VILA CLOSAS OSCAR (ES)
| US20020122742A1 | 2002-09-05 |
CLAIMS
1.- Process for seasoning by roasting and/or recycling the wooden barrels used for storing beverages, characterised in that it comprises the application of a laser beam directly onto the surface all over the inner surface of the wooden staves that make up the barrel during a specific period of time.
2.- Process for seasoning by roasting and/or recycling according to claim 1, characterised in that the laser beam is an infra red laser.
3.- Process for seasoning by roasting and/or recycling according to claims 1 and 2, characterised in that the laser beam has a wave length set at a range between 1 and 11 μm, preferably between 7 and 11 μm. 4.- Process for seasoning by roasting and/or recycling according to the previous claims, characterised in that the laser beam is applied with a power range between 10 and 3,000 W, preferably between 10 and 1,000 W
5.- Process for seasoning by roasting and/or recycling according to the previous claims, characterised in that the shape of point of the laser beam that is applied onto the surface is circular. |
PROCESS FOR THE ROASTING AND/OR RECYCLING OF WOODEN BARRELS
DESCRIPTION
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The object of this invention is a process for seasoning by roasting and/or recycling that incorporates significant innovations and advantages compared to other processes with the same purpose.
More specifically the new invention refers to a process for seasoning by roasting and/or recycling wooden barrels used for the conversion, ageing or maturing of any type of beverage, such as wine.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
It is well known that for wine to achieve a specific smell must stored for a period of time in wooden barrels, such as in oak in such a way that the liquid stored mixes with the wood and in so doing converts it into a quality wine. In order to guarantee this process in an optimum manner, a seasoning by roasting process of the barrel is carried out. In olden times this seasoning by roasting process was carried out manually and by craftsmen and consisted of burning the wood on the inside of the barrel, said barrel being arranged in a vertical fashion and being controlled by the operator. However, it had the main disadvantage that this control was solely based on the experience of the operator himself and in the areas closest to the fire the barrel was toasted more than in the rest of the barrel and in so doing a uniformity of the entire surface of the barrel could not be achieved.
The holder is aware of the devices to carry out the seasoning by roasting processes in an automatic manner that do not have to depend on the operator. Examples of machines of this type are described in the Invention Patent N° ES 2 220 196 based on the use of heating elements that are placed on the inside of the barrel and N° ES 2 220 194, however, none of these describe the invention process.
On the other hand, there are tools and mechanical methods based on the surface erosion of the inner surface of the staves, for barrel recycling. These methods are used to remove portion of the inner surface of the staves, once these have given up the properties of the wood. In this way making a new wooden surface accessible that will be able to give up the properties to the wme once again. None of the present tools describe the invention process.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has been developed for the purpose of providing a process that solves the previously stated disadvantages, moreover, providing other additional advantages that will be clear from the description which is attached below.
The seasoning by roasting and/or recycling process of the wooden barrels of the present invention, for example for barrels used for the ageing of wine, includes the application of a laser beam of the infra red type directly onto the surface around the inside of the wooden staves that make up the barrel .
Thanks to these characteristics, an automated process is achieved that allows there to be a control of the
intensity of the roasting in such a way that the user can request a specific roasting, a uniformity of the roasting over the entire surface and preventing there from being areas with different levels of roasting. It is also worth mentioning that this method can also be used for the recycling of barrels and not only for the roasting of new barrels. Another important aspect is the fact that by the use of this technique, being, the laser beam does not add any other chemical, gaseous or aromatic component, etc. other than that which is given off and/or generated by the wood itself from the heating, roasting or recycling effect on its surface.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the laser has a wavelength set at a range between 1 and 11 μm, preferably between 7 and 11 μm, in such a way that it guarantees that by means of suitable parameters the laser only heats and does not burn or cut the wood during the roasting process, or alternatively it sublimates the surface of the staves in the case of the recycling of the barrel.
The laser beam is applied with a power range between 10 and 3,000 W, preferably between 10 and 1,000 W.
The point of the laser beam onto the surface to be treated has, by preference, a circular shape. The diameter and energetic distribution of the laser beam will vary depending on the type of laser, power and optics used in order to achieve the level of roasting or surface recovery required. In a like manner the exposure time of the laser
beam on the surface can vary, depending on the intensity- required.
Other characteristics and advantages of the process object of the present invention will be come clear from the present description of a preferred embodiment, but it is not exclusive, it illustrates by way of example, but not by way of limitation.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The process for the seasoning by roasting of wooden barrels for the ageing of wines in wine cellars or equally " for the recycling of used barrels basically includes the application of a laser beam for a period of time onto the surface over the entire surface of the inside of the wooden staves that make up the barrel, said laser beam being an infra red laser.
In the case of recycling already used barrels the process is similar, but with a greater concentration of energy from the laser beam, for the purpose of removing a layer from the inner surface of the staves, once again allowing the new wood to come into contact with the wine so as to give up its properties once again.
The laser has a wavelength set at a range between 1 and 11 μm, preferably between 7 and 11 μm. The laser beam is applied with a power range between 10 and 3,000 W, preferably between 10 and 1,000 W.
The point of the laser beam onto the surface to be treated has a circular shape. The process described here can be carried out prior to assembling the barrel or equally after assembly of the staves and a clean and
ecological method is being dealt with as it does not give off any waste products or combustion gases from the process .
The details, shapes, sizes and other accessorial elements, likewise the materials used for the construction of the process of the invention can suitably be substituted for others that are technically equivalent and do not deviate from the essentials of the invention or the scope defined by the claims which are included below.