved outlet means is opened so as to expel the lees from the bottom of the container, leaving the separated carbonated beverage in the container ready for bottling or drinking.
The inlet means is preferably disposed in the upper wall of the container, and the ingredients are loaded into the container through the inlet means prior to commencing the fermentation. It is most convenient from a manufacturing point of view to close the inlet means by means of a screw threaded cap which will sealingly engage the inlet, and to provide the safety pressure release valve in the closure for the inlet means. The safety valve prevents the pressure inside the vessel from exceeding a predetermined safe maximum. This maximum pressure can be adjusted using the valve, and thereby can provide a degree of control upon the extent of carbonation of the finished beverage. The higher the pressure set within the container, the more evolved carboned dioxide will be dissolved in the beverage, and the greater will be the degree of carbonation.
4i;~
The making of the container in a conical shape, with removable lower outlet means makes for ready cleaning and sterilization of the container after draining the contents therefrom, ready for reuse. The container can be made in a wide variety of different sizes, for producing different quantities of carbonated beverage in each batch.
A specific embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention;
FIGVRE 2 is a side view of the apparatus at a stage at the end of the fermentation of the contents therein;
FIGURE 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1, at a later stage of the process conducted therein.
In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate like parts.
Referring to Fig. 1, the apparatus comprises a container 10 of clear transparent plastic, shaped as an inverted cone. The upper circular wall 12 thereof is sealed to the side walls, as a one piece molding or casting. The container 10 is capable of withstanding increased pressures.
An inlet means in the form of an aperture 14 with an externally screw threaded upstanding circular collar 16 is provided on the above wall 12. A sealable closure 18 is provided for the inlet, in the form of an internally screw 1~}3~
threaded cap to be received in sealing engagement on collar 16.
A safety pressure release valve 20 with screw adjustment 22 extends through the closure 18.
The bottom of the container 10 is fitted with a releasable valved outlet means, consisting of a collar 24 threadably received on the threaded exterior of the bottom of the container, an outlet conduit 26 extending downwardly therefrom, and a valve 28 and manually operable lever 30 therefor. The valve 28 can be manually opened to drain the contents from container 10. The entire outlet means can be removed from the container, by unscrewing collar 24, to permit full draining and cleaning of container 10. When the collar 24 is firmly screwed into position and the valve 28 is closed, however, the bottom of the container 10 is substantially hermetically sealed.
The apparatus is also provided with a stand of tri-pod form, with three legs 32 and a ring 34 withi~ which the upper part of container 10 is received for support. When resting in the stand, with legs 32 resting on a surface, sufficient clearance is provided between the bottom of conduit 26 and the surface to permit positioning of bottles, mugs etc.
to receive contents of container 10 from conduit 26.
In use, the container 10 is first thoroughly cleaned, and then mounted on stand 32, 34 as shown, with the outlet means securely fitted to the bottom of the container 10, and . --~
the valve 28 closed. The liquid fermentable liquid is introduced into the container 10 through aperture 14, to reach a preset marked level in the container. Sufficient space is left above the liquid mixture so that there is enough oxygen therein to promote the initial aerobic fermentation. In the case of beer, the mixture will normally consist of water, malt, sugar, yeast, hop extract and various yeast nutrients and chemical additives to promote the desired fermentàtion. In the case of sparkling wine, the mixture (a "must") will normally consist of fruit juice, sugar, water, yeast and the various additives. Then closure 18 is applied and valve 20 is set to the desired safety pressure. The container is now left undisturbed under suitable temperature conditions, whilst the `fermentation proceeds. The progress of the fermentation can be observed and followed visually. As gasses are evolved during the reaction, the contents come under pressure since the gas cannot escape. Safety valve 20 ensures that the pressure within container 10 remains within safe levels. Much of the evolved gas (carbon dioxide) dissolves in the liquid contents
Domestic production of fermented beverages, i.e. home wine and beer making, is an increasingly popular pastime.
Many people are, however, discouraged from pursuing this pastime by the amount of different kinds of equipment normally required, the amount of manipulation of large volumes of liquid required, e.g. in the transference of the liquid from one vessel to another during the process, and the amount of space required for such apparatus and the conducting of such operations.
