System, facility and method for conditioning sugar-containing juices or liquids for the alcoholic fermentation thereof
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2024703252
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-01-16
- Filing Date
- 2024-01-15
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-26
AI Technical Summary
Existing methods for packaging juices or liquids containing sugars for alcoholic fermentation, such as those used in winemaking, often require the use of additives like sulphites, which can cause health issues and are not compatible with organic or biodynamic processes, and are complex to implement due to the need for specific equipment that can clog or obstruct.
A system comprising a conditioning circuit with a magnetic or electromagnetic device and a dynamization device that subjects the juice or liquid to mechanical agitation in a swirling path, forming a vortex, which reduces the need for additives and is simpler to implement, using a series of pipe segments with magnetic or electromagnetic conditioning devices and vortex-inducing connectors.
This solution effectively reduces the use of additives, is cost-effective, and ensures compatibility with organic or biodynamic processes, improving the balance of particles and ions in the juice, reducing mold proliferation, and enhancing aromas and flavors without the need for sulphites.
Smart Images
Figure IB2024095001_25072024_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] SYSTEM, INSTALLATION AND METHOD FOR CONDITIONING JUICES OR LIQUIDS CONTAINING SUGARS FOR THEIR ALCOHOLIC FERMENTATION
[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] The present invention relates generally to a system and method for packaging juices or liquids containing sugars for alcoholic fermentation. The present invention also relates to an installation for packaging such juices or liquids comprising such a packaging system. The present invention is particularly applicable to the packaging of grape musts for vinification.
[0004] TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND
[0005] As part of the winemaking process for grape musts and juices, it is typically customary to add additives, particularly sulfites, to act as protection against possible spoilage. Sulfites are particularly used for their antioxidant and antiseptic properties. Unfortunately, the addition of sulfites can also cause reactions such as headaches and even allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to them. Sulfites are also classified as allergenic additives.
[0006] Reducing sulfites is therefore a health issue, as well as an image issue insofar as the trend towards offering "sulfite-free" wines (at least without added sulfites) is continually growing. The presence of sulfites cannot, however, be completely ruled out insofar as sulfites are naturally produced, even in small quantities, during the alcoholic fermentation process.
[0007] The addition of sulfites, or other additives with antioxidant and / or antiseptic properties, is also not fundamentally compatible with the implementation of an organic or biodynamic winemaking process that is consistent with a sustainable approach. It is therefore desirable to find solutions that limit, or even completely eliminate, the use of additives.
[0008] International application (PCT) No. WO 2020 / 194206 A1 and its derivatives, including US patent application No. US 2022 / 0184569 A1, relate to a device for treating fluids by electromagnetism and stirring, in particular for the treatment of food fluids such as wines or distilled spirits. More specifically, the treatment device comprises a stirring element and at least one magnetic device, the stirring element being in particular made up of a tube section of determined length comprising several grooves (or fins) arranged inside the tube section in order to constrain the fluids to follow a non-linear trajectory through the stirring element. The grooves are for example produced in the form of a succession of helical elements arranged inside the tube section of the stirring element.Said at least one magnetic device is arranged around the stirring element at locations not comprising grooves.
[0009] It will therefore be understood that international application (PCT) No. WO 2020 / 194206 A1 describes a solution where the fluid passing through the stirring element is forced to follow a trajectory determined by the arrangement of the grooves in order to induce disturbances in the flow of the fluid. This solution is not optimal and relatively complex to implement in that it requires the manufacture of a specific element carrying the required grooves and its insertion inside the tube section of the stirring element, which is likely to lead to clogging or even obstruction of the stirring element.
[0010] A simpler solution to implement is therefore desirable.
[0011] STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0012] A general aim of the present invention is to provide a system and method for packaging juices and liquids containing sugars for alcoholic fermentation which overcomes the drawbacks and limitations of the solutions of the state of the art. In particular, an aim of the present invention is to provide such a solution which limits, or even avoids, the use of additives, such as sulfites, in the alcoholic fermentation process.
