Improved hose-lance device for total emptying of barrels.

Abstract

The present invention relates to an improved lance-pipe device for the complete emptying (1) of wooden barrels (6) used during wine racking, comprising a lance-pipe (2) consisting of an outer pipe (2a), an annular emptying conduit (2a.1) associated with an emptying reservoir (5) via the emptying conduit (5a) and an emptying pump (8), and an inner lance (2b) movable longitudinally within the outer pipe (2a) by means of a pneumatic opening and closing cylinder (9), which is associated at one end with a pneumatic cylinder (3), and at the opposite end with a closing and retaining assembly (2b.1) capable of closing the annular racking conduit (2a.1) when the movable inner lance (2b) is against the outer pipe (2a) during longitudinal movement, as well as a recovery orifice (2b.2.a) associated with a reservoir reuse (4) via the main vacuum conduit (2b.2) and the vacuum pump (7), characterized in that the movable inner lance (2b) of the lance-pipe (2) has a concave flow surface (2b.3) at its end and at least one liquid contact sensor (2b.4) in the annular discharge conduit (2a.1). Abstract figure: [Fig.1].

Description

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

[0001] The present invention relates to a hose-lance device for total final emptying during the racking of wines.

[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 complete emptying of wine from the barrel for cleaning while avoiding waste and stains on the barrels. 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] There are also lance-shaped pipes specifically designed for racking, which comprise a hollow tube with lateral openings through which the wine is drawn. The problem with these lance-shaped pipes is that the lateral inlet creates a turbulent flow that stirs up the wine lees, which are then reabsorbed, largely negating the purpose of racking. Furthermore, when the lance-shaped pipe is moved from one barrel to another, it drips onto the barrel surface, generating undesirable stains and odors.

[0005] In the current state of the art, devices for the mass filling of wine into barrels are known, installed in cellar filling stations during the wine racking process. These systems establish a filling time to incorporate the wine into the barrel; however, since barrels are made of natural material and therefore do not all have the same dimensions, the use of these lance-pipes during emptying does not guarantee complete emptying, resulting in significant wine waste.

[0006] Furthermore, the use of lance-pipes designed for the automation of the filling phase, during emptying, due to their design and geometry, limits the distance of the lower part of the pipe to about 30 mm from the bottom of the barrel. This remaining volume generated during automatic extraction can lead to a large amount of wine being wasted at each racking, because the barrel still retains a certain volume of wine, which passes to the internal barrel cleaning station, so that the remaining volume of wine would be washed and wasted, or requires the use of manual operations to completely empty the barrel for proper use of this volume.

[0007] On the other hand, manual operations of total emptying involve a risk of contamination due to the exposure of the wine to the operator to check the level, which complicates hygiene measures, and these are manual tasks which cause risks of injury to the operators. Summary of the invention

[0008] Compared to the prior art described above, the present invention relates to an improved lance-pipe device for the total emptying of wooden barrels used during the racking of wines, which comprises a lance-pipe consisting of an outer pipe, an annular emptying conduit associated with an emptying reservoir via the main emptying conduit and an emptying pump;an inner lance that can be moved longitudinally within the hollow interior of the outer pipe by the action of a pneumatic opening and closing cylinder, which is connected at one end to a vertical pneumatic cylinder, and at the opposite end to a closing and retaining assembly capable of closing the annular discharge conduit when the movable inner lance is against the outer pipe during longitudinal movement, as well as a recovery orifice connected to a recovery tank via the main vacuum line and vacuum pump. The lance-hose has a concave flow surface at its end. This concave flow surface is preferably close to horizontal. The improved lance-hose device for total emptying has at least one liquid contact sensor in the annular discharge conduit.

[0009] 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, such as emptying the bottom of the barrel. Thus, for the final emptying, which takes place at the bottom of the barrel, it is possible to minimize the distance to the bottom of the barrel by bringing the concave surface closer to the horizontal, inscribed at an angle of approximately 170°, which allows for maximum liquid evacuation, reducing losses during racking and even allowing support on the bottom of the barrel if necessary.

