Sensing System for Direct Monitoring of Small Batch Alcohol Distillation

Abstract

This paper presents a sensing system for direct monitoring of alcohol distillation. The system controls column temperature while monitoring the temperature of the wash, dielectric constant of distillate, as well as the accumulated mass of the distillate. Fractions of methanol, isopropanol, and water are separated with transitions between the fractions clearly delineated in the data. This study sets the ground work for a low-cost solution to safely controlling small batch distillation.