Holstein Catalyst

[Backflush]

I thought I would share this Holstein Patent info i found today for their catalyst that they mention on their website. It is European patent # EP0459310

It consists of a copper honeycomb above the dephlegmator which significantly increases the copper surface for reducing the cyanide content and thus for reducing the formation of ethyl carbamate when distilling stone fruit spirits. Not sure if this is a concern for grain or sugar washes. The following is translated from German so the wording might not sound right.

The catalyst 10 is above the dephlegmator unit 9, ie, still positioned within the distillation apparatus. Thereby extending its cross section over the entire flow cross-section of the rising alcohol vapors. Only in this way a complete contact of the vapors made with the catalyst surface 10. Plays the structure of the catalyst, 10 - as shown in section in Figure 3 - an important role.

To get no flow losses caused by a pressure drop in the catalyst 10, the slats in the catalyst 10 is formed so that the axial flow of the vapors can be completely carried out without pressure drop, ie the catalyst 10 has in its axial longitudinal direction no baffles, projections or other deflections to that could generate a pressure loss. The catalyst 10 is therefore "soft" flow through without a remarkable return of condensate occurs. Thereby findte held a significant improvement in reducing the cyanide content.

Also very interesting is the design of the bottom plate which has a funnel shape and a tube which extends down into the wash.

[Backflush]

After studying the patent again I realized the catalyst is not a honeycomb like I referred to above. It is a lamella shape which is triangular and not a hexagon like a bee hive. See the picture I attached. Also, in the attached picture from the Bavarian Holstein website brochure you can see more clearly the design of the catalyst. Above the catalyst is a rotating CIP. You can also see a tube through the center of the catalyst with a gate valve at the bottom so it can be bypassed.

[Prairiepiss]

Very interesting. The bottomed plate is also interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[LWTCS]

forthcoming experiments with copper foam are quite likely.

[Swede]

The bottom plate is a defoamer. It breaks up the foam to keep from puking the column...

edit: and the copper is more like corrugated cardboard than foam. HTH.

[Backflush]

True, copper foam will work, but it would significantly retrict vapor flow. A honeycomb or lamella would hardly retrict the flow at all since 75% - 95% is empty space.

[Prairiepiss]

forthcoming experiments with copper foam are quite likely.

Whaa what?