[0010] Wooden barrels, due to their manufacturing process and the natural materials they are composed of, exhibit volumetric differences between them, so that it is not simple to determine the exact volume to be emptied, and to determine Timed emptying can lead to excessive wine waste or inefficient use of the emptying pump. Using a liquid (or foam) contact sensor, which detects when the suction of liquid (or foam) ceases, ensures that the barrel has been reliably emptied completely, even when barrels have different volumes, thus preventing unnecessary waste. Furthermore, a liquid contact sensor guarantees the integrity of the system by minimizing the ingress of gases that can cause oxidation and overpressure due to temperature variations, and prevents inappropriate use of the emptying pump.

[0011] In addition, the internal configuration of the lance-pipe ensures the elimination of splashes from the flow of wine outside the outer pipe by absorbing the remainder through the recovery orifice, thus preventing stains on the barrel when the lance-pipe is removed after emptying the barrel.

[0012] The termination of the lance-pipe with a concave flow surface, at an angle close to horizontal, allows for the complete emptying of the barrel by enabling the lance-pipe to reach the inner bottom of the barrel, thus avoiding the unnecessary waste that occurred in the prior art due to the impossibility of aspirating the wine contents that had settled at the bottom of the barrel. Furthermore, a liquid contact sensor is located in the annular emptying conduit, detecting the presence or absence of liquid (or foam) in the annular emptying conduit, making it possible to determine when the aspiration of the liquid (or foam) through the annular emptying conduit ceases. In addition to ensuring that the barrel has been reliably emptied completely, this guarantees the integrity of the installation by minimizing the ingress of gases that could generate oxidation and overpressures due to temperature variations.

[0013] The improved hose-lance device for total emptying includes a pneumatic cylinder with an initial position sensor, an intermediate position and an emptying position.

[0014] The discharge position sensor detects when the concave flow surface reaches the point closest to the bottom of the barrel and stops the pneumatic cylinder in its downward vertical movement. Furthermore, the hose-lance device may include several additional sensors within the vertical pneumatic cylinder, such as an initial position sensor, an intermediate position sensor, or another type of position sensor. These sensors determine the automatic operation of the system; for example, the initial position sensor is associated with stopping the extraction, and the intermediate position sensor, during its upward movement, with activating the vacuum for absorbing droplets in the process or other processes.

[0015] Furthermore, the improved hose-lance device for filling and complete emptying incorporates an open-close verification sensor, linked to the longitudinal movement of the movable inner lance, which validates the correct closure of the closure and retention assembly so that the cycle can continue, allowing for the emission of an early alarm in the event of a malfunction. Figures

[0016] To better understand the nature of the invention, the accompanying drawings present an arrangement which is purely illustrative and not limiting.

[0017] [Fig.1]

[0018] Fig. 1 shows a schematic longitudinal view of the improved hose-lance device for total emptying (1), in which the hose-lance (2) is observed, comprising, as seen in the enlarged section, a hollow and a movable inner lance (2b). An annular emptying conduit (2a.1) is formed in the space between the outer pipe (2a) and the movable inner lance (2b). The movable inner lance (2b) has a concave flow surface (2b.3) at its lower end, and inside it is the main vacuum conduit (2b.2) which terminates in the recovery orifice (2b.2.a) and connects to the outer pipe (2a) by a closure and retaining assembly (2b.1).The lance-pipe (2) is connected to a recovery tank (4) via a reuse and discharge line (4a) which is connected to the vacuum pump (7), and to a discharge tank (5) via the discharge line (5a) in which the discharge pump (8) is installed. The lance-pipe (2) is connected to a vertical pneumatic cylinder (3) in which are located the initial position sensor (3a), the intermediate position sensor (3b), the position sensor (3c), and, mounted on the pneumatic opening and closing cylinder (9), the opening-closing verification sensor (3d). On the surface of the outer pipe (2a) of the lance-pipe (2) is placed a liquid contact sensor (2b.4) in contact with the fluid circulating in the annular discharge line (2a.1).

