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WO2006010997A1 - Appareil et procede de nettoyage ultrasonore - Google Patents

Appareil et procede de nettoyage ultrasonore Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006010997A1
WO2006010997A1 PCT/IB2004/003140 IB2004003140W WO2006010997A1 WO 2006010997 A1 WO2006010997 A1 WO 2006010997A1 IB 2004003140 W IB2004003140 W IB 2004003140W WO 2006010997 A1 WO2006010997 A1 WO 2006010997A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
ultrasonic
sonotrode
container
barrel
wine
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2004/003140
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Darren Miles Bates
Andrew Sin Ju Yap
Arthur Richard Mcloughlin
William Albert Wright
David Leigh Wake
Original Assignee
Darren Miles Bates
Andrew Sin Ju Yap
Arthur Richard Mcloughlin
William Albert Wright
David Leigh Wake
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Darren Miles Bates, Andrew Sin Ju Yap, Arthur Richard Mcloughlin, William Albert Wright, David Leigh Wake filed Critical Darren Miles Bates
Priority to PCT/IB2004/003140 priority Critical patent/WO2006010997A1/fr
Publication of WO2006010997A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006010997A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
    • B08B9/08—Cleaning containers, e.g. tanks
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B2209/00—Details of machines or methods for cleaning hollow articles
    • B08B2209/005—Use of ultrasonics or cavitation, e.g. as primary or secondary action

