Optimization of the distillation process of alcoholic mash

Abstract

Criteria for optimization of the distillation process of the distillated liquor are qualitative composition of the liquor distillate, concentration of ethyl alcohol in the distillate and bard and specific flow rate of heating steam in the distillation column. These characteristics depend on the quality composition of the mash, the number and type of plates, the hydraulic mode of their operation, the temperature mode of the distillation process, the method of heating the column, the degree of decarbonization of the mash and the effectiveness of automation of control and monitoring of technological parameters. An important optimization factor is increase of the con-tact time of steam and mash on the column plates in order to achieve a phase state close to equilibrium. The authors proposed an energy-saving technology for distillation of the mash in the mode of controlled cycles of its delay and overflow, developed a design of distillation column for the implementation of the innovative method and hardware-technological scheme of inclusion it to work. Under production conditions, the optimal technological parameters and hydraulic operating modes of the experimental column of cyclic action are established. It is proved that the innovative way allows to prolong time of contact of steam and mash on each plate to 35—40 s and to reduce time of its overflow from plate to plate to 1.5—1.7 s, due to this the concen¬tration of ethyl alcohol in the distillate increased by 33% (up to 60% vol.), the column capacity — by 17% (from 15000 to 18000 dm3/h) and specific consumption of heating steam for distillation process decreased by 60% (from 25 to 10 kg/dl in terms of anhydrous alcohol, introduced to the feed plate). In order to achieve the above-mentioned indicators, it is sufficient to install 24 flake plates with variable free cross-secti¬on, which allows reducing the metal-intensity of the technological equipment.