[0013] Another aim of the invention is to propose such a solution which is inexpensive to produce and implement.
[0014] Yet another aim of the present invention is to propose such a solution which ensures that the juice or liquid thus packaged is compatible with processes meeting a requirement of essentially organic or biodynamic agriculture and production, respectful of the product and consumers.
[0015] The present invention meets at least in part these aims by proposing a system for packaging juices or liquids containing sugars with a view to their alcoholic fermentation, the characteristics of which are listed in claim 1, namely such a packaging system comprising at least one packaging circuit capable of allowing circulation of a juice or liquid containing sugars, such as fruit juices or musts. The packaging circuit notably comprises a supply pipe capable of allowing the juice or liquid to be withdrawn from a tank or other juice or liquid storage space. The packaging circuit further comprises a packaging pipe coupled to an inlet to the supply pipe and capable of being crossed by the juice or liquid.The conditioning circuit further comprises an outlet pipe coupled to an outlet of the conditioning pipe and capable of allowing the delivery of the packaged juice or liquid by means of the conditioning pipe to a tank or other storage space for the packaged juice or liquid. According to the invention, the conditioning pipe comprises the arrangement in series of at least one magnetic or electromagnetic conditioning device intended to subject the juice or liquid to a magnetic action and at least one dynamization device, arranged before or after the magnetic or electromagnetic conditioning device, capable of subjecting the juice or liquid to mechanical agitation.Furthermore, each dynamization device is configured to subject the juice or liquid to mechanical agitation in a swirling path and comprises a tube section provided with an inlet connection and an outlet connection configured to induce the formation of a vortex extending longitudinally inside the tube section between the inlet connection and the outlet connection of the dynamization device.
[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment, the conditioning pipe comprises the arrangement in series of several pipe segments, each comprising the arrangement in series of a magnetic or electromagnetic conditioning device and a dynamization device.
[0017] Advantageously, the tube section of the dynamization device is free from elements likely to hinder the flow of juice or liquid through the dynamization device as well as the formation of the vortex between the inlet connection and the outlet connection of the dynamization device.
[0018] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, each of the inlet and outlet connections of the dynamization device has an end portion provided at its distal end with a bowl participating in the formation of the vortex, in particular a bowl having a substantially spherical concave surface. Furthermore, each end portion preferably has a substantially conical outer surface.
[0019] Preferably, each magnetic or electromagnetic conditioning device comprises a tube section inside which is arranged a magnetic or electromagnetic core so that the juice or liquid is caused to circulate through an interposed space remaining between the magnetic or electromagnetic core and an internal circumference of the tube section of the magnetic or electromagnetic conditioning device. In this context, the magnetic or electromagnetic core may in particular comprise an alternation of magnetic or electromagnetic elements of reversed poles separated by spacers. These magnetic or electromagnetic elements separated by the spacers are preferably arranged inside a tubular element retained at each end inside the tube section.Furthermore, the tube section of the magnetic or electromagnetic conditioning device may advantageously be provided with an inlet connector and an outlet connector configured to maintain the magnetic or electromagnetic core inside the tube section of the magnetic or electromagnetic conditioning device, which inlet and outlet connectors are preferably configured to induce a rotational movement of the juice or liquid around the magnetic or electromagnetic core.
[0020] The packaging system according to the invention is advantageously used for packaging juices or liquids containing sugars for the purpose of their alcoholic fermentation. More specifically, the packaging system according to the invention is preferably used for packaging grape musts or juices as part of a winemaking process, but other applications are conceivable, in particular in the context of the production of ciders or other alcohols or alcoholic beverages.
[0021] The invention also relates to an installation for packaging juices or liquids containing sugars with a view to their alcoholic fermentation, comprising a packaging system according to the invention coupled to a pump capable of ensuring the circulation of the juice or liquid through the packaging circuit and at least one storage tank containing the juice or liquid to be packaged.
