Distillation

TYPES OF ALCOHOL DISTILLATION EQUIPMENT AND THEIR PARTICULAR    APPLICATIONS

Alcohol is the basis for many alcoholic beverages. The strength and quality of alcohol purification determine the taste and flavour characteristics of the finished drink. How heavy hydrocarbons and ether compounds are eliminated, as well as the difference between distillation and rectification of alcohol, the experts at INPROMINOX in Bulgaria tell us. The company manufactures and supplies equipment for distillery production with excellent performance characteristics that will increase productivity and improve product quality.

THE ESSENCE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF DISTILLATION

Making cognac and other spirits involves a compulsory step, the purification of the raw materials from volatile impurities. During distillation, the vapours evaporate from the fermented mixture: the condensation of the compounds turns them into moonshine. How does it happen? Water boils at 100 degrees, alcohol at 78 degrees. Therefore the alcohol evaporates faster when heated, then condenses. When the distillate is distilled again it is possible to increase the strength of the alcohol.

During distillation it should be remembered that the first portion of the resulting liquor, the so-called head, despite its high strength, also contains a lot of heavy impurities – aldehydes, volatile acids, esters. Therefore it is not advisable to consume this alcohol as it is harmful to the human body.

The tail part is also unfit for use, containing a large percentage of sulphur oils, methanol, etc. The fraction has an unpleasant smell and is formed during distillation after the strength has dropped below 40 degrees. The tail part can be re-distilled and used in the production of alcohol, but the head part is used only as a technical alcohol.

Depending on the equipment used, these types of distillation are distinguished:

• Steam distillation, which is carried out using a steam generator. A combination of steam generator and multi-stage distillation produces the highest quality spirit. The disadvantage of this technology is the need for a large area for the distillation line;
• Double distillation is a multi-stage distillation process in which the alcohol strength can be increased in stages without extracting aromatic compounds from the fraction.

DISTILLATION AND RECTIFICATION OF ALCOHOL: THE DIFFERENCES

There is another type of distillation to produce ethyl alcohol: rectification. A distillation column is used for this purpose, an apparatus which separates the liquid fractions into their individual components. After distillation we get pure alcohol without any aftertaste or aroma. Distillation is a way of preparing tinctures and other drinks while minimising the risk of poisoning.

The difference between the two types of equipment is that a distiller produces moonshine with aroma and flavour, while a rectification column produces strong alcohol without any impurities.

We can provide equipment for both types of distillation:

• A distillation column for making aromatic moonshine, which is used to make cognac, whisky, grappa, etc. The copper column in the appliance ensures that noxious volatile substances are binded and the drink is saturated with a special aroma;
• A distillation column for alcohol, using which the finished product has a high strength and is ready for further processing – dilution, etc.

To find out the cost of manufacturing a distillery column, contact us via the form on the website.