Improved hose-lance device for total barrel filling.

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved hose-lance device for the total filling (1) of wooden barrels (8) used in wine racking, comprising, at one end, a vertical pneumatic cylinder (3) associated with a hose-lance (2) consisting of an outer pipe (2a) comprising an annular racking conduit (2a.1) connected to a main tank (5) by means of a filling conduit and to a reuse tank (6) connected to the vacuum pump (7) via the reuse conduit (6a), and a lower lance (2b), which has a closure and retention assembly (2b.1), wherein the hose-lance (2) includes a concave flow surface (2b.2) at the end of the lower lance (2b) and at least one pressure sensor (2c). [Fig. 1]

Description

Title of the invention: Improved hose-lance device for total filling of barrels. Scope of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a hose-lance device for final total filling during wine racking.

[0002] More specifically, it relates to hose-lance devices used in the final stages of racking wines during their aging in large cellars where the wine is stored in a large number of wooden barrels and where racking is periodically carried out from one barrel of wine to another clean barrel in order to decant the wine, to protect it against oxidation and the action of undesirable microorganisms, and to obtain during aging the absorption of tannins from the barrel, while being designed to allow the total complete filling carried out in the final stage of racking, with the objective of reducing the volume of air contained and avoiding oxidations. Prior art

[0003] In the racking of the wine, the barrels must go through several stages, namely: emptying of the wine stored in the barrel (once emptied, the wooden barrel can go through a parallel cleaning process for its subsequent reuse), massive filling of the barrel, final filling of the barrel and closing of the barrel.

[0004] It should be noted that in the wine racking area, approximately 1,000 barrels are handled daily. Therefore, it is essential to have a complete filling process that optimizes the filling of the wine barrels to reduce oxygen accumulation inside the barrels, which causes the wine they contain to deteriorate. In the current state of the art, after the initial filling of the barrel, the final filling phase is carried out manually by an operator before the barrel is sealed.

[0005] Mass filling devices for barrels are known, located in winery filling stations during the wine racking process. These systems set a filling time to incorporate the wine into the barrel; however, this assumes that, since barrels are made of natural material and therefore do not all have the same dimensions, they do not fill identically due to their different volumes, which complicates the control of the total volume of each barrel, the final filling phase therefore having to be carried out manually by an operator. In addition, mass filling generates foam due to splashing and turbulence of the wine, causing the upper part The barrel fills with foam, not wine. This arduous process of control and filling by the operator causes fatigue due to the large number of barrels racked daily and, in the long term, a high risk of injury as well as a slowdown of the racking line, so eliminating or avoiding this repetitive phase is essential.

[0006] On the other hand, manual visual inspection and filling operations (often from an independent tank) carry a risk of contamination, both by exposing the wine to the operator to check the level, which complicates hygiene measures, and by incorporating wine from another tank which compromises the traceability of the product. Summary of the invention

[0007] In view of the prior art described above, the present invention relates to an improved hose-lance device for the total filling of wooden barrels used in the racking of wines, which comprises, at one end, a vertical pneumatic cylinder associated with a hose-lance allowing the vertical movement of the hose-lance.

[0008] According to the present invention, the lance-pipe consists of an outer pipe and a lower lance,

[0009] The lance-pipe comprises an outer pipe consisting of an annular dispensing conduit connected to a main tank that supplies the wine via a filling conduit and a reuse tank, connected to a vacuum pump that generates a vacuum in the reuse tank, which receives the drips and foam via the reuse conduit, and the lower lance, which has a closure and retention assembly. The lance-pipe includes a concave flow surface. This concave flow surface is preferably close to forming a right angle. The lance-pipe, in turn, includes at least one pressure sensor (generally in the form of a Venturi tube connected to a depressurization element referred to herein as a depressurizer).

[0010] Filling continues until the pressure sensor (generally a Venturi tube combined with a depressurizer), which detects small pressure variations, allows the presence of foam to be detected in the sensor line. When a pressure increase is detected, this indicates the presence of wine in the sensor line, proving that the barrel has been completely filled with liquid and not with foam, which occupies volume but is mostly air.

[0011] Thanks to the configuration of the invention, on the one hand, the complete automation of wine racking is achieved, even in its most complex phases which, in the prior art, require the presence of an operator, such as filling the last few centimeters of the barrel. By configuring the concave surface close to an angle of At 90°, it is possible to control the filling flow, obtaining a very controlled final filling which, if combined with reduced dimensions of the lower lance, allows an almost drip-by-drip filling, able to reach the maximum filling (and minimum oxygen content) of the barrel and avoiding foaming.

