Steam recovery system during the gelatinization stage of baijiu distillation

Abstract

This utility model discloses a steam recovery system for the gelatinization stage of baijiu (Chinese liquor) production technology. It includes a bottom pot, a still body, connecting pipes, a steam delivery pipe, and a condenser. The still body is mounted on the bottom pot, and the condenser is connected to the still body via the connecting pipes. The system also includes branch pipes and a three-way valve. The connecting pipes include a first branch pipe and a second branch pipe. One end of the first branch pipe is connected to the still body, and the other end is connected to the three-way valve. One end of the second branch pipe is connected to the three-way valve, and the other end is connected to the condenser. One end of the branch pipe is connected to the three-way valve, and the other end is connected to the bottom pot. The three-way valve has a first state and a second state. In the first state, only the first and second branch pipes are connected; in the second state, only the first branch pipe and the branch pipe are connected. This utility model solves the technical problem of existing devices not directly recovering and utilizing the steam during the high-heat steaming and gelatinization stage, resulting in partial heat energy loss and increased cooling water consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of liquor production technology, and in particular to a steam recycling system for the gelatinization stage of liquor distillation. Background Technology

[0002] Distillation is a crucial step in the production of baijiu. Traditional distillation equipment includes a pot, a still, pipes, a steam delivery pipe, and a condenser. The still is placed on the pot, the condenser is connected to the still through pipes, and the steam delivery pipe is used to supply steam to the pot.

[0003] Baijiu distillation typically involves three stages: high heat to generate steam and feed the baijiu into the still, low heat to distill the baijiu at a low temperature, and high heat to gelatinize the grains.

[0004] The steaming stage: Steam enters the still through the bottom pot, and the mash is lightly and evenly spread inside the still. The mash covers the rising steam at the steam outlet, preventing steam from escaping or being compressed, and eventually forming numerous mash layers similar to tower plates.

[0005] Low-temperature, low-temperature distillation stage: Steam rises layer by layer and transfers heat and matter to the mash, causing the alcohol and other trace components in the mash to vaporize. The alcohol vapor is introduced into the condenser through the pipe at the top of the still, and after heat exchange and condensation by flowing cooling water, the base liquor of baijiu is obtained.

[0006] High-heat steaming and gelatinization stage: After the distillation is completed, the steam flow into the bottom pot is increased to steam and gelatinize the mash, converting the starch in the mash into a paste, which is then converted into glucose by Daqu or Xiaoqu. The water vapor that passes through the mash is introduced into the condenser through a pipe and then discharged through the distillation outlet.

[0007] The steam (boiled steam and water steam) in the above three stages all flow into the condenser through pipes. The steam in the high-heat steaming and gelatinization stage is not directly recovered and utilized, but is recovered or released through heat exchange in the condenser, resulting in the loss of some steam heat energy in this stage. At the same time, the cooling water in the condenser will undergo ineffective heat exchange in this stage, increasing the consumption of cooling water. Utility Model Content

[0008] To address the technical problem that existing devices do not directly recover and utilize the steam during the high-heat grain gelatinization stage, resulting in some heat energy loss and increased cooling water consumption, this utility model provides a steam recovery system for the gelatinization stage of baijiu distillation.

[0009] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is: A steam recycling system for the gelatinization stage of baijiu distillation is provided, comprising a bottom pot, a still body, a connecting pipe, a steam delivery pipe, and a condenser. The still body is mounted on the bottom pot, and the condenser is connected to the still body via the connecting pipe. The steam delivery pipe is used to supply steam to the bottom pot. The system also includes a branch pipe and a three-way valve. The connecting pipe includes a first branch pipe near the still body and a second branch pipe near the condenser. One end of the first branch pipe is connected to the still body, and the other end is connected to the three-way valve. One end of the second branch pipe is connected to the three-way valve, and the other end is connected to the condenser. One end of the branch pipe is connected to the three-way valve, and the other end is connected to the bottom pot. The three-way valve has a first state and a second state. In the first state, only the first branch pipe and the second branch pipe are connected. In the second state, only the first branch pipe and the branch pipe are connected.

