FR3122599A1 - Roasting machine for wood pieces - Google Patents

Abstract

The subject of the present invention is a roasting machine (10) for roasting pieces of wood (16) for oenological use, characterized in that it comprises: - at least one rotating tank (12, 14) provided to receive the pieces of wood (16), the tank (12, 14) being mounted for rotation relative to a fixed support (18) about a transverse axis of rotation (T1), the tank (12, 14) comprising perforated walls allowing the diffusion of heat from the outside to the inside of the tank (12, 14), - at least one tank (26, 28) provided to be supplied with fuel so as to form a hearth (30, 32), the tank (26, 28) being movable in at least one longitudinal direction (L1), between at least one proximal position and one distal position relative to the tank (12, 14), so as to allow regulation of the temperature of heated in the tank (12, 14) depending on the longitudinal position of the tank (26, 28). Figure for abstract: figure 1.

Description

Roasting machine for wood pieces

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a torrefaction machine for pieces of wood.

The invention relates more particularly to a roasting machine for roasting pieces of wood for oenological use and a roasting method using such a roasting machine.

Technical background

It is known to treat pieces of wood by roasting them to allow their use in the oenological field. Generally, the pieces of wood are oak inserts called staves, or staves, which are roasted beforehand in induction ovens before being used in the aging of the wine, for example immersed in stainless steel vats to give the wine the structure and desired flavor profiles.

The use of induction ovens and long oak inserts requires a relatively long and expensive roasting process. The cost price of each torrefied oak insert is therefore relatively high.

Moreover, such oak inserts do not meet all the needs of wine producers.

The invention aims to solve the problems mentioned above by proposing a roasting machine for the roasting of pieces of wood for oenological use, characterized in that it comprises:

- at least one rotating tank provided to receive the pieces of wood, the tank being mounted for rotation relative to a fixed support around a transverse axis of rotation, the tank comprising perforated walls allowing the diffusion of heat from the outside inside the tank,

- at least one tank provided to be supplied with fuel so as to form a hearth, the tank being movable in at least one longitudinal direction, between at least one proximal position and one distal position with respect to the tank, so as to allow a regulation of the heating temperature in the tank according to the longitudinal position of the tank.

The machine according to the invention makes it possible to economically produce small pieces of torrefied wood suitable for oenological use by being supplied to wine producers to be immersed in tanks containing wine. The machine is particularly easy to implement, in a relatively limited space, in safety conditions that are relatively easy to control. In particular, hearths and tanks can be sized according to the space available and the quantity of rooms to be provided.

The roasting of pieces of wood is relatively easy to control by adjusting several parameters such as:

• the relative position of the tank in relation to the tank,
• the speed of rotation of the tank,
• the quantity of embers in the tray,
• the quantity of pieces of wood in the tank.

According to other characteristics of the invention:

- The tray has two opposite side walls transversely and at each longitudinal end respectively a proximal transverse wall and a distal transverse wall, the side and transverse walls delimiting an upper opening;

- the distal transverse wall is provided with an external deflector which extends upwards from the upper opening;

- the external deflector comprises a lower portion which extends generally vertically in the extension of the distal transverse wall and an upper portion inclined on the side opposite the tank;

- the proximal transverse wall has a perforated upper portion provided to allow diffusion of the heat produced by the hearth to an area located under the tank;

- the height of the axis of rotation of the tank and the height of the proximal transverse wall of the tank are chosen so that, in the proximal position of the tank, the upper opening is located at least partly under the tank when the tray occupies its distal position;

- at least one of the side walls of the tray includes a movable part allowing the air inlet into the hearth to be regulated;

- the length of the tray in the transverse direction is substantially equal to the length of the tank in the transverse direction, so as to promote even distribution of heat over the entire length of the tank;

- the tank has a cross-section of polygonal shape, preferably hexagonal, so as to favor the reversal of the pieces of wood inside the tank during the rotation of the tank;

- the inner wall of the tank includes at least one internal deflector which promotes the turning over of the pieces of wood inside the tank during the rotation of the tank;

