FR3103823A1 - BULLAGE DEVICE FOR FERMENTATION TANK AND APPARATUS FOR THIS PURPOSE - Google Patents

Abstract

Bubbling device (1) for a fermentation tank (10), in particular for alcoholic fermentation, chemical fermentation, maceration, preservation, silage, purification of ores, purification of waste water, infusion, brewing during the manufacture of beer, and more particularly for the vinification of wines or spirits, using the device according to the present invention. This device comprises a diffuser (2) and a supply line (3), where the diffuser (2) is tubular, shaped to be arranged horizontally at the bottom of the tank (10), capable of containing a gas and pierced with at least one hole capable of letting the gas out, and where the supply line (3) is fluidically connected to the diffuser (2) and capable of supplying the diffuser (2) with pressurized gas. It also relates to a method involving the implementation of this device. Figure for the abstract: figure 1

Description

BUBBLE DEVICE FOR FERMENTATION TANK AND APPARATUS FOR THIS PURPOSE

The invention relates to a bubbling device intended to be used in the field of the fermentation of fruits, such as, among others, grapes, cranberries, pomegranates, cherries, and others, of cereals and seeds, among other things barley, rice, cassava , corn, bananas and more. It also relates to the method implemented by the use of this device.

It applies in fact to any device and process involving fermentation operations occurring in storage tanks, whatever their shape and whatever the materials from which they are made: such as alcoholic fermentation, for example in the manufacture of beer; chemical fermentation, for example in the transformation of carbohydrates through the action of yeasts; silage, for example for fodder for animal feed, maceration and preservation, for example for the preservation of foods such as gherkins, pickled beans and the like; purification of ores and others; sewage, e.g. wastewater treatment and treatment in sewage treatment plants; infusion, for example the extraction of active ingredients or aromas from a plant; brewing, for example in the manufacture of beer; in aquariums also to supply air to aquariums; etc

The invention applies in particular to the field of winemaking and also to the manufacture of spirits and also relates to cellar apparatus and equipment, allowing the harvest to be stored and the wines and/or spirits to be matured.

It is known during vinification, mainly for red wines, to carry out a pumping-over operation. Such an operation consists of stirring the wine by pumping it from the bottom of the tank to return it to the top of the tank. This is conventionally achieved by means of a liquid pump which creates a flow of wine.

None of the known systems leads to the results to which the device makes it possible to achieve, namely:

- to obtain a better extraction of polyphenols,

- to obtain a gain in flexibility on the wines,

- to save time when using the device according to the invention,

- obtain energy and labor savings,

- to give rise to a greater ease of work.

The invention proposes to simplify this operation by carrying it out without a pump, by means of a bubbling device installed in a fixed position in the tank. With a sufficient flow of gas/bubbles, the winding operation can be carried out much more quickly, and in a much simpler way, a gas circulation being easier to implement than a liquid circulation.

For this, the subject of the invention is a bubbling device for a tank of wines or spirits or any other food or chemical product involving fermentation, maceration, etc., comprising a diffuser and a supply pipe, where the diffuser is tubular, shaped to be arranged horizontally at the bottom of the tank, capable of containing a gas and pierced with at least one hole capable of letting the gas out, and where the supply pipe is fluidically connected to the diffuser and capable of supplying the diffuser with gas under pressure.

Particular characteristics or embodiments, which can be used alone or in combination, are:

