Apparatus and method of ultrasound-agingof alcoholic beverages, and obtained aged-alcoholic beverage

Abstract

The present invention relates to an industrial-scale system for the aging, aging and maceration of alcoholic beverages by extracting, transferring and integrating by ultrasound the organoleptic compounds contained in sensory products, achieving the transfer of the exogenous compounds that improve the sight, taste and smell of alcoholic beverages from the sensory product to the alcoholic beverage, when said sensory products are mixed or brought into contact with the alcoholic beverage, using for this purpose apparatus and / or a method based on the generation of ultrasounds from an ultrasound module placed at an inclination between 5 to 45° to the horizontal and which comprises a perforated cartridge comprising the sensory products. The present invention concerns as well the obtained aging-alcoholic beverage.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS AND METHOD OF ULTRASOUND-AGINGOF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, AND OBTAINED AGED-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to an industrial-scale apparatus and method for producing alcoholic beverages by extracting, transferring and integrating by ultrasound the organoleptic compounds contained in sensory products so as to extract therefrom the exogenous compounds that improve the sight, taste and smell of alcoholic beverages and integrate them harmoniously into the matrix (structure) of the alcoholic beverage.

[0005] In particular, the invention relates to the transfer of organoleptic compounds from the sensory product to the alcoholic beverage when said sensory products are mixed or brought into contact with the alcoholic beverage, using for this purpose apparatus and a method based on the generation of ultrasounds according to the invention.

[0006] More particularly, the invention relates to the generation, thanks to the use of ultrasound, of the phenomenon known as cavitation, which allows the breakage of the cellular structures of the sensory products and makes available to the alcoholic beverage the organoleptic compounds so that they are harmoniously integrated into the matrix of said alcoholic beverage, enhancing its features.

[0007] The term aging in the present invention refers both to the aging of alcoholic beverages and to the maceration of these with different sensory products. In particular, the term aging also includes so-called aging on lees.

[0008] Sensory products for the aging of alcoholic beverages according to the invention comprise wood alternatives, aromatic herbs, syrups, syrups, yeast derivatives, granulates and / or other additives. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The aging of alcoholic beverages by traditional methods requires long periods of time and the maintenance in the facilities of large volumes of product that require high space needs, resulting in a high production cost.

[0010] In such traditional methods, the liquid sensory products are mixed and the solids, some of which are susceptible to it, are previously dissolved in the alcoholic beverage, and others are introduced into the alcoholic beverage in sacks of burlap, food plastic or the like, allowing all of them to act over the necessary time until the transfer of the organoleptic compounds to the alcoholic beverage occurs by means of a series of phenomena or transformations of a chemical and / or biological nature.

[0011] The traditional methods, in addition to the long term of time they require, present the problem known as punctual or temporary woody of the matrix under treatment and which manifests as a strong blow of aroma and taste of wood when tasting or consuming the alcoholic beverage. The problem is that the aromas of the wood are not well integrated into the matrix of the product under treatment, hiding the original aromas of said product. This fact can lead the brewer to make the mistake of believing that the treatment is not correct, by performing improper operations, e.g. dilution of the alcoholic beverage, instead of waiting for the extracted organoleptic compounds to be integrated into the matrix of the alcoholic beverage.

[0012] Likewise, in said traditional methods it is necessary to inject nitrogen into the aged-alcoholic beverage in order to resuspend the precipitated sensory product at the bottom of the reservoir. The injection of nitrogen impairs the organoleptic characteristics of the alcoholic beverage by dragging aromas that are in equilibrium at the liquid-gas interface or directly into the gas phase of the reservoir.

[0013] Various studies and inventions have been made on the conditions of extraction of sensory products by ultrasound on a laboratory scale, including patents ES2066737B1 , ES2371811 , EP1423498 and US2017 / 036983A1 , in which, in all of them, the use of generators or ultrasound baths of small scale and commercially available is used.

[0014] A procedure and a system for accelerated aging of wines and distillates on pilot and industrial scale using a sonotrode introduced into the continuous flow cell are described in application ES2631990A1. Likewise, patent ES0477330 describes a procedure and a device for accelerating the maturation processes of alcoholic beverages by using sonotrodes or capsule oscillators immersed in the alcoholic beverage.

[0015] These processes are characterized by the use of a sonotrode immersed in the liquid phase and have the problem that the performance of the sonotrodes is less than 80%. Performance is understood as the ratio between the electrical energy consumed and the production of ultrasonic waves, expressed in %. In the case of sonotrodes, of the electrical energy received by the generator, the transducer only uses 80% in the production of ultrasonic waves, the remaining 20% is used for heat production.

[0016] Another drawback of sonotrodes is that they release a large amount of heat during the treatment which, when immersed and in contact with the product to be treated, causes the heating of said liquid phase, and the formation of Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) may occur. HMF is a cyclic aldehyde that is formed by the degradation of sugars, mainly by the dehydration of fructose and glucose in an acidic medium, especially by raising the temperature for short periods of time. If the temperature is increased, the risk of HMF production increases, so there is a need to limit the process temperature to avoid formation of HMF.

