Reusable outer container with control panel – This rigid plastic container holds the fermentation liner in position. The container can be moved by pallet jack or forklift. It is also DOT certified for truck shipment. Since the wine does not contact the outer container, it can be reused between batches by simply wiping down the surfaces. The container also folds down for storage when not in use. A panel with electrical components, inflation fan, and valves attaches to the rigid container for automatic control of punch, temperature, and other functions.
Single-use Fermentation Liner – The fermentation is conducted entirely inside a flexible plastic liner. This liner has 2 chambers – a primary chamber where the fermenting must is contained, and a secondary chamber that is solely used for inflation. The two chambers share a common wall, but it is very important to note that the air used to inflate the second chamber does in no way come in contact with the fermenting must in the primary chamber. The GOLINER is supplied clean and ready for use. It is intended for only one use.
The GOfermentor is designed to be portable, and there is essentially no installation other than placing the unit in position and connecting to a standard electrical receptacle.
OPTIONAL: GOtemp temperature probe/sampling. GOcooler heat exchanger plate for temperature control.
Setting up the GOfermentor for winemaking is very easy and should take less than 15 minutes.
First set up the rigid GObase unit. Then install the single-use GOliner.
The control panel is shipped with a support rail and a hose support pole. Minimal assembly is required.
For temperature control, the optional GOcooler heat exchanger plate is necessary.
Assemble the coolant pipes on to the heat exchanger plate (Manual – Appendix A5).
Temperature is monitored continuously by a probe positioned in the center and about 8 inches from the bottom. This is typically the hottest point in the fermentor. Temperature can be displayed in either degrees C or F. The temperature sensor is used control temperature by regulating flow of coolant through the optional GOcooler heat exchanger plate.
Sampling is performed by connecting the supplied sampling syringe. Push the quick-connect coupler on the tubing attached to the syringe onto the mating socket on the sampling tube. This will open the flow path. Now pump the syringe to draw he sample into the collection tube. Remove the collection tube and then disconnect the sampler by pressing the release button on the mating socket. The mating socket has an internal valve that automatically shuts off when it is not connected.
Punch of the cap may be initiated at any time in the fermentation. It can also be performed after initial must adjustment to mix all the additions and to disperse the yeast if desired.
To perform the punch operation using the BASIC controller:
The punch process is exactly the same when using the PRO controller, except that the PUNCH is initiated by pressing a graphic button on the touch panel. Pressing this graphic button once the punch is underway will cancel the operation as described for the BASIC controller.
Punch to be done automatically on a user-set schedule. Timing and duration of the punch cycle can also be adjusted. The punch duration should be long enough so that the headspace is completely deflated after the punch cycle.The PRO also records all punch cycles on its event log so that a complete history of the run is maintained. Details on how to change these parameters are provided in Appendix A4.
NOTE: You may need to adjust the PUNCH pressure set-point depending on the must volume (SETUP->PUNCH). For small volumes 15”H2O is good, while for a large volume (> 600Kg) you should use a higher pressure (20”H2O) to get an effective punch.
The GOfermentor punch system can be used to gently press out the wine at harvest. Use of the feature eliminates the need for an external press and performs the pressing operation without any damaging exposure to air. It is recommended the punching be discontinued several days prior to the anticipated harvest. At this late stage in the fermentation most of the desired components and color should have already been extracted from the cap and further punching is not useful. More importantly, discontinuing punching allows the cap to flocculate upwards and clear wine collect below it. This increases the free-run and makes pressing faster.
At the end of pressing a tight mass of skins and seeds will remain in the GOliner. Using a suitable device, lift the GOliner out of the GObase. The GOliner may be taken to the vineyard and slit open to disperse the pomace as fertilizer. The empty GOliner is then simply folded up and discarded as household waste. There are no toxic chemicals in the used GOliner and it will rapidly biodegrade in a landfill. The GObase never contacts the must so it can simply be wiped down and setup with a new GOliner for the next fermentation.
The GOfermentor punch system can be used to gently press out the grape juice free of skins and stems. Use of the feature eliminates the need for an external press and performs a very gentle pressing operation without any damaging exposure to air.