• the diffuser is shaped substantially according to a plane and inscribed in a horizontal outline of the bottom of the tank,
• the diffuser is shaped according to a contour, preferably closed, and substantially parallel to the horizontal contour of the bottom of the tank,
• said at least one hole comprises a plurality of holes, preferably identical, preferably evenly distributed over the length of the diffuser and having a diameter of between 0.1 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 0.15 mm and 1.5 mm,
• the number and the diameter of the holes are such that the diffuser is able to diffuse a flow rate of 50 to 150 m ³ /h, preferably between 80 and 120 m ³ /h and more particularly of the order of 100 m ³ /h , under a pressure of 15 bars, preferably between 8 and 12 bars and more particularly of the order of 9 bars,
• the diffuser is made of a material suitable for food contact, preferably stainless steel, wood, epoxy fiber.
• the diffuser further comprises lugs allowing it to be fixed to the bottom of the tank, said fixing being preferably selectively mountable/removable without tools,
• the diffuser may also not include legs and be fixed to the wall of the tank,
• the supply line comprises a compressor, the power of which expressed in kW is preferably of the order of the order of 1 to 3 kW, preferably capable of producing a
• pressure of the order of 6 to 12 bars in the diffuser, although a power of the order of 10 kW which can reach 11.5 kW has proved advantageous,
• the supply line also includes a valve fluidly interposed between the compressor and the diffuser, preferably remotely controllable,
• the gas is nitrogen, carbon dioxide, oxygen, argon or air.

The present invention also relates to an apparatus comprising a bubbling device as described above, comprising:

• a tank 10;
• a diffuser 2, comprising at least one hole 4, for diffusing a gas, arranged horizontally close to the bottom of the tank 10;
• a gas inlet pipe 9, opening into the bottom of the tank and in fluid communication with the gas supply pipe 11;
• a buffer tank disposed on the supply line 3 between a compressor 12 and a valve 7.

In a second aspect, the invention relates to a tank for wines and spirits comprising such a device.

The invention also relates to a fermentation process, in particular alcoholic fermentation, chemical fermentation, maceration, preservation, silage, purification of ores, purification of waste water, infusion, brewing during the manufacture of beer, aquariums, etc., and more particularly for the vinification of wines or spirits, in particular in the field of vinification, making use of the device according to the present invention.

Particular characteristics or embodiments, which can be used alone or in combination, are that the device has a shape adapted to the shape of the tank and is installed in a fixed position against the bottom of the tank.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and with reference to the appended figures in which:

shows, in perspective view, a fluid diagram of the device according to the invention.

shows, in top view, a diffuser according to a first embodiment of the invention,

shows, in top view, a diffuser according to another embodiment of the invention,

shows, in top view, a diffuser according to another preferred embodiment of the invention.

Referring to Figure 1, a bubbling device 1 for tank 10 of wines or spirits comprises a diffuser 2 and a supply line 3.

The diffuser 2 is capable of diffusing a gas. For this the diffuser 2 is tubular. This tube is closed so as to be able to contain a gas inside. It is also pierced with at least one hole 4 able to let the gas escape, from the inside of the tube to the outside. The diffuser 2 further comprises an inlet 9 allowing a fluidic connection with the supply line 3. The supply line 3 supplies the diffuser 2 with pressurized gas.

The diffuser 2 is shaped to be arranged horizontally at the bottom of the tank 10. It is thus immersed in the must/wine/harvest, which is mainly liquid. Also the gas, propelled by the supply pipe 3, when it escapes from said at least one hole 4 forms gas bubbles. These bubbles tend, by gravity, to reach the upper surface of the contents of the tank 10 and thus pass through said contents. This crossing by bubbles performs riddling/mixing of said continuous, by mechanical action.

This mechanical action produces the effect of winding. The vertical push from bottom to top of the gas bubbles makes it possible to take off the cap of marc, making it unstable like an iceberg. The cap of marc then collapses in the middle, accentuating the movement of the liquid content.

The bubbling still makes it possible to separate the grape berries well from each other with the effect of improving the extraction, increasing the index of total polyphenols, TPI, and thus contributing to greater suppleness in the mouth of the wine. . This can apply to operations carried out on other fruits, cereals, etc.

Mechanical action can also be used to create a blend (mixture of several musts/wines) or to homogenize a content after incorporating an oenological product (sulphites, etc.).

The bubbling can also make it possible to carry out a chemical operation, in particular when the gas mixes and/or interacts with the contents of the tank 10. It is thus possible to carry out a tank inerting operation, typically with carbon dioxide, to nitrogen or argon.