[0017] On an industrial scale, in addition to having a treatment system for the volumes required in said application, it is necessary, in order to perform an efficient extraction, transfer and integration of the organoleptic compounds whose transfer to the alcoholic beverage is promoted through the use of ultrasound, to ensure the complete filling of the ultrasound module, as well as the homogenization of the mixture of sensory products with the alcoholic beverage during the treatment phase.

[0018] The application of ultrasound in modules that are not completely filled with the liquid phase of the alcoholic beverage to be treated, on the one hand, decreases the effectiveness and efficiency of the treatment and, on the other, results in heterogeneous treatments of the alcoholic beverage, with the risk of obtaining unwanted compounds at the liquid-air interfaces. In addition, working with modules in not fully filled conditions, the life of ultrasound transducers is considerably shortened when working, sometimes, in air-vacuum.

[0019] The object of the present invention is to overcome the problems existing in the prior art by means of industrial-scale apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages according to claim 1 and a method according to claim 13. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] It is an object of the present invention to provide an industrial-scale apparatus and method for aging alcoholic beverages by extracting, transferring and integrating by ultrasound the organoleptic compounds contained in sensory products so as to extract therefrom the exogenous compounds that improve the sight, taste and smell of alcoholic beverages and integrate them harmoniously into the matrix of the alcoholic beverage.

[0021] Surprisingly, the ultrasound treatment, based on the phenomenon of cavitation and subsequent disorganization of the cellular structure, allows the extraction, transfer and integration of the organoleptic compounds contained in sensory products, increasing the proportion of phenolic, polysaccharide and aromatic compounds in the alcoholic beverage, and, in addition, as a consequence of the smoothness of the treatment, produces beneficial chemical reactions in the alcoholic beverage, such as, for example, the polymerization of the phenolic compounds.

[0022] Said extraction, transfer and integration is carried out continuously, with or without recirculation, obtaining concentrates that are diluted in the desired volume of alcoholic beverage or treating the entire volume of alcoholic beverage in process, with great efficiency and avoiding unwanted effects.

[0023] The alcoholic beverage to be sonicated according to the invention is a beverage with an alcohol content comprised between 1.1 % and 99%. By means of various physical-chemical treatments, in said alcoholic beverage, the alcoholic strength may be increased or reduced, after being bred.

[0024] In this document, the mention of numerical ranges by endpoints comprises all integers, fractions and / or real numbers located between the endpoints, including said endpoints.

[0025] The organoleptic compounds whose transfer to the alcoholic beverage is promoted through the use of ultrasounds according to the invention are, by way of example, phenolic, polysaccharide and aromatic compounds, mainly of the following families: alcohols, fatty acids and their esters, carbonyl compounds and benzenoids, of which the most representative are: whiskylactones, which have a characteristic aroma of wood and coconut, volatile phenols such as vanilla, guaiacol and certain furanic derivatives, among others. During the process of aging alcoholic beverages according to the invention, the increase in the content of soils, benzenoids and norisoprenoids, among others, is promoted.

[0026] The term “sensory product” as used herein refers to, but is not limited to, products comprising wood alternatives, aromatic herbs, syrups, syrups, yeast derivatives, nutrients, granulates and / or other additives. Sensory products may be used alone or in combination with other sensory products. In addition, in this document, the term “sensory product” refers to singular and plural, unless the context clearly implies otherwise. That is, a “sensory product” means one sensory product or several sensory products.

[0027] Wooden alternatives may be used in different ways. By way of example and not limitation, they may be used in the following forms: shavings or chips, portions of wood cut into cubes, wood dust or sawdust, pieces of granulated wood or granulates, wood cut as dominoes or also in square pieces or segments and crosspieces or staves.

[0028] Likewise, wood alternatives may be, but are not limited to, Quercus alba, Quercus pirenaica, Quercus robur, Quercus petraea, Robinia pseudoacacia, Prunus avium, Pinus canariensis, Castanea sativa or a mixture of the above, preferably obtained from the heartwood of said species.

[0029] The aromatic herbs may be, but are not limited to, Artemisia absinthium I., Artemisia dracunculus I., Angelica archangelica I., Chamaemelum nobile I., Citrus spp., Coriandrum sativum I., Foeniculum vulgare, Gentiana lutea I., Hyssopus officinalis I., Illicium verum, J uni perus communis I., Majorana hortensis, Malva sylvestris I., Melissa officinalis I., Mentha x piperita I., Mentha spicata I., Ocimum basilicum I., Origanum vulgare I., Pimpinella anisum I., Rheum officinale, Sambucus nigra / ., or a mixture of the above. These aromatic herbs may be used in natural, concentrated form, extracts, etc.

[0030] As for yeast derivatives, dry yeasts, yeast bark and other forms of presentation are used, coming mainly from Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains, although it is also possible from non- Saccharomyces strains such as Torulaspora delbrueckii and others, or a mixture of the above.

[0031] The nutrients are selected from among the organic, complex, and / or inorganic types, or mixture of the above. The terms “comprise,” “comprising,” “consist of,” “consisting of,” “endowed with,” “contain,” “containing,” “include,” “including,” “implies,” “involving,” are synonymous and are inclusive or open-ended terms that indicate the presence of the subject matter that follows and that do not exclude or limit or avoid the presence of other components, features, elements, parts, or steps known or described in the prior art.