- the tank comprises a hinged panel forming a door intended to allow the loading and unloading of the tank, and the internal wall of the hinged panel comprises a first and a second internal deflectors which are inclined in opposite directions so as to form a funnel facilitating the unloading the tank downwards;

- the machine comprises a drive device configured to drive the tank in rotation in the direction of the ascent of the pieces of wood contained in the tank on the side of the hearth;

- the machine comprises two longitudinally opposed vats and two associated mobile vats, and the drive device is provided to drive the two vats in rotation simultaneously, the direction of rotation of each vat being reversed with respect to the other, so that the pieces of wood contained in the tank always go up on the side of the associated hearth.

- the machine comprises a roof arranged above the area of movement of the tank and above the tank, the roof comprising an opening, so as to retain the heat diffused by the hearth while facilitating the evacuation of the fumes produced by the hearth;

The invention also proposes a process for roasting pieces of wood for oenological use, characterized in that it implements the roasting machine mentioned above and in that it comprises the following steps:

- loading of the pieces of wood into the tank,

- feeding the tank with fuel and ignition until a first determined heating temperature is obtained, the tank occupying its distal position,

- rotation of the tank so that the pieces of wood located in the tank go up on the side of the hearth,

- moving the tank to the tank,

- regulation of the rotation speed of the tank according to the roasting temperature desired for the pieces of wood,

- displacement of the tray to its distal position,

- stopping the rotation of the tank,

- unloading of torrefied pieces of wood.

Brief description of figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which will follow for the understanding of which reference will be made to the appended drawings in which:

- the is a perspective view which shows a machine for roasting pieces of wood 16 according to the invention when the movable trays occupy a distal position;

- the is a view similar to that of the which represents the roasting machine when the mobile tanks occupy a proximal position;

- the is a perspective view which represents one of the trays fitted to the machine of the ;

- the is a perspective view which represents one of the tanks equipping the machine of the when the door allowing the loading and unloading of pieces of wood is open.

Detailed description of the invention

For the description of the invention and the understanding of the claims, the vertical, longitudinal and transverse orientations according to the reference V, L, T indicated in the figures whose longitudinal axes L and transverse T extend in a horizontal plane.

In the following description, identical, similar or analogous elements will be designated by the same reference numerals.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of a roasting machine 10 according to the invention. The machine 10 here comprises a first rotating tank 12 and a second tank 14 which are provided to receive pieces of wood 16 to be roasted for oenological use.

The pieces of wood 16 used with this machine 10 are preferably parallelepipedic plates of approximately 5 to 15 cm per side and 0.5 to 2 cm thick. Of course, other shapes and other dimensions could also be suitable.

The machine 10 here comprises a fixed support structure 18 comprising a plate 20 surmounted by four posts 22 and a roof 24.

A first and a second tray 26, 28 are slidably mounted on the plate 20 in a longitudinal direction L1 between the two tanks 12, 14. Each tray 26, 28 is provided to receive fuel so as to be able to form a first and a second hearths 30, 32 producing the heat necessary for roasting. Each tank 26, 28 can thus receive incandescent pieces of wood forming embers.

Each tank 12, 14 is here mounted for rotation relative to the support structure 18 around a transverse axis of rotation T1 supported by two posts 22 opposite each other transversely.

Each tray 26, 28 is designed to be moved in the longitudinal direction L1 between a distal position and a proximal position with respect to the nearest tank 12, 14 so as to allow regulation of the heating temperature in each tank 12, 14 depending on the longitudinal position of the tray 26, 28 associated. On the , the two trays 26, 28 are shown in a distal position and on the in a proximal position.

It is noted that the tanks 12, 14 and the trays 26, 28 are here arranged symmetrically with respect to a transverse plane of symmetry, the two tanks 12, 14 and the two trays 26, 28 being identical.

One of the trays 26, 28 is described in relation to FIGS. 1 and 3. Each tray 26, 28 generally has a parallelepipedic shape comprising two transversely opposite side walls 34, 36 as well as a proximal transverse wall 38 and a transverse wall distal 40 defining an upper opening 42 rectangular.