[0012] On the other hand, this configuration facilitates the standardization of the system, allowing the same hose-lance device to be used in the different phases of the extraction with the incorporation of small elements and modifications in the corresponding stations, making it possible to carry out these phases around common installations such as a reuse tank or a vacuum pump, facilitating the maintenance of the installation and reducing the needs both in number of elements and in space required to install them.

[0013] In addition, the internal configuration of the lance-pipe ensures the elimination of splashes from the dripping of wine from the outside of the outer pipe, by absorbing the drops from the external dripping, thus preventing stains on the barrel during its emptying and filling phases, as well as the new generation of foam.

[0014] The nozzle-pipe may include, on the lower nozzle, a centering cone.

[0015] This particular configuration allows adaptation to the various dimensions of the barrels, which are made of natural materials. The centering cone allows the lance-tube to be centered in the barrel's inlet opening, adjusting to different inlet sizes. Generally, this configuration is combined with a smaller lower lance to increase accuracy.

[0016] In addition, the pressure detector (generally in the form of a Venturi tube associated with a depressurizer) may include a detector conduit in contact with the lower area of ​​the centering cone.

[0017] Thus, when the lance-pipe is used for the final filling of the barrel, the pressure conduit, being in contact with the lower area of ​​the centering cone, is positioned at the desired filling point of the barrel, close to the barrel's filling inlet. This position is determined by the centering cone and is therefore independent of variations in barrel dimensions. In this way, the pressure sensor, generally in the form of a Venturi tube combined with a depressurizer, which detects small pressure variations (in the millibar range), can detect the presence of liquid near the filling inlet, thereby signaling the end of the filling operation. When a pressure increase is detected in the sensing conduit, it means that the wine is encountering resistance in this conduit, indicating that the liquid has reached the required level and that the barrel has been completely filled.When detected. The increase in pressure (in the millibar range) sends a signal that interrupts the filling of the barrel with wine.

[0018] The lance-pipe is optionally connected to a horizontal pneumatic cylinder which allows the lance-pipe to be withdrawn horizontally from the position immediately above the inlet orifice of the barrel, thus allowing the operator to approach for closing the inlet orifice, checking the process or taking samples.

[0019] In addition, the hose-lance device may include several additional sensors in the vertical pneumatic cylinder, such as an initial position sensor, an intermediate position sensor or another type of position sensor.

[0020] These sensors determine the automatic operation of the improved hose-lance device for total barrel filling, being, for example, the initial position sensor associated with the descent stop, the intermediate position sensor in its upward movement with the activation of the drain for the absorption of drops, and the position sensor associated with the upward stop which can be linked to other automations corresponding to other processes such as the actuation of the horizontal pneumatic cylinder, the activation of the conveyor belt, etc.

[0021] In addition, the improved total filling hose-lance device incorporates an open-close check sensor, which validates the correct closure of the closure and retaining assembly for the cycle to continue, allowing the emission of an early alarm in case of malfunction. Figures

[0022] To better understand the nature of the invention, the accompanying drawings present an arrangement which is purely illustrative and not limiting.

[0023] [Fig.1]

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal view of the improved total filling hose-nozzle device (1) in which the hose-nozzle (2) is observed, consisting of the outer hose (2a) inside which is the hose connected to the main tank (5) via the filling conduit (5a) and to the reuse tank (6) associated with a vacuum pump (7) via the reuse conduit (6a). At the end of the hose-nozzle (2) is the lower nozzle (2b) in the enlargement of which it is observed to close the annular draw-off conduit (2a.1) which runs inside it, as well as the concave flow surface (2b.2). In the lower lance (2b) we observe the centering cone (2d) with one sectioned side in which we see the detector conduit (2c. 1) connected to the pressure detector (2c) (generally in the form of a Venturi tube associated with a depressurizer). The lance-hose (2) is connected to a vertical pneumatic cylinder (3) and a horizontal pneumatic cylinder (4), and an opening and closing pneumatic cylinder (9) is provided, connected to the closing and holding assembly (2b.1). The initial position sensor (3a), the intermediate position sensor (3b) and the position sensor (3c) connected to the vertical pneumatic cylinder (3) are shown, as well as the opening-closing verification sensor (3d) connected to the opening and closing pneumatic cylinder (9).

