AN IMPROVED SPARGING ASSEMBLY AND SPARGING METHOD

摘要

The invention relates to an improved sparging assembly, components thereof and an improved sparging method. The invention has particular, but not exclusive, application in the wine production industry. In one embodiment, the sparging assembly (100) includes a body (140) defining a flow path for a liquid to be sparged, an entry port (148) for entry of a sparging gas and means for creating turbulence (220) of the liquid as it flows through the body (140) and contacts the sparging gas. In another embodiment, the sparging assembly (100) includes a body (140) with an inlet for entry of a liquid to be sparged and an outlet for exit of sparged liquid, an entry port (148) for entry of a sparging gas and a gas permeable membrane (160) located within the body (140). The gas permeable membrane (160) defining at least a part of a pathway along which the liquid flows between said inlet and said outlet so that gas permeating through the membrane (160) forms bubbles that contact with the liquid.