Each tray 26, 28 has a bottom wall 44 which here rests on rollers 46 allowing the tray 26, 28 to be moved on the plate 20, or on the ground, in the longitudinal direction L1. The rollers 46 are here guided on the plate 20 by longitudinal rails 47.

Advantageously, the distal transverse wall 40 is provided with an external deflector 48 which extends upwards from the upper opening 42. The external deflector 48 is preferably made in one piece with the distal transverse wall 40 , and it comprises a lower portion 50 which extends vertically in the extension of the distal transverse wall 40, and an upper portion 52 inclined on the side opposite to the tank 12, 14 associated.

Preferably, the angle of inclination a1 of the upper portion 52, relative to the lower portion 50 is between 10 and 45 degrees.

The proximal transverse wall 38 comprises a solid lower portion 54 and an openwork upper portion 56 provided to allow diffusion of the heat produced by the hearth 30, 32 towards a zone located under the associated tank 12, 14. The perforated upper portion 56 here comprises a series of vertical bars 58 connecting the upper edge 60 of the solid lower portion 54 to a crosspiece 62 forming an edge of the upper opening 42. The bars 58 define between them openings or windows 64 for the diffusion of heat from the hearth 30, 32.

Preferably the perforated upper portion 56 extends over the entire transverse length of the tray 26, 28 and the tray 26, 28 itself extends over the entire length of the associated tank 12, 14, so as to promote a diffusion homogeneous heat over the entire length of the tank 12, 14.

Advantageously, the height of the axis of rotation T1 of each tank 12, 14 and the height of the tray 26, 28 are chosen so that, in the proximal position of the tray 26, 28, the upper opening 42 is located at least part under the tank 12, 14. In addition, the height of the tray 26, 28 is chosen to allow it to contain enough fuel to produce the heat necessary for roasting for a determined period.

Advantageously, at least one of the side walls 34, 36 of the tray 26, 28 comprises a movable part 66 making it possible to regulate the inflow of air into the hearth 30,32. The mobile part 66 is here constituted by a pivoting flap 68 articulated in the lower part of the side wall 36.

Various solutions can be provided for controlling and locking the pivoting flap 68 in the closed position and in the open position.

As a replacement for this pivoting flap 68 or in addition to the pivoting flap 68, the side wall 34, 36 can be mounted to slide vertically relative to the transverse walls 38, 40 so as to be able to shift upwards and thus create an inlet of air in the bottom of the tray 26, 28.

The pivoting flap 68 makes it possible both to evacuate the ashes from the hearth 30, 32 and to bring air to each side of the hearth 30, 32 to regulate the draft and ensure uniform heating over the entire length of the tray 26 , 28.

The rotating tanks 12, 14 will now be described in more detail in relation to FIGS. 1 and 4.

Each tank 12, 14 here comprises two end plates 70, 72 of hexagonal shapes connected by six perforated panels 74. Each tank 12, 14 thus has a longitudinal section of hexagonal shape.

The shape of the tank 12, 14 is chosen to promote mixing and turning of the pieces of wood 16 inside the tank 12, 14 during its rotation.

According to embodiment variants (not shown) the section could be of a polygonal shape different from a hexagon, or could be circular or oval.

The perforated panels 74 consist of metal grids, preferably of stainless steel, capable of withstanding the temperatures of the hearth 30, 32 which can rise to about 400 degrees. The mesh of the perforated panels 74 must allow a good diffusion of the heat coming from the hearth 30, 32 and also be tight enough to retain the pieces of wood 16 which are loaded in the tank 12, 14.

Advantageously, one of the perforated panels 74 is articulated on one of its transverse edges by means of hinges 76 so as to form a door 78 which gives access to the interior of the tank 12, 14 to allow its loading and its unloading.

