Technical Field

Some described examples relate to distillation systems, apparatus and methods particularly for use in alcohol distillation.

In particular, some examples relate specifically to distillation using pot stills, such as those used for producing particular alcoholic products, such as Scotch Whisky, and the like. Background

The traditional methods and apparatus used to produce Scotch Whisky are known to impart unique characteristics on the resultant product, and those characteristics are often distinct and commanding of global reputation. In some cases, the single resultant product from a distillation process, may be aged, bottled and then sold. In other cases, the product resulting from a particular distillation process may be selected based on the characteristics of that product, for example, for the purposes of combining with further product in order to provide a unique and complex blended character, which again can be bottled and sold.

However, there is a continued desire to reduce the energy requirements of the pot still distillation process for reasons of both cost and environmental considerations, while at the same time maintaining, or indeed improving, the overall characteristics of the product. Further, there is desire to maintain the consistency of the resultant alcoholic product each time the distillation process is performed. This background serves only to set a scene to allow a skilled reader to better appreciate the following description. Therefore, none of the above discussion should necessarily be taken as an acknowledgement that that discussion is part of the state of the art or is common general knowledge.

Summary

There is described distillation systems, apparatus, databases and methods particularly for use in alcohol distillation using pot stills (e.g. such as those used for producing Scotch Whisky).

Some of the following examples permit a reduction in the energy requirements of the pot still distillation process compared to presently-used techniques, while maintaining (and in some cases improving), the overall characteristics of the product. Some examples also permit the optimisation of the energy usage based on a particular desired product. Further, the examples described allow for consistency of the resultant alcoholic product to be maintained each time the distillation process is performed. Some examples permit the improved ability to produce characteristics in the product. In one example, there is described a pot still distillation system comprising at least one pot still for distilling alcoholic product from a fluid.

The (or indeed each) pot still may have a fluid inlet and fluid outlet (in addition to a vapour outlet). The pot still system may comprise a heat exchange system fluidly connected to the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet of the pot still. Such a heat exchange system may comprise at least one heat exchanger for imparting thermal energy to fluid (e.g. heating the fluid). Further, the heat exchange system may comprise at least one fluid controller configured to control the flow rate of fluid at the heat exchanger. In some examples, this may be provided by a fluid pump for communicating fluid (e.g. pumping fluid to the heat exchanger from the fluid outlet, and for returning fluid to the pot still via the fluid inlet). The pump, or fluid controller, may be positioned between the pot still and the heat exchanger (e.g. at a cooler side of the heat exchanger).

The system may comprise a control system in communication with the heat exchange system. The control system may be configured to operatively control one or both of the fluid controller and the heat exchange in order to control the properties of the fluid being returned to the pot still.

The properties of the fluid being returned to the pot still may include the temperature of the fluid. In other words, the control system may be configured to control the temperature of the fluid being returned to the pot still. The control system may be configured to control the temperature so as to be within defined thresholds. There may be provided an upper threshold and a lower threshold. The upper threshold may be defined by, or be lower than, the temperature of vaporisation of water within the pot still. The lower threshold may be defined by, or be greater than, the temperature of vaporisation of alcohol within the pot still.

The control system may be configured to control the temperature of the fluid being returned to the pot still so as to be at, or around, a particular temperature.

The control system may be configured to operatively control one or both of the fluid controller and the heat exchange in order to control the properties of the fluid being returned to the pot still, wherein properties of the fluid may include a characteristic imparted on the fluid, e.g. imparted at the heat exchanger. The characteristic of the fluid may be considered to be a property of the fluid that results in an identifiable flavour, aroma, or the like, associated with the resultant product.

The control system may be configured to control the heat exchanger so as to expose fluid passing through the heat exchanger to a particular temperature. That temperature may be within the above-mentioned thresholds, or indeed greater. That temperature may be greater than a specified particular temperature. The control system may be configured to set, or modify, the flow rate of fluid to/from the heat exchanger such that fluid passing through the heat exchanger is exposed to the heat exchanger for a particular period of time (e.g. exposed to a heating surface of the heat exchanger for a particular period of time). The control system may be configured to modify, or set, the temperature of the heat exchanger, and/or modify or set the flow rate of fluid using the fluid controller. Such modifying, or setting, may be performed based on optimising (e.g. minimising) the energy usage of the system for a particular desired characteristic of resultant distilled alcoholic product. Such modifying, or setting, may be performed based on optimising (e.g. minimising) the energy usage of the system for a particular desired final distilled alcohol content of the product (e.g. 60%, 65%. 70%, etc.).

