Distillate production plant and method for producing distillate

Abstract

To achieve reduction of environmental load in a distillate production plant.SOLUTION: A distillate production plant 1 comprising a distillation process section 2 including a distillation kettle 20 for heating a fermentation liquid, a residue treatment process section 10 for producing a solid fuel using solid content including residue separated from waste liquid of the fermentation liquid transferred from the distillation kettle 20 after completion of distillation, and a heat source section 5 capable of heating the distillation kettle 20 by combusting the solid fuel, the distillate production plant 1 enabling reduction of environmental load and enhancement of economical efficiency in production of a distillate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a distillation plant including a distillation process section that heats a fermented liquid using a still and a method for producing a distillate. [Background technology]

[0002] Distillates containing alcohol such as ethanol include distilled spirits, fuel alcohol, industrial alcohol, etc. In the production process of such distillates, the raw material fermentation liquid is heated using a still, and the vapor is cooled and condensed repeatedly to purify the distillate.

[0003] In addition, Patent Document 1 below discloses a structure in a shochu biomass fuel plant having a multi-layer distillation section, in which the distillate discharged from the cooler is passed through an oil-water separator that separates the ethanol from the water, and the resulting ethanol is sent to the multi-layer distillation section and re-distilled, and a distillation reflux line is provided. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-62802 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In recent years, there has been a demand for reducing the environmental impact in various aspects of alcohol-containing distillate manufacturing plants. Conventional plants have large amounts of energy consumption and waste generation, posing challenges in terms of both environmental impact and economic efficiency.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a distillate production plant and a distillate production method that can reduce the environmental load and improve the economic efficiency in the production of alcohol-containing distillates for beverages, industrial use, or fuel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The distillation production plant of the first invention is a distillation production plant comprising a distillation process section including a still for heating the fermentation liquid, a residue treatment process section for producing solid fuel using solid components including residue separated from the waste liquid of the fermentation liquid transferred from the still after distillation has been completed, and a heat source section capable of burning the solid fuel to heat the still.

[0008] This configuration can reduce the environmental impact and improve the economic efficiency of the production of distillates.

[0009] In addition, the distillate production plant of the second invention is a distillate production plant in which, compared to the first invention, the residue treatment process section is configured to produce a pellet-shaped product made from solid components including the dried residue as a solid fuel.

[0010] With this configuration, a distillate can be easily produced using a solid fuel that is easy to handle.

[0011] In addition, the distillation production plant of the third invention is a distillation production plant in which, compared to the first or second invention, the heat source section has a first boiler that uses solid fuel and a second boiler that uses a fuel other than the solid fuel, and is configured so that the still can be heated using the second boiler together with the first boiler.

[0012] This configuration ensures that the heat source required for the still is maintained.

[0013] Furthermore, the distillation production plant of the fourth invention is a distillation production plant according to any one of the first to third inventions, further comprising an ash storage section for storing ash after combustion in the heat source section.

[0014] This configuration allows for efficient storage of post-combustion ash for use.

[0015] In addition, the fifth invention provides a method for producing a distillate using a distillate production plant equipped with a distillation process section including a still for heating a fermentation liquid, a residue treatment process section for producing a solid fuel using a solid component including a residue separated from the waste liquid of the fermentation liquid transferred from the still after distillation has been completed, and a heat source section capable of heating the still by burning the solid fuel, and the method for producing a distillate includes a fuel production step for producing a solid fuel in the residue treatment process section using the waste liquid transferred from the still, a combustion step for burning the solid fuel in the heat source section, and a distillation step for heating the still with the heat source section and producing a distillate in the distillation process section.

