CO2 Monitoring in Hi-tech Winery

In wine production, whether in a small wine cellar or a large winery, carbon dioxide (CO2) is no stranger to winemakers.

During the fermentation process, wine grape sugar is transformed into water, alcohol and carbon dioxide. All these substances, well balanced, are the ingredients of good wines.

However, concentrations of carbon dioxide within the headspace of a fermenting tank can reach very high and dangerous levels.

Barrels in the wine cellar

©galic-vinarija-glavna_

Fermenting 1 liter of grape juice releases about 40 – 60 liters of carbon dioxide.

The danger includes:

  • displacement of oxygen (O2)
  • potential asphyxiation of winery workers
  • risks of being exposed to high concentrations of carbon dioxide for an extended period of time

Gas poisoning incidents in the wineries are generally associated with entry into indoor fermentation area without, or prior to, adequate ventilation and CO2 monitoring.

 

 

 

Thus, the CO2 monitoring system is a must-have in any winery.

 

Famous Croatian winemaker Galić, in his newly opened winery in Kutjevo, adhered to the highest standards of the industry, relies on the CO2 monitoring sensors produced by MSR-Electronic. The system is installed by the Croatian partner Alarm automatika.

Galić winery uses MSR-Electronic fixed Carbon Dioxide CO2 transmitters, 0-5 % VOL measuring range, with an infrared sensor for the continuous monitoring of the ambient air to detect carbon dioxide concentrations.

large brick building

©galic-vinarija-glavna_winery_building

The infrared measuring method with integrated temperature and drift compensation stands for:

  • highest accuracy
  • selectivity
  • reliability

-despite the calibration interval of 5 years with long sensor life expectancy.

The sensor possesses a standard analog output (0) 4-20 mA or (0) 2-10 V DC, and an RS-485 interface. Two relays with adjustable switching thresholds are also available.

Areas of CO2 monitoring within the winery include:

  • fermentation rooms
  • storage tanks
  • barrel cellar
  • bottling room

Galić winery in fascinating industrial and modern design building has implemented all new state-of-the-art wine technology. The surface of the winery is 3330 square meters. The total capacity is 630.000 liters, winery’s flagship grape variety is Graševina.

MSR-Electronic offers fixed gas detection systems to protect winery workers from potential gas hazards:

  • oxygen displacement
  • carbon dioxide
  • sulphur dioxide
  • hydrogen sulphide
  • carbon monoxide
  • ethyl alcohol

MSR-Electronic is a manufacturer of fixed gas warning systems with decades of experience in the field of gas measurement technology.  The international company with headquarters in Germany has a wide range of methods for the detection of toxic, combustible gases and oxygen. On this basis MSR-Electronic develops individual gas sensors, controllers and warning devices for many applications, such as  parking garages, tunnelspetrochemical industry  or  shipping. The products meet more than the  general standards and regulations  and can therefore guarantee the safety of the plantIf you have any questions please send us an email or give us a call.