[0032] The apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages according to the invention comprises an irradiator assembly consisting, on the one hand, of at least one ultrasound module placed inclined with respect to the horizontal line of the floor with an angle of inclination comprised between 5° and 45°, preferably between 7.5° and 30°, more preferably between 10° and 15°, and, on the other hand, of the inlet and outlet pipes of the alcoholic beverage to be treated in the ultrasound module.

[0033] The degree of inclination of the ultrasound module allows, surprisingly, the ultrasound modules to be completely filled with the liquid phase of the alcoholic beverage to be treated during the continuous flow treatment of said alcoholic beverage.

[0034] In an embodiment, not shown in the figures, for the case that the irradiator assembly comprises two or more ultrasound modules, each of these may be installed with a different angle of inclination, within the indicated range, but adapting said angle to the physical-chemical characteristics of the alcoholic beverage to be treated and / or of the sensory product to be extracted.

[0035] Likewise, the apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages comprises at least one generator in charge of receiving electrical energy and transmitting the same at the voltage and frequency suitable for the proper functioning of the transducer or transducers, a connection to the electrical power grid or to a stand-alone electrical power source and, preferably, a pushbutton, an emergency stop mushroom and a enveloping casing of the apparatus.

[0036] In another aspect of the invention the apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages may be connected to self-contained pumps existing in the alcoholic beverage production facility or alternatively comprise its own pumping station, such that the aging-alcoholic beverage flows continuously through the irradiator assembly.

[0037] In yet another aspect of the invention, the apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages comprises a control panel for controlling the operations of aging the alcoholic beverage by means of a microprocessor type PC, PLC or similar, the operation being able to be carried out in manual or automatic mode and, likewise, said microprocessor being able to communicate wirelessly. WiFi and LoRa are preferred forms of wireless communication for the present invention.

[0038] Also, in another aspect of the invention, the apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages comprises a casing that may be opened or disassembled, preferably supported on a frame, and to which wheels are coupled at the bottom to facilitate the transfer of the apparatus to the vicinity of the tanks / reservoirs containing the alcoholic beverage to be treated. In this way, the apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages does not need to have a storage reservoir moving to the vicinity of the tank to perform its function, connected to a transfer pump of those existing in the distilleries.

[0039] In another embodiment, not shown in the figures, the apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages incorporates its own reservoir and transfer pump to be able to operate autonomously.

[0040] All parts of the apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages, of the irradiator assembly and of the ultrasound module or modules comprising said apparatus that are susceptible thereto, shall be manufactured in stainless steel.

[0041] The ultrasound module comprises a duct, circular or polygonal chain, inside which the alcoholic beverage to be treated circulates, and at least one transducer of the sonoplate type, which converts the received electrical energy into vibrating mechanical energy, which is transmitted to the mixture of alcoholic beverage and sensory product to be treated in the form of ultrasounds.

[0042] In one embodiment, the ultrasound module is coupled at one end to the inlet pipe of the alcoholic beverage, preferably, by means of a flange and, at the other end, the module incorporates an access to the interior of the module in order to introduce the sensory product inside said module, preferably, a pressure cap coupled to a flange, and a latero-radial connection to the outlet pipe of the treated alcoholic beverage, preferably, a sleeve with clamp connection. The pressure cap according to the invention must guarantee the tightness of said module and be able to withstand the pressure generated by the alcoholic beverage under treatment when circulating through the duct of the ultrasound module.

[0043] Preferably, the pressure cap incorporates wall brackets for opening and closing, and, even more preferably, the access mouth joint is a flat joint of reduced thickness, in order to minimize the low resistance zone of the cap without compromising its tightness.

[0044] The at least one sonoplate of the ultrasound module is coupled to the outer wall of the duct, directly or indirectly, on said walls or in appendages of any type and / or geometry, located on said wall on the outside thereof, so that the at least one sonoplate is not in direct contact with the mixture of alcoholic beverage and sensory product to be treated, the ultrasound being transmitted to said mixture, through the outer wall of the duct. The location of the sonoplate on the outside of the duct helps to avoid unwanted reactions in the mixture under treatment.

[0045] The number, geometric shape and location in the duct of the appendages used for the coupling of the sonoplates is not limited in any way, in order to cover all the possibilities and / or needs when building ultrasound modules with the shape and / or acoustic power that is required.

[0046] In an embodiment, not shown in the figures, the ultrasound module incorporates parallel rows of sonoplates in the longitudinal direction, the sonoplates of each of the rows being arranged oppositely or, advantageously, staggered, since, as a result of the research carried out, it has been discovered that the coupling of sonoplates to the outer wall of the duct, in parallel rows and located staggered between rows, allows to obtain a more uniform ultrasound distribution.

[0047] To ensure insulation and safety in use, the module incorporates a metal envelope that encapsulates the at least one sonoplate. Said envelope incorporates the necessary means for wiring the electrical cable coming from the generator to at least one sonoplate.

