Ganimede® fermenters can be filled from the top or from the bottom outlet valve or the racking valve. As the must/marc level rises the space below the diaphragm remains totally empty. The air in this space cannot escape as the by-pass is closed and therefore remains full of air preventing this space from being filled with liquid. The marc collects on the surface and forms the cap.

Film phase 1

xDSL

56K

The air in the space below the diaphragm is rapidly displaced by the carbon dioxide being produced by the fermentation process. Once the space is saturated with carbon dioxide the excess gas under pressure rises in big bubbles to the surface through the neck of the diaphragm. These bubbles constantly agitate the mass of marc and keep all the skins wet and evenly dispersed. The mixing action causes most of the seeds to sink to the bottom of the fermenter.

Film phase 2

xDSL

56K

When the by-pass valve is opened the large volume of gas trapped below the diaphragm is released into the top chamber containing the cap. This causes the cap to be flooded with must and a vigorous mixing action to take place. This process is gentle enough to prevent any aggressive action on the cap but results in the cap being completely broken up. This is not a violent mechanical action and therefore the potential for producing an undesirable amount of lees is minimised.

Film phase 2

xDSL

56K

After opening the by-pass valve and releasing the gas trapped below the diaphragm the level in the fermenter drops rapidly flooding the space below the diaphragm. The cap which is full of liquid is now spread over the large top surface area of the diaphragm. This results in the liquid being released from the marc gently draining downwards. This procedure enables the essential phase of delestage (rack and return) to take place with no mechanical pump over mechanisms involved. Large volumes of seed can be removed by opening the bottom outlet valve.

Film phase 4

xDSL

56K

When the by-pass valve is closed again the carbon dioxide produced by the fermentation process starts to fill the space below the diaphragm again. The level of the marc begins to rise again pushing the marc upwards resulting in further liquid to be released from the marc. This new process results in further substances to be leached from the marc.

Film phase 5

xDSL

56K

As the fermentation gases begin to fill the space below the diaphragm the level starts to rise through the neck of the diaphragm. Once the space below the diaphragm has filled with gas the by-pass valve can be opened again and the whole process repeated at any preselected time.

Film phase 5

xDSL

56K