Grain whisky heat exchanger

Abstract

The application discloses a grain whisky heat exchanger, which comprises a frame body and a heat exchange unit; the heat exchange unit is distributed in a serpentine shape from top to bottom, and a feeding port and a discharging port are arranged at the bottom and the top respectively; a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet are arranged at the top and the bottom of the heat exchange unit respectively; the heat exchange unit is composed of a main sleeve pipe and a plurality of sub-pipe; the cross-sectional area of the sub-pipe is larger than that of the mash shell; the heat exchange unit is arranged in the frame body, the pipeline is composed of a plurality of sub-pipes and a main sleeve pipe, the cooling liquid flows in the main sleeve pipe, and the mash liquid flows in the sub-pipe, so that the heat of the mash liquid can be effectively taken away, the effect of cross-flow cooling is achieved, the cross-sectional area of the sub-pipe is larger than that of the mash shell, and the difficulty of the mash shell cooling is effectively overcome; the mash liquid is transported from bottom to top, the cooling liquid is transported from top to bottom, cross-flow heat exchange is adopted, and the cooling temperature is controlled; the application has the advantages of effectively coping with the cooling of the mash shell and effectively controlling the cooling temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of whisky production, and in particular to heat exchangers for grain whisky. Background Technology

[0002] Whisky is a distilled spirit made from grains such as barley, aged for many years in oak barrels, and blended to around 43% ABV. Its aroma and flavor are the most important reasons why consumers enjoy whisky. The unique aroma and flavor of whisky are the most important factors in judging its quality, and the factors affecting the aroma and flavor of whisky can be broadly categorized into raw materials and manufacturing processes, as well as the aging process using oak barrels.

[0003] Whisky is a distilled spirit made from grains such as malt, barley, and wheat through fermentation and distillation. The basic manufacturing process involves saccharifying the raw materials and adding yeast, followed by fermentation and distillation. The fermented spirit has an alcohol content of 7% to 8%, while the spirit obtained through double distillation is colorless, transparent, and typically has an alcohol content of around 70%. This resulting spirit is then aged in oak barrels for a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 50 years or more. During aging in oak barrels, the unripe aromas of the whisky gradually disappear, and floral, honey, vanilla, and fruity aromas develop, resulting in a rich and mellow flavor. The aging process in oak barrels is the most crucial period in whisky production, influencing up to 60% of the final flavor. The type, size, and aging time of the oak barrels determine the aroma, taste, and color of the whisky.

[0004] Whisky production involves two processes: distillation and cooling. While heat exchange occurs during these processes, grains typically have outer shells (chaff, malt husks, etc.). Typical heat exchangers have small spacing, making it impossible to effectively cool the grain mash containing these shells. Furthermore, after high-temperature liquefaction, the grain mash needs to be cooled to a certain temperature to ensure saccharification. Once saccharification is complete, it is then cooled to the normal loading temperature before being pumped into the fermentation tank. However, existing heat exchange equipment lacks the ability to control the cooling temperature; it simply removes heat through cooling liquids, failing to effectively control the cooling temperature. This results in incomplete saccharification or excessively high temperatures in the mash that flows out after heat exchange.

[0005] Therefore, existing heat exchange equipment for whisky production has the problem of being unable to handle the cooling of mash with shells and being unable to effectively control the cooling temperature. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a grain whiskey heat exchanger. It has the advantages of effectively handling the cooling of mash with husks and effectively controlling the cooling temperature.

[0007] The technical solution of this invention: A grain whiskey heat exchanger includes a frame and multiple detachable heat exchange units mounted on the frame, the heat exchange units being distributed along the front and back of the frame; the heat exchange units are distributed in a meandering manner from top to bottom, with corresponding detachable inlets and outlets at their bottom and top ends, respectively; corresponding liquid inlets and outlets are located above the top and below the bottom of each heat exchange unit, and the liquid inlets and outlets are connected to a cooling liquid device; each heat exchange unit consists of a main sleeve and multiple sub-tubes evenly distributed within the main sleeve; the sub-tubes are connected to the inlet and outlet, and the main sleeve is connected to the liquid inlet and outlet; the cross-sectional area of ​​the sub-tubes is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the mash shell.

[0008] In the aforementioned grain whiskey heat exchanger, each heat exchange unit consists of a horizontal straight pipe section and a curved section connecting adjacent straight pipe sections; both the feed inlet and the liquid inlet are equipped with a pump with a valve.

[0009] In the aforementioned grain whiskey heat exchanger, the frame body is provided with multiple movable auxiliary heat dissipation units; the upper and lower ends of the frame body are provided with horizontally longitudinally distributed mounting brackets for installing the auxiliary heat dissipation units; each auxiliary heat dissipation unit includes multiple vertically distributed heat dissipation fin groups and connecting parts connecting adjacent heat dissipation fin groups; each heat dissipation fin group consists of a heat dissipation frame and multiple evenly distributed metal heat dissipation fins, and arc-shaped grooves corresponding to the outer diameter of the heat exchange unit are opened on the left and right sides of the heat dissipation fin group; the heat dissipation fin groups located at the upper and lower ends are slidably mounted in the mounting brackets via connecting rods; an adjustable adjustment knob is provided above the heat dissipation fin group located at the top for fixing the auxiliary heat dissipation unit.

