Application of ultrasound in vinification processes

A method of using ultrasound energy to extract compounds from crushed grapes during vinification, the method comprising:

• performing, by an apparatus, a plurality of steps as part of a vinification method that includes fermentation,
• wherein the apparatus comprises:
• a storage configured to hold crushed grapes;
• an ultrasound equipment comprising at least one ultrasound module, the ultrasound module comprising:
• a conduit configured to carry a continuous flow of crushed grapes;
• and
• at least one sonoplate coupled to one or more external surfaces of the conduit, the at least one sonoplate configured to transmit ultrasound energy through one or more walls of the conduit to the crushed grapes in the conduit, without contact between the crushed grapes and the at least one sonoplate;
• wherein
• the at least one sonoplate develops a power between 100 to 5,000 W;
• and
• the energy intensity or power density of ultrasound energy transmitted by the at least one sonoplate is between 0.15 W/cm3 and 200 W/cm3;
• a closed circuit between the storage and the ultrasound equipment, the closed circuit configured to carry crushed grapes between the storage and the ultrasound equipment;
• a pump configured to cause a continuous flow of crushed grapes through the conduit with or without recirculation;
• and
• a generator configured to provide power to the at least one sonoplate, the generator further configured to reduce the power provided to the at least one sonoplate in response to an increase in a temperature;
• the plurality of steps comprising:
• prior to fermentation of the crushed grapes, causing, by the pump, the crushed grapes to flow continuously through the conduit;
• and
• prior to fermentation, transmitting, by the at least one sonoplate, ultrasound energy through the one or more walls of the conduit to the crushed grapes, without contact between the crushed grapes and the at least one sonoplate, while maintaining a temperature of the crushed grapes at all times during transmission of the ultrasound energy equal to or less than 50° C.;
• wherein hydroxymethylfurfural is not formed during transmission of the ultrasound energy by the at least one sonoplate through the one or more walls of the conduit to the flowing crushed grapes.