De-Alcoholisation: Reverse Osmosis Membrane Technology

De-Alcoholisation is a complex process and is heavily reliant on Reverse Osmosis. Reverse osmosis (RO) is a membrane-based technology that is used in diverse applications such as desalination, wastewater treatment, juice concentration, and de-alcoholisation (Wenten, 2016).

Reverse osmosis membranes use a smaller pore size compared to other pressure-driven membrane systems and allows for a more selective separation. This dictates that higher pressures are required for the process (Johnson and Nguyen, 2017). 

The pressure used should be above the osmotic pressure of the solution in order to be separated. As a result, high pressure (up to 60 bar) is required in this operation. One of the biggest advantages of this system is the ability to retain temperature sensitive molecules (Catarino et al., 2007). In this technique, mostly asymmetric structures coupled with cellulose acetate, polyamide, and polyester sulfone layer membranes are used. (Alcantara et al., 2016).

De-Alcoholisation of Wine by Reverse Osmosis

In the past few decades, an increased market for low-alcohol and dealcoholized wine has developed. In addition, delaying harvesting to increase flavour content has resulted in grapes with elevated °Brix values, and corresponding wines with higher alcohol contents which can produce unbalanced wines. Conversely, delayed harvest, ostensibly to increase flavour potential, has resulted in wines with higher-than-typical alcohol content (Alston et al., 2011).

Previously, de-alcoholisation typically involved heat-induced alcohol evaporation. This method was successful, but it impacted on the flavour and odour of the final product. Correspondingly, this method was appropriate only for inexpensive, low-alcohol wines.

Vacuum distillation superseded this process as variables such as reducing the temperature in the process prevented flavours from being distorted. Unfortunately, this process on its own allowed important volatiles to escape along with the alcohol, which still impacted on the mixtures overall character and flavour.

Presently, the most widely used de-alcoholisation technique is a combination of vacuum distillation and reverse osmosis technology. (Fischer and Berger, 1996).

When alcoholic wines are treated to bring their alcohol content down to more traditional values, some flavour loss is typical and perceived to be a relatively minor factor industry wide. The alcohol content in the wine influences the bouquet, flavour and overall balance of the wine. Adjusting the alcohol content in the wine provides the winemaker with a unique opportunity to alter and adjust the wine’s characteristics.

Whenever the addition of water is deemed permissible or necessary in the production of low-alcohol beverages, dilution becomes the most straightforward way to obtain de-alcoholisation in the final mixture.

Reverse osmosis has developed greatly over the past thirty years and the costs associated with installing and commissioning a reverse osmosis plant have made them more accessible than ever. Until relatively recently, these procedures required expensive installations and extensive technical skill.

The application of these systems was strictly limited to very large wineries. Now, reverse osmosis operation is a more automated process and service contracts for these systems are obtainable though specialized firms such as Puretech Water Systems (UK) Ltd.

In addition to this, affordable benchtop units are becoming more readily available, which are appropriate for boutique wineries.

Removal Of Alcohol In Beer By Reverse Osmosis

Most beer contains approximately 90% water. The water quality that is used to brew the beer is of utmost importance. Here are two key factors of how water quality impacts on the final product:

• Water improves and intensifies the flavour and makes up majority of the mixture.
• Water is critical in the mashing process, and it can determine how efficient processes are.

Calcium, carbonate, chloride, magnesium, sulphate and sodium all impact upon the characteristics of the final product. The leading brewers and distillers use the highest available purity of water and then seek to add back some of these ions retrospectively.

Puretech Water Systems (UK) Ltd specialise in providing high-purity water for all brewers and can cater to all production volumes and varying requirements. We have experience working with micro-breweries and breweries alike.

In 2005, Catarino and colleagues studied the performance of the RO membrane for de-alcoholisation.

Different operating conditions and the ability of separation were investigated. In this technique, feed should overcome the osmosis pressure to move and permeate alcohol from a higher concentration stream to a lower concentration stream. The RO technique could remove alcohol from beer by using a semipermeable membrane without removing other compounds such as flavour compounds and aroma. It is common to operate a batch or semi batch mode. Desalination of pure water should continuously replace the water which is removed with alcohol. It is necessary to use a heat exchanger to keep the temperature constant (Catarino et al., 2006).

Feed pressure can lead to rejection and permeate flux of ethanol. Temperature increases lead to an increase of the permeate flow rate but an alcohol rejection decrease. Cellulose acetate performs the best in terms of alcohol rejection and permeate flux (Catarino et al., 2006).