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to ultrasonics and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method of ultrasonic cleaning.
  • a high-pressure water or steam lance is inserted through the bunghole and is manually manipulated or rotated to spray jets of water or steam over the internal surface of the barrel. This loosens the wine residue, tartrates and the like which can then be removed. The detritus can then be drained by the use of a pump or by inverting the barrel.
  • An alternate method that is used involves inverting the barrel over a cleaning nozzle that sprays high-pressure hot or cold water or steam over the interior surface of the barrel.
  • the advantage of using steam or high-pressure hot water to clean the residue from the interior surface is that it also disinfects the surface.
  • both methods of using steam or water are limited because they require the application of the steam or water to occur directly on the inner surface of the barrel. This poses problems especially around the bunghole, as it is difficult to rotate the nozzle to a position where the surface is directly contacted by the steam or water. Furthermore these methods often require a large amount of water and power as the water needs to be heated.
  • an ultrasonic apparatus includes a sonotrode placed within a bunghole of a barrel.
  • An ultrasonic generator is connected to the sonotrode.
  • the ultrasonic apparatus also includes an ultrasonic transducer connected to the ultrasonic generator and associated with the sonotrode.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a wine barrel with an exemplary ultrasonic sonotrode that is inserted through the bunghole of the wine barrel and is able to rotate, according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 2 illustrates a side cut away view of a wine barrel completely or partially filled with water, and has an exemplary ultrasonic sonotrode that is able to rotate, according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 3 illustrates a side cut away view of a wine barrel that is completely or partially filled with water and has an exemplary ultrasonic processor with a linear sonotrode, according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 4 illustrates a side cut away view of a wine barrel that is completely or partially filled with water and has an exemplary ultrasonic processor with multiple curve linear sonotrodes, according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 5 illustrates a side cut away view of a wine barrel that is completely or partially filled with water and has an exemplary ultrasonic processor with a linear sonotrode which has nodules along its length, according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 6 illustrates a side cut away view of a wine barrel that is completely or partially filled with water and has an exemplary ultrasonic processor with attached sensor which can move semi independently from the sonotrode, according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 7 illustrates a side cut away view of a wine barrel that has an exemplary ultrasonic processor with a series of sensors located along the sonotrode of the processor, according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 8 illustrates a side cut away view of a wine barrel that has an exemplary sonotrode positioned in water contained within a funnel, according to one embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary method of ultrasonic cleaning, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • an ultrasonic apparatus includes a sonotrode placed within a bunghole of a barrel.
  • An ultrasonic generator is connected to the sonotrode.
  • the ultrasonic apparatus also includes an ultrasonic transducer connected to the ultrasonic generator and associated with the sonotrode.
  • the present apparatus and method for cleaning wine barrels using ultrasonics overcome at least some of the aforementioned problems and provides the wine industry with a useful alternative.
  • the ultrasonic energy emitting shaft hereinafter referred to as the sonotrode
  • the sonotrode can be introduced into the barrel through the bunghole, thereby avoiding the need to dismantle the wine barrel
  • an apparatus and method of ultrasonic cleaning allows the cleaning of the barrel in situ, without the barrel having to be moved off site.
  • an apparatus and method of ultrasonic cleaning introduces the sonotrode into a funnel of water exterior to the barrel.
  • the funnel is connected to the bunghole in a watertight manner and is intimately connected to the water inside the barrel so as to form a continuous body of water.
  • the wine barrels are cleaned by the use of ultrasonics. This cleaning method works by the action of microscopic cavities collapsing and releasing shock waves. The microscopic cavities are formed by sending sound at high frequencies into a body of liquid within the barrel.
  • the sonotrode 12 of an ultrasonic processor 10 is inserted into the bunghole 20 of a wine barrel 22.
  • Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a wine barrel 22 with an exemplary ultrasonic sonotrode 12 that is inserted through the bunghole 20 of the wine barrel 22 and is able to rotate along path 28, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 1 shows an ultrasonic processor 10 including a sonotrode 12, a handle 14, an intermediate flange 16, and a generator 18.
  • At least one ultrasonic transducer (not shown) is associated with the sonotrode 12.
  • the total diameter of the sonotrode is less than the diameter of the bunghole 20 of a wine barrel 22 comprising a series of staves 24 and metal rings 26.
  • the sonotrode 12 may be fixed in a single position or able to pivot 28 as illustrated in Figure 1.
  • the sonotrode 12 is preferably made from titanium however the reader should understand that the invention is not limited to an ultrasonic processor 10 with titanium sonotrode 12.
  • an intermediate flange 16 holds the ultrasonic processor 10 in place once the sonotrode 12 has been inserted through the bunghole 20.
  • the intermediate flange 16 does not have to produce a perfect seal as the cleaning is only a short-term process and little water will be lost.
  • the flange 16 prevents the ultrasonic processor 10 from being dislodged from the bunghole 20 when the barrel 22 is rotated or moved.
  • the average diameter of a bunghole of a standard wine barrel is between 49-50 mm at the outside surface of the barrel and 47-48 mm at the interior surface. Therefore the sonotrode 12 of the ultrasonic processor 10 is less than the smallest diameter of the bunghole 20, according to one embodiment.
  • the sonotrode 12 maybe tapered.
  • the generator 18 produces an ultrasonic signal that is emitted by the transducer associated with the sonotrode 12, inside the barrel 22.
  • the ultrasonic cleaning method works by the action of microscopic cavities collapsing and releasing shock waves.
  • the microscopic cavities are formed by sending sound at high frequencies into a body of liquid that is in contact with the surface to be cleaned.
  • the microscopic cavities form on the interior surface of the wooden staves 24 of the wine barrel 22.
  • the shock waves produced by the collapse of the cavities loosen the wine residue, tartrates, and the like. This detritus can then be drained by the use of a pump or by inverting the barrel and allowing the detritus to drain out through the bunghole 20.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a side cut away view of a wine barrel 22 completely or partially filled with water, and has an exemplary ultrasonic sonotrode 12 that is able to rotate along arc 28, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the sonotrode 12 of the ultrasonic processor 10 can pivot around arc 28 around axis 30. The axis 30 is located at the point where the sonotrode 12 enters the wine barrel 22 through the bunghole 20.
  • the intermediate flange 16 is adapted to allow movement of the sonotrode 12 by applying pressure to the handle 14.
  • the wine barrel 22 does not need to be completely filled with liquid.
  • the barrel 22 is only half filled 32 with liquid 34.
  • a pump (not shown) can be used to recycle the water through a filter, thus limiting the amount of water required for the cleaning process.
  • a pump (not shown) can be used to recycle the water through a filter, thus limiting the amount of water required for the cleaning process.