[0019] [Fig.2]

[0020] Figure 2 shows an elevational view of all the stations through which the barrel (6) must pass during racking, in which the existence of common elements can be observed. The stations observed in Figure 2 are: the loading station where the barrels (6) are loaded, the first or bulk racking station and the final or total racking station, the internal cleaning station, the bulk filling stations, and the final filling station. The arrangement of the lance-pipe (2) connected to the racking tank (5) by a racking conduit (5a) can be observed. in which is located the drain pump (8) and connected to the reuse tank (4), connected to the vacuum pump (7), by the reuse conduit (4a). Detailed description

[0021] In relation to the drawings and references listed above, an improved lance-pipe device for the complete emptying (1) of wooden barrels (6) used during wine racking is illustrated, comprising a lance-pipe (2) consisting of an outer pipe (2a), an annular emptying conduit (2a.1) connected to an emptying reservoir (5) via the emptying conduit (5a) and an emptying pump (8), and an inner lance that can be moved longitudinally within the outer pipe (2a) by the action of a pneumatic opening and closing cylinder (9). The annular emptying conduit (2a.1) is formed in the space between the inner wall of the outer pipe (2a) and the outer wall of the movable inner lance (2b). The nozzle (2) is associated at one end with a pneumatic cylinder (3), which allows controlled vertical movement of the nozzle (2). The closure and retention assembly (2b.1) is capable of closing the annular discharge conduit (2a.1) when the movable inner lance (2b) is against the outer pipe (2a) during longitudinal movement. The movable inner lance (2b) has at its end a recovery orifice (2b.2.a) associated with a reuse tank (4) via the main vacuum line (2b.2) and the vacuum pump (7). The movable inner lance (2b) of the lance-pipe (2) has a concave flow surface (2b.3) at its end and at least one liquid contact sensor (2b.4) in the annular discharge conduit (2a.1).

[0022] By way of illustrative example, the improved complete emptying device with lance-pipe (1) of the present invention (represented in [Fig.1]) and the adaptability of the improved complete emptying device with lance-pipe (1) to the different stations set up in the transfer of wines (represented in [Fig.2]) will be described below.

[0023] The improved hose-lance device for total emptying (1) comprises a hose-lance (2) connected to a pneumatic cylinder (3) that allows horizontal flow of the barrels (6) (shown in [Fig. 2]) by permitting vertical insertion / retraction of the hose-lance (2) in the inlet orifice (6a) of the barrel (6), withdrawing the hose-lance (2) from the path of the barrel (6) when its advance is required. A draining tank (5), in which the wine is stored, can be connected to a plurality of hose-lances (2) to a single draining tank (5). Each hose-lance (2) is connected to the draining tank (5) via a conduit. In turn, the lance-tube (2) is connected to a reuse reservoir (4) which is connected to a vacuum pump (7) generating a vacuum inside the reuse reservoir (4), drawing in the droplets of Residual wine is drawn from the outside of the lance by suction towards its interior, allowing multiple lances to be connected to a single reuse tank (4). Each lance is connected to the reuse tank (4) by a reuse conduit (4a) to direct the residual wine back into the lance (2) when filling is complete, thus preventing drips and stains on the barrel (6). Because the emptying tank (5) and the reuse tank (4) are separate, wine mixing is avoided, thereby maintaining traceability.

[0024] This configuration allows for both the complete automation of wine racking and the standardization of the system, enabling, as shown in [Fig. 2], the use of common components in the different stations or phases of the racking process. This versatility means that the various racking stations, being mostly composed of common components, can be built around shared installations such as the emptying tank (5), the reuse tank (4), or the vacuum pump (7), thus facilitating system maintenance and reducing the need for both the number of spare parts in stock and the space required for installation. This configuration makes complete automation possible even in small wineries with minimal maintenance requirements.

