For dealcoholization, the incoming, alcohol-rich product is first gently heated in a regenerative heat exchanger in counterflow to the finished product. It is then distributed in the upper section of a specifically designed evaporator column. For products containing CO2, prior degassing prevents foam formation. Vapors are fed into the bottom of the column. They rise in the column in counterflow to the descending warm liquid, extracting the volatile alcohol from the product. The less volatile components fall to the bottom of the column and flow into the falling-film evaporator, which generates the vapor for dealcoholization. Densely packed, thin stainless steel sheets in the column maximize the exchange surface area and contact time between the product and the vapors. The entire process takes place under vacuum. A key advantage of Centec's technology is the exceptionally effective alcohol removal at low temperatures. The remaining alcohol-free product is pumped out and cooled for storage or further processing, such as carbonation. The volatile aromas of the original product can be separated from the vapors in a special aroma recovery system and reintroduced into the finished product to enhance its flavor. If desired, the alcohol can be concentrated to produce liquid alcohol up to 90% ABV for use in other applications or for sale. Centec process sensors are ideally suited for the highly precise measurement and monitoring of critical product properties such as alcohol, O2, and CO2 content. Centec has decades of experience in the development and manufacture of its own precision instruments.


 
 Gentle product treatment at low temperature and low pressure
 
 Residual alcohol content close to the detection limit
 
 Optional aroma recovery and alcohol rectification
 
 A large amount of energy is recovered.
 
 Customized modular design with standard PLC
 
 Frame-mounted for easy installation and commissioning
 
 Hygienic design and full CIP capability