Miniaturized continuous-flow fermenting apparatus
AssigneeIowa State University Research Foundation, Inc.
InventorsDaniel Attinger, Liang Dong, Yuncong Chen
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Abstract
A system, method, and apparatus for the fermentation of a beverage by use of continuous flow is provided. The fermented beverage can be any of a wine, beer, mead, ale, soda, cider, or other. The invention provides for small-scale fermentation that can be done in a much shorter time than previous batch fermentations. The small-scale and shortened time allows for variables to be introduced and tested to produce new varieties, flavors, qualities, and other combinations that are inputs of the fermented beverage.
Claims3
A miniaturized, continuous flow beverage fermenting apparatus, comprising:
- a housing comprising a first plate and a second plate, said first plate including a recessed channel, said recessed channel having a floor and opposing sidewalls defining the recessed channel;
- a hydrophilic membrane generally adjacent the first plate;
- a second membrane generally adjacent the second plate, wherein the second membrane comprises a hydrophobic membrane or a solid, non-porous membrane;
- and
- a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) layer around the outer perimeters of the first and second plates and positioned generally between the plates;
- wherein the hydrophilic and second membranes are separated to allow yeast to be positioned therebetween;
- wherein said second plate comprising a plurality of exhaust apertures therethrough;
- and
- wherein the recessed channel of the first plate is serpentine-shaped.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.