Automatic fermentation plant for industrial winemaking installation - periodically recycles must independent of fermentation pressure

摘要

A main tank contg. must is surmounted by an auxiliary tank. A fraction of liq. from the bottom of the main tank is periodically transferred up to the auxiliary tank from which it is dischanged as a spray to pass through the head on the must in the main tank. The base of the auxiliary tank is now formed as a removable partition fitted into the upper part of the main tank. The edge of the partition makes a leadproof seal all around with the tank wall. The auxiliary tank is simply a partitioned section of the main tank. Communication between the two tanks includes a gas riser from the main tank to a pressure-relief, fermentation lock in the auxiliary tank and an overflow return from the auxiliary tank to the main tank. Liq is transferred from the main tank to the auxiliary tank by pump controlled by an automatic timer. Pray return of liq. from the auxiliary tank to the main tank if via a valve which can be manually or automatically actuated. The partition is pref. suspended from a lifting gear on which it can be raised clear of the tank and replaced with a floating top cover for the tank. Raising and spraying of must is independent of fermentation pressure which can be kept at the low level consistent with highest quality. After fermentation the tank can be adapted for simple storage by substituting a cover for the partition.