The production of carbonated fermented beverages on the domestic scale has often caused problems. For example, a common difficulty experienced in domestic beer making is the obtaining of the correct degree of carbonation of the resulting product. Either a flat beer or an excessively frothy beer, liable to burst its bottles, is produced all too frequently.
The obtaining of a good head on the beer is particularly difficult. Sparkling wine production, e.g. champagne product-ion, also causes problems for the home wine-maker, in the absence of sophisticated equipment and the conducting of tedious techniques.
The present invention provides a simple, easily q~
usable apparatus for the domestic fermentation to produce carbonated beverages, especially beer. The fermentation is conducted in a sealed container, so that the gases generated during fermentation serve to carbonate the beverage. The lees are readily separated from the beverage at the end of the fermentation without removing the beverage from the container.
Thus, all the fermentation steps are conducted in one container, and the same container can then be used for storing and dispensing of the fermented carbonated beverage.
Thus according to the invention, there is provided a fermentation apparatus for production of carbonated alcoholic beverages and adapted for domestic use, comprising:
a container having a downwardly tapering internal cross section, the internal volume of said container being appropriate to contain domestic quantities of alcoholic beverages;
inlet means having a sealable closure therefor:
outlet means at the bottom of said container, said outlet means including a valve which is manually movable between an open position an~ a closed position, said outlet means also being manually removable from the bottom of said container to facilitate emptying and cleaning thereof;
a safety pressure release valve at the upper part of said container, set to remain closed until a predetermined pressure within the container is exceeded:
a bottom residue receiving receptacle attachable to and releasable from the outlet means to be located downstream of the valve therein, said receptacle being of smaller volume than the container;
5~
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said container being substantially hermetically sealed when the inlet means is closed by its closure and the valve in the outlet means is in its closed position and the pressure release valve is closed.
In a preferred form, the apparatus according to the - 2a -~
1~134i~
invention has the shape of an inverted cone, with a circular horizontal cross section, and a circular upper wall. It is conveniently made of clear plastic material, so as to permit visual observation of the contents. Then the progress of the fermentation conducted in the vessel can be followed visually, to determine when fermentation has effectively stopped. At the termination of the fermentation, the valved outlet means is opened so as to expel the lees from the bottom of the container, leaving the separated carbonated beverage in the container ready for bottling or drinking.
The inlet means is preferably disposed in the upper wall of the container, and the ingredients are loaded into the container through the inlet means prior to commencing the fermentation. It is most convenient from a manufacturing point of view to close the inlet means by means of a screw threaded cap which will sealingly engage the inlet, and to provide the safety pressure release valve in the closure for the inlet means. The safety valve prevents the pressure inside the vessel from exceeding a predetermined safe maximum. This maximum pressure can be adjusted using the valve, and thereby can provide a degree of control upon the extent of carbonation of the finished beverage. The higher the pressure set within the container, the more evolved carboned dioxide will be dissolved in the beverage, and the greater will be the degree of carbonation.
4i;~
The making of the container in a conical shape, with removable lower outlet means makes for ready cleaning and sterilization of the container after draining the contents therefrom, ready for reuse. The container can be made in a wide variety of different sizes, for producing different quantities of carbonated beverage in each batch.
A specific embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to the invention;
FIGVRE 2 is a side view of the apparatus at a stage at the end of the fermentation of the contents therein;
FIGURE 3 is a view similar to Fig. 1, at a later stage of the process conducted therein.
In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate like parts.
Referring to Fig. 1, the apparatus comprises a container 10 of clear transparent plastic, shaped as an inverted cone. The upper circular wall 12 thereof is sealed to the side walls, as a one piece molding or casting. The container 10 is capable of withstanding increased pressures.
An inlet means in the form of an aperture 14 with an externally screw threaded upstanding circular collar 16 is provided on the above wall 12. A sealable closure 18 is provided for the inlet, in the form of an internally screw 1~}3~
threaded cap to be received in sealing engagement on collar 16.
