The precision of heat exchange plays a crucial role in modern thermovinification. Delta Rotathermic, developed by Bucher Vaslin, is a coaxial rotary heat exchanger designed to ensure uniform grape heating and cooling during winemaking. Built for efficiency, robustness, and consistency, Rotathermic integrates seamlessly into thermovinification lines, optimising both hot and cold maceration processes for Australian wineries.
Key Benefits of Delta Rotathermic
- Nominal flow rate of 10 T/h per module with a 60°C temperature increase (from 15°C to 75°C).
- Modular design: inter-connectable units to reach 20 T/h, 30 T/h, or more.
- Hot water jacket heating for consistent, safe operation.
- Dual-purpose: suitable for both heating and cooling.
- Stainless steel construction for durability and hygiene.
- Robust technology ensuring reliable, long-term performance.
Specific Features
- Rotating blade shaft ensures homogeneous temperature distribution and prevents overheating.
- Geared motor: 7.5 kW per module.
- Low-speed rotation optimises quality heat transfer.
- Large feed area accommodates grapes effectively.
- Designed to heat destemmed, drained grapes (max draining: 30% of grape weight).
- Heating capacity: up to 85°C with 95°C water supply.
- Injected foam insulation maintains efficiency.
- Also effective for cold skin maceration.
Delta Rotathermic in a Thermovinification Line
The process integrates as follows:
- Grapes are pumped into a closed jacket system.
- The Rotathermic exchanger applies homogenous heating through a mixing shaft.
- Countercurrent hot water circulation ensures consistent temperature rise (from 15°C to 75°C).
- Heated grapes proceed to maceration tanks or presses, where further extraction takes place.
Cold Skin Maceration with Rotathermic
Rotathermic also supports cold maceration:
- Grapes are cooled via refrigerating and hydraulic units.
- Maintains grape freshness for specific vinification profiles.
- Provides versatility for winemakers seeking different extraction and aroma outcomes.
Operating Principle
- Hot water flows through the Rotathermic unit upstream of the grape product.
- A central agitator shaft ensures even heat transfer and rapid temperature adjustment.
- Rotating speed is steady and fixed, guaranteeing reliable heat exchange.
- The outlet temperature depends on grape flow rate and water temperature, which must remain stable and adjustable.
Technical Characteristics
Dimensions
- Rotathermic 10 T/h: 7100 × 900 × 930 mm | Weight: 750 kg
- Rotathermic 20 T/h: 7100 × 1200 × 1700 mm | Weight: 1400 kg
- Rotathermic 30 T/h: 7100 × 1200 × 2400 mm | Weight: 2050 kg
- Maintenance clearance: 7 metres required for in-line servicing
Hot Water Requirements
- 10 T/h module: 45 m³/h, 815 kW at 95°C
- 20 T/h module: 90 m³/h, 1630 kW at 95°C
- 30 T/h module: 135 m³/h, 2445 kW at 95°C
- Water connections: DN 100 PN10 flanges
- Grape connections: DN 125 PN10 flanges
Installation Examples
Delta Rotathermic can be installed as:
- A standalone module
- A series of interlinked exchangers for higher flowrates
- Integrated into complete thermovinification lines with heating or cooling capability
Delta Rotathermic delivers reliable, modular, and efficient grape heating and cooling, giving Australian winemakers complete control over temperature management during thermovinification. Whether used for hot maceration or cold skin extraction, it provides precision, consistency, and adaptability across diverse winery operations.