[0022] The supply line and the outlet line of the packaging system may in particular be coupled to the same storage tank in order to subject the juice or liquid to one or more packaging cycles, in particular two to four cycles.
[0023] The invention also relates to a method for packaging juices or liquids containing sugars with a view to their alcoholic fermentation, the characteristics of which are listed in independent claim 13, namely such a method comprising the circulation of a juice or liquid containing sugars, such as fruit juices or musts, in a packaging circuit configured so as to subject the juice or liquid circulating through the packaging circuit to a magnetic action as well as to dynamization by mechanical stirring.According to the method of the invention, the juice or liquid is subjected to mechanical agitation along a swirling path by induction of a vortex extending longitudinally inside at least one tube section of the conditioning circuit, said tube section being provided with an inlet connection and an outlet connection configured so as to induce the formation of said vortex between the inlet connection and the outlet connection.
[0024] This method is preferably implemented by means of the packaging system according to the invention or the packaging installation according to the invention.
[0025] The packaging method according to the invention is in particular implemented for the packaging of grape musts or juices as part of a winemaking process, it being recalled once again that other applications are conceivable.
[0026] Other aspects of the invention are set forth in the remainder of this description.
[0027] SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] The features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention, which are presented solely as non-limiting examples and are illustrated by the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic view of a conditioning installation according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, which includes a conditioning system comprising a conditioning pipe comprising the arrangement in series of several pipe segments each comprising a magnetic conditioning device and a vortex energizing device; Figure 2 is a schematic side view of one of the magnetic conditioning devices of Figure 1;Figures 3A and 3B are schematic views, respectively side and front, of a connector arranged at the inlet and outlet of a tube section of the magnetic conditioning device of Figure 2; Figures 4A and 4B are schematic views, respectively side and in longitudinal section, of a magnetic core of the magnetic conditioning device of Figure 2 which is held between the inlet and outlet connectors; Figure 5 is a schematic side view of one of the vortex energizing devices of Figure 1; Figures 6A and 6B are schematic views, respectively side and front, of a connector arranged at the inlet of a tube section of the vortex energizing device of Figure 5; and Figures 7A and 7B are schematic views, respectively side and front, of a connector arranged at the outlet of the tube section of the vortex energizing device of Figure 5.;
[0029] MODES OF EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0030] The present invention will be described with reference to various preferred embodiments as illustrated in particular by Figures 1 to 7A-B.
[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a packaging installation, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. This packaging installation 1 comprises a packaging system 10 comprising at least one packaging circuit 100 capable of allowing circulation of a juice or liquid containing sugars intended to undergo an alcoholic fermentation process, here grape must or juice M which is stored in a tank C (or other suitable storage space, such as a barrel).
[0032] The conditioning circuit 100 comprises a supply line 100.1 capable of allowing the juice or liquid M to be withdrawn from the tank C, a conditioning line 100.2 coupled to an inlet 100.2A of the supply line 100.1 and capable of being crossed by the juice or liquid M, as well as an outlet line 100.3 coupled to an outlet 100.2B of the conditioning line 100.2 and capable of allowing the delivery of the conditioned juice or liquid M by means of the conditioning line 100.2. In the example, illustrated, the outlet line 100.3 returns the conditioned juice or liquid M (at least a first time) to the same tank C, so that the juice or liquid M can undergo several conditioning cycles. The conditioning installation 1 illustrated in Figure 1 further comprises a pump P capable of ensuring the circulation of the juice or liquid M through the conditioning circuit 100.In the illustrated example, the pump P is placed in the supply line 100.1, but it will be understood that this pump could be arranged in any other suitable portion of the conditioning circuit 100.
[0033] In other embodiments, the packaged juice or liquid M may be delivered to another tank or other suitable storage space. In fact, the outlet pipe of the packaging circuit could comprise two separate branches, one allowing the packaged juice or liquid M to be returned to tank C, the other to another tank (or other storage space).