[0048] In order to increase the processing capacity of the apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages, several ultrasound modules may be connected in series and / or in parallel on the irradiator assembly of the apparatus and / or several apparatus of aging of alcoholic beverages may be connected in series and / or in parallel. The serial arrangement of the ultrasound modules in the irradiator assembly has the advantage of eliminating or minimizing product recirculations and allows the alcoholic beverage to be treated with different sensory products consecutively.

[0049] In another aspect of the invention, when several ultrasound modules are connected in series and / or in parallel in the radiator assembly of the apparatus, the modules may be installed with the same degree of inclination with respect to the horizontal line of the ground or, in another embodiment, the ultrasound modules may be positioned inclined with different degrees of inclination of each of the modules with respect to the horizontal line of the ground. In the latter case, the apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages has the advantage of being able to adjust the inclination of each of the ultrasound modules to the specific conditions of the sensory products to be used in the aging of the alcoholic beverage.

[0050] Likewise, it is also another object of the invention to include, inside the duct to which at least one sonoplate is coupled, a perforated cartridge which, surprisingly and advantageously, causes micro-recirculations of the alcoholic beverage on the inner wall of said duct, increasing the contact of the alcoholic beverage with said walls and favouring the extraction, transfer and integration of the organoleptic compounds contained in the sensory product added to the aging-alcoholic beverage. The cartridge has a closed, blind or perforated end and another open end, one of said ends comprising fitting and / or anti-rotation means. In a preferred embodiment the perforated cartridge is metallic. And, in an even more preferred embodiment, the perforated cartridge is made of stainless steel.

[0051] In an embodiment, without cartridge, not shown in the figures, the sensory product is introduced into the ultrasound module in sacks of burlap, food plastic or the like. In another embodiment, the sensory product is encapsulated in the cartridge enclosed inside the duct, either in bulk, sacks of burlap, food plastic, or the like.

[0052] The use of the perforated cartridge according to the invention has the additional advantage of eliminating the need for filtering the alcoholic beverage after aging, by preventing solid remains of the sensory product from passing into the alcoholic beverage, ensuring the total immersion of the sensory product in the alcoholic beverage and facilitating the dosing of the sensory product. In this case, preferably, the cartridge is filled with sensory products in a percentage comprised between 20% and 80% of its volume, more preferably, between 40% and 60% of its volume. On the other hand, the closure of the ultrasound module is advantageously carried out by means of high-pressure caps and easy assembly / disassembly, by means of, preferably, 4 wall bracket closures and a flat joint.

[0053] Each sonoplate will be able to develop an acoustic power ranging from 50 to 1 ,000 W, preferably from 75 to 300 W. The number of sonoplates per module will vary to achieve a total power per module between 1000 W- 10,000 W preferably between 1500 W and 5000 W.

[0054] The length of each ultrasound module will vary depending on the volume to be processed, varying between 1 meter and 10 meters and the diameter of the module or the circumference of the inscribed polygon of the module varies between 100 and 1000 mm.

[0055] The subject invention utilizes low frequencies to produce more efficient extraction, transfer, and integration. The working frequency range is between 15 and 45 kHz, preferably, between 20 and 30 kHz; more preferably, between 22 kHz, and 28 kHz.

[0056] The working frequency selected within the indicated ranges allows the productor to select or enhance the extraction in sensory products of some organoleptic compounds compared to others. For example, high frequencies favor the extraction of compounds from the polysaccharide family

[0057] The total acoustic power of the machine varies between 0.3 kW and 100 kW, preferably between 1 kW and 30 kW.

[0058] The extraction, transfer and integration of the organoleptic compounds of the sensory product is carried out dynamically by passing a variable flow rate, between 1 ,000 and 50,000 l / h of alcoholic beverage through the ultrasound system. In order to effectively control the flow rate at which the alcoholic beverage flows, the aging apparatus may be equipped with a flow meter.

[0059] The duration and intensity of the treatment depends on the degree of extraction, transfer and integration of the organoleptic compounds contained in sensory products necessary to achieve the desired characteristics, generally ranging from 0.25 to 5 days.

[0060] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in the description of the invention, also the technical and scientific terms, have as meaning the meaning generally understood by the person skilled in the art of the technical field of the invention. Additional objects and advantages of the present invention are derived from the description made below, taking into consideration the included figures and the preferred example of embodiment described by way of illustration, but not limitation.

[0061] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] To complement the description that is being made and in order to help the perfect understanding of the present invention, a set of figures is attached as an integral part of said description, in which, with an illustrative and non-limiting nature, the following has been represented:

[0063] Figure 1: Perspective view of an apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages.

[0064] Figure 2: Perspective view of an ultrasound-alcoholic aging apparatus, in which part of the casing has been removed to show its interior.

[0065] Figure 3A: Perspective view of an irradiator assembly of the apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages.

[0066] Figure 3B: Front view of an irradiator assembly of the apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages.

[0067] Figure 3C: Rear view of an irradiator assembly of the apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages.

[0068] Figure 3D: Sectional representation of the ultrasound module along the cutting plane 0-0 of figure 3A.

[0069] Figure 4: Perspective view of the irradiator assembly of the apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages, in which one of the ultrasound modules has been removed to expose a perforated cartridge for sensory product.

