Bio Ethanol Plant Model PT 011

In many the chemical and foodstuffs industries, ethanol (alcohol) is increasingly used as a fuel. Sci-tech Bio Ethanol Plant Model PT 011 can be used to conduct realistic experiments for the production of ethanol from starch-based raw materials such as potatoes. The experimental plant consists of three main components: a mash tank, a fermentation tank and a distillation unit.

Features
– Practical process for production of ethanol from starch-based biological raw materials
– System control using a PLC, touch screen for display and operation
– PC aided data acquisition via USB interface

Item Description

A mixture of water, finely chopped potatoes and alpha-amylase (enzyme) is filled into the mash tank. To dissolve the tightly packed starch chains in the potatoes, heating steam is injected into the mixture via a nozzle (gelatinisation). This increases the flow resistance of the mash, which would prevent further processes. The alpha-amylase breaks up the starch chains (liquefying) thereby reducing the flow resistance. Gluco-amylase is used to convert the starch into sugar (saccharification). This enzyme requires lower temperatures and pH values. The temperature is reduced using the water cooling jacket around the mash tank, the pH value is adjusted by the addition of acid and caustic. After saccharification the mash is pumped into the fermentation tank. During the fermentation process in this tank, ethanol is produced. A water cooling system controls the temperature. After the fermentation process, the mash is pumped into the distillation unit. This is equipped with a bubble cap tray column for separation of the ethanol. Two tanks are available, one for the spent mash, the other for the distilled ethanol. The experimental plant has comprehensive measurement, control and operating functions, which are controlled via a PLC or DAQ. An optional touch screen displays measured values and permits the operation of the system.
The steam supply occurs via laboratory network or an optionally available electrical steam generator Scitech Model BSG 010.

1. Batch conversion of starch-based raw materials into ethanol
2. Open mash tank with water-jacket cooling, steam injection and stirrer
3. Closed fermentation tank with stirrer and water-jacket cooling/heating
4. Distillation unit with 3 bubble cap trays, dephlegmator, condenser and stirrer
5. 2 pumps for delivering the mash
6. pH value control in the mash tank with acid and caustic delivered by metering pumps
7. Adjustment of the amount of injected heating steam, the cooling water flow rates and the head temperature by means of PID / DAQ controllers
8. System control using a PLC or DAQ; operated by optional touch screen
9. Sci-tech software for data acquisition via USB under Windows 7, 8.1, 10

Technical Specifications

Mash tank: 40L Fermentation tank: 50L Product tank: 10L Spent mash: 30L Distillation unit
– column: DxH: 220x1200mm
– sump capacity: 45L
– sump heater: 0…7500W
2 air-operated diaphragm pumps
– drive pressure: 2bar
– max. flow rate: 15L/min
– max. head: 20m
– max. solid lump size: 4mm
2 metering pumps (acid and caustic)
– max. flow rate: each 2,1L/h
Measuring ranges
– temperature: 10x 0…150°C
– water quantity mash tank: 0…20L
– pH value: 2…10
– pressure heating steam: 0…10bar

Requirements
– Mains Power 220 – 240V @ 50Hz, 1Ph & 400 – 440V @ 50Hz, 3Ph