[0034] In the illustrated example, only one conditioning circuit 100 is provided, but it will be understood that several conditioning circuits could possibly be arranged in parallel. Similarly, several conditioning lines 100.2 could be provided in parallel in the same conditioning circuit.
[0035] According to the invention, the conditioning pipe 100.2 comprises at least one magnetic (or even electromagnetic) conditioning device, designated 100M, which is intended to subject the juice or liquid M to a magnetic action. In the example, illustrated, the conditioning pipe 100.2 in fact preferably comprises the arrangement in series of several (here four in number) pipe segments 100i each comprising a magnetic (or even electromagnetic) conditioning device 100M. In the remainder of this description, when reference is made to the concept of “magnetic conditioning”, it will be understood that reference is made indifferently to conditioning carried out by means of magnetic or electromagnetic devices and / or elements.Each pipe segment 100i further comprises a dynamization device, designated 100V, arranged in series, after (or alternatively before) the magnetic conditioning device 100M, which dynamization device 100V is configured to subject the juice or liquid M to mechanical agitation according to a swirling path, as described below. In the particular case illustrated, a dynamization device 100V is arranged after each magnetic conditioning device 100M.
[0036] The magnetic conditioning device 100M could take various forms. Particularly preferably, the magnetic conditioning device 100M is of a type known per se, as described for example in International Application (PCT) No. WO 86 / 04887 A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The magnetic conditioning device 100M described in International Application (PCT) No. WO 86 / 04887 A1 (see also European Patent EP 0 215 013 B1 which is derived from this international application) is conventionally used in running water pipes for homes for the purpose of reducing or avoiding limescale deposits. The use of this type of device for these purposes has demonstrated its effectiveness.
[0037] The conditioning carried out by means of the conditioning system according to the invention has the particular purpose of increasing the balance of particles and ions in solution in the juice or liquid being packaged thanks to the magnetic action, while energizing this juice or liquid thanks to the subsequent mechanical agitation. Significant qualitative benefits have in particular been observed following various tests carried out on grape musts and juices with a view to their vinification.
[0038] Figure 2 is a schematic side view of one of the magnetic conditioning devices 100M of Figure 1, which comprises a tube section 100Ma inside which is arranged a magnetic core 100Mb (illustrated more specifically in Figures 4A and 4B) so that the juice or liquid M can circulate through the tube section 100Ma and around the magnetic core 100Mb, namely in an intercalary space, designated 100M0 remaining between the magnetic core 100Mb and the internal circumference of the tube section 100Ma. At each end of the tube section 100Ma is arranged an inlet connection 100MA, respectively an outlet connection 100MB, which ensures the passage of the juice or liquid M, as well as the maintenance of the magnetic core 100Mb (see also Figures 3A and 3B).In view of the above, it will therefore be understood that the magnetic core 100Mb forms a core extending longitudinally in the center of the tube section 100Ma and retained at each end by the inlet 100MA and outlet 100MB connections, the juice or liquid M being led to circulate around this core in the intercalary space 100M0.
[0039] As illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, the inlet and outlet connections 100MA, 100MB each have an inlet orifice, respectively an outlet orifice 200A (here of substantially conical shape) which communicates with a pair of lateral openings 201, 202 which are here offset from each other, on either side of the longitudinal axis. This arrangement of the lateral openings 201, 202 advantageously makes it possible to impart a rotational movement of the juice or liquid M around the magnetic core 100Mb.
