Multi-pass Absorption Cell for Whisky Cask Vapour Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing maturation monitoring systems are not convenient for deployment, especially for multiple casks, and require long operating times to detect fluid loss, leading to inefficiencies in monitoring the 'angels' share' during whisky maturation processes.
Innovation Solution
A portable apparatus with a multi-pass absorption cell and a monitoring system that uses a pump and fluid conduits to provide a vapour sample for analysis, enhancing sensitivity and reducing operating times, comprising a Herriot, White, or Pfund cell with a mid-infrared laser source and detector for accurate fluid loss measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a vessel is deployed to sealably enclose the cask and accumulate vapour leakage, then fluid loss can be monitored, but the system becomes less portable and requires longer operating times to detect sufficient fluid loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vapour sampling function from a large enclosed vessel system and implements it through a portable apparatus with a pump and fluid conduits that can be positioned around the cask perimeter. The multi-pass absorption cell is provided with vapour samples taken from around the perimeter of the cask, eliminating the need for a large enclosing vessel while maintaining detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a three-dimensional enclosed vessel approach to a distributed sampling approach around the cask perimeter. Multiple fluid conduits are arranged around the perimeter of the cask, allowing vapour to be drawn from multiple locations simultaneously, which maintains sensitivity while improving portability.
2Measurement precision
If a vessel is used to accumulate vapour leakage from multiple casks, then monitoring is possible, but the operating time increases significantly before sufficient fluid loss accumulates
Solution Approach 1:
The pump actively draws vapour samples from around the cask perimeter and delivers them to the multi-pass absorption cell before natural accumulation occurs. This preliminary action of active sampling allows the system to detect fluid loss at much earlier stages, reducing operating time from months to minutes or hours.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a pump to create active vapour flow through the fluid conduits and into the absorption cell, analogous to creating movement to enhance mixing and detection. This mechanical action accelerates the vapour transport process, enabling rapid detection compared to passive accumulation.
3Loss of substance
If shrink-wrapping is used to prevent fluid loss, then angels' share is reduced, but air ingress is eliminated which negatively affects maturation process and taste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary monitoring system that detects vapour leakage without preventing it. The multi-pass absorption cell with pump and fluid conduits allows the system to measure the vapour that would otherwise be lost, enabling data collection while maintaining natural maturation processes including air ingress.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vapour leakage itself as the measurement medium. The vapour that naturally escapes from the cask during maturation is drawn through the fluid conduits into the absorption cell for detection, turning the loss into a useful signal without requiring additional materials or interventions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The apparatus allows for quick and accurate monitoring of fluid loss from casks, providing greater sensitivity and reduced operating times, making it more suitable for monitoring multiple casks and improving the efficiency of the maturation process.
Implementation Method 1
a pump providing a vapour sample from around a perimeter of the cask to the multi-pass absorption cell
Implementation Method 2
a multi-pass absorption cell arranged in fluid communication with one or more fluid conduits and a pump and a monitoring system arranged to monitor the presence of a vapour within the multi-pass absorption cell
Implementation Method 3
monitoring system arranged to monitor the presence of a vapour within the multi-pass absorption cell... a light source and a detector wherein the detector is arranged to receive light emitted from the light source following its propagation through the multi-pass absorption cell
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides an apparatus and a method to monitor fluid loss from one or more casks (2) during a maturation process. The apparatus (1) comprises a multi-pass absorption cell (4) arranged in fluid communication with one or more fluid conduits (5) and a pump (8), and a monitoring system (12). The pump (8) and fluid conduits (5) provide a means for transporting a fluid sample (e.g. a vapour sample) to the multi-pass absorption cell (4). The monitoring system (12) provides a means for detecting and identifying fluid within the multi-pass absorption cell (4).