[0025] [Fig.2]

[0026] Figure 2 shows an elevational view of all the stations through which the barrel (8) is to be incorporated during racking, operated by an improved hose-lance total filling device (1). The stations observed in Figure 2 are: the loading station, into which the barrels (8) are loaded, two emptying stations, the internal cleaning station, two bulk filling stations, and the final or total filling station. The various stations are connected to the same main tank (5) by filling lines (5a) and to the reuse tank (6) by reuse lines (6a) and the vacuum pump (7). The hose-lance (2) is shown in the final filling station connected to the horizontal pneumatic cylinder (4). Detailed description

[0027] In relation to the drawings and references listed above, an improved hose-lance device for the complete filling and emptying (1) of wooden barrels (8) used in wine racking is illustrated. At one end, it comprises a vertical pneumatic cylinder (3) associated with a hose-lance (2) including a lower lance (2b) and an outer pipe (2a) consisting of an annular racking conduit (2a.1) connected to a main tank (5) via a filling conduit (5a) and to a reuse tank (6) connected to a vacuum pump (7) via the reuse conduit (6a). The main tank (5) supplies the wine for filling via a filling conduit (5a) to the annular racking conduit (2a.1), from which it is supplied to the barrel (8) by the lower lance (2b).The reuse tank (6), coupled with a vacuum pump (7) that generates a vacuum in the reuse tank (6), draws in the droplets that form outside the lower lance (2b) as well as the foam from the annular dispensing conduit (2a.1), via the reuse conduit (6a). The vertical pneumatic cylinder (3) enables controlled vertical movement of the lance hose (2). The lance hose (2) includes a concave flow surface (2b.2) at the end of the lower lance (2b) and at least one pressure sensor (2c).

[0028] By way of illustrative example, the improved complete filling device with lance-pipe (1) of the present invention (represented in [Fig.1]) and the adaptability of the improved complete filling device with lance-pipe (1) to the different stations set up in the transfer of wines (represented in [Fig.2]) will be described below.

[0029] The improved total filling hose-lance device (1) comprises a hose-lance (2) connected to a vertical pneumatic cylinder (3) that allows horizontal flow of the barrels (8) (shown in [Fig. 2]) by permitting vertical insertion / retraction of the hose-lance (2) in the inlet orifice (8a) of the barrel (8), withdrawing the hose-lance (2) from the path of the barrel (8) when it is necessary to advance it. A main tank (5), in which the wine is stored, can be connected to a plurality of hose-lances (2) to a single main tank (5). Each hose-lance (2) is connected by a filling conduit (5a) to the main tank (5), which supplies the wine for filling the barrels.In turn, the lance-pipe (2) is connected to a reuse tank (6), which is connected to a vacuum pump (7). This pump generates a vacuum inside the reuse tank (6), drawing the wine into the tank. A plurality of lance-pipes (2) can be connected to a single reuse tank (6). Each lance-pipe (2) is connected via a reuse conduit (6a) to the reuse tank (6) to carry the foam and remaining wine from the lance-pipe (2) at the end of the filling process, thus preventing drips and stains on the barrel (8). The fact that the main tank (5) and the reuse tank (6) are separate prevents wine mixing, maintaining traceability.

[0030] In relation to [Fig. 1], the lance-pipe (2) consists of an outer pipe (2a) comprising a lower lance (2b) and a hollow tube that forms the annular dispensing conduit (2a1) connected to the filling conduit (5a) and the reuse conduit (6a). The lower lance (2b) opens or closes by means of the closing and holding assembly (2b.1), controlled by the pneumatic opening and closing cylinder (9). The lower lance (2b) forms at its end a concave flow surface (2b.2) inscribed at an angle close to 90°.

[0031] The barrel (8) is filled until the pressure sensor (2c) (generally in the form of a Venturi tube combined with a depressurizer), which detects small pressure variations, allows the presence of foam to be detected in the sensor line (2c.1). When a pressure increase is detected, this indicates the presence of wine in the sensor line (2c.1), proving that the barrel (8) has been completely filled.