[0010] Furthermore, the three-way valve is an electrically operated three-way valve.

[0011] Furthermore, a flow meter is installed on the branch pipe to detect the steam flow rate inside the branch pipe.

[0012] Furthermore, a first steam nozzle is provided at one end of the branch pipe inside the bottom pot. The first steam nozzle has multiple first exhaust ports, which face the bottom wall of the bottom pot.

[0013] Furthermore, multiple first exhaust ports are located on the same horizontal plane and are distributed in a ring-shaped pattern around a vertical line.

[0014] Furthermore, a second steam nozzle is provided at the output end of the steam delivery pipe. The second steam nozzle includes multiple second exhaust ports, which face the bottom wall of the pot.

[0015] Furthermore, a pressure regulating valve is installed on the steam delivery pipe to control the amount of steam delivered.

[0016] Furthermore, multiple second exhaust ports are located on the same horizontal plane and are distributed in a ring-shaped pattern around a vertical line.

[0017] Furthermore, a drain pipe is connected to the bottom of the pot for draining the contents of the pot, and a valve is installed on the drain pipe.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. Retain core functions: The operation process and distillation function of the two key stages of the traditional process, namely "high heat to explore steam and put it into the still" and "low heat and low temperature to distill", are fully retained, ensuring that the quality and flavor of the base liquor are not affected.

[0019] Energy-efficient utilization: During the "high-heat steaming and gelatinization stage," the heat-rich steam is directly returned to the bottom pot through the branch pipe for reuse as a heat source. This avoids the waste of heat energy caused by cooling a large amount of steam in the condenser, significantly reducing the energy consumption of the entire distillation process.

[0020] Water conservation: Since the steam from the grain gelatinization stage no longer enters the condenser, the heat load of the condenser is greatly reduced, which correspondingly reduces the consumption of cooling water, saving production costs and water resources.

[0021] 2. The use of an electric three-way valve enables remote control or linkage with a programmable controller, automating and precisely switching the steam path at each stage of distillation. This reduces errors and time delays from manual operation, improving production efficiency and process stability.

[0022] 3. Installing a flow meter on the branch pipe can detect the steam flow rate in the branch pipe, which facilitates the adjustment of process parameters and determines whether additional steam needs to be added to the bottom pot based on the detection results.

[0023] 4. A first steam nozzle is installed at the end of the branch pipe to disperse the recycled steam and release it evenly into the bottom pot through multiple first exhaust ports. The steam is released towards the inner wall of the bottom pot, which can prevent the steam from impacting the mash locally and causing local overheating. At the same time, it can also prevent the mash at the bottom of the still from flowing back into acid water and a small amount of mash from falling down and causing the first steam nozzle to become blocked.

[0024] 5. A second steam nozzle is installed at the output end of the steam conveying pipe, with its second exhaust port facing downwards. This can effectively prevent mash particles inside the still from falling into the exhaust port during feeding or operation, thus avoiding pipe blockage and ensuring the long-term stability and reliability of steam conveying.

[0025] 6. The pressure regulating valve can precisely control the pressure and flow rate of fresh steam input to the bottom pot. This allows operators to flexibly adjust the steam supply according to process requirements, ensuring that the steam flow rate inside the still meets process requirements and achieving refined process control.

[0026] 7. Multiple first exhaust ports are distributed in a ring at intervals, and multiple second exhaust ports are distributed in a ring at intervals to ensure that steam is evenly distributed in the bottom pot, forming a uniform and stable steam source in the bottom pot to evenly heat the mash in the upper still.