[0025] In relation to [Fig. 1], the nozzle (2) comprises an outer tube (2a) formed by a hollow tube which constitutes the annular discharge conduit (2a 1) connected to the discharge conduit (5a) and in which the movable inner nozzle (2b) is located. The annular discharge conduit (2a 1) opens or closes by means of the movement, by the action of the pneumatic opening and closing cylinder (9), of the movable inner nozzle (2b), which, by moving away from the outer tube (2a), opens the annular discharge conduit (2a 1) and, by moving towards it, closes it, maintaining the seal by means of the closing and retaining assembly (2b.1). The movable inner nozzle (2b) forms at its end a concave flow surface (2b.3) which can be close to horizontal. Inside the movable inner lance (2b), a main vacuum conduit (2b.2) is formed, connected to the reuse conduit (4a) which terminates in a recovery orifice (2b.2.a) in the concave flow surface (2b.3). The residual drops on the surface of the lance-pipe (2) are directed by gravity towards the recovery orifice (2b.2.a) through which they are drawn through the main vacuum conduit (2b.2) connected to the reuse conduit (4a), and by way of the reuse tank (4), thanks to the vacuum generated in the circuit by the vacuum pump (7).

[0026] The termination of the lance-pipe (2) by a concave flow surface (2b.3) with an angle close to horizontal allows the complete emptying of the barrel (6). The termination of the lance-pipe (2) by a concave flow surface (2b.3), with An angle close to horizontal allows the lance-pipe (2) to reach the bottom of the inner barrel (6), thus preventing waste. Furthermore, a liquid contact sensor (2b.4) is located in the annular discharge conduit (2a.1) and detects the presence or absence of liquid (or foam) in the annular discharge conduit (2a.1), making it possible to determine when the suction of liquid (or foam) through the annular discharge conduit (2a.1) ceases. In addition to ensuring that the barrel (6) has been reliably emptied completely, this guarantees the integrity of the system by minimizing the ingress of gases that could generate oxidation and overpressure due to temperature variations.

[0027] In addition, the internal configuration of the lance-pipe (2) ensures the elimination of splashes from the flow of wine from the outside of the outer pipe by absorbing the residue which flows onto the surface through the recovery orifice (2b.2.a), thus preventing stains on the barrel (6).

[0028] The improved hose-lance device for total emptying (1) includes a pneumatic cylinder (3) equipped with an initial position sensor (3a), an intermediate position sensor (3b) and an emptying position sensor (3c).

[0029] The discharge position sensor (3c) detects when the concave flow surface (2b.3) reaches the point closest to the bottom of the barrel (6) and stops the pneumatic cylinder (3) in its downward vertical movement. Furthermore, these sensors determine the automatic operation of the installation; the initial position sensor is associated, for example, with stopping the extraction, and the intermediate position sensor, in its upward movement, with activating the vacuum for absorbing droplets in the process or other processes.

[0030] Preferably, the emptying of the barrel is carried out in two phases: in a first phase, in accordance with the prior art, the lance-pipe (2) is introduced inside the barrel (6) to an intermediate position close to the bottom of the barrel (6), the distance of the concave flow surface (2b.3) being limited to about 30 mm from the bottom of the barrel (6), and in a second phase, the total emptying phase, the lance-pipe (2) is introduced inside the barrel (6) until the concave flow surface (2b.3) is flush with the bottom of the barrel (6).

[0031] In the first emptying phase (according to the prior art), the barrel (6) is emptied en masse. To do this, the lance (2), mounted on a pneumatic cylinder (3), is inserted through the inlet (6a) of the barrel (6) to the emptying point (approximately 30 mm from the bottom of the barrel (6)). As the movable inner lance (2b) is positioned away from the outer pipe (2a), the closing and retaining assembly (2b.1) is moved away from the outer pipe (2a) (open), allowing the liquid to enter the lance (2). The liquid is channeled through the emptying conduit (5a) to the emptying tank (5). This The first phase can be regulated by a timer. After the end of the emptying process, when the lance-pipe is raised, when it reaches the position of the intermediate position sensor (3b), the vacuum pump (7) is activated so that, through the recovery orifice (2b.2.a) in contact with the main vacuum conduit (2b.2), the drops formed by capillary action outside the lance-pipe (2) are sucked up, thus preventing staining of the wooden barrels (6) being emptied.

