Vinco Steel crushes ineffiencies with game-changing Bin Tipper
Vinco Steel, a leading innovator in the steel fabrication industry, has introduced a ground-breaking solution aimed at revolutionising handling whole bunches of grapes – a critical step in producing high-quality wines. The Vinco Bin Tipper, addresses long-standing inefficiencies in traditional grape-handling methods, providing a streamlined, cost-effective and space-saving alternative.
Traditional methods of grape handling, which involve manual harvesting, sorting and transportation, are fraught with challenges. These include complicated and expensive systems, excessive space requirements and inflexibility of the production environment. Additionally, issues such as product spillage, difficult cleaning processes and high water consumption have plagued winemakers for years.
“Our goal was to simplify the entire process, from the vineyard to the fermentation tank, without compromising on quality,” explains Klaas Loubser, lead engineer at Vinco Steel. “We wanted to create a solution that not only addresses the inefficiencies of existing systems but also enhances the overall performance and flexibility of the production environment.”
Innovation
The Vinco Bin Tipper stands out in the market due to its innovative design and functionality. At the heart of the system is a simple hydraulic mechanism that operates in conjunction with a cellar’s existing water supply. This system is complemented by a small centrifugal pump, which boosts water pressure to the optimal level of 6.5 bar, ensuring smooth and efficient operation.
Highlighting the significance of these design choices, Loubser says: “The simplicity of the hydraulic system, combined with the efficiency of the centrifugal pump, allows for a solution that is not only cost-effective but also easy to install and maintain. It’s a major leap forward compared to
the cumbersome and expensive systems that have been in use for the past 30 years”.
The Vinco Bin Tipper addresses critical pain points associated with traditional methods. It occupies significantly less space within the cellar, making it ideal for wineries looking to maximise their operational efficiency. The system’s design also minimises spillage and requires less water for cleaning,
contributing to a more sustainable production process.
Overcoming challenges through collaboration
Development of the Vinco Bin Tipper was not without challenges. One of the primary obstacles was conceptualising a solution that could surpass the existing systems, which had become the industry standard over the past three decades. Vinco Steel worked closely with top winemakers to define the specific requirements and performance criteria that the new system needed to meet. Loubser notes. “We had to work very closely with the end user – the winemakers – to ensure that every detail was accounted for. This collaborative approach was crucial in developing a product that truly met their needs.”
Another difficult aspect of the project was determining the precise tipping angle for the bin. This required a deep understanding of how different grape varieties behave when handled. Through meticulous testing and collaboration, the team at Vinco Steel was able to identify the ideal angle, resulting in a system that is highly effective across a range of grape types.
“The final tipping angle we arrived at was a perfect fit, which was a huge validation of our approach,” Loubser adds. “It’s not just about designing something that works; it’s about creating a solution that is elegant, flexible and efficient.”
Overall, the successful implementation of the Vinco Bin Tipper marks a significant advancement in grapehandling technology, offering wineries a more streamlined, sustainable and cost-effective solution.