Alcohol distillation is an ancient and important technology. It is the process of separating alcohol in fermented liquid from components such as water. Distillation technology has a history of thousands of years. With the development of science and technology and changes in production needs, alcohol distillation equipment has also undergone continuous evolution and improvement. This guide will detail what basic alcohol distillation equipment is and what to pay attention to when purchasing it.
Basic principles of distillation
Each substance has a specific boiling point, which refers to the temperature at which a liquid turns into a gas. When a mixture is heated, the components with lower boiling points evaporate first. For example, alcohol boils at about 78.5°C, while water boils at 100°C.
When a liquid is heated to a certain temperature, the components with lower boiling points leave the liquid in the form of vapor. This process is called evaporation. When the vapor cools, it turns back into a liquid, which is called condensation. Through this process, the low-boiling-point components in the mixture can be separated from the high-boiling-point components.
The process of distillation includes the following steps:
- Heating: The mixed liquid is heated to the boiling point of its components.
- Evaporation: The components with lower boiling points are quickly converted into vapor.
- Cooling: The vapor is cooled through a condenser and turns into a liquid.
- Collecting: The condensed liquid is collected, which is the product of distillation.
Types of Distillation
- Simple distillation: When two liquids have different boiling points, we use a simple distillation process. This distillation process is used to separate liquids from solid or non-volatile components. Simple distillation involves heating a liquid mixture to its boiling point and condensing the vapor formed. It is usually used in laboratories or small-scale production.
- Fractional distillation: With the help of this distillation process, we can separate liquids with the same boiling point in a mixture. In a fractionating tower, evaporation and condensation steps are required. In this process, when the mixture is heated, the substance with a lower boiling point begins to evaporate, condensing the liquid and separating it.
- Vacuum distillation: We have to use a vacuum distillation process to separate the liquid with a high boiling point in the mixture. Distillation is carried out under reduced pressure and is suitable for the separation of heat-sensitive substances to avoid decomposition or deterioration.
- Continuous distillation: Suitable for large-scale industrial production, it can achieve continuous feeding and separation, and improve productivity.
What is the basic distilling equipment in a distillery?
Wort barrel
Here you mix the grain (ground malt) with water at a controlled temperature. This gentle heating causes mashing, which converts starch into fermentable sugars. This barrel has a false bottom with a sieve on top to separate the spent grain from the liquid. This way you get wort that is ready for fermentation.
Fermenter
The fermenter is a large container where yeast added to the wort ferments the sugars into alcohol. During the fermentation process, it is important to control the temperature and maintain it for several days. The fermenter also needs to have a pressure release valve to continuously release the gases produced by the fermentation. Depending on how much you plan to produce in your distillery, you may need multiple fermenters and fill them in stages.
Copper still
A still is a piece of equipment used for distilling liquids, mainly made of copper, which has excellent thermal conductivity. Copper stills are widely used in traditional spirit production, especially in the manufacture of whiskey, brandy, and other distilled spirits.
Key features and benefits include:
- Good thermal conductivity: Copper has excellent thermal conductivity, which makes heating more uniform during the distillation process and helps control the temperature.
- Catalytic effect: Copper has catalytic properties, which can remove bad odors and impurities produced during the distillation process and enhance the flavor of the final product.
- Corrosion resistance: Copper has good corrosion resistance and is not easy to rust, making it suitable for long-term distillation operations.
- Aesthetics: Copper distiller usually has a classical appearance, so it has even become a work of art in some wineries.
- Traditional craft: Copper distiller plays an important role in traditional winemaking in many countries, representing a unique craft and culture.
Condenser
Cooling and condensing the evaporated alcohol coil, the condenser helps collect the concentrated alcohol. Usually, the product will undergo additional distillation for further concentration. Common condensers include plate condensers, tube condensers, and spherical condensers.
The role of the condenser:
- Improve efficiency: The efficiency and purity of the distillation process can be improved through the condenser.
- Reduce energy consumption: The condenser can reduce energy consumption and cost in the distillation process.
Fractionation tower
The fractionation tower is the core component of the distillation equipment, mainly used to separate different components in a mixed liquid. Its working principle is to heat the liquid to evaporate some of its components and separate and purify the components through condensation and re-condensation in the tower.
The main features of the fractionation tower include:
- The inside of the fractionation tower is usually equipped with packing or trays to increase the gas-liquid contact area and improve the separation efficiency.
- It is divided into multiple layers, each of which can achieve a certain separation effect.
- It provides a larger surface area, allowing liquid and vapor to have more complete contact.
Filtration equipment
Various options such as bag filters, filter elements, or filter paper help remove particulate matter and clarify alcohol before storage, thereby improving its quality and appearance.
Storage containers
After the distillation is completed, you will get a product that needs to be stored and aged before it can be bottled and sold. There are many options for storage containers, the most common of which are stainless steel tanks and traditional oak barrels.
Things to consider when buying distillation equipment
- Quality: High-quality equipment is expensive because it lasts and works well. While you may be inclined to buy cheaper equipment, consider the cost of repairs, early replacement costs, and downtime for new installations when calculating.
- Space considerations: There is no point in buying a lot of large equipment if there is no room for it. Consider the footprint of your facility and manage storage capacity appropriately.
- Price: Of course, you want the best equipment at the lowest price possible. However, everything must fit within your budget. So consider which equipment should be the best quality and which you can buy at a lower price.
- Ease of use and cleaning: If you fail to keep the equipment clean, you may lose a lot of product due to contamination. So, choose equipment that can be easily and effectively cleaned and sterilized.
- Used equipment vs. new: New equipment is more expensive, but it works well and lasts longer. Used equipment can save you a lot of money; however, you will have fewer options and you will have to spend some of your savings on maintenance and repairs.
FAQ
What equipment is needed to distill alcohol?
The equipment required to distill alcohol is similar to that of general distillation. This includes a still (which can be a pot still or a column/reflux still), a heat source, a condenser, a collection container, and a thermometer. Please note that in many places, it is illegal to distill alcohol for consumption at home without the proper license.
What raw materials can be used for alcohol distillation?
Common raw materials include grains (such as wheat, and corn), fruits (such as grapes, and apples), molasses, etc.
What is the difference between distilled alcohol and fermented alcohol?
Fermented alcohol is produced through the fermentation process and contains other ingredients; while distilled alcohol is purified through the distillation process and has a higher alcohol concentration.
What are the legal requirements for alcohol distillation?
In many countries and regions, distilling alcohol requires relevant licenses laws, and regulations. Please be sure to understand the local legal requirements.