A safety pressure release valve 20 with screw adjustment 22 extends through the closure 18.
The bottom of the container 10 is fitted with a releasable valved outlet means, consisting of a collar 24 threadably received on the threaded exterior of the bottom of the container, an outlet conduit 26 extending downwardly therefrom, and a valve 28 and manually operable lever 30 therefor. The valve 28 can be manually opened to drain the contents from container 10. The entire outlet means can be removed from the container, by unscrewing collar 24, to permit full draining and cleaning of container 10. When the collar 24 is firmly screwed into position and the valve 28 is closed, however, the bottom of the container 10 is substantially hermetically sealed.
The apparatus is also provided with a stand of tri-pod form, with three legs 32 and a ring 34 withi~ which the upper part of container 10 is received for support. When resting in the stand, with legs 32 resting on a surface, sufficient clearance is provided between the bottom of conduit 26 and the surface to permit positioning of bottles, mugs etc.
to receive contents of container 10 from conduit 26.
In use, the container 10 is first thoroughly cleaned, and then mounted on stand 32, 34 as shown, with the outlet means securely fitted to the bottom of the container 10, and . --~
the valve 28 closed. The liquid fermentable liquid is introduced into the container 10 through aperture 14, to reach a preset marked level in the container. Sufficient space is left above the liquid mixture so that there is enough oxygen therein to promote the initial aerobic fermentation. In the case of beer, the mixture will normally consist of water, malt, sugar, yeast, hop extract and various yeast nutrients and chemical additives to promote the desired fermentàtion. In the case of sparkling wine, the mixture (a "must") will normally consist of fruit juice, sugar, water, yeast and the various additives. Then closure 18 is applied and valve 20 is set to the desired safety pressure. The container is now left undisturbed under suitable temperature conditions, whilst the `fermentation proceeds. The progress of the fermentation can be observed and followed visually. As gasses are evolved during the reaction, the contents come under pressure since the gas cannot escape. Safety valve 20 ensures that the pressure within container 10 remains within safe levels. Much of the evolved gas (carbon dioxide) dissolves in the liquid contents
2~ eventually to produce a carbonated fermented beverage. The extent of carbonation of the final beverage can be regulated to some extent by the set pressure of the safety valve 20.
At the termination of the fermentation process, the container 10 can be seen to contain a generally clear superna-tant liquid 36, with substantially no effervescence apparent, 4~;~
and a lower, small layer of semi-solid residues (lees) 38. At this stage, as generally illustrated in Fig. 2, the lees 38 are removed by briefly opening valve 28. Since the contents of the container 10 are under pressure, the lees 38 shoot out at some force, and are received in a bottom residue receiving receptacle in the form of a plastic bag 40 held tightly around the bottom opening of the container. This occurs on a brief opening of valve 28, leaving behind in the container 10 the clear beverage 36, still under pressure. With the re-closing of valve 28, the container 10 resumes its sealed condition. No air is admitted during the opening of valve 28 to expel the lees 38, because of the excess pressure in container 10. The beverage 36 can therefore be stored for substantial periods of time in container 10, after removal of lees 38, without serious risk of spoilage.
The beverage 36 can either be drawn off for bottling, as shown in Fig. 3, by re-opening of valve 28 and draining of the contents, or drawn off for immediate consumption, e.g. as draft beer. In either event, the beverage is carbonated by dissolving therein under pressure some of the carbon dioxide evolved during its fermentation. The excess pressure in container 10 aids in draining of the contents therefrom, without creating air locks, and without requiring infeed of air to risk spoilage of the contents if subsequently held in the container for several days. If necessary, closure 18 can be loosened or removed during the later stages of draining.
The apparatus of the present invention is ~34i3 particularly suitable for making draft beer. All of the fermentation operations are conducted in a single, simple apparatus, with a minimum requirement for manipulation of the contents. The same apparatus can then be used as a storage container or barrel, from which draft beer can be drawn off as required, even over periods of several days. The apparatus can of course be provided in a wide variety of different sizes.
Once it has been fully drained, it is a simple matter to remove the outlet means and upper closure for cleaning and sterilizing, ready for subsequent fermentation use.
