3AS 95L column and alembic still

What makes Trias different?

The 3AS is a special equipment that combines column and pot still distillation methods. Through the lyne arm, we can change the path of the alcohol vapor, thereby choosing between the two distillation techniques.

With this, we can create distillates that combine the advantages of both techniques adding more flavour and taste to our product.

The 3AS has multiple gin baskets! 3 small baskets in the cupola and one bigger in the cauldron. This makes it the best choice for gin distillation!

It has a CIP cleaning system!

Water jacketed kettle 

A water jacketed kettle is considered the best method of heating the mash. The pressure in the jacketed space with the safety and pressure adjustment spring valve can increase up to a maximum of 0.5 bar. ​At a pressure of 0.5 bar, the maximum boiling point of water is 110 °C. Thus, the temperature of the inner kettle in contact with the mash can be up to 110ºC. At this temperature, the mash cannot scorch down in the kettle. At the end of the distillation the mash temperature can be increased to ~100 °C. The heat transfer is indirect. The bottom of the cauldron is curved.

Boiler properties:

Material: AISI 304 / KO33 / W.Nr. 1.4301, high-alloy chromium-nickel steel, food-grade stainless steel

Heating elements and electrical switch box 

Two copper coated 6 KW electrical heating rods are directly dive in to the water jacket. This results the water jacket heating up significantly faster, thereby boiling the mash earlier then other machines. The electrical heating rods are well regulated with the electrical switch box. One of the heating rod’s heating circuits are separated to 3 different circuits which can be switched separately on the switch cabinet. Additionally, there is a pot meter as well which is for fine tuning of the heating between 0-2 kW.

Fine regulation of the heating is essential to maintain the column’s balance during the whole distillation.

Electrical switch box is included with the PK95L unit.

Heating option:

12kW (3x20A) 380V – (40 minutes until boiling point with 80 litre mash)

3 phases are required!

Mixer 

When the mash poured into the still is mechanically mixed, the heat transfer process in the mash leads to rapid and dynamic heating. ​The mixing work is ensured by a suitable high-torque geared motor (230 V, 20 to 25 Newton meters) and a robust mixing paddle.

Digital Thermometers 

We use decimal scale digital thermometers, because the decimal difference in the dephlegmator’s temperature causes significant differences in the taste of the product.

The cooler however has an analog thermometer because in case of cooling water we need to stay within a range of 20C degree.

Mash thermometer:

Since the probe reaches the space of the inner kettle directly, we can monitor the rise of the mash temperature in the heating phase. You can see the boiling point approaching.

Dephlegmator thermometer:

It is important to see the exiting vapor temperature to precisely control the dephlegmator to reach the best taste of the final product.

Pistorius thermometer:

It is important to see the exiting vapor temperature to precisely control the pistorius to reach the best taste of the final product.

Alembic copper cupola and loading door

Alembic Copper cupola:

1,5 mm deoxidized copper, copper content higher than 99.90%. ​Food grade silicone is applied to the rim of the shell to ensure a perfect seal between the helmet and the kettle.

Loading door with sight glass:

The mash is loaded through the door with an inox loading funnel (optional accessory). It is also possible to clean the kettle through the loading door with a hose. With the help of the sight glass, we can see what is happening in the kettle. Loading door diameter: 120 mm

Gin baskets 

There is an inox aroma basket in the kettle and 3 copper aroma baskets above the cupola. Depending on the gin, vodka or brandy recipe, different botanicals or dried fruits can be placed in the aroma baskets. The 3 copper baskets are easily removable by uplifting the Pistorius plate. For the bigger inox basket the cupola must be removed.

Pistorius 

The Pistorius apparatus is used for pot still distillation method. This component is a "partial condenser" which receives the direct cold water for cooling. Inside there is a cylinder, what is called an inverted cup, which serves to direct the hot vapor to the wall of the cylinder cause the vapor to condense. During distillation, some of the vapor condenses and returns as liquid, and some of it continues through the lyne arm. The essence of Pistorius apparatus is to collect head and tail in small amounts and very concentrated. Pistorius apparatus ensures an accurate and sharp separation of pre- and post-distillate. The temperature of the steam can be measured precisely with the digital thermometer.

Column  

Column diameter: 114 mm

Disassembled column parts: The entire column can be disassembled and cleaned.

Modular flange connections: The individual column parts are held together by rings (flanges) which are fastened with 5 mm thick bolts.

​Screen Plate Column Section: Consists of a suitably spaced plate and an overflow. The overflow ensures the maximum height of the liquid level on the plate. ​We can check the liquid level. The higher the liquid level, the more concentrated the distillate. By lowering the liquid level or turning off a plate, the “heavier” aroma components can flow more easily into the distillate.​

Led lights: For easier sight in the column sections led lights are mounted on the back of the column. Colour of the led lights are adjustable by a remote control.

Dephlegmator 

Tubular dephlegmator: A partial condenser that ensures that the vapor rising the column is condensed in sufficient quantity (again from vapor to liquid). The dephlegmator contains 9 tubes inside where the alcohol vapour can go through. Even with maximum heating capacity, the dephlegmators dimensioning is sufficient for the total rectification of the column.

Catalysator 

The catalysator is a column section under the dephlegmator which contains 330 copper rings to ensure the refinement chemical reaction with the alcohol vapour of the fruit and grain distillates. Chemical reaction with copper molecules highlights the distillates aroma and taste characteristics.

The overall surface of the 330 copper rings is the same as the inner surface of the column, so we achieve the same catalysation effect as we would have the whole column from copper. Their advance is that they are easily cleanable by dismounting the Catalysator.

Copper is a must in fruit and grain distillation! 

End Cooler 

The high-alcohol vapor exiting the dephlegmator enters the tubular condenser. The distillate vapor condenses in the top third of the end condenser and then cools through the surface of the tube bundle.

Flowmeters 

Control valves: HERZ brand manual straight valves control the water flow to the tubular cooler and dephlegmator.

​Flow meter: One of the most important elements for the correct operation of the column is the precise control of the water flow. The metal float in the rotameter rises as the valve opens and falls as the valve closes.

The current water flow in litres / hour can be read from the scale. The distillery TT95L has three flow meters: Dephlegmator flow meter, Pistorius flowmeter and End cooler flow meter

Parrot beak 

This device helps the distiller to measure continuously the alcohol content of the product.

CIP cleaning system 

CIP cleaning system is a convenient way to keep the column and the boiler clean. The circulating water with detergent washes out the residue from the previous distillation from inside the column, which cannot mix with the first part of the next distillation. CIP system is included with the Trias.

Draincock 

Safe Drainage: The 90 degree spout plays an important safety role as its installation prevents the hot mash from erupting in a horizontal jet after the ball valve is opened.

Backwashing function: Rinsing and cooling water can be connected to the outlet via a ½ inch ball valve.

Inox loading funnel 

The inox loading funnel is included with the TT95L. It helps to pour the mash through the loading door into the kettle.

Capacity 95 litre

Net capacity min. 30 litre / max. 80 litre

Dimensions Height:238 cm, Width:100 cm, Lengths:130 cm

Weight 150 kg

Material Inox 1,5mm, Copper 1,5mm

Heating method Gas/Electric

Average distillation time 2-3 hours

Average ABV 75-90 % (max. 92 %)

Product Gin, Whiskey, Brandy, Vodka

Electrical requirements 9 kW three phase 380V (3x16A) /12 kW three phase 380V (3x20A)

Features

Gin basket (3 pieces)

Column back washing

Pistorius plate

Copper catalysator

Column plates (3 pieces)

Parrot beak

Dephlegmator

Stirring motor

Plate control system

Electrical switch box