Solid CO2 Sublimation for Grape Must Oxygen Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical harvesting of grapes leads to oxidation of must due to dissolved oxygen, resulting in degradation of grape quality and limiting the potential for high-quality wine production, as existing methods for removing oxygen are either ineffective or costly.
Innovation Solution
A method and equipment that utilize sublimation of solid CO2 to produce a gaseous CO2 atmosphere, which is circulated to remove dissolved oxygen from the must, creating a controlled atmosphere with low or zero oxygen content, thereby protecting both the must and the fruit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical harvesting methods are used, then harvesting efficiency and cost-effectiveness are improved, but grape quality deteriorates due to oxidation of must
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the inert atmosphere principle by introducing carbon dioxide (CO2) gas into the mechanical harvesting system to create an oxygen-free environment. The CO2 is supplied through distribution networks in the harvesting equipment, replacing oxygen in the atmosphere surrounding the grapes and must. This prevents oxidation reactions while maintaining the efficiency benefits of mechanical harvesting, as the inert CO2 atmosphere protects the must quality without interfering with the mechanical harvesting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing oxygen from the harvesting environment through the introduction of CO2 gas. The oxygen, which is the harmful factor causing must oxidation, is effectively extracted or displaced from the system by the incoming CO2 atmosphere. This allows the mechanical harvesting process to continue while the harmful oxygen is removed from the immediate environment of the must.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If oxygen removal methods are applied to protect must quality, then must quality is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle by utilizing the natural properties of CO2 gas to achieve oxygen removal. The CO2, being heavier than oxygen, naturally displaces and settles below the oxygen-rich atmosphere, creating a protective layer automatically without requiring complex mechanical intervention. The system leverages the inherent density difference between CO2 and oxygen to maintain the protective atmosphere, reducing the need for additional complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies pneumatic principles by using gas flow dynamics to achieve oxygen removal. CO2 gas is introduced through distribution networks and uses its own pressure and flow characteristics to displace oxygen from the harvesting environment. The pneumatic system utilizes the compressibility and flow properties of gases to create and maintain the oxygen-free atmosphere, avoiding the need for complex mechanical oxygen removal devices.
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
Effectively prevents oxidation of the must, maintaining the sensory qualities of grapes and enabling high-quality wine production while being simple and cost-effective to implement.
Implementation Method 1
utilize sublimation of solid CO2 to produce a gaseous CO2 atmosphere
Implementation Method 2
gaseous CO2 atmosphere, which is circulated to remove dissolved oxygen from the must
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for removing dissolved oxygen from a plant product such as grapes or the like and for maintaining it in a controlled atmosphere when it is placed in mechanical means for harvesting, transport and storage, said means comprising a collection tank (30) which receives the plant product which is present in a solid and a liquid state in this tank, said removal and controlled atmosphere being provided by using an inert gas, said tank (30) having a lower portion or first part (30A) and a second upper part or portion (30B) into which the product is introduced when being placed in the tank (30). Provision is made for the use of said inert gas in an initial solid state, its subsequent sublimation and the interaction of the gas in gaseous state thus produced with said product inside the tank (30).