MUST PUMPS

Category: Agriculture

Summary: Must pumps are specialized pumps used in the winemaking process to transfer must, which is the freshly crushed grape juice, skins, seeds, and pulp.

    Must pumps are specialized pumps used in the winemaking process to transfer must, which is the freshly crushed grape juice, skins, seeds, and pulp. These pumps are crucial for moving the must between different stages of winemaking, such as from the crusher to fermentation tanks, or from fermentation tanks to presses.

Function: Must pumps are designed to handle the abrasive nature of must, which contains solid particles. They need to move the must efficiently without damaging the grape solids, as this can affect the quality of the wine.

Design Considerations:

  • Gentle handling: Must pumps are often designed to minimize shear forces and turbulence to prevent breaking up the grape solids too much.
  • Abrasion resistance: They are constructed from durable materials to withstand the wear and tear from the solids in the must.
  • Sanitization: Easy cleaning and sanitization are essential to prevent bacterial growth and maintain hygiene.

Types: Different types of pumps are used, including:

  • Positive displacement pumps: These pumps, like peristaltic or progressive cavity pumps, are often preferred for their gentle handling and ability to move viscous must.
  • Centrifugal pumps: These can also be used, but may be less suitable for must with a high solids content.