[0070] Figure 5A: Perspective view of a perforated cartridge for sensory product.

[0071] Figure 5B: Front view of a perforated cartridge for sensory product. Figure 5C: Rear view of a perforated cartridge for sensory product.

[0072] Figure 6A: Ultrasound module with a sonoplate.

[0073] Figure 6B: Sectional representation of the ultrasound module along the cutting plane A-A of figure 6A.

[0074] Figure 7A: Ultrasound module with sonoplates coupled to the outer wall of the duct in parallel rows and staggered between rows

[0075] Figure 7B: Sectional representation of the ultrasound module along the cutting plane A-A of figure 7A

[0076] Figure 8A: Ultrasound module with sonoplates coupled to the outer wall of the duct in polygonal appendages of said walls

[0077] Figure 8B: Sectional representation of the ultrasound module along the cutting plane C-C of figure 8A.

[0078] Figure 9A: Ultrasound module with sonoplates coupled to the outer wall of the duct in circular appendages of said walls

[0079] Figure 9B: Sectional representation of the ultrasound module along the cutting plane D-D of figure 9A.

[0080] Figure 10A: Schematic representation of an irradiator assembly composed of three ultrasound modules connected in parallel.

[0081] Figure 10B: Front view of the irradiator assembly schematically depicted in figure 10A.

[0082] Figure 11 : Schematic representation of an irradiator assembly composed of two ultrasound modules connected in series

[0083] Figure 12A: Perspective view of a pressure cap according to an embodiment. Figure 12B: elevational view of a pressure cap according to the embodiment represented in figure 12A and sectional representation of the ultrasound module along the cutting plane E-E of the figure.

[0084] Figure 12C: elevational view of a pressure cap according to the embodiment represented in figure 12A and sectional representation of the ultrasound module along the cutting plane F-F of the figure.

[0085] Figure 13A: Perspective view of a pressure cap according to a preferred embodiment.

[0086] Figure 13B: elevational view of a pressure cap according to the embodiment represented in figure 13a and sectional representation of the ultrasound module along the cutting plane G-G of the figure.

[0087] Figure 13C: elevational view of a pressure cap according to the embodiment represented in figure 13A and sectional representation of the ultrasound module along the cutting plane H-H of the figure.

[0088] In these Figs, reference is made to a set of elements which are:

[0089] 1 apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages

[0090] 1a casing of the apparatus

[0091] 1 b frame of the casing

[0092] 1c wheels

[0093] 2 irradiator assembly

[0094] 3 ultrasound module

[0095] 4 inlet pipe of the alcoholic beverage into the irradiator assembly.

[0096] 5 outlet pipe of the alcoholic beverage from the irradiator assembly.

[0097] 6 ultrasound generator

[0098] 7 sonoplate

[0099] 8 connection to the electrical power grid or to an autonomous electrical power source

[0100] 9 duct of the ultrasound module inside which the alcoholic beverage circulates

[0101] 10 coupling the ultrasound module to the inlet pipe

[0102] 11 access mouth to the interior of the ultrasound module

[0103] 12 latero-radial connection to the outlet pipe / connection to another module

[0104] 13 perforated cartridge 14 closed end of the perforated cartridge

[0105] 15 open end of the perforated cartridge

[0106] 16 fitting and / or anti-rotation means of the perforated cartridge

[0107] 17 appendages of the outer wall of the duct

[0108] 18 metal envelope of the ultrasound module

[0109] 19 means for wiring the electrical cable coming from the ultrasound generator to the sonoplate.

[0110] 20 electrical cable coming from the ultrasound generator.

[0111] 21 coupling flange of the ultrasound module to the pressure inlet pipe.

[0112] 22 pressure cap

[0113] 23 coupling flange of the ultrasound module to the pressure cap.

[0114] 24 sleeve with clamp connection

[0115] 25 wall bracket closures

[0116] 26 flat joint (reduced thickness)

[0117] 27 handle

[0118] 28 branches, inside the ultrasound module, of the electrical cable coming from the ultrasound generator

[0119] 29 fitting and / or anti-rotation means of the duct of the ultrasound module.

[0120] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0121] The invention will now be described, based on non-limiting examples which illustrate the invention and which will not be understood or construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0122] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages (1) comprising a protective casing (1a), wheels (1c) for its displacement and in which the inlet mouths (11) of the pressure caps (22) of the ultrasound modules (3) are observed. The apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages (1) also comprises an inlet pipe (4) of the alcoholic beverage in the irradiator assembly and an outlet pipe (5) of the alcoholic beverage from the irradiator assembly, protruding from the casing to facilitate the connection to a transfer pump (not shown) existing in the distilleries. Furthermore, on the outside of the casing (1a) there is, optionally, a connection to the electrical power network or to an autonomous electrical power source (8).

[0123] According to figure 2, in which a perspective view of an apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages (1) is shown, in which part of the casing (1a) has been removed / opened to show the interior, allowing to see part of the frame (1 b), the irradiator assembly (2) is located inside the apparatus (1) inclined respect to the horizontal line of the ground with an angle of inclination (a) of the two ultrasound modules (3) comprised between 5° and 45°.

