Laboratory Techniques for Small Distilleries

1 Laboratory Techniques for Small DistilleriesPresented byNorma R. HillScientific Services Division2009 TTB Expo PresentationOverview Basic Assumptions: Target audience Basic terminology Analytical Tests: Proofing Rules Distilled spirits alcohol determination Solids determination and obscuration Fill and Headspace of containersBasic Assumptions Target Audience: Small distillery Limited Laboratory experience Limited Laboratory equipment Overview of Basic Techniques : Basic terminology Basic equipmentBasic Terminology Proof Gallon:A gallon of liquid at 600F. which contains 50 percent by volume of ethyl alcohol having a specific gravity of at 600F. referred to water at 600F.

2 As unity, or the alcoholic equivalent thereof. Apparent Proof:Proof measured on the sample neat. It is not the same as true proof. It is influenced by dissolved solids and other solvents. True Proof:A defined measure of the alcohol content of the sample. Obscuration:A convention used to correct for dissolved solids. Fill:The net contents of the container. Headspace:The volume left at the top of an almost filled container before TerminologyVolumetric glassware: Calibrated To Deliver PipettesVolumetric flasksGraduated CylindersBuretsHow to read a water meniscusReagents: Substances consumed during a chemical reaction; GlassVolumetric flaskPipetteCommon GlasswareFlaskCondenserConnecting adapterAnalytical TestsDetermination of Alcohol in SpiritsDistillation with Hydrometry or DensitometryBasic EquipmentDistillation HydrometryHydrometers.

3 Specific Gravity divisions divisions proofHow to read thehydrometerHydrometers 27 CFR to G20 to H40 to I60 to K75 to L90 to M105 to N125 to P145 to Q165 to R185 to Thermometers 27 CFR type10 to 100 1 V-back10 to 100 1 Glass shell (earlier model)40 to 100 1/2 Glass shell (later model)40 to 100 1/4 Basic EquipmentDistillation HydrometryThermometerCalibrated divisions & cylinderClear glass diameter250 mL volumetric flaskBasic EquipmentDistillation HydrometryDistillation ApparatusElectric mantle heaterCondenserConstant Temperature WaterbathConversion table as appropriate:The Gauging Manual and Tables 27 CFR 30 ( )Table of the Official Methods of Analysis (18thEd.)

4 Reagents Reagents: Antifoam Distilled water Also: Ice Boiling Beads/ChipsBasic EquipmentDistillation Densitometry///////////////////////////D ensitometer100 ml volumetric flaskAnalytical TestsDetermination of Solids in SpiritsSolids up to 600 mg/LObscurationDetermination of Solids Basic Equipment25 mL pipetteAluminum weighing dishAnalytical BalanceDrying oven/////////////////////////DessicatorC alculations Obscuration is an empirical factor. It has been determined experimentally that 100 mg of solids in100 mL of sample will obscure (lower) the apparent proof by Obscuration = [(Wt. dish + residue) tare] X 400 Sample size True Proof = Apparent Proof + ObscurationProofing RulesProofing Rules 80 100oProof Solids Range 0 400 g/100L: Sample may be compliant on either true proof or apparent proof.

5 Obscuration may be determined using the evaporation or distillation Rules 80 1000 Proof (Continued) Solids Range 400 600 g/100L: Sample must be compliant on True Proof. True proof is determined from the Apparent Proof plus the Obscuration. Obscuration may be determined using the evaporation or distillation Rules 80 1000 Proof (Continued) Solids range over 600 g/100L: Sample must be compliant on True Proof. True Proof is determined by Rules Proof < 80 or >1000 Proof Solids range 0 400 g/100L: Sample may be compliant on either true proof or apparent proof. Solids Range 400 600 g/100L: Sample must be compliant on True Proof. True proof is determined from the Apparent Proof + the Obscuration.

6 Solids range over 600 g/100L: Sample must be compliant on True Proof. True Proof is determined by distillation. Obscuration must be determined by the distillation TestsFill/HeadspaceBasic EquipmentFill/HeadspaceTop loaderbalanceCalculationsAbsolute Fill at 600F = (Weight full Weight empty)/(Density @ 200C X )Headspace as % of Volume =[(Weight filled to brim Weight empty ) Label Volume] X 100(Label Volume)Contact InformationNorma R. HillPhone: 925-280-3642 Fax.