[0040] In the illustrated example, the inlet and outlet fittings 100MA, 100MB each have a threaded portion 200Ma which is sized and configured to be made integral with a corresponding end of the tube section 100Ma, itself provided with a corresponding thread (not referenced). Furthermore, the inlet and outlet fittings 100MA, 100MB each further have a bore 200Mb which is sized to cooperate with a corresponding end of the magnetic core 100Mb and thus hold the magnetic core 100Mb inside the tube section 100Ma (as illustrated in Figure 2). As illustrated in the preferred example of Figures 4A and 4B, the magnetic core 100Mb essentially comprises a tubular element TM inside which are arranged several magnetic elements EM separated by spacers ET.More specifically, the magnetic elements EM are arranged so that they form an alternation of magnetic elements with reversed poles EM (here three in number) separated by the spacers ET (here two in number). End pieces EB acting as plugs are also arranged at each end of the tubular element TM.
[0041] Figure 5 is a schematic side view of one of the 100V energizing devices of Figure 1, which comprises a 100Va tube section at the ends of which are arranged a 100VA inlet connection and a 100VB outlet connection which ensure the passage of the juice or liquid M through the 100Va tube section (see also Figures 6A-B and 7A-B).
[0042] According to the invention, each 100V energizing device is configured to generate a VRTX vortex that extends longitudinally inside the 100Va tube section between the 100VA inlet and the 100VB outlet of the 100V energizing device, as schematically illustrated in Figure 5. To do this, the 100VA and 100VB inlet and outlet connections are specifically configured to induce the formation of this VRTX vortex between the 100VA inlet connection and the 100VB outlet connection of the 100V energizing device.
[0043] The VRTX vortex thus formed causes the juice or liquid M to circulate through the 100V dynamization device and undergo mechanical agitation in a swirling path, namely in a rotational movement around a longitudinal axis substantially coinciding with the longitudinal axis of the 100Va tube section. The flow of the juice or liquid M through the 100V dynamization device thus occurs in a swirling movement, without it being necessary to place fins or other mechanical elements in the flow of the juice or liquid M.On the contrary, as illustrated, the 100Va tube section of the 100V dynamization device is advantageously free of elements likely to hinder the flow of the juice or liquid M through the 100V dynamization device as well as the formation of the vortex VRTX between the 100VA inlet connection and the 100VB outlet connection of the 100V dynamization device, thus leading to the implementation of a more optimal and easier solution than that described for example in the international application (PCT) No. WO 2020 / 194206 A1 cited in the preamble.
[0044] With regard to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B, it can thus be seen that the inlet connector 100VA has an inlet orifice, 300A (here of substantially conical shape) which communicates with a pair of lateral openings 301, 302 which are here offset from one another, on either side of the longitudinal axis. The geometry of the terminal portion 310 of the inlet connector 100VA, arranged downstream of the lateral openings 301, 302 is also chosen so as to promote the formation of the vortex VRTX and allow it to be maintained. More specifically, the terminal portion 310 of the inlet connector 100VA preferably has a bowl 315, advantageously having a substantially spherical concave surface, which is formed at the distal end of the terminal portion 310, as illustrated in Figure 6A.In the example illustrated, the 100VA input connection also has a 300Ma threaded portion which is sized and configured to be made integral with the corresponding end of the 100Va tube section, itself provided with a corresponding thread (not referenced).
[0045] As illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B, the 100VB outlet fitting is substantially similar to the 100VA inlet fitting and likewise includes an outlet orifice 400A which communicates with a pair of lateral openings 401, 402, as well as a threaded portion 400Ma which is sized and configured to be made integral with the other end of the 100Va tube section, itself provided with a corresponding thread (not referenced). The 100VB outlet fitting differs from the 100VA inlet fitting by the arrangement of the lateral openings 401, 402 which are here arranged in the same plane and oriented in opposite directions.
[0046] Like the inlet connector 100VA, the geometry of the terminal portion 410 of the outlet connector 100VB, arranged upstream of the lateral openings 401, 402, is also chosen so as to promote the formation of the vortex VRTX and allow it to be maintained. More specifically, the terminal portion 410 of the outlet connector 100VB also preferably has a bowl 415, advantageously having a substantially spherical concave surface, which is formed at the distal end of the terminal portion 410, as illustrated in Figure 7A.