For example, the same temperature of fluid returning to the pot still may be achieved by exposed the fluid to the heat exchanger at a high flow rate and high temperature or to a lower flow rate, and lower temperature. Further, a high temperature and low flow rate may impart a different characteristic to the fluid than, for example, a high temperature and high flow rate. In such cases, the length of time that the fluid is exposed to the heat exchanger, and the temperature of exposure may assist with imparting particular characteristics (e.g. assisting with grassy characteristic or nutty, biscuity characteristic of the resultant product, respectively). The control system may be specifically configured to provide a particular distillation profile for heating fluid in the heat exchange system during the distillation process. Such a distillation profile may vary one or both of the temperature of the heat exchanger and flow rate provided by the pump/fluid control means (e.g. during the distillation process). The distillation profile may additionally or alternatively, be used to determine the end of a particular distillation process, for example, when a particular defined amount of alcohol remains in the fluid (e.g. the so-called cut). Similarly, the distillation profile may be used to provide a final distilled product having a particular character and a particular alcohol content. The control system may be configured to store and operate a plurality of different distillation profiles. Those profiles may be for use with a complete distillation run, or for at least part of the run (e.g. boil up, tail, etc.). In some examples, multiple distillation profiles may be used for a single distillation run. The control system may comprise, or be in communication with, a distillation profile database. Such a database may comprise multiple distillation profiles for controlling the properties of fluid in the pot still.

The pot still system may comprise an alcohol meter. Such an alcohol meter may be for measuring the alcohol content of fluid. The alcohol meter may be provided with the heat exchanger system. The control system may be configured to use data obtained from the alcohol meter, and compare the data with a distillation profile, for example, when calculating whether or when to modify one or both of the temperature of the heat exchanger and the flow rate of fluid, or indeed confirming the cut (i.e. end of the distillation process).

The pot still system may additionally or alternatively comprise an alcohol meter at a vapour outlet of the still. Again, data from that alcohol meter may be used to determine the cut.

The pot still system may comprise one or more evaporation devices. Such an evaporation device may assist with evaporation of fluid within the pot still. The device may be provided at the fluid outlet of the heat exchange system, within the pot still. The device may be arranged within the pot still so as to be above the surface of any fluid in the still. The device may comprise one or more plates, configured to provide exposed surface area for heated fluid returning to the still (e.g. from the heat exchange system). The plate or plates may be downwardly depending (e.g. to assist with returning fluid to the body of fluid in the still). The plates may be considered to the thin films. The plates may be formed in a conical arrangement. The plates may have been dished from a planar sheet (e.g. a planar circle, or the like) to form a conical arrangement. They may have a generally smooth surface, or may have a plurality of undulations or irregularities.

The plates may comprise one or more apertures defined within the surface of the plates (e.g. to permit fluid to return to the body of the fluid within the still). The apertures may be provided in a non-uniform manner (e.g. to permit fluid returning to the still to do so at different positions on the plates. The provision of apertures may assist with foam suppression below the evaporation device. The apertures may assist with vapour from the fluid in the pot still being transported to a distillation outlet (e.g. a vapour outlet). The evaporation plate may be formed of, or at least comprise, copper. The evaporation device may be movable within the pot still (e.g. the position of the device may be adjustable). For example, the system may be configured such that the evaporation device can be raised and/or lowered within the pot still. The control system may be configured to adjust the position of evaporation device, or the device may be manually adjustable. In some examples, the evaporation device may be configured to be positioned below the surface of any fluid in the pot still.

Additionally, or more likely alternatively, the system may be configured to return heated fluid to the body of fluid within the still. The fluid inlet may be specifically configured to return heated fluid to the body of fluid within the still. The fluid inlet may be configured to impart a rotation on fluid within the still, using returning fluid.

