The Impact of Stillage Filtrate on the Synthesis of Volatile Impurities of Alcohol and the Optimization of the Rectification Process

Abstract

The aim of this research is to determine the influence stillage filtrate on the synthesis of volatile impurities in alcohol, with subsequent removal through the rectification process in a rectification unit operating in an energy-saving mode at pressures lower than atmospheric. The study was conducted at the state enterprise (hereinafter - SE) "Kozlivsky Distillery" located at: Ternopil region, Kozlivsky district, urban-type settlement Kozliv, using gas chromatographic method for determining the content of microcomponents (acetaldehyde, methanol, fusel oil components, esters) using capillary columns. The rectification unit includes various components such as the mash column, hydroselection column, rectification column, methanol column, impurity concentration column and "zero" column. During the research, technological parameters of operation of each unit component were studied, and the concentration of organic impurities in alcohol at different stages was determined. The results of this study allow improving the efficiency of the rectification unit, which is of great importance in alcohol production. Research was conducted on the impact stillage filtrate on the synthesis of volatile impurities in alcohol during fermentation. The research was carried out with the full use iltrate of stillage at the stage of preparing the fermenting substrate. The mash had different concentrations of dry substances. The stillage filtrate was obtained by centrifugation of native stillage and its suspended matter concentration did not exceed 1%. The influence of the amount stillage filtrate and the number of cycles of its recirculation on the biosynthesis of volatile organic compounds during fermentation was studied. The research results showed that the use stillage filtrate at the stage of preparing the fermenting substrate contributes to reducing water consumption and slows down the synthesis of acetaldehyde and higher alcohols during fermentation. With repeated use stillage filtrate, the synthesis process changes, which affects the concentration of volatile organic compounds in the fermentation mash. This impact should be taken into account when selecting operating modes of the rectification unit. Therefore, to obtain high-quality rectified alcohol, it is necessary to adjust the appropriate operating mode of the rectification unit and consider the influence stillage filtrate on the fermentation process.