The bubbling can also make it possible to carry out a gassing operation, aiming to increase the level of carbon dioxide by injecting carbon dioxide and/or nitrogen.

The bubbling can also make it possible to carry out a degassing operation, aimed at reducing the level of carbon dioxide by injecting oxygen.

It appears that the gas/bubbles must be diffused in the bottom of the tank 10 in order to

cross content. Also, according to one feature, the diffuser 2 is shaped to match the shape of the bottom of the tank 10. The diffuser 2 has a shape limited by the inner contour of the tank 10 at its bottom. For a tank 10 with a flat horizontal bottom, the diffuser 2 still has a substantially flat shape.

Diffuser 2 is thus able to be arranged horizontally in the bottom of tank 10, advantageously flat against or placed on said bottom.

The diffuser 2 comprises a tube. The section of this tube can be arbitrary, advantageously circular. The tube is hollow so that it can accommodate gas. It is pierced with an inlet 9 allowing connection with the supply line 3. It is also pierced with at least one hole 4 allowing diffusion.

This tube can take any desired shape.

Thus, as shown in Figure 2, it can be shaped like a coil substantially covering the surface of the bottom of the tank 10.

As shown in Figure 3, it can still be spiral, centrifugal, or centripetal (as shown) from inlet 9. The other end of the tube is plugged.

It appears in Figures 2 and 3 that the diffuser 2 is contained / inscribed in the outline of the tank10.

According to a preferred embodiment, more particularly illustrated in FIG. 4, the diffuser 2 is shaped according to a one-piece closed contour. he can

advantageously, be obtained by a diffuser 2 formed of several parts, for example as shown in Figure 4, formed of two semicircles, connected to each other by means of at least one connector 13, advantageously removable.

According to another characteristic, more particularly illustrated in Figure 4, said closed contour is substantially parallel to the horizontal contour of the bottom of the tank 10.

Thus for a cylindrical tank, having a circular horizontal section, the diffuser 2 has a circular shape, substantially parallel to said horizontal contour of the bottom of the tank 10. Similarly for a parallelepiped tank, having a rectangular horizontal section, the diffuser 2 can have a substantially rectangular shape, substantially parallel to said horizontal contour of the bottom of the tank 10. The diffuser 2 then has a dimension, respectively diameter or side, of between 0.5 and 0.8 times the same dimension of the horizontal section of the bottom of the tank 10 It is advantageously arranged, substantially centered relative to the tank 10. This makes it possible to guarantee the most homogeneous possible diffusion of the gas bubbles.

Said at least one hole 4 advantageously comprises a plurality of holes 4. These holes are advantageously identical to each other. They are preferably numerous and distributed over substantially the entire length of the tube of the diffuser 2. The distribution of the holes is advantageously homogeneous on the surface of the bottom of the tank 10, in order to homogenize the density of bubbles emitted relative to the surface of the section horizontal of the tank 10.

According to another characteristic, the holes 4 are evenly distributed over the length of the diffuser 2.

The number of holes has practically no influence on the results to which the invention leads.

According to another characteristic, a hole 4 has a diameter comprised between 0.1 mm and 100 mm, preferably comprised between 0.15 mm and 1.5 mm.

The position of the holes 4 can be arbitrary relative to the tube section of the diffuser 2. Advantageously, the holes 4 are arranged at the high point of the tube section, in order to limit pressure drops during diffusion. The holes are arranged at a distance from each other of the order of 5 to 10 cm, preferably of the order of 1.5 to 3 cm, more preferably of the order of 2 cm, whatever is the diameter of the tube. Alternatively, the holes 4 can be arranged, without really leading to an advantage, at the bottom point of the tube section. This characteristic is advantageous in that the bubbles come out indifferently from one side or the other of the tube, thus increasing the agitation brought by mechanical effect.