[0016] By adopting such a production method, it is possible to reduce the environmental load in the production of distillates and improve economic efficiency. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the environmental load and improve the economic efficiency in the production of alcohol-containing distillates. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a distillate production plant (distilled spirits production plant) according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the residue treatment process unit. [Figure 3] A flowchart showing an example of a method for producing distilled spirits using a distilled spirits production plant. [Figure 4] A flowchart showing an example of a fuel manufacturing method using the residue treatment process unit [Figure 5] FIG. 10 shows an example of the change in the morphology of residue in a fuel manufacturing method using the residue treatment process unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a specific configuration of the distillation process unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of a distillate production plant and a distillate production method using the same will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, a distillate refers to a product obtained by using a liquid containing alcohol, such as ethanol produced by a fermentation process, as a raw material, and by concentrating or purifying the alcohol component through a distillation process using evaporation by heating and condensation by cooling. This product may include, but is not limited to, distilled spirits, fuel alcohol, and industrial alcohol. Distilled spirits may be referred to as drinking alcohol with a relatively high alcohol content, and may include, for example, gin, whiskey, vodka, rum, etc. Fuel alcohol may also be referred to as so-called bioethanol. Industrial alcohol may include products containing alcohol, such as ethanol, that are used as raw materials or solvents in chemical synthesis.

[0020] (Embodiment)

[0021] The outline of this embodiment is as follows. In this embodiment, the distillate is assumed to be distilled spirits. The distilled spirits production plant comprises a distillation process unit including a still for heating a fermented liquid, a residue treatment process unit for producing a solid fuel using a solid component containing residue separated from a waste liquid containing residue transferred from the still after distillation has been completed, and a heat source unit capable of burning the solid fuel to heat the still, so that the waste liquid of the fermented liquid can be reused as solid fuel.

[0022] It is preferable to dry the residue separated from the waste liquid and then mold it to produce pellet-shaped solid fuel, and a fuel that is easy to handle can be used. The heat source unit may have a pellet boiler and a boiler that uses other fuels, which allows for the appropriate supply of the necessary heat source. The heat source unit may also have an ash storage unit that stores ash after combustion, which allows for the ash to be utilized.

[0023] The following describes a distilled spirits production plant configured in this manner.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a distilled spirits production plant (an example of a distillate production plant) 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] As shown in the figure, the distilled spirits manufacturing plant 1 roughly comprises a distillation process section 2, a heat source section 5, an ash storage section 8, and a residue treatment process section 10.

[0026] The distillation process section 2 generally includes a still 20 and a downstream process section 25.

[0027] In this embodiment, still 20 is, for example, a pot-shaped still, but is not limited to this. Fermented liquid such as mash, which is the raw material for distilled alcohol, is charged into still 20. Still 20 is configured to heat the fermented liquid using the heat source from heat source unit 5 and emit vapor containing alcohol.

[0028] The downstream process section 25 is configured to condense, cool, and store the vapor discharged from the still 20. The downstream process section 25 is provided with a distillate storage tank 29 configured to store the distillate obtained by cooling the vapor under appropriate conditions. The distillate stored in the distillate storage tank 29 can be extracted as distilled spirits at an appropriate time.

[0029] The components of the distillation process unit 2 may be configured in a specific manner as used in the production of general distilled spirits, but are not limited to this. For example, the distillation process unit 2 may have a configuration as shown in the specific example described below.

[0030] The heat source unit 5 supplies heat to the still 20 for heating the fermentation liquid. The heat source unit 5 has, for example, a boiler that can supply steam generated by burning fuel. In this embodiment, the heat source unit 5 has, for example, a first boiler 6 and a second boiler 7 that use different types of fuel. The heat source unit 5 may have only the first boiler 6 as a boiler. Alternatively, the heat source unit 5 may have three or more boilers including the first boiler 6.

[0031] In this embodiment, the first boiler 6 is configured to be able to burn solid fuel to heat the still 20. The first boiler 6 can use, as the solid fuel, for example, a solid fuel produced by the residue treatment process unit 10 as described below, but is not limited to this. In this embodiment, the first boiler 6 may be called a pellet boiler.

