Optimized Criterion Based on the Surface Area to Volume Ratio for Wood Casks Re-Filling Time Calculation During Long-Term Rum Maturation Process

Abstract

In this work, the behavior of the surface area to volume ratio  in five types of standard casks for rum ageing is mathematically modeled in function of the liquid volume. The  variation is discussed and compared between the two barrel storing systems in cellars (vertical and horizontal). The ratio is applied as a parameter to obtain an optimized criterion for filling volume and re-filling time of wood casks during the long-term rum maturation process focused on volume loss reduction and barrels preservation. An example of re-filling time calculation and volume loss assessment for rum ageing in a traditional 250 L hogshead barrel is presented and debated.