Horizontal Autoclave Lees Dragging Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for producing fermented or re-fermented beverages with horizontal autoclaves and curved inner surfaces face issues during the sedimentation phase, as the oscillation created by movement systems disperses lees, preventing proper deposition and separation from the clear liquid.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs mobile dragging means with linear brushing organs that move lees from the top to the bottom along the curved inner surfaces, allowing for controlled sedimentation and separation by dragging them into a bottom zone, using gear motors and oscillating mechanisms to manage the movement and prevent re-suspension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If mobile movement means are used to agitate lees during fermentation, then lees suspension and mixing are improved, but lees sedimentation and separation are worsened due to turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a mobile movement means that can dynamically adjust its position and movement characteristics along the autoclave. During fermentation, the system agitates lees to maintain suspension; during sedimentation, the mobile means is positioned at specific locations (e.g., near the bottom zone) to minimize turbulence while still facilitating lees collection. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction between needing agitation during fermentation and minimizing disturbance during sedimentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The autoclave is divided into functional zones: a bottom zone for lees accumulation and side wall zones for different operations. The mobile movement means operates in different zones at different times - agitating in the main fermentation zone while leaving the bottom zone undisturbed for sedimentation. This spatial segmentation allows simultaneous optimization of both lees suspension and sedimentation processes.
2Area of stationary object
If oscillation is applied during lees sedimentation, then lees movement is improved, but correct deposit and separation are worsened due to turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying strong oscillation throughout the entire autoclave, the patent applies partial action by positioning the mobile movement means to create only minimal, localized movement in specific areas while maintaining large quiescent zones where lees can deposit undisturbed. The oscillation is sufficient to prevent complete stagnation but excessive only where needed for Lees collection, not where sedimentation occurs.
3Productivity
If strong movement means are used to collect lees, then lees gathering speed is improved, but product clarity is worsened due to re-suspension
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary bottom zone that acts as a collection area for lees, separated from the main beverage volume. The mobile movement means transports Lees to this intermediate zone rather than directly mixing them with the bulk liquid. This intermediary zone serves as a buffer that allows rapid Lees collection while protecting the main beverage from turbulence and re-suspension, thus maintaining product clarity.
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
This method enables effective collection and separation of lees from the clear beverage, ensuring a clear product by avoiding turbulence and allowing for efficient sedimentation and bottling without re-suspending the lees, thus improving the production process.
Implementation Method 1
dragging the lees, from the top to the bottom only, by means of said mobile dragging means simultaneously along said curved inner surfaces of said at least two side wall parts
Implementation Method 2
dragging the lees... along said curved inner surfaces
Implementation Method 3
sedimentation of so-called lees
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Procedure for the production of fermented or re-fermented beverages, with or without the presence of carbon dioxide, in an autoclave extending in an essentially horizontal direction, the side wall of which has at least two wall parts with curved inner surfaces and an internal bottom zone below said at least two wall parts, wherein are performed at least the operations of filling the autoclave at least partially with fermentable liquid, fermentation or re-fermentation of said liquid and sedimentation of so-called lees, characterized in that it comprises, at least during said lees sedimentation phase, the following steps: - providing mobile dragging means, inside said autoclave, configured to drag at least one part of the lees, from the top to the bottom only, simultaneously along said curved inner surfaces of said at least two side wall parts towards said internal bottom zone of the autoclave; - providing means for controlling the movement of said mobile means of dragging at least part of the lees, from the top to the bottom only, simultaneously along said curved inner surfaces of said at least two side wall parts towards said bottom zone of the autoclave; - moving said mobile means of dragging at least part of the lees, by means of said control means, from the top to the bottom only, simultaneously along said curved inner surfaces of said at least two side wall parts towards said bottom zone of the autoclave. The invention also provides a corresponding apparatus for the production of fermented or re-fermented beverages, with or without the presence of carbon dioxide.