Method for recovering at least one fractional substance from vapor during alcohol reduction of a beverage, and fractional substance recovery device - Patents.com

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for recovering at least one fractional substance from vapor while the alcohol of a beverage is being reduced, and to a fractional substance recovery device for carrying out this method. In this method, an alcoholic beverage to be reduced in alcohol content is fed to a deaerator (62) of a fraction recovery device (60). Vapors are then removed from the deaerator (62), and the alcoholic beverage that has passed through the deaerator (62) is fed to a device for alcohol reduction (10). There, the vapors are sent to a series of fractional condensation stages (66, 67, 68) in which at least one fractional substance is separated from the vapor under pressure and / or temperature. The fractional substance separated in each fractional condensation stage (66, 67, 68) is then collected in a collection vessel (84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89) or sent to an inoculation station (19), where it is fed in measured amounts to the reduced-alcohol beverage.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a fraction recovery device for recovering at least one fraction from vapor during the alcohol reduction of a beverage. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, from German Patent Application No. DE 38 43 516 A1, a device for producing reduced-alcohol beverages is known. The device comprises a rectification unit. Vapors are separated by the rectification unit. These vapors may contain alcohol and / or aromatic substances. The alcohol is separated from the vapors. The vapors are cooled and can be returned to the rectification unit. The reduced-alcohol beverage or the alcohol-free beverage is discharged from the rectification unit, cooled, and sent to a storage container via an inoculation station. In the inoculation station, carbon dioxide is added to protect against oxidation. The device comprises a closed circuit, whereby the vapors discharged by the rectification unit, after the alcohol has been separated and subsequently cooled, are returned to the rectification unit.

[0003] EP 0 557 749 discloses a device for concentrating beverages with highly volatile aroma substances. It is connected downstream of a device for reducing the alcohol content of beverages. It is intended for the de-alcoholized beverage to be sent to a scrubber. In the lower section of the scrubber, the de-alcoholized beverage is sucked out, cooled, and sent back to the scrubber via an injection device. Via a further branch, the de-alcoholized product is removed from the scrubber and sent back to the scrubber via a vacuum pump, and the volatile aroma substances are sent to the vacuum pump. In the vacuum pump, they are concentrated together with the de-alcoholized beverage and sent back to the scrubber. The aroma substances present in the beverage are released into the environment via the upper discharge line of the scrubber. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] DE 3843516 A1 [Patent Document 2] European Patent No. 0557749 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention is based on the object of proposing a method for recovering at least one fraction from the vapor during the alcohol reduction of a beverage, and a fraction recovery device for reducing the CO2 load and / or re-concentrating the beverage with at least one desired fraction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This problem is solved by a method in which an alcoholic beverage is sent to a degassing unit of a fractionation recovery device, and the vapors of the alcoholic beverage are discharged from the degassing unit. The alcoholic beverage treated by the degassing unit is sent to another treatment, such as rectification, and the discharged vapors are sent to several fractionation condensation stages that follow one another in series. In the fractionation condensation stages, at least one fractionation substance is separated at reduced temperature and / or under pressure, and the fractionation substance is collected, for example, in one or more collection vessels or returned to the reduced-alcohol beverage at an inoculation station. The series of fractionation condensation stages allows for partial condensation so that various fractionation substances are successively separated from the vapor. This method allows fractionation substances, particularly aroma substances or flavors, desired for concentrating the reduced-alcohol beverage to be specifically returned to the beverage, thereby achieving a concentrated and improved flavor of the reduced-alcohol beverage. Furthermore, this method also allows for the recovery of CO2 contained in the alcoholic beverage as a fractionation substance before the treatment of the alcoholic beverage, specifically before the alcohol reduction. This CO2 can be added back into the reduced alcohol beverage, thereby reducing CO2 emissions into the environment as direct recycling is possible. The CO2 and / or aroma and / or flavorings can also be recycled. This CO2 obtained as a fraction can also be sent to another beverage or used for other purposes.