  • the barrel 22 Since the wine barrel is only half filled 32 with liquid 34 the barrel 22 must be rotated on at least one axis, preferably the horizontal axis according to one embodiment, so that all surfaces of the barrel come in contact with the liquid 34 and ultrasonic cavitations. Rollers that are commonly used in the wine industry to rotate barrels 22 would be sufficient for this task. It should however be understood that the invention is not limited to half filled barrels. The barrel may be completely or partially filled with liquid that is then filtered and recycled for use in cleaning other barrels.
  • Figure 3 illustrates a side cut away view of a wine barrel 22 that is completely or partially filled with water and has an exemplary ultrasonic processor 10 with a linear sonotrode 12, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • the sonotrode 12 may be positioned with the intermediate flange 16 where it passes through the bunghole 20 of the wine barrel 22 and where it can rotate as previously described.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a side cut away view of a wine barrel 22 that is completely or partially filled with water and has an exemplary ultrasonic processor 10 with multiple curvilinear sonotrodes 12a and 12b, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 further illustrates that multiple transducers associated with sonotrodes 12a and 12b can be inserted into the same wine barrel 22.
  • the transducer associated with each of the sonotrodes 12a and 12b are connected to the same generator 18, located in this example within the handle 14 of the ultrasonic processor 10.
  • Figure 5 illustrates a side cut away view of a wine barrel 22 that is completely or partially filled with water and has an exemplary ultrasonic processor 10 with a linear sonotrode 12 which has nodules 36 along its length, according to one embodiment of the present invention. These nodules 36 act as wave guides and help to amplify the resonance of the ultrasonics. The increased radial energy that is produced enhances the cleaning efficiency of the ultrasonics, especially on the interior surface of the end staves 24 of the barrel 22.
  • Figure 6 illustrates a side cut away view of a wine barrel 22 that is completely or partially filled with water and has an exemplary ultrasonic processor 10 with an attached sensor 38 which can move semi independently from the sonotrode 12, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 illustrates a side cut away view of a wine barrel 22 that has an exemplary ultrasonic processor 10 with a series of sensors 42 located along the sonotrode 12 of the processor 18, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • a series of sensors 42 located at various points along the sonotrode 12 enable improved monitoring of ultrasonic activity within the barrel 22, compared to a single sensor located at a fixed location within the wine barrel 22.
  • Figure 8 illustrates a side cut away view of a wine barrel that has an exemplary sonotrode positioned in water contained within a funnel, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 8 shows an alternate embodiment where the sonotrode 12 of the ultrasonic processor 10 is located in an external column of water contained in a funnel 80 attached to the bunghole 20 with a watertight seal 82.
  • the external column of water together with the water inside the barrel constitute a continuous body of water.
  • the cables and pipes associated with the embodiments of the present invention are of a sufficient length to enable barrels to be cleaned in situ, even when the barrels are at a distance from power or water sources.
  • the ultrasonic processor 10 can also be located on a boom to enable the user to manipulate the processor 10 with ease, even when the barrels 22 are stacked or on rollers high above the ground.
  • the use of ultrasonics is a cost effective way to clean wine barrels.
  • the present apparatus and method avoids the need to completely dismantle the wine barrel or to remove one end of the barrel.
  • the ability of ultrasonics to disinfect the interior surface of the wine barrel stave also means that the chances of cross contamination from bacteria and yeast are reduced.
  • the ease with which the present invention can be used in conjunction with currently available equipment, such as barrel rollers increases the likelihood of this technique being used by wineries. Added to these advantages are the reduction in cleaning time and the fact that less water is required for the cleaning process.
  • a sonotrode is inserted into liquid within the wine barrel to effect cleaning.
  • the movement may either be one or two-dimensional either defining an arc within the barrel and pivoting end to end or rotating in a circle within the wine barrel. Both movements have the effect of alternating the distance between the surface area to be cleaned and the transducer.
  • the pivoting or rotational motion may be accomplished by well-known mechanical means such as an electric motor or even a motor operating on water pressure.
  • the barrel may be rotated around its longitudinal axis to ensure that all of the inside surface of the barrel is exposed to ultrasonic cleaning activity.
  • the rotation of the wine barrel may be achieved by using rollers or other similar techniques in the wine industry that are used in manipulating of wine barrels.
  • the application of ultrasonic energy to barrels may remove tartrate crystals that are encrusted on to the surface of oak wood barrels and suspend them, along with other residues (referred to as "lees") in the bottom of the barrels in which wine has been stored for periods of time.
  • lees residues
  • High power ultrasonics kills the spoilage yeast Brettanomyces . This organism and other spoilage yeasts, and bacteria are found in the pores and cracks of oak wood wine barrels, especially around the inner surface at the interior of the barrel. In the embodiment of a wood barrel this is the location where wine residue is found at the interior surface layers of the wood.
  • Ultrasonic energy disinfection avoids the use of chemicals, such as sulphur dioxide and ozone.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a flow diagram of an exemplary process 900 of ultrasonic cleaning, according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • a fluid is placed in contact with a portion of an inner surface of a container (910).
  • the fluid may be gas or liquid, such as water, according to one embodiment.
  • An ultrasonic sonotrode is placed in contact with the fluid (920). Generally, this occurs within the container, where the container is a wine barrel having oak staves.
  • the ultrasonic sonotrode is operated to clean and disinfect the inner surface of the container (930).
  • the container is only partially full of fluid, it may be necessary to move the fluid to another portion of the inner surface of the container.
  • the fluid may be moved by rotating the container, according to one embodiment.
  • the ultrasonic sonotrode is removed from the container (940). This can be done both mechanically or physically. Once the container is clean and disinfected, any debris within the container is removed and the fluid is drained from the container (950).
  • the present apparatus and method avoid spoilt wine caused by contamination, improve transfer of oak flavor to the wine through reduced tartrate deposits in the barrels, avoid the loss of oak flavor through existing washing methods, lower barrel costs by avoiding replacing barrels spoilt by contamination, lower barrel costs by extending the usable life of barrels, lower labor costs for cleaning operations, lower water costs, avoid the of use of chemicals, and lower water heating costs.
  • Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention a trait à un appareil et un procédé pour le nettoyage des surfaces intérieures de fûts et la destruction de micro-organismes. Dans un mode de réalisation, un appareil ultrasonique comporte un sonotrode disposé dans la bonde d'un fût. Un générateur d'ultrasons est connecté au sonotrode. L'appareil ultrasonique comporte également un transducteur ultrasonore connecté au générateur d'ultrasons et associé au sonotrode.
PCT/IB2004/003140 2004-07-16 2004-07-16 Appareil et procede de nettoyage ultrasonore WO2006010997A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IB2004/003140 WO2006010997A1 (fr) 2004-07-16 2004-07-16 Appareil et procede de nettoyage ultrasonore