Advantageously, the internal wall of the tank 12, 14 comprises at least one internal deflector 80 which promotes the reversal of the pieces of wood 16 inside the tank 12, 14 during its rotation. According to the embodiment shown, the tank 12, 14 comprises two internal deflectors 80 which are fixed on the internal face of the door 78. The two internal deflectors 80 are here formed of two metal angles inclined in opposite directions to form a narrowing or funnel allowing, during the unloading phase, to guide the pieces of wood towards the middle part of the door 78 or the tank 12, 14.

As illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the machine 10 comprises a drive device 82, comprising for example an electric motor, which is provided to drive the two tanks 12, 14 in rotation, for example by means of a system of chains and sprockets, or belts and pulleys. Preferably the two tanks 12, 14 are driven simultaneously in the direction of the ascent of the pieces of wood 16 on the side of each hearth 30, 32 associated. Thus it is planned to drive the first tank 12 in the clockwise direction R1 and the second tank 14 in the anti-clockwise direction R2 considering Figures 1 and 2.

Advantageously, the drive device 82 comprises a reducer (not shown) which makes it possible to control the reverse rotation of the two tanks 12, 14.

It has been found that the pieces of wood 16 roast better when they are stirred upwards near the associated hearth 30, 32. Indeed, during the rotation of the tank 12, 14, the pieces of wood 16 tend to be taken upwards on the perforated walls 74, aided by the internal deflectors 80, before falling and then returning near the hearths. 30, 32.

Advantageously, a single electric motor is connected by a reduction gear system to the two tanks 12, 14 to drive them in rotation simultaneously. According to a variant embodiment, an uncoupling system and/or an individual control for each tank 12, 14 can make it possible to control the rotation of a single tank 12, 14 when it is desired to roast a smaller quantity of pieces of wood. 16, for example.

Advantageously, the roof 24 has two sides of slightly different inclination to provide a transverse opening 84 facilitating the evacuation of smoke, at the junction between the two sides of the roof 24.

The roof 24 is preferably made of stainless steel to withstand high temperatures and to help maintain uniform heat in the vicinity of the tanks 12, 14.

In the embodiment of the invention described and represented in FIGS. 1 to 4, the machine 10 comprises two tanks 12, 14 and two tanks 26, 28. Of course, the invention also applies to the case of a machine 10 having a single tray 26 for a single hearth 30 and a single tank 12.

We now describe the method of roasting pieces of wood 16 for oenological use implementing the machine 10 according to the invention.

During a preparation phase, the trays 26, 28 are brought into the distal position, as on the , in order to be able to prepare the hearths there by pouring into the containers 26, 28 fuel such as sticks or other pieces of wood capable of providing embers after an appropriate ignition. The fire is then lit in each tray 26, 28 to form the embers and the hearths 30, 32. The trays 26, 28 thus form braziers which produce heat capable of roasting the pieces of wood 16.

It is noted that the external deflector 48 provided on each tank 26, 28 makes it possible to guide the fumes produced by the hearths 30, 32 upwards and away from the tanks 12, 14. Indeed, it is important to minimize the quantity smoke passing through the vats 12, 14 because it would risk transmitting to the pieces of wood 16 a smoke taste which is not desired for oenological use.

Each external deflector 48 also contributes to a good distribution of the heat produced by the embers towards the tank 12, 14 associated. Indeed, the outer deflector 48 is preferably made of metal like the rest of the tank 26, 28, and its rise in temperature will produce radiation towards the associated tank 12, 14.

In the rest of the description, the term heating temperature will be used, which corresponds to a reference temperature measured near the hearth 30, 32, for example at a midpoint on the crosspiece 62.

During this preparation phase, each vat 12, 14 is loaded through door 78 with a determined quantity of pieces of wood 16 intended for oenological use.

During a temperature rise phase, the trays 26, 28 are held in their distal position and the tanks are rotated 12, 14 by means of the drive device 82, so as to raise the pieces of wood 16 in temperature in the tanks 12, 14.