[0027] 8. A drain pipe with a switch valve is installed at the bottom of the pot, allowing for convenient and thorough drainage of residual wastewater (pot water) and any small amount of distended mash after distillation. This facilitates system cleaning and maintenance, ensures hygienic conditions for the next batch of production, and improves the efficiency of cleaning work. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the steam reuse system for the gelatinization stage of baijiu distillation according to this utility model; The diagram is labeled as follows: 1-Bottom pot, 2-Steamer body, 3-Connecting pipe, 31-First branch pipe, 32-Second branch pipe, 4-Steam delivery pipe, 5-Branch pipe, 6-Three-way valve, 7-Flow meter, 8-First steam nozzle, 9-First exhaust port, 10-Second steam nozzle, 11-Second exhaust port, 12-Pressure regulating valve, 13-Drain pipe, 14-Switch valve. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] First, it should be stated that the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application are clearly and completely described. The described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of this application, and not a limitation of this utility model. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0031] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "first", "second", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", "axial" or "radial" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation structure and operation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0032] It should be noted that, in this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connection" and "fixation," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, "fixation" can mean a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0033] Reference Figure 1 As shown, this utility model provides a steam reuse system for the gelatinization stage of baijiu distillation.

[0034] like Figure 1As shown, in some embodiments, a steam recycling system for the gelatinization stage of baijiu distillation is provided, including a bottom pot 1, a still body 2, a connecting pipe 3, a steam delivery pipe 4, and a condenser. The still body 2 is disposed on the bottom pot 1. The condenser is connected to the still body 2 through the connecting pipe 3. The steam delivery pipe 4 is used to deliver steam to the bottom pot 1. It also includes a branch pipe 5 and a three-way valve 6. The connecting pipe 3 includes a first branch pipe 31 near the still body 2 and a second branch pipe 32 near the condenser. One end of the first branch pipe 31 is connected to the still body 2, and the other end of the first branch pipe 31 is connected to the three-way valve 6. One end of the second branch pipe 32 is connected to the three-way valve 6, and the other end of the second branch pipe 32 is connected to the condenser. One end of the branch pipe 5 is connected to the three-way valve 6, and the other end of the branch pipe 5 is connected to the bottom pot 1. The three-way valve 6 has a first state and a second state. In the first state, only the first branch pipe 31 and the second branch pipe 32 are connected. In the second state, only the first branch pipe 31 and the branch pipe 5 are connected.

[0035] The operation process of this embodiment is as follows: During the "high-heat steaming and steam loading" and "low-heat low-temperature distillation" stages, the three-way valve 6 is operated to connect only the first branch pipe 31 and the second branch pipe 32. Steam is introduced into the bottom pot 1 through the steam conveying pipe 4. The mash is acted upon by the steam, and the resulting alcohol vapor and water vapor enter the condenser for condensation, completing the distillation process. During the "high-heat grain steaming and gelatinization stage," the three-way valve 6 is operated to connect only the first branch pipe 31 and the branch pipe 5, allowing the steam after passing through the mash to return to the bottom pot 1 for steaming and gelatinization of the mash, making efficient use of the steam. A flow meter 7 can also be installed on the branch pipe 5. When the steam flow rate is low, steam can be supplemented to the bottom pot 1 through the steam conveying pipe 4. Once the steam flow rate reaches the process requirements, the steam conveying pipe 4 can stop supplementing steam to the bottom pot 1. After the "high-heat steaming and gelatinization stage" is completed, when the next round of baijiu distillation is carried out, adjust the three-way valve 6 to connect only the first branch pipe 31 and the second branch pipe 32, and repeat the above steps.

[0036] This embodiment, by setting up a three-way valve 6 and a branch pipe 5, retains the operational procedures and distillation functions of the two key stages in the traditional process: "high-heat steaming and steam loading" and "low-heat distillation," ensuring that the quality and flavor of the base liquor are not affected. Furthermore, during the "high-heat steaming and gelatinization stage," the heat-rich steam can be directly guided back to the bottom pot 1 through the branch pipe 5 for reuse as a heat source. This avoids the waste of heat energy caused by cooling large amounts of steam in the condenser, significantly reducing the energy consumption of the entire distillation process. Since the steam in the high-heat steaming and gelatinization stage no longer enters the condenser, the heat load on the condenser is greatly reduced, correspondingly reducing the consumption of cooling water and saving production costs and water resources.

