Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/101495
WINEMAKING Ultraviolet light sanitizes steel kegs O ne entrepreneur in Oakland, Calif., is pending on the gas���be it oxygen, hydrogen experimenting with a totally different or argon���plasma can be used in a variety approach to barrel cleaning. of functions. The technology already is used Alex Farren, founder of BlueMorph LLC, in aviation, solar energy and other fields has developed and patented a way to sani- primarily for how plasma can change the tize stainless steel barrels and kegs with an properties of a surface. intense ultraviolet light. Farren, who holds In the medical field, some companies a bachelor���s degree in biochemistry and a already are using plasma to sterilize surgi- master���s in toxicology from McGill University cal equipment. Farren says the plasma con- in Canada, is ready to release the keg sys- tains highly reactive molecules that are ef- tem commercially and is close to unveiling a larger ultraviolet system for wine tanks. His inspiration for a better way to sanitize fective at cleaning and sanitizing surfaces. BlueMorph���s ultraviolet system is designed to sanitize stainless steel kegs and drums. ���The beauty of it is it���s very potent at killing germs,��� he says. winemaking equipment came while working For that, Farren is looking into what he So far, Farren is in the preliminary stages at a Healdsburg, Calif., winery. His goal is to calls the ���fascinating technology��� of at- of discussing a prototype barrel system with help winemakers use less water and caustic mospheric pulled plasma, or non-thermal plasma manufacturers, but he���s optimistic chemicals. Ultraviolet is not that effective atmospheric plasma. Such systems shoot because plasma could be effective on the for barrels, he says, as light can���t penetrate plasma (essentially energized gas) out wood surface and leaves no toxic residue. into the pores. through a nozzle with compressed air. De- A.A. 2 BARREL STEAMING MACHINE AUTOMATED STEAMING! ! W NE the fine art of closures mala-usa.com (415) 302-3123 G@mala-usa.com 2 & 4 Barrel Washing ��� 2 & 4 Barrel Steaming Barrel Processing Lines ��� 1/2 Ton Bin Washing Systems 35 lb. Picking Lug Washers ��� Custom Cellar Equipment 1650 Almar Parkway, Santa Rosa, CA 95403 P. 707-573-3150 F. 707-573-3140 www.tombeard.com E. jmendoza@tombeard.com SEE US AT UNIFIED, BOOTH #737 Win es & Vin e s JA N UA RY 20 13 61