Extraction testing of whisky stoppers

Case study

Cork chuck and grip securely engages with the stopper to simulate human interaction when pulling and twisting

The CombiCork system enables in-depth analysis of complete force and torque characteristics during extraction

Solution

Software-controlled Combi-Cork cork extraction measurement system
Bespoke software tools to record force and torque data

Benefits

Ultimate accuracy and repeatability in measuring a complex extraction process
Confidence in the sealing and safety specification for their product
Cyclic testing to measure repeated de-corking and resealing of the bottle

Requirement

To improve the quality and storage of their premium $1000 product, the R&D team at a leading Scottish whisky maker needed to optimise the design of their bottle stoppers. They decided that the strength and performance of their reusable stoppers could be ensured by systematic testing of the characteristics of both portions of the stoppers.

Cork portion:

bottle-neck finish
cork lubricant

Bar top portion:

strength of the adhesive that binds the bar top to the cork portion

Torque - de-corking begins with a twist. Twisting of the cork must be possible using acceptable torque
Extraction force - the cork is pulled up and out of the bottle. Pulling of the cork must be possible using acceptable force

The maker's stoppers must comply with the ISO 9727-5 standard, which specifies a test method for determining the maximum force needed to extract a cylindrical cork stopper.

Solution

Working closely with the R&D team, Mecmesin developed the CombiCork-i Extraction Tester, an innovative multi-function cork extraction testing system that tests both phases of de-corking (twist and pull) synchronously. A manually operated chuck grips the cork and a bottle cradle secures the bottle. The cradle is positioned using thumbnuts and threaded columns and the bottle is locked into the cradle using quick-release toggle clamps. When the test is begun, the chuck that is gripping the stopper rotates anti-clockwise and the cradle moves downward, mimicking the normal action of de-corking. Torque and force is recorded and the test ends when the stopper is removed. If data describing stopper performance over repeated opening and closing is required, multiple-cycles can also be programmed. The closing phase of the cyclic test is the opening test in reverse: that is, the chuck rotates the stopper clockwise and the cradle moves the bottle upward to meet the stopper's bar.

Torque data is sent to a PC running Mecmesin's Emperor Lite™ program and force data to the full Emperor™ program running on the same PC. A customised Excel® workbook combines the torque and force data for presentation of the test in statistical and graphical formats.

Other fixtures can be attached to the CombiCork-i so that tests on cork shear and tensile separation of the bar top and cork can also be performed.