Adjust the must by additions through the FILL port. Add yeast and perform the fermentation.
For white wine it is highly recommended to use the optional GO temp temperature probe and GOcooler heat exchanger plate. Temperature is monitored continuously by a probe positioned in the center and about 8 inches from the bottom. This is typically the hottest point in the fermentor.
Sampling is done as described earlier for red wine.
The GOfermentor makes it easy to stir up the lees during fermentation and aging. The punch operation used in red wine production is used to perform the batonage. Simply press the PUNCH button and the primary fermentation chamber will be compressed and pushed upwards effectively dispersing the settled yeast.
Connect the BOTTOM port to the inlet of a must pump using the DN502TC 2inch TriClamp adaptor. Use a crush-proof reinforced hose rated for vacuum. Connect the outlet of the must pump to a collection liner, tank, or barrel for post-fermentation operations.
At the end of pressing a tight mass of skins and seeds will remain in the GOliner. Using a suitable device, lift the GOliner out of the GObase. The GOliner may be taken to the vineyard and slit open to disperse the pomace as fertilizer. The empty GOliner is then simply folded up and discarded as household waste. There are no toxic chemicals in the used GOliner and it will rapidly biodegrade in a landfill. The GObase never contacts the must so it can simply be wiped down and setup with a new GOliner for the next fermentation.
The PRO controller provides many functions in addition to punch operation. A 4.3 inch high resolution color touchpanel provides a versatile user interface. Help screens are provided to assist the user in operating and troubleshooting.
The main operating screen is shown below. The left side is dedicated to PUNCH controls. The right side is for TEMPERATURE control.
The MAIN MENU provides access to various functions described in detail below. The top left of the MAIN MENU shows the current IP address of the controller. This is important for internet connectivity. It can be changed on the SETUP menu. On the right top is the current time and program version. On the lower right is the SETUP button. Pressing this will take you to the SETUP menu to set the advanced parameters.
The SCHEDULE screen allows you schedule up to 12 punch times/day. Clicking the green active indicator will activate or deactivate the associated punch time. To set up a scheduled punch activate the one you want and enter the clock time you want the punch to occur. This will now be the active schedule. Each punch time can also be deactivated by clicking on the associated active indicator.
NOTE: The punch schedule will NOT run unless you specify at least one punch time on the SCHEDULE screen AND you must also set the punch selector on the MAIN CONTROL SCREEN to AUTO.
Temperature readings are logged and the trend can be displayed. Pressing the TREND button will bring up a 1 hour trend. This trend shows the temperature data over the last hour. Earlier data can be retrieved by using the scroll buttons located at the bottom of the trend. The 24HOUR button located on the lower right side displays the temperature trend over the last 24 hours. Earlier data can be displayed by using the scroll buttons located below the trend window.
An event log is maintained. This log contains any operator actions, such as punch initiated or cancelled. Scheduled actions are also logged. The event log is useful resource for troubleshooting and maintaining a record of the batch.
Note: Trends and History are stored on a USB flash drive inside the touch panel. The data is non-volatile and is retained on power down. Up to 120 days of storage is available after which data will be overwritten.
This screen shows any items that are currently in alarm. Alarms are also time stamped and logged in the HISTORY.
The SETUP menu provides access to set and change advanced parameters. The setup menu settings are described in detail in Appendix A4.