During the rotation of the tanks 12, 14, the pieces of wood 16 are stirred in each tank 12, 14, going up with the perforated walls 74, on the side of the tanks 12, 14, and falling on top of each other. The internal deflectors 80 also contribute to this mixing by promoting the movement of the pieces of wood 16 over the entire length of the tank 12, 14. This mixing allows a homogeneous diffusion of the heat produced by the hearths 30, 32 on all the parts of wood 16 avoiding any overheating which could lead to combustion of these pieces of wood 16.

When the smoke produced by the formation of the embers begins to dissipate and the heating temperature reaches a predetermined value, for example a value between 300 and 400 degrees, the trays 26, 28 are moved longitudinally towards the tanks 12, 14 associated so as to increase the temperature inside the vats 12, 14 which allows the roasting of the pieces of wood 16.

It is noted that the speed of rotation of the vats 12, 14 is chosen to allow the roasting of the pieces of wood 16. Too slow a speed leads to too intense heating of the pieces of wood 16 and too fast a speed does not allow sufficient heating of the pieces of wood. 16 pieces of wood to achieve the roasted effect.

During roasting, the longitudinal position of each tank 26, 28 can be adjusted to ensure an appropriate heating intensity, in combination with an appropriate choice of the speed of rotation of the tanks 12, 14. On the the tanks 12, 14 are shown in the proximal position where the upper opening 42 is located at right angles to the axis of rotation T1 of the associated tank 12, 14, which ensures the maximum heating temperature for the pieces of wood 16 .

It is noted that the inclination of the upper portion 52 of the external deflector 48 makes it possible to approach the tray 26, 28 longitudinally as much as possible of the associated tank 12, 14, without being blocked by the external deflector 48, while using an external deflector 48 high enough to produce maximum effect.

When the pieces of wood 16 have reached the desired level of roasting, the trays 26, 28 are returned to their distal position, then the rotation of the tanks 12, 14 is stopped.

The roasting process according to the invention takes place in total for example over a period of half an hour to one hour.

The roasted pieces of wood 16 are then unloaded through the door 78 of each tank 12, 14. It suffices, for example, to place a recovery tray (not shown) under the tank 12, 14, opposite the space located between the two internal deflectors 80. The pieces of wood 16 then flow into the recovery tank, the internal deflectors 80 guiding the pieces of wood 16 like a funnel, towards the center.

According to an alternative embodiment of the machine 10 according to the invention, the position of each tank 12, 14 could be adjustable, for example in height.

According to another alternative embodiment, the tanks 26, 28 could be mounted to slide transversely in order to facilitate refueling. They could also be controlled in longitudinal displacement by a drive system (not shown).

LEGEND

10: machinery
12: first tank
14: second tank
16: pieces of wood
18: supporting structure
20: tray
22: post
24: roof
26: first tank
28: second tray
30: first hearth
32: second hearth
34: first side wall
36: second side wall
38: proximal transverse wall
40: distal transverse wall
42: upper opening
44: bottom wall
46: wheels
47: track
48: external deflector
50: lower portion
52: upper portion
54: full lower portion
56: open upper portion
58: bar
60: top edge
62: crosspiece
64: window
66: moving part
68: pivoting flap
70: first end plate
72: second end plate
74: perforated panel
76: hinge
78: door
80: internal deflector
82: driving device
84: transverse opening
a1: angle of inclination
L1: longitudinal direction
R1: direction of rotation of the first tank
R2: direction of rotation of the second tank
T1: transverse axis of rotation

Claims (15)