 

Distilling & The De-Alcoholisation Of Spirits Using Reverse Osmosis

The well-established process of distilling spirits involves striking a fine balance between simple ingredients that create the character and complexity of the spirit. Water is the catalyst in this process and influences the final solution. It makes up majority of the solution as a key component and compounds the character and determines how the mixture combines.

The organic compound ethanol is the psychoactive agent in alcoholic beverages and can be made through the fermentation process with sugars and yeast. The fermentation process in creating liquors is only the beginning of the process, as the fermented product then requires distillation.  

In some instances, traditional distillation and the ‘proof’ of an alcohol dictate whether it can be called a ‘gin’ or a ‘whiskey’.  There are often legality issues surrounding what a product can be called because of this. Typically, anything under 37.5% ABV is not considered to be a gin for example. They are produced to look and taste as like their alcoholic counterparts with a very low or negligible alcohol content through de-acoholisation.  

It is becoming more commonplace for distillers to distil these ‘low alcohol’ spirits and beverages using traditional distillation processes.  Grain spirits which are perceived to be a plain alcohol, are added to a copper still. Often other botanicals are added to replicate the classic tastes and aromas associated with the liquor.

Once added to the still, the liquid is heated and the alcohol vapour which is created from heating purified water which has been produced by the reverse osmosis system, which then separates the alcohol. The vapour that is created is then cooled down and returns to a liquid state. This liquid is then further combined with pure water from the reverse osmosis system. Alcohol and water distil at different temperatures which results in ethanol and water-based distillations separating out easily.

Typically, when making standard strength alcoholic gin, the mixture is diluted by approximately half.

However, when making these ‘low alcohol’ version of the spirit the mixture is much more heavily diluted by the distiller with the pure water from the reverse osmosis system, which reduces the overall alcohol content by a much more significant margin until the desired alcohol to water ratio is achieved.

By distilling the mixture several times, the desired strength of the final solution can be achieved successfully. The base liquors that utilise the distillation process in this way are brandy, gin, rum, tequila, vodka and whiskey.

The Solution: Commercial Reverse Osmosis Systems

To properly treat water for brewing and distillation, it is important that all unnecessary contaminants are removed. Reverse osmosis is the most effective method for removing these contaminants. Chlorine and some organic materials are removed with a backwashing carbon filter to protect the reverse osmosis membrane and improve efficiencies.

If the water is over 70 mg/l of hardness (calcium and magnesium) then a water softener needs to be placed in front of the reverse osmosis system.

After the water is processed through the reverse osmosis system it is stored in an atmospheric storage tank in large volumes. In some instances, distilleries will opt to put RO water through a deionization (DI) system which results in what is commonly known as pure water with a pH of 7.0. 

An ultraviolet (UV) light in-line is used to eliminate any bacteria when this water is feed to where it is next required. It is important to monitor the water quality from the reverse osmosis control panel to establish if certain consumables require replacing.

In certain instances, breweries will add calcium and other compounds back into the final mixture to alter the pH and mixture to taste.

In Distilleries it is commonplace for copper stills to be filled with a wash of a 50/50 mixture of neutral grain spirit and pure water. In addition to its use in the wash, pure water produced by the reverse osmosis system is also used for diluting the final mixture to bottling strength, somewhere typically in the region of 37.5% – 60% ABV.

 

Find Out More

We manufacture and stock a wide range of plants for brewing and distilling processes that can meet exacting flow rate requirements for de-alcoholisation.

As an example, our larger units can supply over 50,000 litres per day. We pride ourselves on our bespoke configurations that are tailored to meet the requirements of each of the industries that we work with.

Here’s more about how the adaptive design works:

• All of our plants come with 3 flow meters.
• Stainless Steel Frames
• Microfiltration at 5 microns
• TDS Elimination up to 99.2%

Puretech Water Systems (UK) Ltd are a leading water treatment plant manufacturer. We are leading Commercial Water Softener Plant manufacturers and Commercial Reverse Osmosis Plant manufacturers.

We provide a 1st class installation and maintenance services on our own equipment as well as other manufacturers equipment. Our industry expertise and customer focused approach provide you with the best customer support possible and the service your company deserves.

Contact us to find out which Commercial Reverse Osmosis Unit best suits your application.

Call us to consult with an expert today! For a competitive quotation, call 01622 871 877.

Glass Manufacturing: Water Treatment Integral To The Process

Chiefly, Puretech Water Systems (UK) Ltd specialise in a wide range of Reverse Osmosis and Water Softening plants for Glass Manufacturing. Overall, we are a leading UK based manufacturer and service provider.

