Flexible Membrane Barrel Sealing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fermentation and aging processes in wooden barrels face issues of oxidation and product losses due to incomplete sealing, leading to reduced wine quality and inefficiencies in controlling pressure, temperature, and humidity.
Innovation Solution
A device with a cover and fittings for sealing wooden barrels, allowing for pressure control through self-release valves, spargers, and vacuum systems, which creates a sealed environment, reducing oxidation and evaporation by managing gas composition and pressure within the barrel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bungs made of wood, silicone or rubber are used to seal wooden barrels, then the sealing structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sealing effectiveness is insufficient due to pressure and temperature differences between inside and outside of the barrel
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system uses flexible membranes that can dynamically adapt to pressure changes inside the barrel. The membrane moves with the liquid level and maintains contact with the sealing surface, providing continuous sealing under varying pressure and temperature conditions without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs flexible membranes made of food-grade materials that conform to the barrel's internal geometry and sealing surfaces. These thin film structures provide effective sealing by flexing with pressure changes while maintaining a tight barrier against oxidation and evaporation.
2Reliability
If the barrel is left open or poorly sealed, then temperature and humidity control is simpler, but oxidation and evaporation losses continuously occur reducing product quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates an inert atmosphere inside the barrel by maintaining positive pressure with nitrogen or carbon dioxide gas. This inert gas environment prevents oxidation of the product while the pressure control system maintains the gas blanket, eliminating the need for complex temperature and humidity control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical temperature and humidity control systems with a simpler pressure control system. By maintaining positive pressure with inert gas, the system achieves product protection through physical barrier effects rather than thermal and moisture management.
3Loss of substance
If traditional bungs are used without pressure control, then the device is simpler to operate, but evaporation losses occur and frequent topping up is required
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure control system is designed to automatically maintain the required positive pressure through self-regulating mechanisms. The system monitors and adjusts gas flow to maintain the inert atmosphere and pressure seal without requiring frequent manual intervention or complex operational procedures.
4Reliability
If wood channels in the barrel are dry, then the barrel structure is simpler, but the channels may leak when under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane sealing system bridges and seals over the wood channels, creating a continuous barrier that prevents leakage. The membrane's flexibility allows it to conform to the channel geometry and maintain sealing under pressure without requiring the wood channels to be permanently wet or modified.
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 solution effectively controls oxidation and evaporation, maintaining a high-quality product with reduced preservative use, eliminating the need for frequent topping and temperature/humidity control, while extending barrel life and minimizing labor and equipment requirements.
Implementation Method 1
When a barrel is empty and under positive or negative pressure, the wood channels are dry and may leak. In one embodiment, when the barrel contains a liquid under positive pressure, the liquid fills the wood channels, thereby locking them and creating a substantially 100% sealed confined space.
Implementation Method 2
The device may suitably include a self-release (or self-relief) valve allowing for safe operation in the pressurised environment by controlling the pressure in the barrel.
Implementation Method 3
oxidation may be substantially or 100% controlled by decreasing the pressure in the barrel by pumping any oxygen out of the barrel, for example by using a vacuum pump
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device for sealing a wooden barrel containing a fermentable or fermented food or beverage comprising: a cover for sealing engagement with an aperture present in the barrel, wherein the cover is provided with at least one fitting for placing and/or maintaining the contents of the barrel under pressure. In a preferred aspect the at least one fitting for placing and/or maintaining the contents of the barrel under pressure increases, maintains or decreases the pressure in the barrel. The present invention further relates to a process of treating a fermentable or fermented food or beverage comprising: placing the fermentable or fermented beverage into a wooden barrel including an aperture; sealing the aperture with a device for sealing a wooden barrel and placing and/or maintaining the contents of the barrel under pressure by means of the at least one fitting provided in the cover.