It will be appreciated that the specific embodiment of the invention illustrated and described in detail herein is for illustrative purposes only, and is not to be construed as limiting. The scope of the invention is defined only by the ssope of the appended claims.
1~13~ 3 SUPPLEMENTARY DI SCLOSURE
According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a fermentation apparatus for production of carbonated alcoholic beverages, and comprising:
a container having a downwardly tapering internal cross-section;
inlet means having a sealable closure therefor;
valved outlet means at the bottom of said container, movable between an open position and a closed position;
a safety pressure release valve at the upper part of said container, set to remain closed until a predetermined pressure within the container is exceeded;
said container being substantially hermetically sealed when the inlet means is closed by its closure and the outlet means is in its closed position and the pressure release valve is closed;
and a relatively small volume lower container adapted to be releasably secured to said outlet means down-stream of the valve therein, said lower containex communicating with the downwardly tapering container when the outlet means is in its open position via said outlet mQanS~ and forming with said downwardly tapering container a substantially hermetically sealed combined container.
In this embodiment, it is preferr~d that the lower container have a volume of about 1/10-1/5 of the volume of _ g _ ~ . ...
i341;~
the downwardly tapering container. It provides a receptacle for receipt therein of sediment, lees, etc., settling out of the beverage as fermentation proceeds and the beverage is allowed to stand, e.~. for aging purposes.
Thus, in the process of fermentation using this embodiment of apparatus, the outlet means may be left in its open position during fermentation, with the lower, smaller container in position, so that fermentation is conducted under sealed conditions as before. The valved outlet means can be closed to permit removable of the lower container when desired, whilst maintaining the seal and the pressure on the beverage contained in the downwardly tapering container. Thus, lees and selected sediment can be collected in the lower, smaller container, and removed therefrom and discarded, whilst pressure is maintained on th~ beverage and ingress of air thereto is prevented. In the event that it is desired to add a clarifying aid (isinglass, oxblood, etc., in the case of beer, as is well known), or other additives, the clarifying aid or the like can be put in the cleaned,lower container, which is then replaced on the ~ottom outlet of the container in sealing engagement therewith. Then the valved outlet is opened and the combined container inverted and replaced, so as to mix the clarifying aid with the beverage, again without spoiling the seal. Then the combined container is stored in its upright condition, to allow clarifying, with more 1~3~:~3 sediment being collected in the lower container as before, for discarding if necessary without destroying the sealed nature of the container. To remove the beverage from the container, it is merely necessary to remove the lower container and then use the valve of the outlet means as a tap or faucet, for filling bottles, containers, etc. with fermented beverage.
A specific embodiment of this form of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of such an apparatus;
FIGURE 5 is a detail view, partly in section, of the lower portion of the apparatus of FIG. 4.
As shown in FIG. 4, the apparatus has the same inverted, conical container 10, the upper wall of which 42, however, is hemispherical in shape, with the outlet collar 16, closure 18 and adjustable valve 20 at the top centre thereof. A pressure gauge 44 is connected to the outlet, so that the user can follow pressure changes as fermentation proceeds, to help control the process.
The container 10 terminates at its bottom end in an integral, externally screw-threaded outlet pipe 46, to which is threadably fitted in sealing engagement a valved conduit 48, containing a ball valve and operating lever 50 therefor.
The conduit 48 is of food grade plastic, the valve therein having an aperture substantially corresponding to the internal diameter of the pipe 46 to allow substantia]ly unobstructed ,~ O;
1:~;13~
flow therethrough when open. The bottom part 52 of pipe 46 is internally screw-threaded, to receive thereon the outwardly threaded neck 54 of a bulb-like lower container 56 in releasable sealing engagement.
In operation, the bulb 56 is screwed into sealing position as shown and the valve 50 is opened, when fermentation ingredients are added through the top outlet. Then the top closure 18 and associated parts are put into place, to seal the container against predetermined pressure build-up.
