Vinification Tank Gas Dosing for Automated Lees Fermentation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vinification apparatuses for white wine production lack comprehensive control over the vinification steps, leading to suboptimal conditions that can affect the quality of the final product. There is a need for a more controlled and automated process that allows for precise monitoring and intervention during the vinification of grape must with its lees.
Innovation Solution
The proposed apparatus includes a must/wine containment tank equipped with active means for introducing technical gases, such as inert gases (e.g., nitrogen, carbon dioxide) and non-inert gases (e.g., oxygen, air). These gases are introduced through a distributor positioned at the center of the tank, allowing for controlled and selective dosing based on detected physical and chemical parameters. The apparatus also includes sensors for monitoring temperature, density, redox potential, and other parameters, which are used to activate the gas introduction means automatically or according to predefined vinification recipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive monitoring and control systems are added to vinification apparatus, then the quality control and precision of vinification process is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vinification apparatus integrates multiple functions into a single system: the containment tank serves as both storage and processing vessel, while the control unit coordinates temperature control, gas introduction, agitation, and monitoring functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, managing complexity while maintaining comprehensive control.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus incorporates sensors that continuously monitor physical and chemical parameters of the must/wine (temperature, composition, quality indicators) and feed this information back to the control unit. The control unit automatically adjusts operational parameters based on this feedback, enabling precise quality control through automated closed-loop control rather than complex manual intervention systems.
2Reliability
If automated control systems are implemented for vinification, then human error is reduced and process reliability is improved, but the device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vinification apparatus is designed to automatically monitor and adjust its own operational parameters through the control unit, which receives data from sensors and autonomously controls temperature, gas flow, and agitation. This self-regulating capability reduces dependence on operator intervention and minimizes human error while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual monitoring and adjustment operations are replaced with automated sensing and control systems. Sensors automatically detect physical and chemical parameters, and the control unit automatically adjusts operational parameters, replacing what would otherwise require continuous manual mechanical intervention and decision-making.
3Device complexity
If multiple technical gases are introduced through a single distributor, then the device complexity is reduced compared to multiple separate systems, but the control precision over gas dosing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The gas distributor is designed as a multi-functional component that handles multiple technical gases (inert gases like nitrogen or carbon dioxide, and non-inert gases like oxygen or air) through a single device. The control unit manages the selective introduction of different gases, enabling one component to perform what would otherwise require multiple separate gas introduction systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit precisely controls the dosing of different gases by adjusting flow parameters, pressure, and timing based on real-time monitoring of must/wine conditions. This parametric control compensates for the simplified single-distributor architecture, maintaining dosing precision through automated regulation rather than mechanical complexity.
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 solution enables more precise control over the vinification process, allowing for the production of high-quality wines with consistent sensory profiles. The automated system minimizes human error, optimizes the use of technical gases, and extends the storage capabilities of the tank, reducing wine degradation.
Implementation Method 1
introducing, during said vinification steps, at least a first technical gas, in particular an inert gas, and/or a second technical gas, in particular a non-inert gas
Implementation Method 2
sensor of physical and/or chemical parameters of said must/wine
Implementation Method 3
processor...configured to activate, in particular automatically, one or more of said active means on the must/wine or in response to a signal received from said sensor
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
Apparatus (10) usable for the vinification of a liquid must with its lees, in particular for white wine making, both of white grapes and of red grapes, said apparatus (10) comprising a tank (22) for containing the must/wine, characterised in that said tank (22) comprises active means (24) on the must/wine, in particular comprising means (250) for introducing a technical gas operatively connected to at least first supply means (251) for introducing into the must/wine at least a first technical gas (G1) and to at least second supply means (252) for introducing into the must/wine at least a second technical gas (G2) of a different type, wherein said means (250) for introducing a gas comprise a distributor (250b) placed within the tank (22) and positioned substantially in the centre of the tank (22).