[0124] In said figure, the apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages (1) incorporates two ultrasonic generators (6), one for each ultrasound module (3), which simplifies the electrical wiring and maintenance of the apparatus. Connection that is made by means of the electrical cable (20) coming from the ultrasound generator (6).

[0125] Other options, with more than one module (3) per generator (6) are possible in order to optimize the power to be developed by the generators (6).

[0126] Figure 3A is a perspective view of an irradiator assembly of the apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages (1) composed of the ultrasound modules (3), the alcoholic beverage inlet pipe (4) in the irradiator assembly and the alcoholic beverage outlet pipe (5) of the irradiator assembly. The modules (3) are connected to the pipes (3) and (5) through the couplings (10) of the ultrasound module (3) to the inlet pipe (4), by means of the coupling flange (21) and the latero-radial connection (12) to the outlet pipe (5) by means of the sleeve with clamp connection (24).

[0127] In this embodiment, the latero-radial connection (12) to the outlet pipe (5) has the advantage that, due to its arrangement, it does not obstruct or interfere with the access mouth (11) inside the ultrasound module.

[0128] Likewise, in said figure, the means (19) for wiring the electric cable (20) coming from the ultrasound generator (6) to the sonoplate (7) may be seen, which, in detail, are represented in detail H of figure 3B.

[0129] Figures 3B and 3C, in which a front view and a rear view are shown, respectively, of an irradiator assembly (2) of the apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages (1) in which the ultrasound modules (3) are represented with the same inclination as in Figures 1 , 2 and 3A.

[0130] Represented in figure 3D is the section of the ultrasound module (3) along the cutting plane 0-0 of figure 3A, so that the sonoplates (7) coupled to the outside of the duct (9), the fitting and / or anti-rotation means (29) and the metal envelope (18) may be seen. In this embodiment, the sonoplates (7) are placed opposite each other in parallel rows.

[0131] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the irradiator assembly (2) of the apparatus of ultrasoundaging of alcoholic beverages (1), in which one of the ultrasound modules (3) has been removed to expose, in a schematic representation, a perforated cartridge (13) used, in one embodiment, to introduce the sensory product inside said ultrasound modules (3).

[0132] Figures 5A, 5B and 5C, perspective, front and rear views of a perforated cartridge (13) for sensory product, allow to see such constructive details of the closed (14) and open (15) ends, as well as of the fitting and / or anti-rotation means (16) and the handle (27) of the perforated cartridge (13) that allows its insertion and / or removal in the ultrasound modules (3) and the external manipulation thereof.

[0133] The fitting and / or anti-rotation means (16) of the perforated cartridge (13) cooperate with the fitting and / or anti-rotation means (29) of the duct (9) of the ultrasound module (3), to prevent that during operation the cartridge (13) moves undesirably within the ultrasound module (3). In particular, said fitting and / or anti-rotation means (16, 29) prevent the rotation of the cartridge (13) inside the ultrasound module (3).

[0134] In this embodiment, the perforation of the cartridge (13), preferably of stainless steel, although it can be constructed in any material for food use and inert in relation to the alcoholic beverage, consists of a longitudinal micro-perforation in rows along the longitudinal and rear parts of the cartridge.

[0135] Figures 6A to 11 show ultrasound modules (3) arranged horizontally for simplicity. As already indicated, when the ultrasound modules (3) of the irradiator assemblies (2) are installed inside the apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages (1) they are located inclined with respect to the horizontal line of the floor with an angle of inclination (a) of the two ultrasound modules (3) comprised between 5° and 45°.

[0136] Figure 6A shows an ultrasound module (3) with the at least one sonoplate (7) coupled to the outside of the duct (9) inside which circulates the alcoholic beverage to be sonicated Figure 6B is a sectional representation of the ultrasound module along the cutting plane A-A of Figure 6A in which it is observed that, in this embodiment, the duct (9) has a hexagonal section and an fitting and / or anti-rotation means 29 of the duct of the ultrasound module

[0137] Figure 7A: shows an ultrasound module (3) with 60 sonoplates (7) coupled to the outer wall of the duct (9) in parallel rows and staggered between rows. It shows the branches (28), inside the ultrasound module (3), of the electrical cable (20) coming from the ultrasound generator (3). Said ultrasound module (3) is made with a hexagonal-shaped duct (9) as seen in figure 7B, in which the ultrasound module (3) is represented, in section, along the cutting plane A-A of hexagonal figure 7A, so that the sonoplates (7) coupled to the outside of the duct (9) and the fitting and / or anti-rotation means (29) are observed.

[0138] Figure 8A shows an ultrasound module (3) with sonoplates (7) coupled to the outer wall of the duct (9) in polygonal appendages (17) of said walls. Although in the example according to figure 8B, sectional representation of the ultrasound module (3) along the cutting plane C-C of figure 8A, it is observed that the polygon used is a square or diamond with equal sides, said polygonal shape is not limited and can be made with any number of sides and / or angles.

[0139] Figure 9A shows an ultrasound module (3) with sonoplates coupled to the outer wall of a duct (9) in circular appendages (17) of said wall as seen in figure 9B. Sectional representation of the ultrasound module along the cutting plane D-D of figure 9A. In this case, the duct (9) is of square section. The sonoplates (7) coupled to the outside of the duct (9) are observed by means of the appendages (17) of the outer pairs of the duct (9) and the fitting and / or antirotation means (29).

