Fermentation temperature management

Abstract

A portable assembly for cooling the contents of a fermentation vessel is provided. In one embodiment, the assembly comprises an insulated, cylindrical enclosure having a fixed bottom and a removable lid. A flexible heat exchanger is cylindrically disposed within the enclosure and encircles the fermentation vessel. In one embodiment, the flexible heat exchanger is connected to a vessel containing thermally conductive fluid by flexible tubes that extend outside the enclosure. In one embodiment, a heating element is used to heat the fermentation vessel.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE[0001]The present application is related to, and claims the benefit of provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 663,027 filed Jun. 22, 2012, and provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 803,435 filed Mar. 20, 2013, which are both incorporated by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]Embodiments relate generally to fermentation temperature management, and particularly to fermentation temperature control for the contents of small fermentation vessels.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0003]In the small-scale production of beer and wine, there are wide ranges of process variables that can positively or negatively affect the outcome of the final product. Of these process variables, temperature is one of the most significant. While a particular batch of beer or wine may be of very high quality, without specific production controls, it may be difficult to consistently produce a high quality product. Fluctuations in fermentation temperature profiles, even while holding all other factors constant, ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a thermal management system for small fermentation vessels used in the production of beer and wine. The system includes a fermentation vessel enclosure and a heat exchanger that work together to control the temperature during the fermentation process. The system helps to maintain consistent temperatures and prevents fluctuations in temperature that can negatively impact the quality of the final product. The heat exchanger can be designed to provide specific temperature profiles for different fermentation stages and can be adjusted to accommodate different yeast strains and temperatures. The system helps to ensure the final product matches the brewer / winemaker's intentions and can also be used in portable assemblies for on-the-go fermentation management. Overall, the thermal management system improves the quality and consistency of beer and wine fermentation.

Problems solved by technology

While a particular batch of beer or wine may be of very high quality, without specific production controls, it may be difficult to consistently produce a high quality product.

Large seasonal differentials in ambient temperature can influence the fermentation process, and for some products, the daily fluctuation in ambient temperature can negatively impact the fermentation process.

If the temperature is too low, the yeast may become dormant.

If the temperature is too high, the yeast may produce undesirable byproducts such as some esters, fusel alcohols, and too much diacetyl (e.g., butane-2,3-dione).

If the fermentation temperature is too high, undesirable amounts of Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) are produced.

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