Thermic Electric Solutions (ete) leads the sector by manufacturing equipment and delivering full solutions for industrial and commercial clients with specific thermal needs.
The ete team designs, builds, tests, installs, and supports systems, ensuring a complete service from concept to after-sales care. ete engineers analyse each process, identify thermal demands, and create tailored solutions for maximum efficiency and energy performance.
ete ensures every unit operates optimally, adjusting temperature, power and safety according to each application’s specific technical requirements.
In addition, ete builds the equipment in its own factory in Madrid, ensuring the quality and efficiency of each product before it is delivered to the client. With this commitment to excellence and innovation, ete is a benchmark in the electric boiler sector, contributing significantly to the advancement of thermal technologies in industrial applications.
Recently, ete manufactured and supplied a superheated water electric boiler, model GPS 34/2 ECO, with a power of 48 kW and the capacity to heat water up to 150°C. This equipment was specifically designed to meet the needs of a distillery located in Switzerland, where the boiler plays a crucial role in the production process. The installation is responsible for heating water to 150°C, which is then used in heating coils inside a 400-liter tank. This hot water is essential for melting the sugar that, when mixed with water, is used in the various stages of the distillation process.
The boiler is not only a practical solution but also highly efficient, as its main function is to generate heat at high temperatures, ranging between 110°C and 200°C, a key requirement for this application in an alcoholic beverage distillery.
This superheated water electric boiler, operating at 150°C, plays a vital role in the distillery’s operation, ensuring efficient and controlled heating of the liquids involved in the distillation process.
Below, we detail how this boiler works and how it integrates into the distillery’s operations.
OPERATING PRINCIPLE
Water Heating: The electric boiler uses the Joule effect with electric resistors to heat the water. When electric current passes through the resistors, they generate heat, which is transferred to the water. The boiler’s design is optimized to ensure the water quickly reaches the desired temperature of 150°C. This rapid heating is essential, especially in industrial environments where efficiency is critical.
Water Circulation: Once the water reaches the desired temperature, it is pumped through a piping system directing it to the resistors. Continuous circulation ensures that hot water is always available for the processes that require it. The circulation system is designed to minimize heat losses, using proper pipe insulation.
Heat Transfer: As the heated water flows through the resistors, it transfers heat to the liquid being heated, such as cereal mash or a sugar-water mixture. This heat transfer process is essential for preparing the mixture for fermentation or distillation. The heat transfer efficiency is maximized by the pipe design and direct contact with the liquid.
Temperature Maintenance: The boiler is equipped with advanced control systems that constantly monitor the temperature of the water and the tank liquid. Temperature sensors provide real-time data, allowing the system to automatically adjust the electric power to maintain a constant temperature. This precise control is crucial to ensure the distillation process runs evenly and efficiently.
Energy Efficiency: One of the main advantages of an electric boiler over traditional steam boilers is its energy efficiency. Electric boilers generally offer superior thermal efficiency since there are no significant heat losses, as often seen in traditional steam systems. This results in lower energy consumption and, consequently, reduced operational costs.
OPERATIONS IN THE DISTILLERY
Sugar Melting: One of the first steps in the production of alcoholic beverages is the preparation of the mash, which often involves dissolving sugar in water. The electric boiler provides the heated water needed to speed up this process, allowing the sugar to dissolve quickly and evenly. This step is essential for preparing the base that will undergo fermentation.
Distillation: This is where the magic happens. The electric boiler supplies the heat needed to evaporate the alcohol and other aromatic compounds from the mash. By heating the mixture to 150°C, the alcohol vaporizes while other components remain in liquid form. This vapor is then directed to a condenser, where it is cooled and turned back into liquid. The boiler’s ability to maintain a constant temperature is crucial to ensure the quality and consistency of the final product.
Condensation: After distillation, the generated vapor is conducted through a condensation system. In this process, the vapor is cooled and returns to a liquid state, which is then collected for further processing. The efficiency of the electric boiler not only accelerates the distillation process but also ensures that the desired characteristics of the alcohol are preserved and maximized.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
In addition to the advantages already mentioned, the use of a superheated water electric boiler provides other significant benefits for the distillery:
Reduction in Emissions: Electric boilers do not emit pollutants, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable production compared to fossil fuel systems.
Lower Maintenance Requirements: Due to their simpler construction and lack of complex moving parts, electric boilers require less maintenance, resulting in more production time and fewer interruptions.
Adaptability: Electric boilers can be easily adjusted for different processes and temperatures, making them versatile for various applications in the beverage industry.
Simplified Piping and Installation Networks: The installation structure is simpler, making system implementation and maintenance easier.
Simplified Control and Regulation Systems: The design of electric boilers allows for more direct and efficient control of temperature and pressure, optimizing system performance.
Ease of Heat Accumulation with Liquid Mass: The boiler allows efficient heat accumulation, which is essential to optimize energy consumption.
Much Longer Boiler and Installation Lifespan: With fewer components subject to wear and corrosion, the durability of the boiler is significantly increased.
Installation According to Water Principles: The boiler is installed based on the same principles used in water systems, considering temperature and pressure in the selection of suitable materials.
CONCLUSION
In summary, the superheated water electric boiler operating at 150°C stands out as an innovative and effective solution in the production of alcoholic beverages. With its low-maintenance features and high adaptability, this boiler not only increases operational efficiency but also promotes a more stable and controlled production environment. By investing in this technology, manufacturers can not only improve their productivity and reduce electricity costs but also enhance the quality of their beverages, strengthening their position in the market.