[0032] On the other hand, the second boiler 7 uses a fuel different from the solid fuel used by the first boiler 6. The fuel different from the solid fuel used by the first boiler 6 may be a different type of solid fuel, or may be a liquid fuel or a gaseous fuel.

[0033] The heat source unit 5 is configured to supply heat for heating the still 20 by burning fuel in at least one of the first boiler 6 and the second boiler 7. The first boiler 6 and the second boiler 7 may be configured to be used simultaneously. By using two boilers 6 and 7 in this manner, it is possible to generate more heat than when using only one boiler, when necessary. Therefore, the heat source required for the still 20 can be reliably maintained, and stable heat can be supplied to the still 20.

[0034] The ash reservoir 8 stores ash (ash content) generated after the combustion of fuel in the heat source 5. This allows the ash content to be efficiently disposed of or reused.

[0035] The residue treatment process unit 10 produces solid fuel using a solid component containing residue separated from the waste fermentation liquid transferred from the still 20 after distillation has been completed. In this embodiment, the residue treatment process unit 10 is configured to produce a pellet-shaped product as solid fuel from the dried solid component containing residue.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the residue treatment processing section 10.

[0037] As shown in the figure, the residue treatment process section 10 includes a reaction vessel 50, a buffer tank 52, a solid-liquid separator 60, a liquid treatment vessel 65, a drying device 70, a molding device 80, and a fuel storage tank 85.

[0038] When the distilled spirits production process using still 20 is completed, a residue of the fermented liquid remains in still 20. The residue is solid matter contained in the waste fermented liquid, but waste liquid containing solid matter may also be called residue. The waste liquid containing the residue remaining in still 20 is transferred to buffer tank 52, for example, through a pipeline or the like disposed in distilled spirits production plant 1. Note that the waste liquid containing the residue may also be removed from still 20 by other methods, transported to buffer tank 52, or the like.

[0039] That is, the residue generated in the still 20 is first stored in the buffer tank 52. The buffer tank 52 may also be called a primary residue storage tank. Although the buffer tank 52 is described here as being included in the residue treatment process section 10, it may also be interpreted as not being included in the residue treatment process section 10. The buffer tank 52 may also be considered to be included in the distillation process section 2.

[0040] In the buffer tank 52, the amount of waste liquid is measured.

[0041] The residue stored in the buffer tank 52 and a flocculant determined based on the measurement results of the amount of wastewater are added to the reaction tank 50. The residue reacts with the added flocculant, causing the residue to flocculate. That is, in the reaction tank 50, the wastewater of the fermentation broth containing the residue reacts with the flocculant added to the wastewater, causing the residue to flocculate.

[0042] The flocculant may be, for example, an anion, a cation, slaked lime, or the like, but is not limited to these.

[0043] The solid-liquid separator 60 separates solids from a solid-liquid mixture containing residues of the fermentation liquid used in the production of distilled spirits. In this embodiment, the solid-liquid separator 60 is configured to separate solids from a solid-liquid mixture containing residues flocculated in the reaction tank 50.

[0044] The solid-liquid separator 60 is, for example, a filter press, and the residue can be efficiently discharged as a dehydrated cake by performing pressure filtration using the solid-liquid separator 60. Note that the solid-liquid separator 60 is not limited to a filter press, and may be, for example, a device that separates solids using the principle of centrifugation or the like.

[0045] The liquid treatment tank 65 treats the liquid separated by the solid-liquid separator 60. In this embodiment, the liquid treatment tank 65 has a liquid tank containing microorganisms suitable for treating the separated liquid. Components such as organic matter contained in the separated liquid are decomposed by the microorganisms in the liquid treatment tank 65. The treatment is not limited to this. The liquid treatment tank 65 is capable of discharging the treated liquid. By performing such treatment, it is possible to discharge wastewater whose BOD value (biochemical oxygen demand) falls within an appropriate range, for example, and the residue treatment process unit 10 can be operated with a smaller load on the surrounding environment, etc.

