Process for regenerating casks or the like and device for the implementation thereof

Abstract

The object of the invention is a process for regenerating a wooden cask or the like, used in particular for maturing wine, characterized in that it consists in spraying an abrasive against at least a portion of the inside surface of the cask and preferably the entire surface so as to remove the area of wood spoiled by deposits and microorganisms.

1 . Process for regenerating a wooden cask or the like, in particular used for maturing wine, characterized in that it consists in spraying an abrasive against at least a portion of the inside surface of the wooden cask so as to remove the area of the wood that is spoiled by deposits and microorganisms. 
     
     
         2 . Process for regenerating a wooden cask or the like according to  claim 1 , wherein the abrasive is a mineral, natural or purified abrasive. 
     
     
         3 . Process for regenerating a wooden cask or the like according to  claim 1 , wherein the interior of the wooden cask undergoes a treatment with saturated vapor. 
     
     
         4 . Process for regenerating a wooden cask or the like according to  claim 1 , wherein the interior of the wooden cask undergoes a treatment with pressurized sulfurous gas. 
     
     
         5 . Process for regenerating a wooden cask or the like according to  claim 1 , wherein a hose that is introduced via the bunghole ( 20 ) of the wooden cask, which is able to move in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the axis of the wooden cask and to pivot on itself, is used to spray the abrasive in the form of at least one bundle. 
     
     
         6 . Process for regenerating a wooden cask or the like according to  claim 5 , wherein it consists in making at least two passes with various bundle orientations. 
     
     
         7 . Device for implementing the process for regenerating a wooden cask or the like according to  claim 1 , wherein it comprises a frame ( 42 ) with at least one beam ( 44 ) along which a carriage ( 46 ) can move, whereby said carriage comprises at least one bearing ( 54 ) with a pivoting sleeve ( 56 ) in which a hose ( 18 ) whose diameter is adapted to that of the bunghole of a wooden cask can be immobilized. 
     
     
         8 . Device according to  claim 7 , wherein at its end, the hose ( 18 ) comprises a nozzle with at least one emergent tube ( 30 ) that is oriented so as to spray abrasive in the form of a bundle that is oriented at essentially 90° relative to the axis of said hose ( 18 ). 
     
     
         9 . Device according to  claim 7 , wherein at its end, the hose ( 18 ) comprises a nozzle with at least one emergent tube ( 30 ) that is oriented so as to spray abrasive in the form of a beam that is oriented at essentially 45° relative to the axis of said hose ( 18 ). 
     
     
         10 . Installation for regenerating wooden casks or the like, comprising a device according to  claim 7  and at least one unit for carrying out additional sanitization phases. 
     
     
         11 . Installation for regenerating wooden casks or the like, comprising a device according to  claim 8  and at least one unit for carrying out additional sanitization phases. 
     
     
         12 . Installation for regenerating wooden casks or the like, comprising a device according to  claim 9  and at least one unit for carrying out additional sanitization phases. 
     
     
         13 . Process for regenerating a wooden cask or the like according to  claim 2 , wherein the interior of the wooden cask undergoes a treatment with saturated vapor. 
     
     
         14 . Process for regenerating a wooden cask or the like according to  claim 2 , wherein the interior of the wooden cask undergoes a treatment with pressurized sulfurous gas. 
     
     
         15 . Process for regenerating a wooden cask or the like according to  claim 2 , wherein a hose that is introduced via the bunghole ( 20 ) of the wooden cask, which is able to move in a direction that is approximately perpendicular to the axis of the wooden cask and to pivot on itself, is used to spray the abrasive in the form of at least one bundle. 
     
     
         16 . Device for implementing the process for regenerating a wooden cask or the like according to  claim 7 , wherein it comprises a frame ( 42 ) with at least one beam ( 44 ) along which a carriage ( 46 ) can move, whereby said carriage comprises at least one bearing ( 54 ) with a pivoting sleeve ( 56 ) in which a hose ( 18 ) whose diameter is adapted to that of the bunghole of a wooden cask can be immobilized.