[0010] In the aforementioned grain whiskey heat exchanger, mounting columns are vertically installed at the middle of the front and rear ends of the frame, and multiple detachable fixing blocks are provided between the mounting columns; the fixing blocks fix the heat exchange unit located inside the frame through arc-shaped fixing grooves.

[0011] In the aforementioned grain whiskey heat exchanger, the bottom of the frame is equipped with multiple casters.

[0012] In the aforementioned grain whiskey heat exchanger, the frame is provided with multiple detachable mounting seats, which fix the heat exchange unit to the frame.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the present invention sets up a meandering heat exchange unit in the frame. The heat exchange unit is composed of a horizontal main pipe section and a curved section. The pipe of the heat exchange unit is composed of multiple sub-pipes and a main sleeve. The coolant flows in the main sleeve, while the mash flows in the sub-pipes. The coolant flows through the outer wall of each sub-pipe, thereby effectively carrying away the heat of the mash and achieving a cooling effect.

[0014] By setting multiple sub-tubes inside the main casing, the cross-sectional area of ​​a single sub-tube is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the mash shell (more than 20 times), which can effectively avoid the problem of blockage and overcome the difficulty of cooling the mash shell.

[0015] Moreover, by arranging the heat exchange unit in a meandering manner from top to bottom, and ensuring that the mash is transported from bottom to top to fill the pipes, while the coolant is transported from top to bottom, this application adopts cross-flow heat exchange, which can effectively control the outlet temperature.

[0016] Meanwhile, pumps with valves are installed on both the coolant and mash sides. The flow rate of coolant and mash can be controlled by adjusting the valve opening. Similarly, the flow rate can be adjusted by controlling the power of the pumps. The flow rate can be adjusted according to the actual situation to meet the cooling temperature control requirements.

[0017] Therefore, the present invention has the advantages of effectively dealing with the cooling of mash with shells and effectively controlling the cooling temperature.

[0018] Furthermore, by setting up multiple movable auxiliary heat dissipation units, this application can move the auxiliary heat dissipation units according to actual needs, thereby adjusting the contact degree between the heat sink assembly and the heat exchange unit and improving the cooling effect. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a front structural diagram of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a partial side view of the structure of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the heat exchange unit of the present invention.

[0022] The labels in the attached diagram are as follows: 1-Frame, 11-Fixed base, 12-Wheel caster, 13-Mounting column, 14-Fixing block, 15-Mounting bracket, 2-Heat exchange unit, 21-Straight pipe section, 22-Bent section, 23-Main sleeve, 24-Sub-pipe, 31-Liquid inlet, 32-Liquid outlet, 41-Feed inlet, 42-Feed outlet, 6-Auxiliary heat dissipation unit, 61-Heat fin assembly, 62-Connector, 63-Arc groove, 64-Adjustment knob. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, but this should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0024] Example. Grain whiskey heat exchanger, configured as follows: Figure 1 and 3As shown, the device includes a frame 1 and multiple detachable heat exchange units 2 mounted on the frame 1, with the heat exchange units 2 distributed along the front and back of the frame 1. The frame 1 is provided with multiple detachable mounting bases 11, which fix the heat exchange units 2 to the frame 1. The heat exchange units 2 are distributed in a meandering pattern from top to bottom, and are composed of horizontal straight pipe sections 21 and curved sections 22 connecting adjacent straight pipe sections 21. Each heat exchange unit 2 has a detachable inlet 41 at its bottom end and a detachable outlet 42 at its top end. 2. An inlet 31 is provided at the top and an outlet 32 ​​is provided at the bottom; the inlet 31 and outlet 32 ​​are connected to the coolant equipment, and coolant circulates within them; both the feed inlet 41 and the inlet 31 are equipped with a pump with a valve; each straight pipe section 21 and curved section 22 consists of a main sleeve 23 and multiple sub-pipes 24 evenly distributed within the main sleeve 23; the sub-pipes 24 are connected to the feed inlet 41 and the outlet 42; the main sleeve 23 is connected to the inlet 31 and the outlet 32.

[0025] like Figure 2 The frame 1 contains multiple movable auxiliary heat dissipation units 6; the upper and lower ends of the frame 1 are provided with horizontally longitudinally distributed mounting brackets 15 for installing the auxiliary heat dissipation units 6; each auxiliary heat dissipation unit 6 includes multiple vertically distributed heat dissipation fin groups 61 and connecting pieces 62 connecting adjacent heat dissipation fin groups 61; each heat dissipation fin group 61 is composed of a heat dissipation frame and multiple evenly distributed metal heat dissipation fins, and arc-shaped grooves 63 corresponding to the outer diameter of the heat exchange unit 2 are opened on the left and right sides of the heat dissipation fin group 61; the heat dissipation fin groups 61 located at the upper and lower ends are slidably mounted in the mounting brackets 15 through connecting rods; an adjustable adjustment knob 64 is provided above the heat dissipation fin group 61 located at the top for fixing the auxiliary heat dissipation unit 6.