Specifically, we manufacture our own range of reverse osmosis and water softening systems. These systems are a bespoke design tailored to serving the requirements in the glass manufacturing industry.  

Moreover, we also maintain other manufacturers reverse osmosis and water softening plants.

Subsequently, our extensive industry knowledge enables us to assist and advise the Production Manager or Quality Assurance Manager personnel. To that end, we understand how important it is to improve production efficiencies on site within the glass manufacturing facility.

 

Why Is Industrial Water Treatment Important: A Brief Summary

Without a doubt, a high grade of pure water is a necessity when manufacturing sealed units. The internal surface of the glass must be devoid of staining or scaling in order to meet quality assurance standards.

In essence, it is pivotal that purified water is utilised in the production processes in glass manufacturing to minimise wastage. Internal surfaces that are damaged or that have misting are considered to be an irreversible fault. Therefore, it is extremely important that these faults are minimised to keep production costs low and quality standards high.

Markedly, we have created some substantial savings for our customers for the planned servicing and breakdown support on their systems. Equally, we achieve this without any compromise to service levels. Furthermore, our clients have seen considerably improved service levels due to our accountability and transparency as a service provider. Thereupon, we have written testimonials from a number of these clients in the glass manufacturing sector.

Our service contracts include all the planned labour and consumables which are sufficient to run the plant for a 12-month period. Altogether, there are no hidden extras in our planned service contracts. Consequently, this helps you from a budgeting point of view.

Find Out More

We manufacture and stock a wide range of units to meet glass manufacturers exacting flow rate requirements.

As an example, our larger units can supply over 50,000 litres per day. We pride ourselves on our bespoke configurations that are tailored to meet the requirements of each of the industries that we work with.

Here’s more about how the adaptive design works:

• All of our plants come with 3 flow meters.
• Stainless Steel Frames
• Microfiltration at 5 microns
• TDS Elimination up to 99.2%

Puretech Water Systems (UK) Ltd are a leading water treatment plant manufacturer. We are leading Commercial Water Softener Plant manufacturers and Commercial Reverse Osmosis Plant manufacturers.

We provide a 1st class installation and maintenance services on our own equipment as well as other manufacturers equipment. Our industry expertise and customer focused approach provide you with the best customer support possible and the service your company deserves.

Contact us to find out which Commercial Reverse Osmosis Unit best suits your application.

Call us to consult with an expert today! For a competitive quotation, call 01622 871 877.

What is Industrial Water Treatment?

Altogether, water is a crucial resource for numerous industries. It is used for a variety of purposes, including cooling, cleaning, and manufacturing. However, incoming water supplies such as towns mains and bore hole extractions contain impurities. Consequently, these impurities are extremely detrimental to equipment and manufacturing processes.

Henceforth, this is where industrial water treatment comes in to play.

In this article, we will investigate what industrial water treatment is, how it works, and why it is so important.

 

Why Is Industrial Water Treatment Important: A Brief Summary

Evidently, water treatment is a complex process which removes impurities from water. Impurities such as minerals, organic matter, and bacteria can cause corrosion, fouling and other issues which can lead to equipment failure and downtime. Ultimately, it protects valuable assets, equipment, and processes.

It is also used to ensure that the water is safe to discharge into the environment. Water that is discharged into the environment must meet discharge consent limits to prevent harm to the surrounding ecosystem. In particular, it minimizes the impact on the environment from industrial processes.

Finally, water treatment is important because it can help to reduce costs. The amount of chemicals and energy can be reduced in the long term when introducing water treatment techniques.

 

How Does It Work?

Significantly, the specific processes of industrial water treatment will always vary from industry to industry and the requirements of the user. However, there is a typical set of steps involved in most industrial water treatment processes. These include:

 

1. Pre-treatment: We remove large particles and debris from the water by using screens and settling tanks.

 

2. Primary treatment: Sedimentation tanks and filters are used to remove suspended solids and organic matter from the water.

 

3. Secondary treatment: Usually, people remove dissolved solids and other impurities from the water by using chemicals.

 

4. Tertiary-treatment: Further treating the water to remove the remaining impurities like bacteria.

 

5. Disinfection: Finally, operators treat the water further with chemicals.

 

These steps can often be repeated multiple times to ensure that the water is completely safe for discharge into the environment.

 

What Are The Different Types Of Systems?

Below is a list of the most common types of industrial water treatment systems:

 

1. Filtration Systems: Physical barriers and filtration media is used. The filtration media used varies depending on the incoming untreated feedwater quality. Sand filters, Activated Carbon filters and PES filters are most used.