[0032] Thanks to this configuration, on the one hand, the wine racking is fully automated, and on the other hand, the system is standardized, allowing, as can be seen in [Fig. 2], the use of mostly common components that can The system operates around shared components such as the main tank (5), the reuse tank (6), and the vacuum pump (7), simplifying maintenance and reducing the need for both spare parts and installation space. This configuration enables complete automation even in small cellars with minimal maintenance requirements.

[0033] In addition, the internal configuration of the lance-pipe (2) ensures the elimination of splashes from the dripping of wine from the outside of the outer pipe by absorbing the residue which flows through the concave flow surface (2b.2), thus preventing stains on the barrel (8).

[0034] The lance-pipe (2) may include a centering cone (2d).

[0035] This particular configuration allows adaptation to the various dimensions of the barrels (8), which are made of natural materials, as well as to the inlet orifices (8a). The centering cone (2d) allows the lance-tube to be centered in the inlet orifice (8a) of the barrel (8), adapting to different inlet orifice sizes (8a). Generally, this configuration is combined with a smaller lower lance (2b) to increase accuracy.

[0036] In addition, the pressure detector (2c) may include a detector conduit (2c.1) in contact with the lower area of ​​the centering cone (2d).

[0037] This particular configuration allows for the complete filling of the barrel (8). The centering cone (2d) allows the lance-pipe (2) to be centered in the inlet orifice (8a) of the barrel (8), adapting to different inlet orifice sizes (8a). Filling continues until the pressure sensor (2c), generally in the form of a Venturi tube associated with a depressurizer that detects small pressure variations (in the millibar range), detects a pressure increase in the sensor conduit (2c.1). This detection of a small pressure increase makes it possible to distinguish the presence of foam or liquid in the sensor conduit (2c.1), which, being in contact with the lower area of ​​the centering cone (2d), is located near the inlet orifice (8a) of the barrel (8). As the position of the sensor conduit (2c.1) Depends solely on the position of the centering cone (2d), it guarantees the complete filling of any type of barrel (8), regardless of their dimensions. When the pressure detector (2c) detects a small increase in pressure (on the order of millibars) in the detector conduit (2c.1), this means that the wine, unlike foam, opposes resistance in the detector conduit (2c.1), indicating that the barrel (8) has reached the desired liquid level, close to the inlet orifice (8a) where the detector conduit (2c.1) is located, and determines the end of the filling operation.

[0038] Optionally, the lance-pipe (2) is connected to a horizontal pneumatic cylinder (4) which allows the lance-pipe (2) to be withdrawn horizontally from the position immediately above the inlet orifice (8a) of the barrel (8), thus allowing the operator to approach for closing the inlet orifice (8a), checking the process or taking samples.

[0039] The improved total filling hose-lance device (1) may have several additional sensors in the vertical pneumatic cylinder (3), such as an initial position sensor (3a), an intermediate position sensor (3b) or other position sensors (3c).

[0040] These sensors determine the automatic operation of the improved hose-lance device for total filling (1) of barrels (8), being, for example, the initial position sensor (3a) associated with the descent stop, the intermediate position sensor (3b) with its upward movement with the activation of the drain for the absorption of drops, and the position sensor (3c) associated with the upward stop, which can be associated with other automations corresponding to other processes such as the actuation of the horizontal pneumatic cylinder (4), the activation of the belt conveyor, etc.

[0041] The vertical pneumatic cylinder (3) further incorporates an opening-closing verification sensor (3d).

[0042] This open-close verification sensor (3d) validates the opening-close of the closing and holding assembly (2b.1), allowing the emission of an early alarm in case of malfunction.

[0043] Exemplary execution of the hose-lance in a total filling station

[0044] By way of example, the application of the improved hose-lance total filling device (1) in a total filling station is described below in order to obtain the complete filling of the barrel (8).

[0045] This phase takes place in a total filling station, after the barrel has been filled. In the prior art, it is carried out manually by an operator due to the inherent volume variations of wooden barrels (8). Generally, in this phase, a smaller lower nozzle (2b) is used to increase precision, as the flow rate is lower due to the reduced dimensions of the lower nozzle (2b). This, combined with a concave surface almost inscribed at a 90° angle, allows control of the filling flow, thus obtaining a very controlled, almost drip-like, final filling that can reach maximum capacity.

