GB1091589A - Method and apparatus for the distillation of spirit - Google Patents

Abstract

1,091,589. Control of distillation; manufacture of whisky. LITTLEMILL DISTILLERY CO. Ltd. Oct. 24, 1966 [Oct. 27, 1965], No. 45443/65. Heading B1B. The rate of distillation of whisky wash in still 1 is automatically controlled by pressureresponsive device 16 and controller 17 which maintain the pressure in the still at an appropriate value by adjusting the quantity of heat supplied to heating element 2; and the condensate from condenser 7 is automatically collected in either whisky storage tank 14 or reject liquor tank 15. As shown, the still comprises a fractionating column 3 and a dephlegmator 4; and temperature-sensitive element 13 controls three-way valve 10 so that the distillate is collected in tank 14 or tank 15 in accordance with the temperature of the vapours leaving the still. The heating element 2, which comprises a main part and a booster part, may be steam-heated. As the boiling point of the wash is approached, the booster part is cut out, and the heating is continued by the main part of the element 2 alone. At the appropriate pressure, e.g. 2lb./sq. inch gauge, the quantity of steam supplied to the main part of element 2 is reduced by controller 17. The amount of reflux is controlled by automatic controller 5 which adjusts the flow of cooling water through dephlegmator 4. Meter 8, which measures the specific gravity of the distillate, is connected to valve 10 and can alter its position to direct the distillate into tank 14 or tank 15. The element 13 and the meter 8 act in series; i.e. if one device signals that the distillate is to be rejected, then it is rejected regardless if the other device signals to the contrary. Element 13, or meter 8, signals to controller 17 when the quantity of spirit in the still has been reduced to a predetermined quantity, and valve controlling the steam supply to heater 2 is shut off.