In some examples, the pot still system may comprise a purifier, which may be provided at a distillation outlet of the pot still. Such a purifier may be configured to remove entrained particulates from any vapour leaving the pot still. The system may be configured such that particulates are returned to the fluid in the pot still.

The system may comprise at least one thermal store. The thermal store may be in communication with the heat exchanger. The thermal store may be configured to receive heat from a plurality of sources. Those sources may include renewable sources, such as solar, wind, biomass, etc., which may be onsite.

At least one of those sources may be heat obtained (e.g. scavenged) from different pot still systems (e.g. heat taken from previous wash, pot ale, spent lees, and/or spirit). The thermal store may comprise, as a working fluid, oil (e.g. food grade oil), water, steam, etc. The control system may be in communication with the thermal store and configured to modify or maintain the temperature of the thermal store. The control system may be configured to select heat sources for the thermal store (e.g. based on energy efficiency calculations, and/or energy cost calculations and/or energy carbon content calculations - i.e. how much carbon may be produced).

In some examples, the control system may be configured to use a particular distillation profile based on the expected source of the thermal store. For example, the control system may be configured to use a first distillation profile when the thermal store is being supplied energy from a first energy source (e.g. onsite biomass) and a second distillation profile when the thermal store is being supplied energy from a second energy source (e.g. low-tariff power from the power network, or resident heat in the thermal store, or the like). The temperature of the working fluid when used between the first and second energy sources may be different. The first and second distillation profiles may provide the same or similar characteristics in the resultant product.

The thermal store may be in communication with a plurality of distillation systems, each being controlled by the control system.

The system, and in particular the heat exchange system, may comprise a plurality of heat exchangers. A plurality for thermal stores may be provided. Each heat exchanger may be in communication with a different thermal store. For example, the system may comprise a first heat exchanger in communication with a recovered heat thermal store. The recovered heat thermal store may have recovered heat from, for example, pot ale, spent lees, or the like. The system may comprise a second heat exchanger in communication with a primary heat thermal store. The primary heat thermal store may be heated using, for example, electrical energy, to the like, which may be sourced from renewable sources at site.

In some examples, there is described a pot still distillation system, comprising:

a pot still for distilling alcoholic product from a fluid, the pot still having a fluid inlet and fluid outlet;

a heat exchange system fluidly connected to the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet of the pot still, the heat exchange system comprising at least one heat exchanger for imparting thermal energy to fluid, and at least one fluid pump, or fluid controller, configured to communicate fluid to the heat exchanger from the fluid outlet, and for returning fluid to the pot still via the fluid inlet; and

a control system in communication with the heat exchange system and configured to operatively control both the fluid controller and the heat exchanger in order to control the properties of the fluid being returned to the pot still.

In some examples, there is provided a pot still system comprising:

a pot still for distilling alcoholic product from a fluid

an evaporation device, positioned within the pot still,

a fluid controller configured to communicate fluid from within the pot still to the evaporation device.

The fluid controller may comprise a pump internal or external to the pot still. The pump may form part of a heat exchange system. In some examples, there is described a thermal store for a pot still (e.g. for use with any of the described features above). The thermal store may use fluid, such as food grade oil, or the like, as a working medium. In some examples, there is described a control system for a pot still (e.g. for use with any of the features described above). The control system may comprise a processor and memory configured in a known manner. The control system may be configured to generate, store, or at least access, one or more distillation profiles. Such a distillation profile may comprise data regarding temperatures, flow rates, cuts, component energy efficiencies, etc.

In some examples, there described a database, comprising a one or more distillation profiles for use with the control system.

The distillation profiles may contain data usable with the control system to operatively control the distillation process. Such operative control may include optimising or otherwise controlling the energy usage a particular distillation process. Optimisation of energy usage may include using the least amount of energy for a particular desired product and/or may include using the most cost-effective energy for a particular desired product. Optimisation of energy usage may include using energy with the least amount of carbon emissions for a particular distillation process. Such operative control using distillation profiles may be used to provide particular resultant characteristics. Such operative control may additionally or alternatively provide particular resultant alcohol content. Particular characteristics and/or alcohol content may be provided based on the expected subsequent casking methods. The particular characteristics and/or alcohol content may be selected so as to improve or optimise any subsequent casking method (e.g. minimising angel-share losses for a particular casking). The database may be in communication with one or more control systems. The database may be provided with the control system.

