Minimizing methanol content in experimental charentais alembic distillations

Identifier:  imarina:5131553

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina5131553

Authors:  Luna, Ricardo; Lopez, Francisco; Perez-Correa, Jose R

Abstract:
This study focuses on using modern engineering tools to consistently produce spirits with low methanol content in Charentais alembics. The method involves developing a dynamic model, formulating a multi-objective dynamic optimization problem, and implementing an automatic process control system. Optimization yielded a variable temperature in the partial condenser, which was tracked by an automatic control system that manipulated the heat addition in the boiler. The procedure was experimentally validated in triplicate using a ternary mixture. With the optimal operation, distillates with 12% less methanol than standard distillates were reproducibly obtained, with a moderate reduction (2.4%) in the ethanol recovery.