Roasting machine (10) for roasting pieces of wood (16) for oenological use, characterized in that it comprises:
- at least one rotating tank (12, 14) provided to receive the pieces of wood (16), the tank (12, 14) being mounted for rotation relative to a fixed support (18) around an axis of rotation ( T1) transverse, the tank (12, 14) having perforated walls allowing the diffusion of heat from the outside to the inside of the tank (12, 14),
- at least one container (26, 28) provided to be supplied with fuel so as to form a hearth (30, 32), the container (26, 28) being movable in at least one longitudinal direction (L1), between at least a proximal position and a distal position with respect to the tank (12, 14), so as to allow regulation of the heating temperature in the tank (12, 14) according to the longitudinal position of the tank (26, 28) . Machine (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tank (26, 28) comprises two side walls (34, 36) opposite each other transversely and at each longitudinal end respectively a proximal transverse wall (38) and a distal transverse wall ( 40), the side (34, 36) and transverse (38, 40) walls delimiting an upper opening (42). Machine (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the distal transverse wall (40) is provided with an external deflector (48) which extends upwards from the upper opening (42). Machine (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the external deflector (48) comprises a lower portion (50) which extends generally vertically in the extension of the distal transverse wall (40) and an upper portion (52) inclined on the side opposite the tank (12, 14). Machine (10) according to any one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the proximal transverse wall (38) comprises an openwork upper portion (56) provided to allow diffusion of the heat produced by the hearth (30, 32 ) to an area located under the tank (12, 14) when the tray (26, 28) occupies its distal position. Machine (10) according to any one of Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the height of the axis of rotation (T1) of the tank (12, 14) and the height of the proximal transverse wall (38) of the tank (26, 28) are chosen so that, in the proximal position of the tank (26, 28), the upper opening (42) is located at least partly under the tank (12, 14). Machine (10) according to any one of Claims 2 to 6, characterized in that at least one of the side walls (34, 36) of the tank (26, 28) comprises a movable part making it possible to regulate the arrival of air in the hearth (30, 32). Machine (10) according to any one of Claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the length of the tank (26, 28) in the transverse direction is substantially equal to the length of the tank (12, 14) in the transverse direction. , so as to promote even heat distribution over the entire length of the tank (12, 14). Machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tank (12, 14) has a cross-section of polygonal shape, preferably hexagonal, so as to favor the turning over of the pieces of wood (16) inside the tank (12, 14) during the rotation of the tank (12, 14). Machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the internal wall of the tank (12, 14) comprises at least one internal deflector (80) which promotes the turning over of the pieces of wood (16) at the inside the tank (12, 14) during the rotation of the tank (12, 14). Machine (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tank (12, 14) comprises a hinged panel forming a door (78) intended to allow the loading and unloading of the tank (12, 14), and in that the inner wall of the door (78) has first and second inner baffles (80) which are angled in opposite directions so as to form a funnel facilitating the unloading of the tank (12, 14) downwards. Machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a drive device (82) configured to drive the bowl (12, 14) in rotation in the direction in which the pieces of wood rise (16) contained in the tank (12, 14) on the side of the hearth (30, 32). Machine (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises two longitudinally opposed tanks (12, 14) and two associated movable trays (26, 28), and in that the drive device (82) is provided to simultaneously drive the two vats (12, 14) in rotation, the direction of rotation of each vat (12, 14) being reversed with respect to the other, so that the pieces of wood (16) contained in each vat ( 12, 14) always go back to the side of the hearth (30, 32) associated. Machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a roof (24) arranged above the area of movement of the tank (26, 28 and above the tank (12, 14), the roof (24) comprising an opening (84), so as to retain the heat diffused by the hearth (30, 32) while facilitating the evacuation of the fumes produced by the hearth (30, 32). Process for roasting pieces of wood (16) for oenological use, characterized in that it implements the roasting machine (10) according to any one of the preceding claims and in that it comprises the following steps:
- loading the pieces of wood (16) into the tank (12, 14),
- feeding the tank (26, 28) with fuel and ignition until a first determined heating temperature is obtained, the tank (26, 28) occupying its distal position,
- rotation of the tank (12, 14) so that the pieces of wood (16) located in the tank (12, 14) go up on the side of the hearth (30, 32),
- displacement of the tank (26, 28) towards the tank (12, 14),
- regulation of the speed of rotation of the tank (12, 14) according to the roasting temperature desired for the pieces of wood (16),
- displacement of the tray (26, 28) to its distal position,
- stopping the rotation of the tank (12, 14),
- unloading of the torrefied pieces of wood (16).