Centrifugal Separator for Grape Must Clarification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vinification processes for obtaining clear must from grapes are complex, costly, and environmentally unsustainable due to high labor, water, and energy consumption, as well as logistical complexity, which hinders the production of high-quality white wines.
Innovation Solution
A compact vinification plant and process utilizing a centrifuge separator with integrated homogenization and dosing of clarifying adjuvants, enabling a single-step continuous separation of must from grape berries, reducing the need for multiple machines and processes, and minimizing water and chemical usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional vinification processes are used with multiple separation and extraction steps, then must separation is achieved, but process complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separation and extraction steps into a single integrated centrifugal separation operation. The centrifugal separator performs both solid-liquid separation and must extraction simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate straining, pressing, and decanting operations, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The centrifugal separator is designed to perform multiple functions: separating grape berries from must, extracting must from solid parts, and clarifying must through integrated adjuvant dosing. This multi-functional approach replaces multiple specialized machines with a single versatile device, reducing operational complexity
2Ease of operation
If conventional vinification processes are used with multiple machines and steps, then must separation is achieved, but operational costs and labor consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple operational steps (straining, pressing, decanting) into a single continuous centrifugal separation process. The integrated system requires fewer operational interventions and reduces labor consumption while maintaining high must production efficiency through automated adjuvant dosing and continuous separation
Solution Approach 2:
The centrifugal separator operates continuously to separate must from grape berries without interruption. The integrated adjuvant dosing system operates continuously during the separation process, ensuring constant clarification action, which maintains high productivity while simplifying operational management
3Loss of substance
If conventional vinification processes are used with traditional clarification methods, then clear must is obtained, but water and chemical usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical filtration and extended sedimentation methods with centrifugal separation. The centrifugal force efficiently separates solids from liquids and enables rapid clarification with minimal water and chemical usage, achieving the same clarity results with reduced substance consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies controlled adjuvant dosing with specific dosing rates and concentrations to optimize clarification efficiency. By precisely controlling the parameters of adjuvant application (dosing rate, concentration, timing), the system achieves high must clarity while minimizing chemical usage and avoiding excessive water consumption for rinsing
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 achieves efficient and rapid production of clear must with low turbidity, reducing environmental impact, operational costs, and maintaining high-quality wine production by simplifying the process and minimizing equipment and water consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a centrifugal separator with horizontal axis (decanter) which carries out a first separating operation, through application of a centrifugal force, between the liquid phase or must and the solid phase or vinasse from the grape berries
Implementation Method 2
a homogenizer device which carries out an addition operation of the enzymes and the adjuvants to the grape berries in a homogenizing manner
Implementation Method 3
The methods foreseen for removing the sediment are generally sedimentation and flotation, static or dynamic
Data Source
AI summary
A process for obtaining clear must from grape berries includes feeding grape berries into a plant, controlled addition of adjuvant and/or clarifying substances to said grape berries while the grape berries are still at least partially intact, centrifuging said grape berries, in such a way as to separate the liquid phase or must from the solid phase with at least one centrifugal separator device, extracting and collecting the solid phase in a respective storage container and settling and/or flotation of the liquid phase or must so that the liquid phase of said must and the solid residue are separated.