One of the determining characteristics of the diffuser 2 is the flow of gas that it can diffuse. According to one characteristic, this flow rate is at least equal to 100 m3 per hour for a gas pressure of 9 bars. A person skilled in the art knows how to dimension a diffuser 2 able to diffuse such a flow, theoretically or empirically. Thus, under a given operating pressure, he knows how to determine an elementary flow rate for a hole 4 as a function of the diameter of the hole 4. The person skilled in the art then determines a number of holes 4 such that the accumulation of the elementary flow rates of all these holes 4 , or for identical holes, the number of holes multiplied by the elementary flow rate of a hole 4, or equal to the desired flow rate. Also the person skilled in the art knows how to determine a number of holes 4 and their respective diameter to obtain the desired flow rate.

The gas flow will depend on the surface of the horizontal section of the tank or the volume of the tank.

According to another characteristic, natural for a part in contact with a food product, the diffuser 2, tabs 5 included (see below), is advantageously made of a material suitable for food contact. Such a material is preferably stainless steel, for its resistance to corrosion and its ease of cleaning.

According to another characteristic, the diffuser 2 is preferentially integral with the bottom of the tank 10. For this, according to one embodiment, the diffuser 2 advantageously comprises tabs 5 allowing it to be fixed to the bottom of the tank 10. These tabs 5 advantageously comprise elements locking / unlocking, such as clips, elastic collars and / or latches, so that this fixing is selectively mountable and / or removable, preferably without tools. Dismantling is advantageous for cleaning both the tank 10 and the diffuser 2. Alternatively, according to another characteristic, the diffuser 2 can be integrated into the wall of the tank 10, with the holes 4 flush with the surface of said wall. . This characteristic no longer allows the device 1 to be dismantled, but advantageously eliminates any crevice provided by the diffuser 2, thus facilitating the cleaning of the tank 10. It should be noted that this embodiment is applicable both to a concrete tank and to a stainless steel tank or to wooden or epoxy fiber tanks.

According to another characteristic, the supply line 3 comprises a compressor 12. This compressor 12 is preferably able to produce a pressure of at least 6 bars, preferably at least 9 bars in the diffuser 2 and this fairly quickly. For this a compressor 12 of at least 10 kW, preferably 11.5 kW is advantageous.

The power of the compressor will depend on the surface or volume of the tank(s) being treated and in fact is of importance in reducing the recharging time of the storage tank.

According to another characteristic, the supply line 3 further comprises a buffer tank 6. This buffer tank 6 is fluidly interposed between the compressor 12 and the diffuser 2. It allows, by compression of the gas, to produce an elastic reserve of pressure allowing to average the value of said pressure by reducing the pressure peaks. The power of the compressor influences the filling time of the tanks. Such a buffer tank 6 advantageously has a capacity of 5000 liters.

The capacity of the buffer tank will depend on the surface or volume of the tank(s) treated.

According to another feature, the supply line 3 further comprises a valve 7 or an operable solenoid valve depending on the volume, and if necessary depending on the stage of development of the treatment, for example of the fermentation operation.

The valve or solenoid valve is fluidly interposed between the compressor and the diffuser 2. Such a valve 7 makes it possible to control the start and stop of the bubbling. It is advantageously placed downstream of a possible buffer tank 6 and upstream of a possible tapping 8 (see below). The valve 7 is advantageously remotely controllable in that it consists for example of a solenoid valve.

In such a case, a bubbling operation can be controlled remotely. This can also allow automation of the bubbling as a function of time, temperature or any other quantity measured, typically by a sensor, for example indicative of a content of a component of the contents of the tank 10.

According to another characteristic, the supply line 3 further comprises a tapping 8 interposed between the buffer tank or the compressor and the diffuser 2. This tapping 8 is advantageously arranged downstream of the valve 7. It is equipped with an anti- return allowing introduction of a product, such as an oenological product, into the device 1. The oenological product thus introduced is then “pushed” into the tank 10 by the gas and at the same time mixed with the contents.

According to another characteristic, the gas can vary depending on the operation carried out: reassembly, gassing, degassing. The gas can be chosen at least from nitrogen, carbon dioxide, oxygen, argon or air.