[0047] In the illustrated example, the terminal portions 310, 410 of the inlet and outlet connections 100VA, 100VB each advantageously have a substantially conical outer surface, but other geometries could possibly be envisaged without compromising the desired formation of the VRTX vortex inside the 100V energizing device.
[0048] The arrangement of the aforementioned inlet and outlet connections 100VA, 100VB thus makes it possible to generate a vortex VRTX within the tube section 100Va so as to subject the juice or liquid M passing through the dynamization device 100V to mechanical agitation along a swirling path, which ensures dynamization of the juice or liquid passing through the conditioning system 10. The particular geometry of the inlet and outlet connections 100VA, 100VB advantageously makes it possible to influence the characteristics of the vortex VRTX and the rotation speed of the juice or liquid M within the tube section 100Va which varies radially, without it being necessary to resort to fins or other mechanical elements placed in the flow of the juice or liquid M.
[0049] Tests carried out using a prototype of the packaging installation shown schematically in the Figures have shown a beneficial effect on the juice or liquid thus packaged, namely a significant reduction in the proliferation of mold, without the addition of antioxidant and antiseptic additives. Qualitative and taste tests have also shown a beneficial effect on aromas and flavors, as well as on the development of the wine during its vinification, without the use of additives such as sulfites.
[0050] As already mentioned, M juice or liquid is preferably subjected to several conditioning cycles. In particular, significant benefits have been observed after two to four successive cycles.
[0051] The juice or liquid processing flow rates will be adapted according to the needs and the nature of the juice or liquid to be packaged, as well as, in particular, its viscosity. In practice, the processing flow rates can be in the order of 50 liters per hour to 1,000 liters per hour depending on the size of the installation.
[0052] It will be generally understood that various modifications and / or improvements obvious to those skilled in the art may be made to the embodiments described in the present description without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims.
[0053] In particular, although the invention is particularly applicable to the packaging of grape musts or juices as part of a winemaking process, the invention is fundamentally applicable to any packaging of juices or liquids containing sugars for the purpose of their alcoholic fermentation, whether they are juices or liquids originating from fruit pressing or from other suitable sources. In other words, the invention may be applied to the packaging of any other juice or liquid intended for an alcoholic fermentation process, for example for the production of ciders or other alcohols or alcoholic beverages. Furthermore, it should be noted that the magnetic (or electromagnetic) packaging devices could have any other suitable configuration.Thus, it could be envisaged, in other embodiments, to arrange the required magnetic (or electromagnetic) elements outside a corresponding tube section (rather than in a magnetic (or electromagnetic) core) as described with reference to Figures 2 to 4A-B. The use of conditioning devices with a magnetic (or electromagnetic) core remains, however, preferred in that it appears to lead to convincing beneficial results.
[0054] LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS USED IN THIS DESCRIPTION AND IN THE DRAWINGS
[0055] 1 packaging installation according to a preferred embodiment of the invention
[0056] 10 packaging system according to a preferred embodiment of the invention
[0057] 100 conditioning system conditioning circuit 10
[0058] 100.1 conditioning circuit supply line 100
[0059] 100.2 conditioning line of the conditioning circuit 100
[0060] 100.2A inlet of conditioning line 100.2 coupled to supply line 100.1
[0061] 100.2B outlet of conditioning line 100.2 coupled to outlet line 100.3
[0062] 100.3 conditioning circuit outlet line 100
[0063] 10Oi conditioning line segments
[0064] 100M magnetic (or electromagnetic) conditioning device
[0065] 10OMa tube section of the 100M magnetic conditioning device
[0066] 100Mb magnetic (or electromagnetic) core
[0067] 100M0 intercalary space between magnetic core 100Mb and internal circumference of tube section 100Ma
