Patent GB-1114170-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to the production of vinegar
Inventor: LUNN RONALD WILTON
IPC: C12J1/10
Filed: 1966-04-15
Abstract: The invention relates to a control system for effecting, in the production of vinegar, automatic actuation of vat discharging means when the alcohol content of the vat liquid has decreased to a level such that the required degree of conversion of alcohol to acetic acid has been achieved in the vat liquid, and automatic charging of the vat with fresh alcohol-containing liquid at the normal fast and then slower rates required to maintain the correct alcohol-acid balance in the vat liquid.  The vat 1 is filled with alcohol-containing solution to a level L initially through lines 3 and 4 for both fast and slow recharging, and subsequently through the slow charging line 4 only; a screw-down adjustment 7 and flowmeter 8 provide for fine adjustment of the slow charging. Fermented, acetic acid-containing liquor (vinegar) is discharged by a pump 9.  The time to discharge is determined either by an electrically driven timing device 27 or by an alcohol-content meter 52 according to the position of a selector switch 56. The ensuing replenishment of the vat at the fast and slower rates is controlled by three rockable mercury switches 13, 14 and 15 operated by a stainless steel float 16, containing a permanent magnet, as the float falls and rises in the tube 11 with the level of liquid in the vat.  The action of setting the timing device 27 moves a contact member 46 of the control switch 26 to connect terminal B to the contact E whereby relay coil 32 is energized and causes a spring-biased contact member 29 of the change-over relay switch 28 to be rocked into the position shown in dotted line. When the timing device reaches its zero it causes contact member 46 to re-engage terminal D whereby coil 21 of the switch 17 is energized and the discharge pump 9 starts.  As the level of liquid falls, the rocking of the trip switches 13, 14 and 15 energizes the relay 53 and the coil 32 of the change-over relay switch 28 to move contact member 29 into the full line position.  This, in turn, cuts out the discharge pump 9 and energizes the control switches 35 and 36 to cause the associated charging valves 42 and 43 to open.  As the level of the liquid rises, float 16 rocks trip switch 14 into its initial open position to de-energize relay 53 - this breaks the circuit to the control switch 36 whereby the valve 43 for fast charging closes. Thereafter, charging through the slow line 4 continues until the float 16 reaches the level L at which trip switch 13 is rocked into its initial open position so that the control switch 35 to the valve 42 is de-energized and this valve now closes. <PICT:1114170/C6-C7/1> The system may be similarly controlled by the alcohol-content meter 52.  In this case, the relay coil 32 is energized by the connection of contacts B and V of the meter 52, which is arranged to occur only when the alcohol content in the vat has reached the required minimum. The discharging and recharging of the vat may be put under manual control by engaging contact member 48 of the current supply switch 23 with the contact C.