[0037] The three-way valve 6 can be manually switched or electrically operated. The specific structure will not be detailed here, but you can refer to existing three-way valves on the market, such as an electric three-way ball valve. The valve body contains an L-shaped or T-shaped ball, which is driven by a motor to rotate, changing the connection method of the channels to achieve a three-way function. Alternatively, it can be an electric three-way regulating valve, where the opening degree between the three ports is changed by the up-and-down movement of the valve core, allowing for switching of the passage. Preferably, the three-way valve 6 is an electric three-way valve, which can achieve remote control or linkage with a programmable controller, realizing the automation and precision of steam passage switching at each stage of distillation. This reduces errors and time delays from manual operation, improving production efficiency and process stability.

[0038] Generally speaking, the top of the bottom pot 1 is usually equipped with a stainless steel mesh layer to reduce the amount of mash at the bottom of the still 2 falling into the bottom pot 1 during the distillation process.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, to detect whether the flow rate of the recovered steam meets the process requirements during the "high-heat steaming and gelatinization stage," a flow meter 7 is installed on branch pipe 5 to detect the steam flow rate inside branch pipe 5. If the recovered steam flow rate is too low, steam can be supplemented to the bottom pot 1 through steam delivery pipe 4. Once the flow meter 7 detects that the process standard has been met, steam delivery pipe 4 can stop supplementing steam to the bottom pot 1, so that the steam flow rate stabilizes, ensuring production efficiency and gelatinization quality. The flow meter 7 is existing technology, such as a vortex flow meter 7 or a metal tube float flow meter 7.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, to ensure that steam is evenly distributed within the bottom pot 1, a first steam nozzle 8 is installed at one end of the branch pipe 5 inside the bottom pot 1. The first steam nozzle 8 has multiple first exhaust ports 9. To prevent the mash from clogging the first exhaust ports 9, the first exhaust ports 9 face the bottom wall of the bottom pot 1, and the steam is released towards the inner wall of the bottom of the bottom pot 1. This also prevents the steam from locally impacting the mash and causing localized overheating. There can be three or more first exhaust ports 9. The first exhaust ports 9 can be evenly distributed on the first steam nozzle 8 or randomly distributed on the first steam nozzle 8. Preferably, the multiple first exhaust ports 9 are on the same horizontal plane and are distributed in a ring around a vertical line to ensure that the steam is evenly distributed within the bottom pot 1, forming a uniform and stable steam source within the bottom pot 1 to evenly heat the mash in the upper still 2.

[0041] like Figure 1As shown, similarly, a second steam nozzle 10 is provided at the output end of the steam conveying pipe 4. The second steam nozzle 10 includes multiple second exhaust ports 11, which face the bottom wall of the pot 1. The design of the second exhaust ports 11 can refer to the design of the first exhaust port 9. Regarding the positional relationship between the first steam nozzle 8 and the second steam nozzle 10, it is preferable that the first steam nozzle 8 is located above the second steam nozzle 10, so that the recovered steam is closer to the steamer body 2.

[0042] like Figure 1 As shown, in order to control the flow rate of steam supplied from the steam supply pipe 4 to the bottom pot 1, a pressure regulating valve 12 is installed on the steam supply pipe 4 to control the amount of input steam. The pressure regulating valve 12 can be a common manually operated valve, such as a ball valve or a butterfly valve, or an electrically controlled valve, such as an electric valve or other existing valves that can be implemented.