[0046] The dryer 70 dries the solid separated by the solid-liquid separator 60. This produces a dried product. In the present embodiment, the dryer 70 is, for example, a hot air dryer used to dry dehydrated cake, but may be one that performs drying by other methods.

[0047] In the drying device 70 , the solid separated by the solid-liquid separator 60 is dried until the moisture content reaches a level suitable for molding by the molding device 80 .

[0048] The molding device 80 molds the dried material obtained by the drying device 70 into a predetermined shape. The molding device 80 is, for example, a granulator, and molds the dried material into granules. In this embodiment, the molding device 80 is a pelletizer capable of producing pellets. Molding into a predetermined shape may also include shaping into an irregular shape. For example, the molding device 80 may mold the dried material into flakes having an irregular shape. The molding device 80 may have a drying function, in which case the drying device 70 and the molding device 80 may be physically configured as a single device.

[0049] The pellets formed in the forming device 80 are transferred to and stored in a fuel storage tank 85. The pellets can be used as solid fuel to be burned, for example, in the first boiler 6 of the heat source unit 5. The fuel storage tank 85 is described here as being included in the residue treatment process unit 10, but it may be interpreted as not being included in the residue treatment process unit 10. The fuel storage tank 85 may also be considered to be included in the distillation process unit 2. The fuel storage tank 85 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0050] In this way, in the distilled spirits production plant 1, the distillation process section 2 and the residue treatment process section 10, together with the heat source section 5 for heating the still 20, form a single circulation system as a whole.

[0051] Next, a description will be given of a method for producing distilled spirits using the distilled spirits production plant 1. This method for producing distilled spirits includes producing fuel from the residue generated by the production of distilled spirits.

[0052] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for producing distilled spirits using the distilled spirits production plant 1.

[0053] (Step S1) When the previous distillation is completed, the waste liquid containing the residue is transferred from the still 20 to the residue treatment process section 10.

[0054] (Step S2) Fuel is produced in the residue treatment processing unit 10. That is, solid fuel is produced by using a residue treatment method.

[0055] (Step S3) The solid fuel produced in the residue treatment process section 10 is combusted in the heat source section 5. This supplies heat to the still 20.

[0056] (Step S4) The fermented liquid placed in the still 20 is heated using heat supplied from the heat source unit 5. That is, distillation is carried out in the distillation process unit 2 to produce a distilled liquor.

[0057] When step S4 is completed and the distillation ends, the waste liquid from still 20 can be used to carry out the process from step S1 again.

[0058] Next, a description will be given of the residue treatment method carried out in step S2 using the residue treatment processing unit 10. In this embodiment, the residue treatment method can be said to be a method for producing solid fuel.

[0059] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of a method for producing fuel using the residue treatment process unit 10.

[0060] (Step S21) First, measure the amount of waste liquid stored in the buffer tank 52, that is, the amount of residue to be flocculated in the reaction tank 50. Then, based on the measurement result, determine the amount of flocculant to be added.

[0061] (Step S22) Next, the waste liquid is transferred to the reaction tank 50, and a determined amount of flocculant is added. As a result, in the reaction tank 50, the residue is flocculated using the flocculant.

[0062] (Step S23) The flocculated residue is transferred to the solid-liquid separator 60 to separate the solids. The separated liquid is subjected to treatment in the liquid treatment tank 65, for example, as described above.

[0063] (Step S24) The separated solid is dried in the drying device 70. The solid is dried until it has a moisture content suitable for forming into granules (for example, pellets).

[0064] (Step S25) The dried solid is molded in the molding device 80. As a result, a pellet-shaped solid fuel is obtained.

[0065] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the change in the form of residue in the fuel production method using the residue treatment process unit 10.

[0066] In the figure, as shown by the symbol S51, in the raw state, solid residues are mixed in the waste liquid, making it a cloudy liquid overall. For example, the concentration of solids (residues) in the waste liquid shown here is 6.3% TS.

