A Colorimetric Method for the Determination of the Exhaustion Level of Granular Activated Carbons Used in Rum Production

Abstract

Spectrophotometric measurement applied on saturated granular activated carbon (GAC) is not yet explored. A colorimetric method in the visible range has been developed in order to determine the exhaustion level of GAC used in rum production. Aqueous ammonia solution has been used as an indicative agent to determine the extraction rate of taste compounds within the rum production process and the exhaustion degree of the GAC. The colorimetric results showed excellent correlation with the iodine number and the contact pH. The proposed colorimetric method opens possibilities for rum producers to improve the management and economical use of the activated carbon at the industrial scale.

Boltzmann-Based Empirical Model to Calculate Volume Loss during Spirit Ageing

“…The higher the water content in the air, the lower the volume loss during ageing. In contrast, with the increment of the temperature, an increase in the volume loss is also confirmed [1,5,6,[10][11][12][13][14]. On the basis of the data presented in Table 1 and its corresponding plots in Figure 1, the effect of the temperature on the volume evaporated is more significant at a lower humidity.…”

“…Rum is a fairly tasteless and neutral spirit, traditionally (but not exclusively) produced in the Caribbean and Central America countries. The distilled product (as primary rum), known in Cuba as "Aguardiente", is a colorless liquid which is aged in barrels of white oak wood (Quercus Alba) during a timed period in order to transform and improve its sensorial characteristics [1]. Oak barrels impart flavor, aroma, and color to spirits that are completely clear at the time of distillation, and lacking many of the most familiar and desirable sensory qualities of aged spirits.…”

“…As the barrel heats up, the gas above the liquid increases in pressure and forces liquid into the barrel wood. When the barrel cools and the gas pressure drops, the liquid flows out of the wood into the bulk liquid, carrying with it the wood constituents [1][2][3][4].…”