[0007] The term "reduced alcohol beverage" also includes beverages in which the alcohol has been reduced to such an extent that these beverages are described as alcohol-free or non-alcoholic.

[0008] In the fractional condensation stage, the supplied steam is preferably filled with a pump, in particular a vacuum pump, compressed to a higher pressure, and then cooled using at least one cooling medium, in particular a heat exchanger, after which at least one fraction is separated by a separator. This fractional condensation stage allows at least one desired fraction to be separated from the steam depending on the pressure and / or temperature. The steam discharged from the degasser is a substance containing alcohol, flavors, aromas, and CO2. On the one hand, this allows alcohol and / or water to be removed from the steam and discharged as waste. Additionally, individual flavors and / or aromas and / or CO2 can be separated and then optionally returned to the beverage from which the alcohol has been removed.

[0009] Furthermore, the fractional condensation stages arranged in series are preferably controlled at progressively increasing pressures and are preferably cooled down to a certain temperature range before leaving the condensation stage, which allows for specific control over the separation of water, alcohol, CO2, flavors, and / or aromas.

[0010] In a first fractional condensation stage, it is preferably intended that the vapors coming from the degasser are compressed, for example from 100 mbar, for example to 1.5-2 bar, and then cooled, for example to a temperature of 10-20° C. The vapors coming out of the degasser may have a temperature of, for example, up to 50° C. The vapors are in gaseous state and contain water, alcohol, CO2, flavors and aromas.

[0011] In this first fractional condensation stage, for example, water and alcohol contained in the vapor can be condensed and discharged.

[0012] Furthermore, in a second fractional condensation stage, preferably downstream of the first fractional condensation stage, the remaining vapors are further compressed, for example from 1.5 to 2 bar, for example to 3 to 5 bar, and then cooled, preferably to a temperature of 5 to 10° C. In this second fractional condensation stage, for example flavors and / or aromas can be separated as fractions.

[0013] Furthermore, a third fractional condensation stage is preferably provided in which the remaining vapor is compressed, for example from 3-5 bar, for example to 10-12 bar, and then cooled, preferably to a temperature of 5-10° C. This makes it possible to leave CO2 as a fractional product substantially free of further flavors and / or aromas. This CO2 as a fractional product can then be added to the reduced-alcohol beverage via an inoculation station.

[0014] Furthermore, the fraction separated by the fraction condensation stage is preferably passed through an inoculation station into a reduced-alcohol beverage that has already been finished by the alcohol reduction device and removed from the alcohol reduction process, so that the finished beverage can be concentrated together with the fraction separated from the fraction recovery device.

[0015] Furthermore, the proportion of the separate fractions added to the finished reduced-alcohol beverage is preferably selected and adjusted at the inoculation station, thus achieving sensory enrichment in an easy manner.

[0016] The problem on which the present invention is based is further solved by a fraction recovery device for recovering at least one fraction from vapor during the alcohol reduction of a beverage. This device comprises a degasser and several fractionation condensation stages downstream of the degasser, which are arranged in series alongside one another. In each fractionation stage, at least one fraction is separated under pressure, i.e., at pressure and / or temperature greater than atmospheric, and is discharged through a separator, specifically a condensed discharge. This allows specifically selected fractions to be optionally returned to the reduced-alcohol or alcohol-free beverage, while other fractions are discarded as waste. Additionally, CO2 recovery is also possible, thereby reducing environmental pollution. The CO2 contained in the vapor removed by the degasser can be returned to the finished beverage. This vapor can be taken from the original beverage or from a different beverage.

[0017] Advantageously, the fractional condensation stage comprises, in particular, a vacuum pump and, downstream of the vacuum pump, at least one cooling device, which may be designed as a heat exchanger. Additionally, the at least one cooling device is followed by a separation device, which removes the separated fractions from the fractional condensation stage. Such a fractional condensation stage allows, through specific adjustment of the operating pressure or overpressure and temperature, to separate individual or desired flavors and / or aromas, and / or alcohol, and / or water, and / or CO2.