[0067] As shown by reference symbol S52, when a flocculant is added, residual flocs are formed, which facilitates the separation of the liquid containing no solids and facilitates solid-liquid separation.

[0068] When the flocculated residue is subjected to solid-liquid separation, a residue in a dehydrated cake state as shown by reference numeral S54 is obtained. For example, the moisture content of the residue in a dehydrated cake state shown here is 74.2%.

[0069] The residue in the dehydrated cake state is dried and molded into pellets as shown by the reference numeral S55. For example, the moisture content of each pellet is 23%.

[0070] The concentration of solids in the waste liquid and the water content of the residue in each step may vary depending on various conditions and situations.

[0071] If 3 tons of fermentation liquid is used to produce distilled liquor and the residue is used to produce solid fuel using the above-mentioned production method, the weight of the residue or waste liquid containing it in each process will be, for example, as follows.

[0072] That is, after the distillation process in still 20 is completed, the weight of the waste liquid (distillation residue) of the fermentation liquid containing solids is 2760 kg.

[0073] The waste liquid is flocculated, and the weight of the solid content of the dehydrated cake obtained through the solid-liquid separation process is 460 kg. Here, the moisture content is, for example, 67%.

[0074] Furthermore, the weight of the pellets obtained after the drying and shaping processes is 187 kg, and the moisture content is, for example, 19%.

[0075] In other words, as a result of distilling 3 tons of fermentation liquid, in addition to the distilled spirits obtained, 187 kg of pellets that can be used as solid fuel will be obtained.

[0076] As described above, according to this embodiment, the residue of the fermentation liquid used in the production of distilled spirits can be used as solid fuel, and by-products of the production of distilled spirits can be effectively used as energy, thereby reducing the environmental impact of the production of distilled spirits and improving economic efficiency.

[0077] In producing solid fuel, the residue is flocculated and a solid-liquid separator is used, so the solid residue can be separated more efficiently to obtain solid fuel. Furthermore, the liquid after solid-liquid separation can be treated in a liquid treatment tank and then discharged, so the fermentation liquid residue can be reused with less load on the surrounding area.

[0078] The solid fuel is formed into granular form, particularly pellet form, so that the solid fuel can be easily handled when used.

[0079] The method for producing distilled liquor using the distilled liquor production plant 1 as described above can be expressed as follows: That is, the method for producing distilled liquor uses a distilled liquor production plant that is equipped with a distillation process unit including a still for heating a fermentation liquid, a residue treatment process unit that produces a solid fuel using a solid component including a residue separated from a waste liquid of the fermentation liquid transferred from the still after distillation has been completed, and a heat source unit that is capable of heating the still by burning the solid fuel, and includes a fuel production step of producing solid fuel in the residue treatment process unit using the waste liquid transferred from the still, a combustion step of burning the solid fuel in the heat source unit, and a distillation step of heating the still with the heat source unit to produce distilled liquor in the distillation process unit.

[0080] The residue treatment method using the residue treatment process unit 10 can be expressed as follows: That is, the residue treatment method is a solid fuel production method carried out using a residue treatment plant equipped with a solid-liquid separation device, a drying device, and a molding device capable of molding solids into granules, and includes a solid-liquid separation step of introducing a solid-liquid mixture containing the residue of a fermentation liquor used in the production of distilled spirits into the solid-liquid separation device to separate the solids, a drying step of drying the solids separated by the solid-liquid separation device using the drying device, and a molding step of molding the dried material obtained by the drying device into granules.

[0081] In this embodiment, the distillation process section 2 may have the following configuration.

[0082] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a specific configuration of the distillation process section 2. As shown in FIG.

[0083] As shown in the figure, the distillation process section 2 includes a still 20, a first path switching section 22, a downstream process section 25, and a reflux section 30.

[0084] In the figure, the valve 12, temperature sensor 13, pressure sensor 14, flow meter 15, and pump 18 are each indicated by a reference symbol. These components may be any components commonly used in the field of distilled spirits production.

