Maturation apparatus and monitoring methods

摘要

A maturation apparatus 1 for use in a maturation process of a fluid contained within one or more casks 2, the maturation apparatus 1 comprising and intermodal container 3 having one or more doors 4 and one or more sealing means 5 wherein the one or more sealing means 5 provide an airtight seal for an internal volume of the intermodal container 3 when the one or more doors 4 are in a closed position. The maturation apparatus 1 may further comprise a vapour detection system 8 that provides a means for monitoring an internal volume of the intermodal container 3. Preferably the vapour detection system 8 comprises a light source 9 and a detector 11 wherein the detector 11 is arranged to receive light emitted from the light source 9 following its propagation through the internal volume of intermodal container 3. The maturation apparatus 1 may also include an environmental control system 12 and a feedback loop 20 between the vapour detection system 8 and environmental control system 12. Preferably the maturation apparatus 1 and method reduces fluid loss from one or more casks 2 during a maturation process by sealably enclosing the casks 2 in an intermodal container 3. Preferably the intermodal container 3 provides an expansion volume to receive fluid vapour from the casks 2 which assists in reducing product loss via evaporation and reduces the effects associated with fungi that form in the vicinity of a distillery or other spirit maturation facilities.