[0018] Furthermore, the fractional condensation stage preferably comprises at least two cooling devices, each followed by a separation device for at least one fraction, which may allow two or more fractions to be condensed apart from one another within the fractional condensation stage.

[0019] The invention as well as other advantageous designs and further developments of the invention are described and explained in more detail below on the basis of examples shown in the drawings, in which the features from the description and drawings can be applied individually by themselves or in combination with one another. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a device for producing reduced alcohol beverages. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a fractionated material recovery device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The device 10 for producing reduced-alcohol beverages comprises a heat exchanger 12, to which steam at a temperature of, for example, 110°C is fed via line 11 in a first circuit. In the second circuit of the heat exchanger, a line 13 leads to a separator 14. From the bottom of the separator 14, a line 16 emerges, conveying a non-alcoholic beverage. This non-alcoholic beverage is preferably wine or beer. In the outlet line, a heat exchanger 17 is present, which cools the finished product down to a lower temperature, for example, down to 5°C, thereby contributing to thermal economy. Additionally, line 16 includes a cooler 18, which cools the finished product down to a lower temperature, for example, to 5°C. Finally, an inoculation station 19 is present, to which fractions separated from the alcoholic beverage steam by a fractionation recovery device 60 (FIG. 2) are fed, as will be explained below. Downstream of the inoculation station 19, a storage vessel 21 is present for receiving the finished product, i.e., the reduced-alcohol or de-alcoholized beverage. The reduced or de-alcoholized beverage is concentrated with fractionated material via inoculation station 19 .

[0022] Starting from the head of the separator 14, a line 22 carrying warm, unseparated vapors leads to the bottom of a column 23 forming a rectification apparatus. From the bottom 24 of the column 23, a line 26 leads to the second circuit of the heat exchanger 12. This circuit is thus closed.

[0023] The beverage, from which the alcohol content has been removed or reduced, such as wine, beer, or sparkling wine, is stored in a storage tank 27. From the storage tank 27, a line 61 leads to a fractional substance recovery device 60. This line 61 leads, in particular, to a deaerator 62 of the fractional substance recovery device 60. From the deaerator 62, a line 28 leads to a heat exchanger 17 in the second circuit of the device. Via line 28, the beverage, whose alcohol content has been reduced by the vapor content of the deaerator 62, is preferably sent to a heat exchanger (not shown in detail), whereby the beverage is cooled before being sent to the center of the tower 23. In the tower 23, preferably made of stainless steel, a first, higher level 29 and a second level 31 are provided. These two levels are spaced apart. Level 29 is located at a distance from the inlet of line 22 and therefore at a considerable distance from the bottom 24.

[0024] Line 28 enters between two packings 29, 31. Packing 31 is spaced apart from the top 32 of the column. A large-diameter line 33 leaves the top of the top 32 and carries the vapors containing alcohol, flavorings, and aromas. The temperature of the top 32 is, for example, 30°C, which corresponds to approximately 44 mbar. The temperature in the column 23 above the bed 24 is, for example, 39°C, resulting in a pressure of 70 mbar. In the steady state of the rectification system, line 33 carries 80% of the alcohol. It should be understood that "alcohol" always means "ethyl alcohol." Line 33 leads to a condenser 34, which is fed with cooling water obtained by atmospheric and evaporative cooling via line 36. The heated water is discharged via a line 37.

[0025] In the condenser 34, the vapors sent to the top are not yet condensed, since the condenser 34 continues via line 38 to the cooler 39. The cooling system is supplied with cold water via pipe 41. A vacuum line 42 leads into the top of the cooler 39 and is connected to a vacuum pump 43, which also creates the vacuum present in the column 23. From the bottom of the cooler 39, a line 44 leaves, carrying liquefied alcohol, flavors, aromas, and higher alcohols in liquefied form with a concentration of up to 82%. This percentage may be between 20 and 80%, depending on the alcohol removal efficiency. This liquid is sent by a pump 46 to the top 32, at a height not exceeding the outlet of the line 33 and above the second filling 31.