[0043] Based on the return steam flow rate monitored by the flow meter 7, the pressure regulating valve 12 adjusts the steam flow rate supplemented by the steam delivery pipe 4. This not only improves the steam thermal energy efficiency and reduces the total steam consumption of traditional baijiu distillation, but also ensures that the steam passing through the mash during the high-heat steaming and gelatinization stage will not cause ineffective heat exchange in the cooling water of the condenser in the traditional distillation device after the three-way valve 6 switches the path, thus realizing the recovery of steam thermal energy and reducing the total steam consumption of baijiu distillation and the amount of cooling water used.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, to facilitate the convenient and thorough drainage of residual wastewater and any small amount of mash residue that may fall into the bottom pot 1 after distillation, a drain pipe 13 is connected to the bottom of the bottom pot 1 for draining its contents. A switch valve 14 is installed on the drain pipe 13. This design facilitates system cleaning and maintenance, ensures hygienic conditions for the next batch of production, and improves the efficiency of cleaning. The switch valve 14 can be a standard manually operated valve, such as a ball valve or butterfly valve, or an electrically controlled valve, such as an electric valve or other readily available valves.

Claims

1. A steam recycling system for the gelatinization stage of baijiu distillation, comprising a bottom pot (1), a still (2), a connecting pipe (3), a steam conveying pipe (4), and a condenser, wherein the still (2) is mounted on the bottom pot (1), the condenser is connected to the still (2) via the connecting pipe (3), and the steam conveying pipe (4) is used to convey steam to the bottom pot (1), characterized in that: It also includes a branch pipe (5) and a three-way valve (6). The connecting pipe (3) includes a first branch pipe (31) near the steamer body (2) and a second branch pipe (32) near the condenser. One end of the first branch pipe (31) is connected to the steamer body (2), and the other end of the first branch pipe (31) is connected to the three-way valve (6). One end of the second branch pipe (32) is connected to the three-way valve (6), and the other end of the second branch pipe (32) is connected to the condenser. One end of the branch pipe (5) is connected to the three-way valve (6), and the other end of the branch pipe (5) is connected to the bottom pot (1). The three-way valve (6) has a first state and a second state. In the first state, only the first branch pipe (31) and the second branch pipe (32) are connected. In the second state, only the first branch pipe (31) and the branch pipe (5) are connected.

2. The steam reuse system for the gelatinization stage of baijiu distillation as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The three-way valve (6) is an electric three-way valve.

3. The steam reuse system for the gelatinization stage of baijiu distillation as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A flow meter (7) for detecting the steam flow inside the branch pipe (5) is installed on the branch pipe (5).

4. The steam reuse system for the gelatinization stage of baijiu distillation as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The branch pipe (5) is provided with a first steam nozzle (8) at one end inside the bottom pot (1). The first steam nozzle (8) has multiple first exhaust ports (9) facing the bottom wall of the bottom pot (1).

5. The steam reuse system for the gelatinization stage of baijiu distillation as described in claim 4, characterized in that: Multiple first exhaust ports (9) are located on the same horizontal plane and are distributed in a ring-shaped interval around a vertical line.

6. The steam reuse system for the gelatinization stage of baijiu distillation as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The output end of the steam delivery pipe (4) is provided with a second steam nozzle (10), which includes multiple second exhaust ports (11) facing the bottom wall of the bottom pot (1).

7. The steam reuse system for the gelatinization stage of baijiu distillation as described in claim 6, characterized in that: A pressure regulating valve (12) is installed on the steam delivery pipe (4) to control the amount of steam delivered.

8. The steam reuse system for the gelatinization stage of baijiu distillation as described in claim 6, characterized in that: Multiple second exhaust ports (11) are located on the same horizontal plane and are distributed in a ring-shaped interval around a vertical line.

9. The steam reuse system for the gelatinization stage of baijiu distillation as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the pot (1) is connected to a drain pipe (13) for draining the contents of the pot (1). A switch valve (14) is installed on the drain pipe (13).

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