[0085] In the distillation process section 2, a reflux section 30 is provided between the still 20 and the downstream process section 25. The path switching section 30 is provided on a path connecting the still 20 to the downstream process section 25 and the reflux section 30. The reflux section 30 is also connected to the downstream process section 25.

[0086] In this embodiment, still 20 is configured to discharge vapor from above downstream via a flow guide pipe 21 attached to the top.

[0087] The flow pipe 21 of the still 20 is connected to a first path switching unit 22. The first path switching unit 22 is, for example, a valve capable of switching between two paths from the inflow side to the outflow side.

[0088] In this embodiment, the first path switching unit 22 can switch between a first path 22b connecting the flow conduit 21 and the reflux section 30 and a second path 22c directly connecting the flow conduit 21 and the downstream process section 25. The reflux section 30 is connected to the downstream process section 25 so that vapor that has passed through the reflux section 30 can flow into the downstream process section 25 together with vapor that can flow into the downstream process section 25 via the second path 22c. The reflux section 30 can be said to be located between the still 20 and the downstream process section 25. The reflux section 30 can be said to constitute the first path 22b. The first path switching unit 22 can also be said to be located between the still 20 and the reflux section 30.

[0089] With this configuration, it can be said that first path switching unit 22 is capable of switching between first path 22b, which allows steam discharged from still 20 to flow into downstream process unit 25 via reflux unit 30, and second path 22c, which allows steam discharged from still 20 to flow into downstream process unit 25 without passing through reflux unit 30. Note that first path switching unit 22 may be configured to be able to adjust the ratio between the amount of steam passing through first path 22b and the amount of steam passing through second path 22c.

[0090] The reflux section 30 has a second path switching section 32, a distiller 33, and a botanical pot 36.

[0091] The second path switching unit 32 is disposed in the first path 22b. The second path switching unit 32 is, for example, a valve capable of switching between two paths from the inflow side to the outflow side. The inflow side of the second path switching unit 32 is connected to the first path switching unit 22, and the outflow side is connected to the distiller 33 and the botanical pot 36. The second path switching unit 32 can switch whether the steam that has passed through the first path switching unit 22 flows into the distiller 33 or the botanical pot 36. The second path switching unit 32 may be configured to be able to adjust the ratio between the amount of steam flowing into the distiller 33 and the amount of steam flowing into the botanical pot 36.

[0092] The distiller 33 is configured to increase the alcohol concentration of vapor flowing in from the bottom and discharge it from the top. The distiller 33 is configured to be able to increase the alcohol concentration of the vapor, for example, by using multiple reflux shelves 34. The reflux shelves 34 may also be called distillation shelves. The liquid condensed on each reflux shelf 34 is configured to reflux to the lower shelf. In this embodiment, the distiller 33 is a multi-stage distiller having three or more reflux shelves 34 arranged in series in the direction in which the vapor passes, i.e., in the vertical direction, but the number of reflux shelves 34 is not limited to this.

[0093] The botanical pot 36 is a pot that contains botanicals such as herbs, spices, and fruit peels, and is configured to transfer the flavor components of the botanicals to the steam that flows in and then discharge the steam. It can be said that the steam that has passed through the first path switching unit 22 flows into the botanical pot 36.

[0094] In this embodiment, the botanical pot 36 is provided in parallel with the reflux shelf 34 in the first path 22b through which the steam passes in the reflux section 30. This makes it easy to adjust the flavor components to be imparted to the distilled spirit to be produced. However, this is not limiting, and the steam may be configured so that it passes through the botanical pot 36 and then passes through the reflux section 30, or the steam that has passed through the reflux section 30 and then passes through the botanical pot 36.

[0095] The steam that has passed through the distiller 33 and the steam that has passed through the botanical pot 36 can flow into the downstream process section 25.