Fermentation then proceeds, with the bulb 56 in position and valve 50 open, to collect residue 58 in the bulb. When fermentation is complete, valve 50 is closed, and bulb 56 is removed, emptied and cleaned. If the beverage 36 is clear, it can then be drawn off as required by opening valve 50, at the same time thus maintaining the pressure on the liquid in the container. If the beverage is not sufficiently clear, or requires the addition of other ingredients, these can be added to the cleaned bulb 56, the bulb replaced in sealing engagement in lower part 52 of pipe 46, the valve 50 opened and the whole apparatus inverted to mix in the additive. Then it can be restored to its upright position as shown in Fig. 4, with valve 50 open, to allow further settling out if necessary.
As with previously described embodiments, the container can be made and used in a variety of different sizes, e.g. 1-20 gallons, and is suitably made of clear, food grade . .
~ 3~:~3 plastic material. It is useful not only as a fermentation apparatus, but also as a storage apparatus for the fermented beverage so produced, simplifying and reducing the number of steps required in the fermentation to produce carbonated fermented beverage.
At the termination of the fermentation process, the container 10 can be seen to contain a generally clear superna-tant liquid 36, with substantially no effervescence apparent, 4~;~
and a lower, small layer of semi-solid residues (lees) 38. At this stage, as generally illustrated in Fig. 2, the lees 38 are removed by briefly opening valve 28. Since the contents of the container 10 are under pressure, the lees 38 shoot out at some force, and are received in a bottom residue receiving receptacle in the form of a plastic bag 40 held tightly around the bottom opening of the container. This occurs on a brief opening of valve 28, leaving behind in the container 10 the clear beverage 36, still under pressure. With the re-closing of valve 28, the container 10 resumes its sealed condition. No air is admitted during the opening of valve 28 to expel the lees 38, because of the excess pressure in container 10. The beverage 36 can therefore be stored for substantial periods of time in container 10, after removal of lees 38, without serious risk of spoilage.
The beverage 36 can either be drawn off for bottling, as shown in Fig. 3, by re-opening of valve 28 and draining of the contents, or drawn off for immediate consumption, e.g. as draft beer. In either event, the beverage is carbonated by dissolving therein under pressure some of the carbon dioxide evolved during its fermentation. The excess pressure in container 10 aids in draining of the contents therefrom, without creating air locks, and without requiring infeed of air to risk spoilage of the contents if subsequently held in the container for several days. If necessary, closure 18 can be loosened or removed during the later stages of draining.
The apparatus of the present invention is ~34i3 particularly suitable for making draft beer. All of the fermentation operations are conducted in a single, simple apparatus, with a minimum requirement for manipulation of the contents. The same apparatus can then be used as a storage container or barrel, from which draft beer can be drawn off as required, even over periods of several days. The apparatus can of course be provided in a wide variety of different sizes.
Once it has been fully drained, it is a simple matter to remove the outlet means and upper closure for cleaning and sterilizing, ready for subsequent fermentation use.
It will be appreciated that the specific embodiment of the invention illustrated and described in detail herein is for illustrative purposes only, and is not to be construed as limiting. The scope of the invention is defined only by the ssope of the appended claims.
1~13~ 3 SUPPLEMENTARY DI SCLOSURE
According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a fermentation apparatus for production of carbonated alcoholic beverages, and comprising:
a container having a downwardly tapering internal cross-section;
inlet means having a sealable closure therefor;
valved outlet means at the bottom of said container, movable between an open position and a closed position;
a safety pressure release valve at the upper part of said container, set to remain closed until a predetermined pressure within the container is exceeded;
said container being substantially hermetically sealed when the inlet means is closed by its closure and the outlet means is in its closed position and the pressure release valve is closed;
and a relatively small volume lower container adapted to be releasably secured to said outlet means down-stream of the valve therein, said lower containex communicating with the downwardly tapering container when the outlet means is in its open position via said outlet mQanS~ and forming with said downwardly tapering container a substantially hermetically sealed combined container.
In this embodiment, it is preferr~d that the lower container have a volume of about 1/10-1/5 of the volume of _ g _ ~ . ...
i341;~
the downwardly tapering container. It provides a receptacle for receipt therein of sediment, lees, etc., settling out of the beverage as fermentation proceeds and the beverage is allowed to stand, e.~. for aging purposes.