The above systems, etc. may be usable when distilling wash and/or low wines and feints.

In some examples, each system comprises a plurality of pot stills and heat exchange systems. Each pot still/heat exchanger system may be in communication with the control system.

In some examples, there is provided a distillation site comprising one or more of any of the systems as described above. The distillation site may comprise multiple stills, for example 6 or 14 distillation stills, or the like. In some examples, there is a method of optimising energy usage comprising:

communicating fluid from a pot still, and through a heat exchanger, before returning the fluid to the pot still, and

operatively controlling both a fluid controller, such as a pump, and a heat exchanger, in order to optimise energy usage.

The method may comprise operatively controlling both a fluid controller, such as a pump, and a heat exchanger so as to minimise the energy usage during a distillation process. The method may additionally comprise operatively controlling a thermal store in communication with the heat exchanger in order to optimise energy usage.

The energy usage may be optimised (e.g. minimised) or otherwise controlled for a particular desired characteristic of resultant alcoholic product. Optimisation of energy usage may include using the least amount of energy for a particular desired product and/or may include using the most cost-effective energy for a particular desired product. Optimisation of energy usage may include using energy with the least amount of carbon emissions for a particular distillation process.

In some examples, there is a method of optimising energy usage comprising:

communicating fluid from a pot still, and through a heat exchanger, before returning the fluid to the pot still, and

operatively controlling a thermal store in communication with the heat exchanger, in order to optimise energy usage.

Optimisation of energy usage may include using the least amount of energy for a particular desired product and/or may include using the most cost-effective energy for a particular desired product. Optimisation of energy usage may include using energy with the least amount of carbon emissions for a particular distillation process.

In some examples, there is a method for providing a particular resultant character of a distilled alcoholic product:

communicating fluid from a pot still, and through a heat exchanger, before returning the fluid to the pot still, and

operatively controlling both a fluid controller and a heat exchanger in order to control the properties of a fluid being returned to a pot still, so as to provide a particular resultant character of any subsequently distilled alcoholic product.

In some examples, there is a method for providing a particular resultant alcohol content of a distilled alcoholic product: communicating fluid from a pot still, and through a heat exchanger, before returning the fluid to the pot still, and

operatively controlling both a fluid controller and a heat exchanger in order to control the properties of a fluid being returned to a pot still, so as to provide a particular resultant alcohol content of any subsequently distilled alcoholic product.

Particular characteristics and/or alcohol content may be provided based on the expected subsequent casking methods. The particular characteristics and/or alcohol content may be selected so as to improve or optimise any subsequent casking method (e.g. minimising angel-share losses for a particular casking).

In some examples, there is described an alcoholic product obtained or obtainable according to any of the above methods.

In some examples, there is provided a computer program product or computer file configured to at least partially (or fully) implement the systems, devices and methods as described above (e.g. the control system).

In some examples, there is also provided a carrier medium comprising or encoding the computer program product or computer file. In some examples, there is also provided processing apparatus when programmed with the computer program product described. Some of the above examples may implement certain functionality by use of software, but that functionality could equally be implemented mainly or solely in hardware (for example by means of one or more ASICs (application specific integrated circuit) or Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs)), or indeed by a mix of hardware and software (e.g. firmware). As such, the scope of the disclosures should not be interpreted as being limited only to being implemented in software or hardware. Aspects of the inventions described may include one or more examples, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation. It will be appreciated that one or more embodiments/examples may be useful with pot still distillation, particularly when optimising energy usage for a particular distillation process. Additionally, the ability to maintain or achieve particular characteristics of spirit product may be achieved.

Brief Description of the Figures

A description is now given, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 shows a simplified representation of a pot still distillation system according to a described example;

Figure 2 shows an example of a distillation profile;

Figure 3a, 3b and 3c show examples of an evaporation device:

Figure 4 shows an example of a purifier for use with a pot still; and Figure 5 shows an example of pot still without the evaporation device of Figures 3a-3c; Figure 6a and 6b show examples of a thermal store; and Figure 7 shows an example of a thermal store having a recovered heat and a primary heat store.