[0096] In this embodiment, reflux section 30 is equipped with reflux path 30a that refluxes the liquid accumulated on reflux shelf 34 back to still 20. In reflux shelf 34, the liquid accumulates on the lowest reflux shelf 34 (which may be said to be the bottom of still 33). The liquid produced in reflux section 30 is refluxed to still 20 through reflux path 30a and is distilled again.

[0097] As will be described later, a portion of the distillate condensed in the downstream process section 25 is returned to the reflux section 30. This distillate also returns to the reflux line 30a via the reflux shelf 34 and is distilled again.

[0098] The reflux path 30a may be a path configured to reflux the liquid accumulated in the botanical pot 36 back to the still 20. The liquid produced in the botanical pot 36 is refluxed to the still 20 through the reflux path 30a and is distilled again.

[0099] The downstream process section 25 includes, for example, a condenser 26, a distillate distillation section 27, a cooler 28, and a distillate storage tank 29. The downstream process section 25 condenses the inflowing vapor, cools it, and stores it.

[0100] The condenser 26 is configured to receive the vapor that has passed through the first path 22b or the second path 22c. The condenser 26 is a device that converts the vapor back into a liquid (condenses it) during the distillation process. The condenser 26 has mainly tubular or plate-shaped cooling surfaces, and a cooling medium (such as water or air) passes through these cooling surfaces to cool the vapor. The vapor is introduced into the condenser 26, where it is cooled and converted back into a liquid. This liquid is sent to the distillate diversion section 27.

[0101] The distillate separation section 27 has a pipe connected to the condenser 26. The distillate separation section 27 separates the distillate containing the distilled alcohol from the other components and directs the distillate to different flow paths depending on the target components. In this embodiment, the distillate containing a large amount of alcohol is sent to a condenser 28, and the separated distillate is refluxed to the reflux section 30. The refluxed distillate is returned to the still 20 from a reflux path 30a via, for example, a distiller 33.

[0102] The cooler 28 is configured to cool the alcohol-containing distillate by a heat exchanger using cooling water. The structure of the heat exchanger is not important. The cooled distillate is sent to a distillate storage tank 29 by a pump 18.

[0103] It should be noted that, for example, a water-sealed vacuum pump can be used as the pump 18. The pump 18 is configured to be able to draw the condensed distillate from the cooler 28 through an intake pipe to a distillate storage tank 29. A flow meter 15, such as a Coriolis mass flow meter, is disposed in this flow path, making it possible to grasp the amount of distillate introduced into the distillate storage tank 29.

[0104] The distillation process section 2 having the configuration according to this specific example has the following advantages.

[0105] In other words, the reflux tray 34 can be used to easily allow vapor having the required alcohol concentration to flow into the condenser 26, thereby enabling efficient production of distilled spirits. When producing distilled spirits with a relatively high alcohol concentration, the number of times distillation and purification are repeated can be reduced, thereby reducing the energy consumption required to produce distilled spirits.

[0106] Furthermore, since reflux path 30a is provided for refluxing the liquid component from reflux shelf 34 to still pot 20, distilled spirits with a high alcohol concentration can be produced more efficiently. Furthermore, since the liquid component separated by distillate fractionating section 27 from condenser 26 can be refluxed to still pot 20, distilled spirits with a high alcohol concentration can be produced more efficiently.

[0107] Furthermore, since a reflux path 30a is provided for refluxing the liquid from the botanical pot 36 to the still 20, flavored distilled spirits can be produced more efficiently.

[0108] Furthermore, the concentration of alcohol contained in the vapor to be condensed may be easily adjusted by adjusting the ratio between the amount of vapor passing through the first path 22b and the amount of vapor passing through the second path 22c using the first path switching unit 22. In this case, the ratio between the flow rate of the vapor passing through the first path 22b and the flow rate of the vapor passing through the second path 22c may be adjusted, or the ratio between the time during which the vapor flows into the downstream process unit 25 via the first path 22b and the time during which the vapor flows into the downstream process unit 25 via the second path 22c may be adjusted.

