Winemaking Tank CO2 Extraction via Recessed Intake
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Solution Overview
Problem
The buildup of carbon dioxide during winemaking fermentation poses a significant risk due to poor ventilation, leading to oxygen depletion and potential asphyxiation, and existing solutions require large air exchange systems that are costly and visually intrusive.
Innovation Solution
A tank design with a recessed portion around the access hatch and strategically placed carbon dioxide extraction intakes, including both proximate and floor-level intakes, creates a partial vacuum to capture CO2 as it exits, reducing the need for extensive air exchange and minimizing device visibility and space occupation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If forced air extraction and air change systems are installed to prevent CO2 buildup, then CO2 concentration is reduced, but device complexity and visual impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential function of CO2 removal by placing extraction intakes directly at the CO2 source (access hatch and floor level) rather than implementing comprehensive air exchange systems. This selective extraction approach removes harmful CO2 concentrations while minimizing the complexity of the extraction system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by positioning extraction intakes specifically where CO2 accumulates (at the access hatch and at floor level) rather than distributing extraction systems throughout the entire space. This localized approach addresses CO2 buildup at its source while reducing overall system complexity and visual impact.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If extraction inlets are arranged close to the floor to capture CO2, then CO2 extraction efficiency is improved, but space occupation and visual impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the extraction function into two complementary intakes: one at the access hatch (upper level) and one at the floor level. This segmentation allows CO2 to be captured at multiple levels where it accumulates, improving extraction efficiency while keeping each individual intake compact and minimizing overall space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point extraction approach to a multi-level spatial distribution of extraction intakes (both upper and lower levels). This dimensional approach captures CO2 throughout the vertical space it occupies, improving extraction efficiency without requiring a single large extraction system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If air exchange rate is increased to prevent CO2 buildup, then oxygen depletion is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts CO2 directly at its source points (access hatch and floor level) rather than exchanging the entire air volume. This selective extraction maintains oxygen levels by removing only the harmful CO2, significantly reducing the energy consumption required compared to comprehensive air exchange systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction system operates passively by utilizing the natural density-driven stratification of CO2 (which sinks to the floor) and positions extraction intakes to capture CO2 as it accumulates. This self-service approach eliminates the need for high-energy forced air exchange systems while effectively preventing oxygen depletion.
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 design effectively reduces carbon dioxide buildup while minimizing the consumption and visual impact of extraction systems, ensuring safer and more reliable winemaking environments with reduced oxygen depletion risks.
Implementation Method 1
By creating a partial vacuum in the recessed portion (7) arranged just below the access hatch (6) from which the carbon dioxide exits
Implementation Method 2
carbon dioxide has a greater density than air and therefore it tends to build up in a downward region
Implementation Method 3
the extraction duct (12) has at least one first extraction intake (13) which ends substantially proximate to the at least one recessed portion (7)
Data Source
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AI summary
A tank (1) for winemaking plants, which comprises a supporting frame for at least one containment body (2) which has a bottom wall (3), a lateral containment surface (4) and a top wall (5), an access hatch (6) being defined at the top closure wall (5); the tank comprises, at the top closure wall (5), at least one recessed portion (7) which extends around the access hatch (6), there being at least one device (10) for extracting carbon dioxide which comprises extraction means (11) connected to at least one extraction duct (12) provided with at least one first extraction intake (13) which ends substantially proximate to the at least one recessed portion (7).