Design of an automated system for the production of chicha de Jora

Abstract

This research presents the design and control of the fermentation, boiling, and straining process of chicha de Jora with mechatronic systems. In this work, process control is developed in the 2 tanks to monitor the procedure to optimize the resources and time of the elaboration. The development of the project shows that the application of 2 solenoid valves and sensors such as level and temperature sensors are feasible for better control of the boiling process. A mixer was also added to the first tank to ensure that the essence of the inputs remains in the liquid. In addition, it is possible to visualize an optimal operation of the system, including PLC programming as it makes the operation more autonomous, managing to accelerate the fermentation process and to be adequate according to the degree of alcohol required. The value obtained from the motor to drive the 6-blade mixer is 17,384 watts taking as a parameter the viscosity, the power number, and the appropriate rotation speed. The implemented control will help to accelerate the process of obtaining chicha de Jora and to monitor the degree of alcohol produced in the fermentation process.