How to Innovate Traditional Distillation Methods

Distillation is a centuries-old and highly reliable technology for purifying liquids and separating mixtures, widely utilized across industries that rely on chemical purity – such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, oil & gas production and food manufacturing. Unfortunately however, distillation can be energy intensive and time consuming – this article explores ways distillation could be improved to increase efficiency and sustainability.

There are three primary methods for distilling liquids. One such approach is known as traditional alembic, consisting of a round still equipped with swan neck tubing that leads to an alembic condenser filled with running cold water, with serpentine coils within that funnel fermented mash vapours into it before condensing back down as liquid drop by drop; these liquids are then collected in separate vessels drop by drop for collection as the distillate. While this approach requires considerable labor intensity and monitoring, only desirable elements should remain present within its final product – ensure only desirable elements remain.

Industrialized column stills are an efficient alternative. Consisting of a tall column known as a rectifying or fractionating column through which fermented liquid flows continuously, they offer more reliable fermentation results. Columns can be equipped with plates or trays that allow different forms of distillation to occur simultaneously, including volatile compounds with lower boiling points rising to the top while heavier compounds remain at the bottom. Liquid outlets located along the column allow individual compounds to be withdrawn at will. Furthermore, this method is faster than traditional distillation due to operating under reduced pressure allowing product contact with heat for shorter duration; however it may not be as effective in isolating highly volatile aroma and flavor components.