[0109] The method for producing distilled spirits using the first path switching unit 22 in this manner can be expressed as follows: That is, the method for producing distilled spirits is carried out using a distilled spirits production plant 1 including a still 20, a downstream process unit 25 into which steam discharged from the still 20 flows and which condenses and cools the inflowing steam, and a reflux unit 30 provided between the still 20 and the downstream process unit 25 and having a reflux shelf 34 configured to increase the alcohol concentration of the inflowing steam and discharge it from an upper portion, the method including a heating step of heating a fermented liquid in the still 20 to discharge steam, and a switching step of using the first path switching unit 22 to switch between a first path 22b, which causes the steam discharged from the still 20 to flow into the downstream process unit 25 via the reflux unit 30, and a second path 22c, which causes the steam discharged from the still 20 to flow into the downstream process unit 25 without passing through the reflux unit 30.

[0110] The degree to which botanical flavor is imparted to the condensed steam may be easily adjusted by adjusting the ratio between the amount of steam passing through the distiller 33 and the amount of steam passing through the botanical pot 36 using the second path switching unit 32. In this case, the ratio between the flow rate of steam passing through the distiller 33 and the flow rate of steam passing through the botanical pot 36 may be adjusted, or the ratio between the time during which steam flows into the downstream process unit 25 via the distiller 33 and the time during which steam flows into the downstream process unit 25 via the botanical pot 36 may be adjusted.

[0111] (others)

[0112] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible, and these modifications are also within the scope of the present invention. For example, a distillate production plant having a configuration similar to that of the distillate production plant according to the above-described embodiments may be used not only for the production of distilled spirits, but also for the production of fuel alcohol or industrial alcohol. In this case, the distillate production plant may be operated with the path via the botanical pot blocked. Furthermore, when producing fuel or industrial alcohol, a botanical pot may not be provided.

[0113] For example, the present invention is not limited to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, and some of the components and functions of the above-described embodiments and specific examples may be omitted. Furthermore, modifications may be made, such as adding other components, in order to use known methods for producing distilled spirits. [Industrial Applicability]

[0114] As described above, the distillate production plant according to the present invention has the effect of reducing the environmental load in the production of distillates and improving economic efficiency, and is useful as a distillate production plant, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0115] 1. Distilled spirits production plant (an example of a distillate production plant) 2 Distillation process section 5 Heat source part 6. First boiler 7. Second boiler 8 Ash storage section 10 Residue Treatment Process Department 20 Distillation pot 25 Downstream Processing Section 29 Distillate storage tank 50 reactors 60 Solid-liquid separator 65 Liquid treatment tank 70 Drying equipment 80 Molding equipment

Claims

1. a distillation process section including a still for heating the fermented liquid; a residue treatment process section for producing a solid fuel using a solid component containing residue separated from the waste liquid of the fermentation liquid transferred from the still after distillation; a heat source capable of heating the still by burning the solid fuel.

2. The distillate production plant according to claim 1 , wherein the residue treatment process unit is configured to produce a pellet-shaped product as the solid fuel, in which a solid component containing the dried residue is formed into pellets.

3. 2. The distillation production plant according to claim 1, wherein the heat source unit has a first boiler that uses the solid fuel and a second boiler that uses a fuel different from the solid fuel, and is configured so that the still can be heated using the second boiler together with the first boiler.

4. The distillate production plant according to claim 1, further comprising an ash storage section for storing ash after combustion in the heat source section.

5. a distillation process section including a still for heating the fermented liquid; a residue treatment process section for producing a solid fuel using a solid component containing residue separated from the waste liquid of the fermentation liquid transferred from the still after distillation; A method for producing a distillate using a distillate production plant including a heat source unit capable of burning the solid fuel to heat the still, a fuel production step of producing a solid fuel by the residue treatment process unit using the waste liquid transferred from the still; a combustion step of burning the solid fuel in the heat source unit; A distillation step of heating the still with the heat source section and producing a distillate with the distillation process section.

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