Total value: £13200
This project proposal builds upon and advances previous R&D work undertaken in partnership with Gedrick Distilling Company to develop and test a novel distillation process capable of overcoming limitations inherent within traditional gin production. The initial project enlisted the support of an internship student in the construction and trial of a glassware still, based upon Gedrick’s concept design and located in a laboratory at Lancaster University. Two partially successful trial distillations were executed using the concept still, from which a series of potential improvements and optimisations were identified (full project report available on request). This information was used in the development of detailed full CAD models and process improvement manufacturing drawings for a new, more efficient still design. CFD modelling of all parts and components was also undertaken, as was an evaluation of heating strategy and safety measures. EPSRC IAA funding is now sought to support further feasibility work, procurement and construction of the new still product with a view to achieving and evidencing the features, advantages and benefits that improve upon existing technology in the following ways: 1. Greater flavour control and product quality. The six parallel arms of the proposed unit design mean that the botanicals do not all have to be placed in one basket. This offers the distiller a much larger variety of botanicals that can be used and hence opportunity for precise botanical separation or mixing (as required) to achieve desired flavour profiles. GCMS analysis will be used to further understand the chemical properties of resultant distillates. This advanced control/feature is highly desirable as the industry moves towards a proliferation of small craft distilleries offering bespoke and ‘designer’ products. Traditional stills do not offer this flexibility and ease of control. 2. Increased Productivity. The design of the Vaporator unit is such that it can be connected to two kettles. This means that distillation runs can alternate without the need to stop the process (and clean/re-set); effectively creating a semi-continuous process. It is estimated that this innovative semi-continuous distilling method can increase the number of distillations runs in one distillery working day from two to three, an increase in productivity of 1.5 times. Over a 48-week, five day, working year, this could mean an additional 240 more distillation runs and huge potential for increased revenue generation. 3. Improved Process Efficiency. The third advantage that this design offers is an increase in process efficiency through the use of insulation to retain heat within the distillation system. Distilling companies do not traditionally insulate their components and equipment on distillation rigs, resulting in high heat loss to the surrounding environment, which in turn results in higher energy requirements and higher process costs. The new still design aims to overcome some of these issues, further improving the cost effectiveness of the process itself as well as improving upon the environmental performance of the still and resulting in carbon savings.