[0026] Line 47, parallel to line 44, leads to the bottom of the cooling device. This line carries alcohol that does not need to be fed back and is finally discharged and pumped by pump 48 to an alcohol tank.

[0027] The control device 51 determines the ratio of the quantities in the lines 44 and 47. When the device 10 is started, the line 47 is initially closed for its operation, where it remains closed until the alcohol content in the lines 44, 33, 38 reaches the desired level, for example 80%. The regulating device 51 prevents further increase of the alcohol content by the release line 48 to the extent that it ensures maintaining the desired level in the feedback path of the alcohol percentage.

[0028] 2 is a schematic enlarged view of the fractionated material recovery device 60. A line 61 leads the alcoholic beverage from the storage tank 27 to the deaerator 62. From the underside of the deaerator 62, the deaerated alcoholic beverage is sent via a pump 63 through a line 28 to the heat exchanger 17. Vapors of the alcoholic beverage are removed from the deaerator 62. These vapors are available in gaseous or vapor form. For example, they can have a temperature of 40-50°C. The vapors contain water, aromas, flavorings, CO2, and alcohol.

[0029] The vapor is sent via line 64 to one or more series-connected fractional condensation stages 66, 67, 68. In this embodiment, the fractional material recovery device 60 comprises, for example, three shown fractional condensation stages 66, 67, 68. There may be fewer or more such fractional condensation stages.

[0030] The fractional condensation stages 66, 67, 68 are preferably of the same design, and therefore the structure of fractional condensation stage 66 will be described as it applies to the others, and therefore the same reference numbers will be used for the same components.

[0031] On the inlet side, a pump 71, in particular a vacuum pump, is provided, by means of which the supplied steam is compressed. The compressed steam is then cooled by one or more successive cooling devices 72, 73, in particular heat exchange devices. The compressed and cooled steam is then sent to a separator 75. The separator 75 has a line 76, through which the fractions separated in the respective fractional condensation stages are discharged. The separated fractions can be sent to one or each of the separate collection vessels 84, 85, or to a collection vessel for any other use, or to a collection vessel for the inoculation station 19. The remaining steam is sent via line 77 to the subsequent fractional condensation stage.

[0032] If only one fractional condensation stage is provided, the separator 75 can be omitted so that the line 77 leads directly to the inoculation station 19 .

[0033] Using the fractional material recovery device 60 shown, the water and alcohol can be separated in a first fractional condensation stage 66, for example by compressing the vapor to 1-2 bar and then cooling it to, for example, 40-50°C and discharging it via line 76 into a waste or collection vessel.

[0034] In the subsequent second fractional condensation stage 67, the remaining vapors, depleted of water and alcohol, are further compressed, for example to 3-5 bar, and then cooled using one or more cooling devices 72, 73. At least one flavor or aroma can be removed from the separator 75 via line 78. At least one flavor or aroma can be fractionated at these set conditions in the condensation stage. This flavor or aroma can be sent to the injection station 19 or can be accumulated in an accumulation tank 86. Via the separator 75 downstream of the second cooling device 73, another fraction can be sent to the inoculation station 19 or to an accumulation tank 87. Via line 77, the remaining vapors are sent, for example, to a third fractional condensation unit 68. Compression, for example to 10-12 bar, can be achieved by means of a pump 71. In the separator 75, for example, the separated fractions from the first and second coolers 72, 73 can be sent via lines 79, 83 to the inoculation station 19 or to collection vessels 88, 89. For example, CO2, or slightly concentrated CO2, can remain in the third fractional condensation stage. It can be sent via line 77 to the inoculation station 19.

[0035] The described fraction recovery device 60 allows the specific separation of individual fractions from the vapor to be controlled depending on the number of fractional condensation stages. These can optionally be returned to the reduced or de-alcoholized beverage or discarded. In particular, recirculation of CO2 and / or aromas is provided, which allows for taste enrichment and / or minimization of CO2 contamination.