[0026] The mounting bracket 15 is provided with a transverse track and a transverse groove for assisting the movement of the heat dissipation unit 6, which facilitates the movement of the heat dissipation unit 6; the heat dissipation fin assembly 61 is connected by a conventional detachable method such as threads through the connector 62, so that different numbers and specifications of metal heat dissipation fins can be installed according to actual needs to meet different cooling and heat reduction requirements.

[0027] like Figure 1 and 2 The frame 1 has vertical mounting columns 13 at the middle of both ends, and multiple detachable fixing blocks 14 are provided between the mounting columns 13; the fixing blocks 14 fix the heat exchange unit 2 located in the frame 1 through the arc-shaped fixing groove.

[0028] like Figure 1 The frame 1 is equipped with multiple casters 12 at its bottom.

[0029] Working principle of the invention:

[0030] The high-temperature mash undergoes cross-flow cooling in tubular form as described in this application.

[0031] First stage cooling: After the grain mash is liquefied, some of the malt is still in its shell, so the 100°C high-temperature liquid needs to be cooled down to 64°C for saccharification; the grain mash is introduced into the heat exchange unit 2 of this application through the feed inlet 41, and at the same time, cooling liquid (cooling water) is sent in through the liquid inlet 31 to lower the temperature of the mash to the required temperature for saccharification.

[0032] Second stage cooling: After adding some malt, once saccharification is complete, the mash at 68 degrees Celsius needs to be cooled to 20 degrees Celsius. At this point, the mash will contain a large amount of malt husks. The mash after saccharification is passed into the feed inlet 41 of the next heat exchange unit 2, and after being fully cooled to 20 degrees Celsius by the heat exchange unit 2, it is finally sent out through the discharge outlet 42.

[0033] According to actual needs, the heat sink assembly 61 of the auxiliary heat dissipation unit 6 is moved horizontally so that it comes into contact with the heat exchange unit 2 to different degrees, thereby further improving and adjusting the cooling effect.

Claims

1. A grain whiskey heat exchanger, characterized in that: The device includes a frame (1) and multiple detachable heat exchange units (2) mounted on the frame (1). The heat exchange units (2) are distributed along the front and back of the frame (1). The heat exchange units (2) are distributed from top to bottom, and their bottom and top ends are respectively provided with corresponding detachable inlets (41) and outlets (42). The heat exchange units (2) are respectively provided with corresponding liquid inlets (31) above the top and liquid outlets (32) below the bottom. The liquid inlets (31) and liquid outlets (32) are connected to the cold... The cooling equipment is connected; each heat exchange unit (2) consists of a main sleeve (23) and multiple sub-tubes (24) evenly distributed in the main sleeve (23); the sub-tubes (24) are connected to the feed inlet (41) and the discharge outlet (42), and the main sleeve (23) is connected to the liquid inlet (31) and the liquid outlet (32); the cross-sectional area of ​​the sub-tubes (24) is larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the mash shell; the feed inlet (41) and the liquid inlet (31) are equipped with a pump with a valve; Each heat exchange unit (2) consists of a horizontal straight pipe section (21) and a curved section (22) connecting adjacent straight pipe sections (21); The frame (1) is provided with multiple movable auxiliary heat dissipation units (6); the upper and lower ends of the frame (1) are provided with mounting brackets (15) for installing the auxiliary heat dissipation units (6) in a horizontal and longitudinal manner; each auxiliary heat dissipation unit (6) includes multiple heat dissipation fin groups (61) distributed vertically and vertically and connectors (62) connecting adjacent heat dissipation fin groups (61); the heat dissipation fin group (61) is composed of a heat dissipation frame and multiple uniformly distributed metal heat dissipation fins, and arc-shaped grooves (63) corresponding to the outer diameter of the heat exchange unit (2) are opened on the left and right sides of the heat dissipation fin group (61); the heat dissipation fin groups (61) located at the upper and lower ends are slidably installed in the mounting brackets (15) through connecting rods; an adjustable adjustment knob (64) is provided above the heat dissipation fin group (61) located at the top for fixing the auxiliary heat dissipation unit (6). The frame (1) has vertical mounting columns (13) at the middle of the front and rear ends, and multiple detachable fixing blocks (14) are provided between the mounting columns (13); the fixing blocks (14) fix the heat exchange unit (2) located in the frame (1) through the arc-shaped fixing groove.

2. The grain whiskey heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame (1) is equipped with multiple casters (12) at its bottom.

3. The grain whiskey heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame (1) is provided with multiple detachable fixing seats (11), which fix the heat exchange unit (2) on the frame (1).

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