The gas is typically introduced through an inlet 11 upstream of the compressor 12. It is then sucked in and then discharged by the compressor 12. Alternatively the gas can be introduced by connecting a bottle downstream of the compressor 12, for example at the level of the tapping 6. It is then "pushed" towards diffuser 2 by the gas pressurized by compressor 12.

The invention also relates to a tank 10 for wines and spirits comprising such a device 1 according to any one of the embodiments previously described.

According to another characteristic, the device 1 has a shape adapted to the shape of the tank 10. It is also installed in a fixed position, if necessary in a removable manner.

The invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description. This must be considered as illustrative and given by way of example and not as limiting the invention to this description alone. Many variant embodiments are possible.

1: device,

2: diffuser,

3: supply line,

4: hole,

5: leg,

6: buffer tank,

7: valve,

8: stitching,

9: diffuser inlet,

10: tank,

11: gas inlet,

12: compressor,

13: fitting.

Claims (14)

Device (1) for bubbling for fermentation tank (10), in particular alcoholic fermentation, chemical fermentation, maceration, preservation, ensilage, purification of minerals, purification of waste water, infusion, brewing when making beer, aquariums, etc. and more particularly the vinification of wines or spirits, characterized in that he comprises a diffuser (2) and a supply pipe (3), where the diffuser (2) is tubular, shaped to be placed horizontally at the bottom of the tank (10), capable of containing a gas and pierced with at least one hole (4) able to let the gas out, and where the supply pipe (3) is fluidically connected to the diffuser (2) and able to supply the diffuser (2) with pressurized gas. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the diffuser (2) is shaped substantially according to a plane and inscribed in a horizontal contour of the bottom of the tank (10). Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the diffuser (2) is shaped according to a contour, preferably closed, and substantially parallel to the horizontal contour of the bottom of the tank (10). Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, where by said at least one hole (4) is meant a plurality of holes (4), preferably identical, preferably evenly distributed over the length of the diffuser (2) and having a diameter between 0.1 mm and 100 mm, preferably between 0.15 and 1.5 mm. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the number and diameter of the holes (4) are such that the diffuser (2) is capable of diffusing a flow rate of between 50 and 150 m ³ /h, preferably a flow rate of 80 m ³ /h to 120m ³ /h, more particularly a flow rate of the order of 100 m ³ /h a flow rate of the order of 100m ³ /h and preferably under a pressure of 5 to 15 bars , preferably between 8 and 12 bars and more particularly of the order of 9 bars. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diffuser (2) is made of a material suitable for food contact, preferably stainless steel, wood, epoxy fiber. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the diffuser (2) comprises lugs (5) allowing it to be fixed to the bottom of the tank (10), said fixing being preferentially selectively mountable/removable without tools and/or the diffuser may also not include legs and be fixed to the wall of the tank. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the supply pipe (3) comprises a compressor (12), preferably able to produce a pressure of at least 6 to 12 bars in the diffuser (2). Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supply line (3) further comprises a valve (7) or a solenoid valve fluidically interposed between the compressor and the diffuser (2), preferably a valve controllable at distance. A device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the gas is nitrogen, carbon dioxide, oxygen, argon or air. Tank (10) for wines and spirits characterized in This what comprises a device (1) according to any preceding claim. Tank (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the device (1) has a shape adapted to the shape of the tank (10) and is installed in a fixed position against the bottom of the tank. Apparatus comprising a bubbling device according to any one of Claims 1 to 10, comprising:
- a tank (10);
- a diffuser (2), comprising at least one hole (4), for diffusing a gas, arranged horizontally close to the bottom of the tank (10);
- a gas inlet pipe (9), opening into the bottom of the tank and in fluid communication with the gas supply pipe (11);
- a buffer tank disposed on the supply line (3) between a compressor (12) and a valve (7). Process for fermentation, alcoholic fermentation, chemical fermentation, maceration, preservation, ensilage, purification of minerals, purification of waste water, infusion, brewing during the production of beer, aquarium, etc. and more particularly vinification, using the device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.