Claims

1. 1. A method for recovering at least one fractional substance from vapor during alcohol reduction of a beverage, comprising: An alcoholic beverage is supplied to a degasser (62) of a fractionated material recovery device (60), The vapor is removed from the deaerator (62) and the alcoholic beverage that has passed through the deaerator (62) is sent to a device (10) for reducing alcohol; the vapor is passed to a series of successive fractional condensation stages (66, 67, 68) in which at least one fractional substance is separated from the vapor under pressure and / or temperature; at least one line (77) is provided extending through said fractional condensation stages (66, 67, 68), each of said fractional condensation stages (66, 67, 68) containing at least one fractionated material discharged through at least one separator (75); The vapor is compressed with increasing pressure in the fractional condensation stages (66, 67, 68) that follow each other in series. The fractions separated in each of said fractionation and condensation stages (66, 67, 68) are collected in collection vessels (84-89) or sent to an inoculation station (19) through which one or several separated fractions are sent in portioned form to a reduced-alcohol beverage.

2. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the fractional condensation stage (66, 67, 68) the supplied steam is pressurized via a pump (71) and then cooled using at least one cooling device (72, 73), and then at least one fraction is separated via a separator (75).

3. The method described in claim 1, characterized in that the condensed water is cooled to a certain temperature range in each of the fractional condensation stages (66, 67, 68) before leaving each of the fractional condensation stages (66, 67, 68).

4. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the first fractional condensation stage (66) the vapor is compressed from 100 hPa (100 mbar) to 1500-2000 hPa (1.5-2 bar).

5. A method as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that in the first fractional condensation stage (66) the steam is cooled to a temperature of 40 to 50°C.

6. A method as described in claim 1, characterized in that in a second fractional condensation stage (67) connected downstream of the first fractional condensation stage (66), the remaining steam is compressed from 1500 to 2000 hPa (1.5 to 2 bar) to an increased pressure of 3000 to 5000 hPa (3 to 5 bar).

7. The method described in claim 6, characterized in that in a second fractional condensation stage (67) connected downstream of the first fractional condensation stage (66), the remaining steam is cooled to a temperature of 5 to 10°C.

8. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in the third fractional condensation stage (68) the remaining vapors, which are between 3000 and 5000 hPa (3 and 5 bar), are compressed to an increased pressure.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that in the third fractional condensation stage (68) the remaining vapor is cooled to a temperature of 5 to 10°C.

10. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the alcoholic beverage is dehydrated prior to reducing the alcohol content of the alcoholic beverage.

11. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the fractionated material separated by the fractionation condensation stages (66, 67, 68) is sent through the inoculation station (19) to a reduced-alcohol beverage already finished by an alcohol reduction device (10) and discharged from the alcohol reduction method.

12. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the amount of fractionated material separated from the fractionated material recovery device (60) that is fed to the finished reduced-alcohol beverage at the inoculation station (19) is selected and adjusted.

13. Using the method of claim 1, 1. A fraction recovery device for recovering at least one fraction from vapor during alcohol reduction of a beverage, comprising: accompanied by a degasser (62), A fractionated material recovery device with a plurality of fractionated condensation stages (66, 67, 68) connected downstream of the degasser (62) and arranged side by side in series.

14. 14. A device for recovering fractionated materials according to claim 13, characterized in that at least one fractional condensation stage (66, 67, 68) comprises at least one pump (71) and, downstream thereof, at least one cooling device (72, 73) and, downstream thereof, at least one separation device (75).

15. A fractionated material recovery device as described in Claim 13, characterized in that at least one of the fractionated condensation stages (66, 67, 68) is provided with at least one vacuum pump and, downstream thereof, at least one heat exchanger.

16. 14. A device for recovering fractionated materials according to claim 13, characterized in that at least two cooling devices (72, 73) are provided in the fractionation condensation stage (66, 67, 68), and downstream of each cooling layer (72, 73) there is provided at least one separation device (75) for at least one fractionated material.

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