Description of Specific Embodiments

Some of the following examples are described specifically in relation to the production and distillation of alcoholic products using pot stills that could be used to produce whisky (e.g. Scotch Whisky). However, it will be appreciated that the systems, devices and methods described herein may equally be used with other products distilled in pot stills. Also, in some examples, some of the described features or embodiments may be used beyond alcohol production and in alternative distillations processes, which may separate out a desired product by heating.

Figure 1 shows an example of a pot still distillation system 100. The pot still system 100 comprises a pot still 1 10 for distilling alcoholic product from a fluid 50, and ultimately for the production of a new make spirit for whisky.

It will be appreciated that such pot stills 1 10 are often made of copper, having a distinct shape. In the production of whisky, a multiple-stage distillation process is used, often two stages being performed - a wash distillation and subsequently a spirit distillation. The same system 100 and methods described here may be used for each distillation stage. Therefore, in the following description, it will be appreciated that reference to "fluid" 50 in the pot still 1 10 may include wash, or indeed low wines and feints, etc. A skilled reader will readily appreciate possible alternatives arrangements.

In addition to a vapour outlet 60, or distillation outlet, that is shown (i.e. to the Lyne arm), the pot still 1 10 in this example additionally comprises a fluid inlet 120 and fluid outlet 125, as will be further described. While one inlet 120 and outlet 125 are described, it will be appreciated that more may be used, as appropriate. Here, the system 100 comprises a heat exchange system 130 fluidly connected to the fluid inlet 120 and the fluid outlet 125 of the pot still 1 10.

In this example, the heat exchange system 130 comprises a heat exchanger 140 for imparting thermal energy to fluid (e.g. heating the fluid coming from the pot still outlet). Further, the heat exchange system 130 comprises at least one fluid controller 150 configured to control the flow rate of fluid at the heat exchanger 140. In this example, as will be further described, the heat exchanger is in communication with a thermal store 200, which can receive energy from a plurality of sources.

Those sources may include renewable sources, such as solar, wind, biomass, etc., which may be onsite. Similarly, those sources may be heat obtained (e.g. scavenged) from different pot still systems (e.g. heat taken from previous wash, pot ale, spent lees, and/or spirit). Also, energy may be provided to the thermal store 200 from the standard power network.

A pump, or alternative fluid controller 155, is used to communicate working fluid such as oil (e.g. food grade oil), water, steam, or the like, from the thermal store 200 to the heat exchanger 140. Controlling the thermal store 200 and flow can control the operation (e.g. temperature) of the heat exchanger 140. In other similar words, operative control of the heat exchanger may be achieved by, at least in part, controlling the thermal store 200 and flow of working fluid to/from that store 200 to the heat exchanger 140. In the example shown in Figure 1 , the fluid controller 150 at the pot still 1 10 side of the heat exchanger 130 is provided by a fluid pump configured to communicate fluid (e.g. pumping fluid to the heat exchanger 140 from the fluid outlet 125, and for returning fluid to the pot still 1 10 via the fluid inlet 120). The pump, or fluid controller 150, is positioned between the pot still 110 and the heat exchanger 140 (e.g. at a cooler side of the heat exchanger 140). In such a way, the pump 150 is less likely to be exposed to higher unwanted fluid temperatures, and/or any gases that may be produced at the heat exchanger 130. Operating on gases may otherwise reduce the efficiency of the fluid controller 150 within the heat exchange system 130. Of course, in other examples, alternative means for controlling the flow rate via the heat exchanger may be used, rather than a pump as such. Further, in some examples, multiple pumps may be provided.

