CO2 dispersion 2

[wms]

Would appreciate any tips on removal of dissolved CO2 from beer stream prior to distillation.

 

[jproj]

wms:

Why not just remove the CO2 in your distillation tower? CO2 is noncondensable gas at the temperatures / pressures you are probably working with. The CO2 will come out with the light ends and can be removed in the condenser.

jproj

 

[wms]

Thanks for the reply.
We have to drop the CO2 out prior to the vacuum distillation as it causes beer stone to plate out in distillation.

 

[butelja]

How about nitrogen stripping or a vacuum flash drum?

 

[jproj]

wms:

The solubility of a gas in a liquid goes to zero as the partial pressure of the liquid goes to one (Gas solubility goes to zero as liquid approaches its boiling point).

Thus to remove most of the CO2 prior to distillation, I would suggest (as butelja has) a flash tank. If you operate the flash tank just below the saturation pressure of your beer, you will release most of your CO2.

Example:

If your beer is at 250ºF (Psat = 29.8 psia), you could run
the flash vessel at 240ºF (P = Psat = 25 psia) and flash off your CO2.

The pressure/temperature your flash tank operates at depends on both the temperature of your beer and the amount of dissolved CO2 in your beer.

Hope this helps!

jproj