 

2. Ion Exchange Systems: Pressure vessels that use resin and brine solutions to remove impurities and hardness from water.

 

3. Reverse Osmosis Systems: These systems are usually put in place for finer filtration and are an extension of the aforementioned systems listed above in points one and two. These systems use semi-permeable membranes to further remove impurities from water.

 

4. Chemical & Biological Treatment: Chemical dosing and in some cases, microorganisms can be used to break down organic matter and other impurities in the water. As a company, we focus solely on Filtration, Ion Exchange, and Reverse Osmosis.

 

It is commonplace for each of these processes and systems to run in tandem. However, the best system ultimately depends on the specific needs and circumstances on site.

 

What Are Some Common Impurities?

There are a wide variety of different impurities that may be present in the water. Some of the most common include:

 

1. Suspended Solids: Small particles that are suspended in the water that can often cause fouling and other issues with processes and equipment.

 

2. Dissolved Solids: Typically, minerals and other impurities that are dissolved in the water. Often, they cause scaling and other issues with processes and equipment.

 

3. Organic Matter: Bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms. Similarly, to Suspended Solids, they often cause fouling and other issues with processes and equipment.

 

4. Chemicals: Incoming water supplies are often pre-treated with chemicals. Chlorine and Ammonia amongst others can cause corrosion and fouling on pre-treatment equipment as well as create issues with processes and equipment.

 

5. Pathogens: Harmful bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms that can cause illness.

 

Understanding the types of impurities present in the water leads to designing and implementing the most effective water treatment system.

 

What Are The Challenges?

Industrial water treatment is complex. Addressing water treatment concerns comes with many design and installation challenges:

 

1. Water Volume & Flow Rates: Industrial processes often require large amounts of water. There are of course exceptions. When designing, supplying, installing, and commissioning a system we always take water volume and flow rates into account.

 

2. Contamination: Water used for industrial processes has more potential for contamination with a wider variety of impurities present typically present in the environment. This can make treatment more difficult.

 

3. Regulations: Strict regulations are in place to govern the discharge consent limits from Industrial businesses. Meeting these regulations can be a significant challenge, but water treatment is the best solution.

 

Conclusion

Industrial water treatment is a complex process that usually involves a variety of different treatment methods. The goal of industrial water treatment is to remove impurities from the water. This is to protect equipment and improve manufacturing processes and often to make sure that the water is safe to discharge to the environment.

There is a wide variety of industrial water treatment solutions available, sometimes they are required in tandem, other times they can provide a standalone solution. By understanding the impurities that are present, and the challenges faced by a business, we can implement effective water treatment systems. We offer, supply, design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance services on water treatment systems.

Typical end use applications for Purified Water

Reverse Osmosis Systems are commonly used across a wide range of industries with varying end use applications. Evidently, purified water has a wide range of uses, including:

1. Medical: Used in medical facilities for surgeries, dialysis, and other medical procedures.
2. Laboratory: Used in laboratory testing and experiments to avoid impurities interfering with the results.
3. Manufacturing: Used in the manufacturing of various products, including cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals.
4. Building Services: Used for keeping steam boilers and equipment running efficiently, by reducing blowdowns.
5. Cleaning: Used in cleaning applications such as cleaning electronic components, windows, and other sensitive surfaces that special care.
6. Humidifiers: Used to prevent the build-up of mineral deposits, which can damage the machinery. Also prevents the release of harmful minerals into the air space.
7. Aquariums: Used for aquariums and fish tanks as it does not contain any harmful chemicals or bacteria. This protects the fish and other aquatic animals from harm.
8. Drinking: Used for drinking with a remineralisation filter. Is free of contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and pollutants.
9. Cooking: Used for cooking to prevent impurities affecting the taste or quality of the food.

Overall, purified water is a versatile and essential resource. It has a wide range of uses in various industries.

In conclusion, reverse osmosis is most known for its use in water purification. Reverse Osmosis Systems aid in reducing the conductivity levels in the water and can provide a very high grade of water purity.

 

Find Out More

Puretech Water Systems (UK) Ltd specialise in water treatment and process filtration. We work across multiple sectors providing water processing solutions.

Interested in finding out more about the services we provide?

Find more information here: https://puretechsystems.co.uk/

What is Reverse Osmosis? How does a Reverse Osmosis System work?

 

Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a water purification technology that uses semi-permeable membranes to remove ions, molecules and particles from water.

In a Reverse Osmosis System, water is forced through the membrane, leaving contaminants behind and producing clean, purified water.