[0140] Figure 10A shows, schematically, an irradiator assembly (2) composed of three ultrasound modules (3) connected in parallel in order to increase the alcoholic beverage treatment capacity by the apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages (1).

[0141] Figure 10B is a front view of the irradiator assembly schematically represented in Figure 10A allowing a more detailed view of the outlet pipe (5).

[0142] In Figure 11 , the schematic representation of the irradiator assembly (2) comprises two ultrasound modules (3) connected in series in order to eliminate or minimize recirculations of the alcoholic beverage and / or treat said beverage with different sensory products consecutively. If more or less capacity is required in the apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages (1), the number of ultrasound modules (3) of the irradiator assembly (2) connected in series and / or in parallel, may be increased or reduced.

[0143] The access mouth (11) to the interior of the ultrasound module is configured according to pressure or high pressure caps (22) made, by way of example, in two different ways, comprising a flange (23) for coupling the ultrasound module (3) to the cap (22), a sheet reel (not marked in the figures) with a latero-radial connection (12) to the outlet pipe (5), a removable cap to leave the access mouth (11) accessible to the interior of the ultrasound module (3), a flat joint (26) of reduced thickness, and one or more wall bracket closures (25)

[0144] In figures 12A to 12C, a pressure cap (22) according to an embodiment is represented, based on a single wall bracket closure (25) and, in figures 13A to 13C a pressure cap (22) according to a preferred embodiment, based on four wall bracket closures (25). The wall bracket closures (25) can be changed by any other form of closing and / or quick closing, such as can be, asparagus, crab, gate, crank or similar.

[0145] The apparatus of aging of alcoholic beverages may be connected to stand-alone pumps existing in the alcoholic beverage production facility or, alternatively, comprise its own storage and pumping station not shown in the figures.

[0146] EXAMPLES

[0147] The description is completed with the examples provided below.

[0148] Example 1 : Productions and refinement of white wines.

[0149] The table below compares the traditional aging for the construction and refining of white wines with a sensory product consisting of a wood alternative consisting of Quercus pyrenaica heartwood chips with ultrasound aging for the treatment of the same amount of white wine with the same dose of sensory product.

[0150] A wood alternative consisting of Quercus pyrenaica heartwood chips is commercially available under the name spirit white from PRODUCTOS AGROVIN, SA. Table 1 : Construction and refinement of white wines. The analytical determination was performed in both cases by the technique based on a liquidliquid extraction method followed by a GC-FID analysis

[0151] It is noted that the apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages allows a greater extraction of organoleptic compounds from wood alternatives, accelerating the extraction of said compounds, and the construction and refining process of white wines can be reduced from days to hours.

[0152] Example 2: aging of red wines.

[0153] The table below compares traditional aging for the aging of red wines with a sensory product consisting of a wood alternative consisting of Quercus alba heartwood chips with ultrasound aging for the treatment of the same amount of red wine with the same dose of sensory product. A wood alternative consisting of Quercus alba heartwood chips is commercially available under the name spirit candy from PRODUCTOS AGROVIN, SA.

[0154] Table 2: aging of red wines.

[0155] The analytical determination was carried out in both cases by the technique based on a liquidliquid extraction method followed by a GC-F.I.D analysis.

[0156] It is noted that the apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages allows a greater extraction of organoleptic compounds from wood alternatives, accelerating the extraction of said compounds, and the process of aging of red wines can be reduced from days to hours.

[0157] Example 3: aging on lees of red wine

[0158] An apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages according to the invention was used during the treatment of red wine with yeast cell walls enriched in mannoprotein in order to decrease aging on lees times and increase polysaccharide extraction, thus increasing the productivity of the winery, the quality of the final wine and reducing production costs.

[0159] To achieve the objective set out in the previous section, an aging on exogenous lees will be carried out on 25,0000 liters of red wine, with and without ultrasound treatment during the aging process, using the same type of sensory product (yeast cell walls - Saccharomyces cerevisiae') and the same dose of product, 40 g / hl.

[0160] A yeast cell wall composition - Saccharomyces cerevisiae is commercially available under the name SuperBouquetMN from PRODUCTOS AGROVIN, SA. TRADITIONAL AGING ON LEES: Treatment of 25,000 litres of lee aging-red wine at a dose of 40 g / hl for two weeks. During aging, nitrogen was applied once a day to the bottom of the reservoir in order to resuspend the lees and improve the extraction, transfer and integration of organoleptic compounds from the exogenous lees.

[0161] APPARATUS OF ULTRASOUND-AGING OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES: An acoustic power of 12 kW and a working flow of 9000 l / h were selected for the investigation, making three passes of the wine by the apparatus of aging of alcoholic beverages. One pass every three hours and total treatment time, 9 hours During this process, the wine was recirculated from one reservoir to another.