[0032] In the second phase of emptying or total emptying of the barrel (6), according to the present embodiment, in a total emptying station, the lance-pipe (2) moves vertically under the action of the pneumatic cylinder (3) until the emptying position sensor (3c) determines that the concave flow surface (2b.3) is flush with the bottom of the barrel (6). In this position, the liquid passage opens by longitudinally moving the movable inner lance (2b) and, when the open-close verification sensor (3d) verifies that the passage to the annular emptying conduit (2a.1) is open, the liquid begins to flow into the annular emptying conduit (2a.1), drawn in by the emptying pump (8), and is channeled through the emptying conduit (5a) to the emptying tank (5). When the liquid contact sensor (2b.4), located in the annular drain conduit (2a.1), detects that there is no more liquid (or foam) in the annular discharge conduit (2a.1), the liquid passage closes by longitudinally moving the movable inner lance (2b) to its position closest to the outer lance pipe (2a). The open-close verification sensor (3d) verifies that the liquid passage is closed, and the lance pipe (2) begins its upward vertical path propelled by the pneumatic cylinder (3). When it reaches the position of the intermediate position sensor (3b), the vacuum pump (7) is activated so that, through the recovery orifice (2b.2.a) in contact with the main vacuum conduit (2b.2), the droplets formed by capillary action on the outside of the lance pipe (2) are drawn in, thus preventing staining of the wooden barrels (6) being emptied.

[0033] 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.

[0034] NOMENCLATURE

[0035] In these figures, the following references are indicated:

[0036] L- Improved hose-lance device for total emptying

[0037] 2.- Hose-lance

[0038] 2a.- Outer pipe

[0039] 2a. L- Annular drain conduit

[0040] 2b.- Movable internal lance

[0041] 2b.1.- Closing and retaining assembly

[0042] 2b.2.- Main vacuum duct

[0043] 2b.2.a.- Retrieval port

[0044] 2b.3.- Concave flow surface

[0045] 2b.4.- Liquid contact sensor

[0046] 3.- Pneumatic cylinder

[0047] 3a.- Initial position sensor

[0048] 3b.- Intermediate position sensor

[0049] 3c.- Emptying position sensor

[0050] 3d.- Open-close verification sensor

[0051] 4.- Reuse tank

[0052] 4a.- Reuse conduit

[0053] 5.- Drain tank

[0054] 5 a.- Drainage conduit

[0055] 6.- Barrel

[0056] 6a.- Entry point

[0057] 7. Vacuum pump

[0058] 8.- Drain pump

[0059] 9. Pneumatic opening and closing cylinder

Claims

Demands

1. An improved lance-pipe device for the complete emptying (1) of wooden barrels (6) used during wine racking, comprising a lance-pipe (2) consisting of an outer pipe (2a), an annular emptying conduit (2a.1) associated with an emptying reservoir (5) via the emptying conduit (5a) and an emptying pump (8), and an inner lance (2b) movable longitudinally within the outer pipe (2a) by means of a pneumatic opening and closing cylinder (9), which is associated at one end with a pneumatic cylinder (3), and at the opposite end with a closing and retaining assembly (2b.1) capable of closing the annular racking conduit (2a.1) when the movable inner lance (2b) is against the outer pipe (2a) during longitudinal movement, and a recovery orifice (2b.2.a) associated with a reuse tank (4) via the main vacuum line (2b.2) and the vacuum pump (7), characterized in that the movable inner lance (2b) of the lance-pipe (2) has a concave flow surface (2b.3) at its end and at least one liquid contact sensor (2b.4) in the annular discharge conduit (2a.1).

2. Improved hose-lance device for the total emptying (1) of barrels (6) according to claim 1, characterized in that the improved hose-lance device for the total emptying (1) comprises a pneumatic cylinder (3) equipped with an initial position sensor (3a), an intermediate position sensor (3b) and an emptying position sensor (3c).

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