[0046] When the barrel (8) reaches the final filling station, the horizontal pneumatic cylinder (4) advances until the lance pipe (2) is vertically aligned with the inlet port (8a) of the barrel (8). In this position, the vertical pneumatic cylinder (3) descends until the centering cone (2d) rests on the barrel (8) (The use of a centering cone (2d) compensates for the possible difference in diameters of the inlet orifices (8a) and any differences in height of the barrels (8)). In this position, the closing and retaining assembly (2b.1) opens to allow the liquid to exit.

[0047] As the barrel (8) is already almost completely filled at this station during a previous station, the total filling volume is very small, and the small dimensions of the lower lance (2b) allow for gentle filling. During filling, the wine is supplied via the filling conduit (5a) to the annular racking conduit (2a.1). If foam is generated in the annular racking conduit (2a.1), it is drawn off via the reuse conduit (6a), connected to the reuse tank (6), thus ensuring that the filling is done with wine and not foam. When the pressure sensor (2c) (in the form of a Venturi tube combined with a depressurizer) detects the pressure difference (detection in millibars) in the sensor conduit (2c.1), the end of which is located in the lower area of ​​the centering cone (2d), it is understood that the liquid has reached the desired height and the filling process stops.The centering cone (2d) centers the lance-pipe (2) with the inlet orifice (8a) in the barrel (8). Since the end of the sensing conduit (2c.1) is located in the lower zone of the centering cone (2d), the end of the sensing conduit (2c.1) will be in the vicinity of the inlet orifice (8a) regardless of the dimensions or height of the barrel (8). When a pressure increase is detected in the sensing conduit (2c.1), it means that the wine is resisting entry into the sensing conduit (2c.1), indicating that the liquid has reached the desired height at the inlet orifice (8a). The end of the operation of the improved lance-pipe full-filling device (1) during its full-filling operation is determined, and the closure and retention assembly (2a.1) is closed, its locking being confirmed by the open-close verification sensor (3d).The vertical pneumatic cylinder (3) rises to its upper position (the position sensor (3c) emits a signal) and the horizontal pneumatic cylinder (4) is actuated to withdraw the lance-hose (2) from its position aligned vertically with the inlet orifice (8a) of the barrel (8). This withdrawal of the lance-hose (2) allows the operator to approach to check and place the barrel closure cap (8).

[0048] Variations in materials, shape, size and arrangement of component elements, described in a non-limiting manner, do not alter the essence of the present invention, this description being sufficient to allow an expert to reproduce it.

[0049] NOMENCLATURE

[0050] In the figures, the following references are indicated:

[0051] 1.- Improved hose-lance device for total filling

[0052] 2.- Hose-lance

[0053] 2a.- Outer pipe

[0054] 2a. 1.- Annular withdrawal conduit

[0055] 2b.- Lower spear

[0056] 2b. 1.- Closing and retaining assembly

[0057] 2b.2.- Concave flow surface

[0058] 2c.- Pressure detector

[0059] 2c. 1.- Detector conduit

[0060] 2d.- Centering cone

[0061] 3.- Vertical pneumatic cylinder

[0062] 3a.- Initial position sensor

[0063] 3b.- Intermediate position sensor

[0064] 3c.- Position sensor

[0065] 3d.- Open-close verification sensor

[0066] 4. Horizontal pneumatic cylinder

[0067] 5.-Main tank

[0068] 5a.- Filling conduit

[0069] 6.- Reuse tank

[0070] 6a.- Reuse conduit

[0071] 7. Vacuum pump

[0072] 8.- Barrel

[0073] 8a.- Entry opening

[0074] 9.- Cylinder

Claims

Demands

1. An improved hose-lance device for the total filling (1) of wooden barrels (8) used in wine racking, comprising, at one end, a vertical pneumatic cylinder (3) associated with a hose-lance (2) consisting of an outer pipe (2a) comprising an annular racking conduit (2a.1) associated with a main tank (5) by means of a filling conduit and a reuse tank (6) associated with a vacuum pump (7), by means of a reuse conduit (6a), and a lower lance (2b), which has a closure and retention assembly (2b.1), characterized in that the hose-lance (2) comprises a concave flow surface (2b.2) at the end of the lower lance (2b) and at least one pressure detector (2c).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the lance-pipe (2) comprises a centering cone (2d).

3. Device according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure detector (2c) comprises a detector conduit (2c.1) in contact with a lower area of ​​the centering cone (2d).

4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the lance-pipe (2) is connected to a horizontal pneumatic cylinder (4).

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