[0068] TM tubular element of the magnetic core 100Mb
[0069] EM magnetic (or electromagnetic) elements of the magnetic (or electromagnetic) soul 100Mb
[0070] AND magnetic core spacers 100Mb
[0071] EB tips arranged at the ends of the 100Mb magnetic core
[0072] 100MA magnetic conditioning device input 100M / input connection
[0073] 100MB magnetic conditioning device output 100M / output fitting
[0074] 100V energizing device
[0075] 10OVa tube section of the 100V energizing device
[0076] 100VA energizing device input 100V / input connection 100VB energizing device output 100V I output connection
[0077] 200A input / output port of the input / output connector 100MA / 100MB
[0078] 201 (first) side opening of the 100MA / 100MB input / output connection
[0079] 202 (second) side opening of the 100MA / 100MB input / output connection
[0080] 200Ma inlet / outlet fitting thread 100MA / 100MB for screwing onto the corresponding end of the 100Ma tube section
[0081] 200Mb 100MA / 100MB input / output connector bore for holding the corresponding end of the 100Mb magnetic core
[0082] 300A input port of the 100VA input connection
[0083] 301 (first) side opening of the 100VA input connection
[0084] 302 (second) side opening of the 100VA input connection
[0085] 300Ma 100VA inlet fitting thread for screwing onto the corresponding end of the 10OVa tube section
[0086] 310 terminal part of the 100VA input connection participating in the induction of the VRTX vortex
[0087] 315 cup formed at the distal end of the terminal portion 310 of the 100VA inlet fitting
[0088] 400A outlet port of 100VB outlet fitting
[0089] 401 (first) side opening of the 100VB outlet connection
[0090] 402 (second) side opening of the 100VB outlet connection
[0091] 400Ma outlet fitting thread 100VB for screwing onto the corresponding end of the 10OVa tube section
[0092] 410 terminal part of the 100VB output connection participating in the induction of the VRTX vortex
[0093] 415 bowl formed at the distal end of the terminal portion 410 of the 100VB outlet fitting
[0094] M juice or liquid containing sugars intended for an alcoholic fermentation process, in particular grape must or juice
[0095] C tank (or other storage space) containing the juice or liquid M VRTX vortex induced longitudinally between the 100VA inlet connection and the 100VB outlet connection in the flow of juice or liquid M circulating through the 100V energizing device
Claims
CLAIMS 1. A system (10) for conditioning juices or liquids (M) containing sugars for the purpose of their alcoholic fermentation, comprising at least one conditioning circuit (100) capable of allowing circulation of a juice or liquid (M) containing sugars, such as fruit juices or musts, said conditioning circuit (100) comprising: a supply line (100.1) capable of allowing the juice or liquid (M) to be taken from a tank (C) or other storage space for the juice or liquid (M), a conditioning line (100.2) coupled with an inlet (100.2A) to the supply line (100.1) and capable of being crossed by the juice or liquid (M); and an outlet pipe (100.3) coupled to an outlet (100.2B) of the conditioning pipe (100.2) and capable of allowing the delivery of the packaged juice or liquid (M) by means of the conditioning pipe (100.2) to a tank (C) or other storage space for the packaged juice or liquid (M), the conditioning pipe (100.2) comprising the arrangement in series of at least one magnetic or electromagnetic conditioning device (100M) intended to subject the juice or liquid (M) to a magnetic action and at least one dynamization device (100V), arranged before or after the magnetic or electromagnetic conditioning device (100M), capable of subjecting the juice or liquid (M) to mechanical agitation, characterized in that each dynamization device (100V) is configured to subject the juice or liquid (M) to mechanical agitation in a swirling path and comprises a tube section (1 OOVa) provided with an inlet connection (100VA) and an outlet connection (100VB) configured so as to induce the formation of a vortex (VRTX) extending longitudinally inside the tube section (100Va) between the inlet connection (100VA) and the outlet connection (100VB) of the device of dynamization (100V).
2. The conditioning system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the conditioning pipe (100.2) comprises the series arrangement of several pipe segments (100i) each comprising the series arrangement of a magnetic or electromagnetic conditioning device (100M) and a dynamization device (100V).