PART# | GOBASE |
---|---|
Description | Buckhorn Caliber315 outer container for GOLINER |
Dimensions (LxWxH) | 49”x45”x48” (1235mmx1136mmx1219mm) |
Dimensions collapsed (LxWxH) | 49”x45”x18.9” (1235mmx1136mmx480mm) |
Weight (tare without lid) | 225 lb (90Kg) |
Weight (maximum) | 3307 lb (1500Kg) |
Maximum fill volume | 315 gallon (1200 liters) |
Drain | Bottom discharge with locking flange |
Certified for truck and rail shipping | Includes locking shipping lid. |
PART# | GOCONTROLLER BASIC |
---|---|
Description | GOfermentor control panel BASIC |
Dimensions (LxWxH) | 18”x12”x9”. Attaches to GOBASE container |
LCD display | 2×20 yellow OLED |
Punch control | Manual using pushbutton or user-defined interval |
Temperature sensor | Semiconductor 10K thermistor |
Temperature sensor | Semiconductor 10K thermistor |
Power requirement (control panel) | 115 VAC 10A. Standard USA plug. 230 VAC special order |
PART# | GOCONTROLLER PRO |
---|---|
Description | GOfermentor control panel PRO |
Dimensions (LxWxH) | 18”x12”x9”. Attaches to GOBASE container |
Touchpanel display | 4.3inch color graphics touch screen |
Punch control | Automated. Set by touch panel. |
Temperature sensor | Semiconductor 10K thermistor |
Temperature controller | Requires optional GOcooler HX cooling plate |
Ethernet RJ45 port | Wired ethernet standard. Optional WiFi adaptor |
Data storage | 8GB removable flash drive |
Power requirement (control panel) | 115 VAC 10A. Standard USA plug. 230 VAC special order |
Part# | Description | Function |
---|---|---|
VENT | VENT valve | Pressure relief/vent valve with 2″ Triclamp |
IFLTHOSE | Inflation hose | 4 ft 2”ID blue flexible duct with connectors |
DN502TC | Drain valve adaptor | DIN50 to 2”TriClamp adaptor to connect 2” Triclamp to GOLINER outlet valve |
PART# | DESCRIPTION | FUNCTION |
---|---|---|
GOTEMP | Temperature sensor/dip tube assembly | Sample tube with integral temperature sensor |
GOCOOLER | Stainless steel heat exchanger plate with ½“ NPT connections for water or glycol. | Lay-in cooling plate with temperature control valve. Installs under GOLINER to provide cooling or heating. Requires GOTEMP sensor assembly. Does not include chiller, circulation pump, or connecting hoses. |
PART# | GOLINER1000 |
---|---|
Description | Single-use wine fermentation bag with air inflation chamber |
Product contact film | 2 ply metallocine linear low-density polyethylene |
FDA-approved resins | Meets FDA 21 CFR 177.1520 for food contact. |
EU-approved resins | EU 10/2011 & EU 1935/2004 |
Additives | None. No BPA. No animal or GMO derived components. |
Non-product contact film (blue) | 5.0 mil Nylon |
Fill port | 2” TriClamp |
Fill port | 2” TriClamp |
Drain port (tamper-evident) | DIN50 ball valve (use supplied DN502TC adaptor to 2” TriClamp) |
Air Inflation port | 2” TriClamp |
Minimum operating capacity | 200 lb (90 Kg) crushed grapes |
Maximum operating capacity | 2000 lb (900Kg) crushed grapes |
Liners per box | 3 |
PART# | GOTEMP |
---|---|
Description | Temperature sensor and sampling dip tube assembly |
Dimensions (LxWxH) | |
Material of construction | Stainless steel + food-grade plastics |
Weight | 1 lb (0.5Kg) |
Power | None required. |
PART# | GOCOOLER |
---|---|
Description | Flat heat exchanger for cooling and heating |
Heat exchange surface | 14”x31.5” (360mmx800mm) |
Material of construction | Stainless steel 304 + food-grade plastics |
Weight | 20lb (9Kg) |
Power | 24VDC 1 A. Supplied from GOfermentor control panel. |
Process connections | ½” NPT |
Notes | Requires user-supplied chiller and recirculation |
Notes | Requires user-supplied chiller and recirculation |
This manual provides complete instructions on how to use the GOfermentor to make wine.
The bottom discharge port is located on the front of the GOBase
Check that all valves are open. Try running the must pump in reverse to remove any cloggage in the DRAIN port
The inflation bag has a limit of 20 inch H2O gage. The control panel will not let you set a higher pressure. An internal pressure sensor monitors pressure.
You have to use a reinforced hose rated for vacuum operation.
No. Reusing the GOliner negates the benefits of eliminating cleaning and contamination.Imagine reusing a used household garbage bag !
A 2 ton unit is planned