Thus, in the process of fermentation using this embodiment of apparatus, the outlet means may be left in its open position during fermentation, with the lower, smaller container in position, so that fermentation is conducted under sealed conditions as before. The valved outlet means can be closed to permit removable of the lower container when desired, whilst maintaining the seal and the pressure on the beverage contained in the downwardly tapering container. Thus, lees and selected sediment can be collected in the lower, smaller container, and removed therefrom and discarded, whilst pressure is maintained on th~ beverage and ingress of air thereto is prevented. In the event that it is desired to add a clarifying aid (isinglass, oxblood, etc., in the case of beer, as is well known), or other additives, the clarifying aid or the like can be put in the cleaned,lower container, which is then replaced on the ~ottom outlet of the container in sealing engagement therewith. Then the valved outlet is opened and the combined container inverted and replaced, so as to mix the clarifying aid with the beverage, again without spoiling the seal. Then the combined container is stored in its upright condition, to allow clarifying, with more 1~3~:~3 sediment being collected in the lower container as before, for discarding if necessary without destroying the sealed nature of the container. To remove the beverage from the container, it is merely necessary to remove the lower container and then use the valve of the outlet means as a tap or faucet, for filling bottles, containers, etc. with fermented beverage.
A specific embodiment of this form of the invention is shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of such an apparatus;
FIGURE 5 is a detail view, partly in section, of the lower portion of the apparatus of FIG. 4.
As shown in FIG. 4, the apparatus has the same inverted, conical container 10, the upper wall of which 42, however, is hemispherical in shape, with the outlet collar 16, closure 18 and adjustable valve 20 at the top centre thereof. A pressure gauge 44 is connected to the outlet, so that the user can follow pressure changes as fermentation proceeds, to help control the process.
The container 10 terminates at its bottom end in an integral, externally screw-threaded outlet pipe 46, to which is threadably fitted in sealing engagement a valved conduit 48, containing a ball valve and operating lever 50 therefor.
The conduit 48 is of food grade plastic, the valve therein having an aperture substantially corresponding to the internal diameter of the pipe 46 to allow substantia]ly unobstructed ,~ O;
1:~;13~
flow therethrough when open. The bottom part 52 of pipe 46 is internally screw-threaded, to receive thereon the outwardly threaded neck 54 of a bulb-like lower container 56 in releasable sealing engagement.
In operation, the bulb 56 is screwed into sealing position as shown and the valve 50 is opened, when fermentation ingredients are added through the top outlet. Then the top closure 18 and associated parts are put into place, to seal the container against predetermined pressure build-up.
Fermentation then proceeds, with the bulb 56 in position and valve 50 open, to collect residue 58 in the bulb. When fermentation is complete, valve 50 is closed, and bulb 56 is removed, emptied and cleaned. If the beverage 36 is clear, it can then be drawn off as required by opening valve 50, at the same time thus maintaining the pressure on the liquid in the container. If the beverage is not sufficiently clear, or requires the addition of other ingredients, these can be added to the cleaned bulb 56, the bulb replaced in sealing engagement in lower part 52 of pipe 46, the valve 50 opened and the whole apparatus inverted to mix in the additive. Then it can be restored to its upright position as shown in Fig. 4, with valve 50 open, to allow further settling out if necessary.
As with previously described embodiments, the container can be made and used in a variety of different sizes, e.g. 1-20 gallons, and is suitably made of clear, food grade . .
~ 3~:~3 plastic material. It is useful not only as a fermentation apparatus, but also as a storage apparatus for the fermented beverage so produced, simplifying and reducing the number of steps required in the fermentation to produce carbonated fermented beverage.