3. The packaging system (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the tube section (100Va) of the dynamization device (100V) is free of elements likely to hinder the flow of the juice or liquid (M) through the dynamization device (100V) as well as the formation of the vortex (VRTX) between the inlet connection (100VA) and the outlet connection (100VB) of the dynamization device (100V).
4. The conditioning system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each of the inlet (100VA) and outlet (100VB) connections of the dynamization device (100V) has an end portion (310, 410) provided at its distal end with a bowl (315, 415) participating in the formation of the vortex (VRTX).
5. The packaging system (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that each bowl (315, 415) has a substantially spherical concave surface.
6. The packaging system (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that each terminal portion (315, 415) has a substantially conical outer surface.
7. The packaging system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each magnetic or electromagnetic packaging device (100M) comprises a tube section (100Ma) inside which is arranged a magnetic or electromagnetic core (100Mb) so that the juice or liquid (M) is caused to circulate through an intermediate space (100M0) remaining between the magnetic or electromagnetic core (100Mb) and a circumference internal of the tube section (100Ma) of the magnetic or electromagnetic conditioning device (100M).
8. The conditioning system (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that the magnetic or electromagnetic core (100Mb) comprises an alternation of magnetic or electromagnetic elements of reversed poles (EM) separated by spacers (ET).
9. The conditioning system (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that the magnetic or electromagnetic elements (EM) separated by the spacers (ET) are arranged inside a tubular element (TM) retained at each end inside the tube section (100Ma) of the magnetic or electromagnetic conditioning device (100M).
10. The conditioning system (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the tube section (100Ma) of the magnetic or electromagnetic conditioning device (100M) is provided with an inlet connection (100MA) and an outlet connection (100MB) configured so as to maintain the magnetic or electromagnetic core (100Mb) inside the tube section (100Ma) of the magnetic or electromagnetic conditioning device (100M).
11. The packaging system (10) according to claim 10, characterized in that the inlet and outlet connections (100MA, 100MB) of the magnetic or electromagnetic packaging device (100M) are configured so as to induce a rotational movement of the juice or liquid (M) around the magnetic or electromagnetic core (100Mb).
12. Use of the packaging system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims for the packaging of juices or liquids (M) containing sugars with a view to their alcoholic fermentation.
13. Use of the packaging system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 for packaging grape musts or juices (M) as part of a winemaking process.
14. A packaging installation (1) for juices or liquids (M) containing sugars with a view to their alcoholic fermentation, comprising a packaging system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 coupled to a pump (P) capable of ensuring the circulation of the juice or liquid (M) through the packaging circuit (100) and at least one storage tank (C) containing the juice or liquid (M) to be packaged.
15. The packaging installation (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the supply pipe (100.1) and the outlet pipe (100.3) of the packaging system (10) are coupled to the same storage tank (C) in order to subject the juice or liquid (M) to one or more packaging cycles, in particular two to four cycles.
16. A method for conditioning juices or liquids (M) containing sugars for alcoholic fermentation, comprising circulating a juice or liquid (M) containing sugars, such as fruit juices or musts, in a conditioning circuit (100) configured to subject the juice or liquid (M) circulating through the conditioning circuit (100) to a magnetic action as well as to energization by mechanical stirring, in which the juice or liquid (M) is subjected to mechanical stirring along a swirling path by induction of a vortex (VRTX) extending longitudinally inside at least one tube section (100Va) of the conditioning circuit (100), said tube section (100Va) being provided with an inlet connection (100VA) and an outlet connection (100VB) configured to induce the formation of said vortex (VRTX) between the inlet connection (100VA) and the output connection (100VB).
17. The packaging method according to claim 13, implementing the packaging system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 or the packaging installation (1) according to claim 14 or 15.
18. The conditioning method according to claim 16 or 17, implemented for the conditioning of grape musts or juices (M) as part of a winemaking process.