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/IB2004/003140 WO2006010997A1 (fr) 2004-07-16 2004-07-16 Appareil et procede de nettoyage ultrasonore

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006010997A1 true WO2006010997A1 (fr) 2006-02-02

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IB2004/003140 WO2006010997A1 (fr) 2004-07-16 2004-07-16 Appareil et procede de nettoyage ultrasonore

Country Status (1)

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WO (1) WO2006010997A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN106391570A (zh) * 2016-11-30 2017-02-15 黑龙江省科学院科技孵化中心 发酵罐内壁水环境超声清洗装置及其使用方法
US11014841B2 (en) 2015-05-08 2021-05-25 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Application and recovery of scale inhibitors in domestic appliances

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5038808A (en) * 1990-03-15 1991-08-13 S&K Products International, Inc. High frequency ultrasonic system
US5143106A (en) * 1991-02-04 1992-09-01 Bannon John H Ultrasonic parts cleaning container
DE4344455A1 (de) * 1993-12-23 1995-06-29 Branson Ultraschall Vorrichtung zum Abstrahlen von Ultraschallenergie in Flüssigkeiten
US6021789A (en) * 1998-11-10 2000-02-08 International Business Machines Corporation Wafer cleaning system with progressive megasonic wave
US6295999B1 (en) * 1996-09-30 2001-10-02 Verteq, Inc. Wafer cleaning method
EP0778393B1 (fr) * 1995-12-07 2002-09-25 DÄHNE Brunnenbau Velten GmbH Procédé et dispositif pour la maintenance de la performance d'un puits à eau ainsi que pour le nettoyage et la régénération de puits existants par moyen d'ultrason
US20030015216A1 (en) * 2001-07-16 2003-01-23 Tom Nicolosi Megasonic cleaner probe system with gasified fluid

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5038808A (en) * 1990-03-15 1991-08-13 S&K Products International, Inc. High frequency ultrasonic system
US5143106A (en) * 1991-02-04 1992-09-01 Bannon John H Ultrasonic parts cleaning container
DE4344455A1 (de) * 1993-12-23 1995-06-29 Branson Ultraschall Vorrichtung zum Abstrahlen von Ultraschallenergie in Flüssigkeiten
EP0778393B1 (fr) * 1995-12-07 2002-09-25 DÄHNE Brunnenbau Velten GmbH Procédé et dispositif pour la maintenance de la performance d'un puits à eau ainsi que pour le nettoyage et la régénération de puits existants par moyen d'ultrason
US6295999B1 (en) * 1996-09-30 2001-10-02 Verteq, Inc. Wafer cleaning method
US6021789A (en) * 1998-11-10 2000-02-08 International Business Machines Corporation Wafer cleaning system with progressive megasonic wave
US20030015216A1 (en) * 2001-07-16 2003-01-23 Tom Nicolosi Megasonic cleaner probe system with gasified fluid

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11014841B2 (en) 2015-05-08 2021-05-25 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Application and recovery of scale inhibitors in domestic appliances
CN106391570A (zh) * 2016-11-30 2017-02-15 黑龙江省科学院科技孵化中心 发酵罐内壁水环境超声清洗装置及其使用方法

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