Claims (10)
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Fermentation apparatus for production of carbonated alcoholic beverages and adapted for domestic use, comprising:
a container having a downwardly tapering internal cross section, the internal volume of said container being appropriate to contain domestic quantities of alcoholic beverages;
inlet means having a sealable closure therefor;
outlet means at the bottom of said container, said outlet means including a valve which is manually movable between an open position and a closed position, said outlet means also being manually removable from the bottom of said container to facilitate emptying and cleaning thereof;
a safety pressure release valve at the upper part of said container, set to remain closed until a predetermined pressure within the container is exceeded;
a bottom residue receiving receptacle attachable to and releasable from the outlet means to be located downstream of the valve therein, said receptacle being of smaller volume than the container;
said container being substantially hermetically sealed when the inlet means is closed by its closure and the valve in the outlet means is in its closed position and the pressure release valve is closed.
a container having a downwardly tapering internal cross section, the internal volume of said container being appropriate to contain domestic quantities of alcoholic beverages;
inlet means having a sealable closure therefor;
outlet means at the bottom of said container, said outlet means including a valve which is manually movable between an open position and a closed position, said outlet means also being manually removable from the bottom of said container to facilitate emptying and cleaning thereof;
a safety pressure release valve at the upper part of said container, set to remain closed until a predetermined pressure within the container is exceeded;
a bottom residue receiving receptacle attachable to and releasable from the outlet means to be located downstream of the valve therein, said receptacle being of smaller volume than the container;
said container being substantially hermetically sealed when the inlet means is closed by its closure and the valve in the outlet means is in its closed position and the pressure release valve is closed.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the container is of inverted conical shape, with circular horizontal cross section.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the inlet means is disposed in the upper wall of the container.
4. Apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the set predetermined pressure of the safety pressure release valve is adjustable.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the closure for said inlet means is a screw threaded cap sealingly engagable with threaded formations on said inlet means, and the safety pressure release valve extends through said screw threaded cap.
6. Apparatus according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3 further including a stand for supporting said container with its outlet means downwardly disposed and above the bottom of the stand.
7. Apparatus according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 4 wherein the container is of clear plastic material, permitting visual observation of the contents therein.
CLAIMS SUPPORTED BY THE SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
CLAIMS SUPPORTED BY THE SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
8. A fermentation apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the bottom residue receiving means comprises a relatively small volume lower container adapted to be releasably secured to said outlet means down stream of the valve therein in substantially hermetically sealed manner, said lower container communicating with the downwardly tapering container via said outlet means when the outlet means is in its open position and forming with said downwardly tapering container a substantially hermetically sealed combined container.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the lower container has a volume of approximately 1/10-1/5 of the volume of the downwardly tapering container.
10. The apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the outlet means has a manually operable valve therein, said valve when in the open condition providing substantially unobstructive flow through said outlet.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA307,100A CA1113413A (en) | 1978-07-10 | 1978-07-10 | Fermentation apparatus |
| DE19782849290 DE2849290A1 (en) | 1978-07-10 | 1978-11-14 | Domestic brewing appliance - with safety valve on top and dispensing valve in bottom of conical vessel |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA307,100A CA1113413A (en) | 1978-07-10 | 1978-07-10 | Fermentation apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1113413A true CA1113413A (en) | 1981-12-01 |
Family
ID=4111873
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA307,100A Expired CA1113413A (en) | 1978-07-10 | 1978-07-10 | Fermentation apparatus |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1113413A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2849290A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9228164B1 (en) | 2007-10-23 | 2016-01-05 | Dimitri Uhlik | Alcohol louching receptacle |
| USD812972S1 (en) | 2016-06-10 | 2018-03-20 | Whirlpool Corporation | Fermenter bottle filler attachment |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2924125B1 (en) * | 2007-11-22 | 2010-01-01 | Seguin Moreau & C | IMPROVED WOODEN VINIFICATION TANK WITH TRANSPARENT DOUBLE |
-
1978
- 1978-07-10 CA CA307,100A patent/CA1113413A/en not_active Expired
- 1978-11-14 DE DE19782849290 patent/DE2849290A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9228164B1 (en) | 2007-10-23 | 2016-01-05 | Dimitri Uhlik | Alcohol louching receptacle |
| USD812972S1 (en) | 2016-06-10 | 2018-03-20 | Whirlpool Corporation | Fermenter bottle filler attachment |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE2849290A1 (en) | 1980-01-24 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |