| The relationship between the operating parameters of batch column stills with reflux and the congener (trace compounds that provide flavors and aromas) concentrations in the resulting distilled beverage product is not fully understood. To explore this relationship congener concentration were determined in three different collection fraction, or "cuts," of the batch distillation. Methanol was studied because the distillate must adhere to governmental regulations that limit its concentration in the product. Ethanol was studied as changes in the operating conditions of the still affect the ethanol concentration and resulting yield of the process. Operating condition parameters that were studied include the number of trays used in the distillation as well as the use of the "catalytic converter," a high surface copper packing material thought to catalyze formation of cyanide containing compounds allowing them to be separated from the distillate. The effect of the number of trays used in a distillation on the concentration of ethanol and the highest concentration congeners, methanol, acetaldehyde, ethyl formate, ethyl acetate, 1-propanol, 2-methyl-2-propanol, isoamyl alcohol, and benzaldehyde in the final distilled spirits product is presented. |