 

A Brief Summary

Reverse osmosis involves applying pressure to water on one side of the membrane and forcing it through its small pores. In a Reverse Osmosis System, the membrane only allows for water molecules to pass through it. This means that it is filtering out impurities such as salts, minerals, and other contaminants. In a Reverse Osmosis System, the purified water is collected and stored on the other side of the membrane. Conversely, the concentrated impurities are flushed away by the Reverse Osmosis System or recirculated through the ringmain to be reprocessed.

Reverse Osmosis Systems are used for both domestic and commercial water filtration, across a wide range of industries. Presently, Reverse Osmosis Systems can remove up to 99% of dissolved solids, bacteria, viruses, and other impurities from water. Undoubtedly, Reverse Osmosis Systems provide a reliable and effective method of water purification.

 

Technical Overview

In a Reverse Osmosis System applied pressure is used to overcome osmotic pressure, a colligative property, that is driven by chemical potential differences of the solvent, a thermodynamic parameter.

Reverse Osmosis removes dissolved and suspended solids from water, including bacteria. It is used in both industrial processes and the purification of potable water.

The solute is retained on the pressurized side of the membrane and the pure solvent can pass through. The membrane prevents large molecules or ions passing through the pores. However, the membrane allows smaller components of the solution (such as solvent molecules) to pass freely.

In the normal osmosis process, the solvent naturally moves from an area of low solute concentration (high water potential), through a membrane, to an area of high solute concentration (low water potential).

The driving force for the movement of the solvent is the reduction in the free energy of the system. This occurs when the difference in solvent concentration on either side of a membrane is reduced. By doing this, we generate osmotic pressure due to the solvent moving into the more concentrated solution.

Applying an external pressure to reverse the natural flow of pure solvent, it is known as, reverse osmosis.

Because reverse osmosis also involves diffusion it makes the process dependent on pressure, flow rate, and other conditions. The primary functions of a complete Reverse Osmosis System use high pressure pumps in a closed-circuit ring main.

 

 

Safe Storage for Purified Water

After the reverse osmosis process, purified water is typically stored in a dedicated storage tank or container. Storage tanks are purpose built. They tend to be made of plastic, stainless steel, or other materials that are compatible with water. This prevents the contamination of the purified water.

Storage tank are typically located near the reverse osmosis system, connected to the system through a tubing or piping system. Storage tanks are usually equipped with a float valve or a pressure switch. This controls the level of water in the tank and turns off the water supply when the tank is full.

To ensure the purity of the stored water, the storage tank is typically sanitised periodically. Chemical disinfectants or other appropriate methods are used to ensure the tank is sanitised. Additionally, tanks are usually equipped with a vent or an air gap to prevent backflow or contamination from the environment.

When the purified water is needed, it is typically drawn from the storage tank through a separate dedicated outlet. The water is usually further treated or filtered, if necessary, before it is consumed or used for other purposes.#

Typical end use applications for Purified Water

Reverse Osmosis Systems are commonly used across a wide range of industries with varying end use applications. Evidently, purified water has a wide range of uses, including:

1. Medical: Used in medical facilities for surgeries, dialysis, and other medical procedures.
2. Laboratory: Used in laboratory testing and experiments to avoid impurities interfering with the results.
3. Manufacturing: Used in the manufacturing of various products, including cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals.
4. Building Services: Used for keeping steam boilers and equipment running efficiently, by reducing blowdowns.
5. Cleaning: Used in cleaning applications such as cleaning electronic components, windows, and other sensitive surfaces that special care.
6. Humidifiers: Used to prevent the build-up of mineral deposits, which can damage the machinery. Also prevents the release of harmful minerals into the air space.
7. Aquariums: Used for aquariums and fish tanks as it does not contain any harmful chemicals or bacteria. This protects the fish and other aquatic animals from harm.
8. Drinking: Used for drinking with a remineralisation filter. Is free of contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, and pollutants.
9. Cooking: Used for cooking to prevent impurities affecting the taste or quality of the food.

Overall, purified water is a versatile and essential resource. It has a wide range of uses in various industries.

In conclusion, reverse osmosis is most known for its use in water purification. Reverse Osmosis Systems aid in reducing the conductivity levels in the water and can provide a very high grade of water purity

 

Find Out More

Puretech Water Systems (UK) Ltd specialise in water treatment and process filtration. We work across multiple sectors providing water processing solutions.

Similarly, desalination is an artificial process which removes the salt and other effluent materials from the water molecules of seawater. Desalination utilises reverse osmosis technologies.

Interested in finding out more about the desalination services we provide?

Find more information here: https://puretechsystems.co.uk/desalination/