Objective
To drastically reduce the high energy cost of distillation plant operation. Current technology forecasts two process stages: raw material stripping and subsequent dehydration. The proposed project introduces in the distillation field a mechanical compression system for vapours leading to a saving of process steam. Electricity consumption, which in this case is autoproduced, is not increased.
The plant even though completed has never been used for anhydrous alcohol production. No results are therefore available for the energy saving due to the heat pump installation (centrifugal compressor). Fuel alcohol production has been abandoned by the plant owner because of the lack of economical viability.
The proposed plant, installed in Bertolino Distilleries in Partinico (PA), has a nominal production capacity of 100,000 l/d of anhydrous ethanol with more than 99.6% volume concentration. The plant has been designed for 300 d/y producing ethanol to be used in industrial manufactures for cosmetics and pharmaceutical products and for mixing with gasoline for internal combustion engines. A series of tests has already been performed in a pilot plant installed near the Orbat factory, before realizing the unit.
The proposed plant uses fermented juice with 8% volume concentration of ethanol, requiring 1 kg of steam per litre of ethanol produced, while conventional plant consumption is approximately 3.5 kg per litre. Electric energy consumption is about 0.085 Kwh/litre while it is 0.0008 Kwh/litre for conventional plants.
Programme(s)
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
DEM - Demonstration contractsCoordinator
53036 Poggibonsi Siena
Italy