Diseño, simulación y construcción de una máquina agitadora de barriles tipo KEG de almacenamiento de cerveza artesanal para la carbonatación forzada mediante gas carbónico (CO2)

Abstract

The objective of this research was to design, simulate, and build a prototype for the forced carbonation process of craft beer through carbon dioxide (CO2) to optimize time and resources. After the analysis of alternatives using a morphological matrix, the best design option was determined based on the requirements requested by craft beer producers, resulting in a machine made up of a four-bar crank-rocker mechanism, a mobile structure driven by an oscillating axis driven by a single-phase gear motor. For the detailed design of the central oscillating axis, the ASME B106.1M standard was applied. We use distortion energy theory (DET) for the links and pins. CAE computer-aided engineering was applied to the fixed and mobile structures using the Ansys Workbench 2021 R2 software for their design, subsequently validating the mechanical elements' resistance and deformation results. After the simulation, a keg-type barrel shaking machine was built to verify its correct operation, resistance, and reliability. Variations in carbonation were evident at different times and filling levels of the barrel, determining adequate mixing at the barrel's maximum capacity in 30 minutes of stirring. After carrying out the pertinent cost analysis, the possibility of entering the national market was identified due to the shortage of commercial agitating machines.