[0162] Table 3: aging on lees. Analytical Results:

[0163] Analytical determination was performed in all cases by mass spectrometry (CG-MS) and size exclusion chromatography

[0164] Organoleptic analysis:

[0165] The elimination of CO2 after ultrasound treatment is observed as something very positive. Regarding the release of mannoprotein, it is observed that the wine with traditional aging on lees, at the olfactory level, presents less aromatic intensity and worse definition of the aromas while the one raised with ultrasound integrates better and although it retains the aromas a little, they are more elegant with blacker and ripe fruit, it is less dirty. On the palate, the witness wine is quite hard, which makes the results less visible, even so, there is more fruit weight and greater intensity in the center of the mouth in the ultrasound bred wine.

[0166] It is observed that the apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages allows a greater extraction of polysaccharides from exogenous lees, accelerating the extraction of polysaccharides, and the process can be reduced from days to hours. In addition, the application of ultrasound in the aging of wine favors decarbonation, ideal for fast-to-market red wines.

[0167] Further features of the present invention are drawn from the claims, drawings, description of drawings and examples. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures and / or described in the preferred embodiments, are usable not only in the combination indicated in each case, but also in other combinations, without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, it should be understood that embodiments of the invention that are not explicitly shown in the figures or explained, but that may be extracted through combinations of features separate from the disclosed embodiments, and that may be generated therefrom, are also understood and disclosed by the invention. Embodiments and combinations of features which do not have all the features of an originally formulated independent claim will therefore also be considered to be disclosed.

[0168] The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0169] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, such reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages (1) characterized in that it comprises: a) an irradiator assembly (2) comprising: at least one ultrasound module (3) placed inclined with respect to the horizontal line of the ground with an angle of inclination (a) comprised between 5° and 45°, and, inlet (4) and outlet (5) pipes of the alcoholic beverage to be treated in the ultrasound module (3). b) at least one ultrasound generator (6) connected with at least one transducer of the sonoplate type (7), c) an electrical connection between the ultrasound generator (6) and the sonoplate (7), and d) a connection (8) to the electrical power grid or to an autonomous electrical power source, wherein, the ultrasound module (3) comprises: a circular or polygonal chain duct (9), inside which circulates the alcoholic beverage to be treated, the at least one transducer of the sonoplate type (7), coupled to the outer wall of the duct (9), a coupling (10) to the inlet pipe (4) of the alcoholic beverage, an access mouth (11) to the interior of the ultrasound module (3), and, a connection (12) to the outlet pipe (5) of the treated alcoholic beverage.

2. Aging apparatus according to claim 1 , characterized in that in the irradiator assembly(2) of the apparatus two or more ultrasound modules (3) are connected in series.

3. Aging apparatus according to claim 1 wherein in the irradiator assembly (2) of the apparatus two or more ultrasound modules (3) are connected in parallel.

4. Aging apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 3 wherein the ultrasound modules(3) in the irradiator assembly (2) of the apparatus are installed with the same degree of inclination (a).

5. Aging apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 3 wherein the ultrasound modules (3) in the irradiator assembly (2) of the apparatus are installed with different degrees of inclination (a).

6. Aging apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the ultrasound module (3) comprises inside the duct (9) a perforated cartridge (13).

7. Aging apparatus according to claim 6 in which the perforated cartridge (13) has a closed end (14), blind or perforated, and another open end (15), comprising in one of said ends fitting and / or anti-rotation means (16)8. Aging apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the sonoplate (7) of the ultrasound module (3) is coupled to the outer wall of the duct (9), directly on said walls.

9. Aging apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the sonoplate (7) of the ultrasound module (3) is coupled to the outer wall of the duct (9) through appendages (17) of said walls10. Aging apparatus according to any of the preceding claims in which the ultrasound module (3) comprises a metal casing (18) that encapsulates the sonoplate (7) and incorporates the necessary means for wiring (19) the electrical cable (20) coming from the ultrasound generator (6) to the sonoplate (7).11 . Aging apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at one end the ultrasound module (3) is coupled to the inlet pipe (4) of the alcoholic beverage by means of a flange (21) and, at the other end, the module incorporates an access mouth to the interior of the ultrasound module (3), a pressure cap (22) coupled to a flange (23), and a latero-radial connection to the outlet pipe (5) of the treated alcoholic beverage, a sleeve with clamp connection (24).

12. Aging apparatus according to the preceding claims, characterized in that the closure of the ultrasound module is carried out by means of high pressure caps (22) with four wall bracket closures (25) and a flat joint (26).

13. Method of ultrasound-aging alcoholic beverages comprising the following steps:a. Introducing a sensory product into the flow of an alcoholic beverage in order to obtain the extraction, transfer and integration by ultrasound of the organoleptic compounds contained in said sensory product so as to extract the exogenous compounds that improve the sight, taste and smell of alcoholic beverages and integrate them into the matrix of the alcoholic beverage. b. Circulating in continuous flow said alcoholic beverage through an ultrasound module (3) placed inclined with respect to the horizontal line of the floor with an angle of inclination comprised between 5° and 45° and comprising a perforated cartridge (13) containing a sensory product.

14. Method of aging according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises the further step of supplying at least one apparatus of ultrasound-aging of alcoholic beverages (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

15. Aged-alcoholic beverage obtained according to the method described in any of claims13 to 14.

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