Here, the pot still system 100, and in particular, the heat exchange system 130 comprises an alcohol meter 160. Such an alcohol meter 160 is configured to measure the alcohol content of fluid returning to the pot still 1 10. In some examples, the heat exchange system 130 may be configured to maintain a higher pressure in fluid line between the pot still 110 and the fluid controller 150, and in particular at the alcohol meter 160 and/or heat exchanger 140. This may be achieved by configuring some of the heat exchange system 140 to provide a backpressure at the heat exchanger 140 and/or alcohol meter 160. In some examples a flow restriction may be provided at the fluid inlet 120. Such a flow restriction, or other such device to provide a particular pressure within the flowline, may also help atomise fluid as it returns to the pot still 110, assisting further with selected evaporation.

The system shown in Figure 1 also comprises a control system 170 in communication with the heat exchange system 130. The control system 170 here is configured to operatively control one or both of the fluid controller 150 and the heat exchanger 140 in order to control the properties of the fluid being returned to the pot still 110. It will be appreciated that in controlling the heat exchanger 140 it may be that the flow rate and/or temperature of fluids to the heat exchanger 130 from the thermal store 200 is controlled (e.g. controlling the thermal store and/or alternative fluid controller 155, etc.).

In any event, it will be appreciated that various temperature or flow rate sensors may be provided throughout the system 130 for example, to determine the temperature/flow rate of pot still fluid entering and leaving the heat exchanger 130, as well as the temperature/flow rate of fluid returning to the pot still, and such a control system 170 may monitor those sensors as appropriate.

Here, the control system 170 comprises a processor 172 and memory 174, configured in known manner. In some cases, the control system may be implemented on a combination of dedicated hardware and software (e.g. using FPGAs, or ASICs, or the like) as part of a dedicated SCADA system. Alternatively, the control system 170 may be implemented principally on software, using a personal computer, tablet, or other such device. A skilled reader will readily be able to implement the various embodiments accordingly.

The pot still system 100 shown in Figure 1 also comprises an evaporation device 180 configured to assist with evaporation of fluid within the pot still 110. The device 180 is provided at the fluid inlet to the pot still 1 10 (i.e. at an outlet of the heat exchange system 130). In the example shown in Figure 1 , the device 180 is arranged within the pot still so as to be above the surface of the fluid 50 in the pot still 110. Here, the device 180 may be considered to comprise a conical plate 185, configured to provide an exposed surface area for heated fluid returning to the still 110 (e.g. from the heat exchange system 130). The plate 185 is arranged to be downwardly depending (e.g. to assist with returning fluid to the body of fluid in the still). The plate 185 may be considered to be arranged as a thin film. While in this example, the plate 185 may be considered to have a generally smooth or planar surface, in other examples, a plurality of undulations or irregularities may be provided. Such undulations or irregularities may be specifically configured to remove and retain particulates in the pot still. In other words, such undulations or irregularities may be configured to inhibit transportation of such particulates with the evaporating fluid.

In some examples, the plate 185 may comprise one or more apertures defined within the surface of the plate (e.g. to permit fluid to return to the body of the fluid within the still). The apertures may be provided in a non-uniform manner (e.g. to permit fluid returning to the still to do so at different positions on the plates). The provision of apertures may assist with foam suppression below the evaporation device 180. Further, the apertures may assist with vapour from the fluid 50 in the pot still 110 being transported to the distillation outlet 60 (e.g. vapour outlet). In use, the control system 170 is configured to operatively control both the fluid controller 150 and the heat exchanger 130 in order to control the properties of the fluid 50 being returned to the pot still 110. For example, the control system 170 may be configured to simultaneously control both the fluid controller 150 and the heat exchanger 130. In some cases, as will be explained, such control may assist with system optimisation. In some examples, the control system 170 is configured to control the temperature of the fluid 50 being returned to the pot still 1 10, such that during the distillation process, the temperature of fluid returning to the pot still via the inlet 120 is below the boiling temperature of water, but above the boiling temperature of alcohol. In such a manner, the control system 170 may be considered to control the temperature so as to be within defined thresholds (e.g. an upper threshold and a lower threshold). The upper threshold may be defined by, or be lower than, the temperature of boiling of water within the pot still (e.g. roughly 100 C at standard pressure). The lower threshold may be defined by, or be greater than, the temperature of boiling of alcohol within the pot still (roughly 78 C at standard pressure).

However, in some examples, at particular times during the distillation process, the control system 170 may be configured to control the temperature of the fluid 50 being returned to the pot still 1 10 so as to be at, or around, a particular temperature. This may be achieved by modifying or setting both the temperature at the heat exchanger and the flow rate in the system 100. In such a way, energy usage can be optimised.

It will be appreciated that in some cases, it may be desirable to increase or reduce the evaporation rate of alcohol within the pot still, and this may be achieved by setting higher or lower return temperature for the fluid, respectively.

It will also be appreciated that in some examples, the control system 170 may be configured to control the flow rate of fluid returning to the pot still via the evaporation device 180 so as to control the rate of evaporation from the device 180. This may be controlled in conjunction with the temperature/pressure of fluid being returned to the pot still 110. Put in similar words, the control system 170 may be configured in some examples to selectively control the flow rate of fluid being returned to the pot still 110 so as to control the rate of evaporation from the evaporation device (e.g. a higher flow rate having less evaporation and vice versa). In those cases, the control system 170 may be configured also to control the heat exchanger 140, e.g. to maintain a particular temperature of fluid being returned to the pot still irrespective of flow rate, or to augment temperature based on flow rate and expected evaporation rate from the evaporation device 180.

In addition to (or even alternative to) temperature control, evaporation control, etc., the control system 170 may be configured to operatively control one or both of the fluid controller 150 and the heat exchanger 130 in order to control the properties of the fluid 50 being returned to the pot still 110, wherein properties of the fluid 50 may include a characteristic imparted on the fluid 50, e.g. imparted at the heat exchanger 140.

In this case, a characteristic of the fluid 50 may be considered to be a property of the fluid 50 that results in an identifiable flavour, aroma, or the like, associated with the resultant product being distilled.

In the example given, the control system 170 is able to control the heat exchanger 140 so as to expose fluid passing through the heat exchanger to a particular temperature. Of course, that temperature may be within the above-mentioned thresholds, or indeed greater than those thresholds. In addition, the control system 170 is configured to set, or modify, the flow rate of fluid to/from the heat exchanger 140 such that fluid passing through the heat exchanger is exposed to the heat exchanger for a particular period of time (e.g. exposed to a heating surface of the heat exchanger for a particular period of time). For example, the same temperature of fluid 50 returning to the pot still 110 may be achieved by exposed the fluid 50 to the heat exchanger 130 at a high flow rate and high temperature or to a lower flow rate, and lower temperature. Further, a high temperature and low flow rate may impart a different characteristic to the fluid than, for example, a high temperature and high flow rate. In such cases, the length of time that the fluid 50 is exposed to the heat exchanger 130, and the temperature of exposure may assist with imparting particular characteristics (e.g. assisting with grassy characteristic or nutty, biscuity characteristic of the resultant product, respectively). In some examples, a specific reactive device 190 (e.g. a copper device, such as a copper mesh) may be provided in the flow line (e.g. in the flow line fluid returning to the pot still 1 10) in order to further react with the fluid - and potentially any vapour in the fluid - in order to impart character to the fluid. Such a device 190 may be replaceable in the flow line without needed to enter the pot still 110.

In some examples, some or all of the flowlines and/or heat exchanger interface may comprise copper. In such a way, the fluid may be in contact with a copper surface when heated, and/or when in the flow lines. In any event, with or without such a device 190 or copper heat exchanger, etc., the control system 170 is able to specifically provide a particular distillation profile for heating fluid in the heat exchange system 130 during the distillation process. Figure 2 shows an example of a distillation profile 300. Here, the distillation profile is exemplified for an entire distillation run, i.e. start to finish. However, in some examples, the distillation run may be segmented into specific events, such as boil up, tail, etc. In some cases, the control system 170 may be configured to use a distillation profile for each segment (e.g. choose alternative distillations profiles for different segments of a distillation run).

Here, as is shown, over a distillation profile 300, one or both of the temperature of the heat exchanger 310 and flow rate 320 provided by the pump/fluid control means can be varied. In some examples, the pressure at the heat exchanger may also be controlled, for example, by using a variable pressure device in the heat exchange system 130, such as a variable flow restriction for varying back pressure as mentioned above. Such variations may be time based (i.e. how long has the distillation process been running), and/or may be alcohol-content based (i.e. how much alcohol remains in the fluid 50, by ABV %).

In such a way, the distillation profile 300 may additionally or alternatively, be used to determine the end of a particular distillation process, for example, when a particular defined amount of alcohol remains in the fluid 50 (e.g. the so-called cut).

While in this example, the alcohol meter 160 is positioned within the heat exchange system 130, it will be appreciated that in other examples, the pot still system 100 may additionally or alternatively comprise an alcohol meter downstream of the vapour outlet 60 of the still 110. Again, data from that alcohol meter may be used to determine the cut or be fed into the distillation profile. In other words, the control system 170 may be configured to use data obtained from the additional/alternative alcohol meter, and compare the data with a distillation profile, for example, when calculating whether or when to modify one or both of the temperature of the heat exchanger and the flow rate of fluid, or indeed confirming the cut (i.e. end of the distillation process), etc. A specific distillation profile 300 can be provided so as to optimise (e.g. minimise) energy usage and/or distil product with particular characteristics. In addition, such a profile 300 may be used so as to maintain some level of consistency between distillation processes.

Each distillation profile may contain data usable with the control system 170 to operatively control the distillation process (e.g. using the control system 170). Such operative control may include optimising the energy usage a particular distillation process in as much as using the least amount of energy for a particular desired product. However, additionally or alternatively such optimisation may include using the most cost-effective energy for a particular desired product (e.g. depending on the source being used with the thermal store). Optimisation of energy usage may also include using energy with the least amount of carbon emissions for a particular distillation process.

It will be appreciated that such operative control using distillation profiles may be used to provide particular resultant characteristics, and/or indeed provide particular resultant alcohol content in the distilled spirit. Particular characteristics and/or alcohol content may be provided based on the expected subsequent casking methods. For example, the particular characteristics and/or alcohol content may be selected so as to improve or optimise any subsequent casking method (e.g. minimising angel-share losses for a particular casking).

In some cases, the control system 170 is configured to store and operate a plurality of different distillation profiles. The control system 170 may comprise, or be in communication with, a distillation profile database. Such a database may comprise multiple distillation profiles for controlling the properties of fluid 50 in the pot still 110. In some examples, certain distillation profiles may be stored (e.g. in a database) and performed in order to impart particular spirit characteristics/alcohol content in the new make spirit. In further examples, the same system may be used for different overall new make spirit by selecting and operating one or more distillation profiles.

In some examples - as is now shown in Figure 3a, 3b and 3c, the evaporation device 180 may be movable within the pot still 110. In other words, the position of the device 180 may be adjustable. For example, the system 100 may be configured such that the evaporation device 180 can be raised and/or lowered within the pot still 110. Figures 3a and 3b show a similar evaporation device 180 as shown in Figure 1 , whereas Figure 3c shows an evaporation device in which the fluid inlet 120 to the pot still 1 10 differs.

Here, an adjustment mechanism 187 is used (e.g. telescopically controllable sleeve) to control the positioned of the device 180 within the pot still 110.

In some examples, the control system 170 may be configured to adjust the position of evaporation device 130 during the distillation process. However, also, the device 180 may be manually adjustable from time to time. In some examples, the evaporation device 180 can be configured to be positioned below surface of any fluid 50 in the pot still. It will be appreciated that in this example, and in the examples above, a certain volume of fluid remains within the pot still, albeit such fluid diminishes in volume during the distillation process. In such a way, during distillation, returning fluid may be returned directly to the body of the fluid. This may be helpful during times when entrainment of unwanted particulates in the distilled vapour may occur.

In some examples, and as is shown in Figure 4, the pot still system 100 may comprise a purifier 190, which may be provided at the distillation outlet 60 of the pot still 110. Such a purifier 190 may be configured to remove entrained particulates from any vapour leaving the pot still 110. The system 100, as is shown here, may be configured such that particulates are returned to the fluid in the pot still 110. Additionally, or more likely alternatively, the system 100 may be configured to return heated fluid 50 to the body of fluid 50 within the still 1 10 (i.e. directly - as is shown in Figure 5). Here, the fluid inlet 120 may be specifically configured to return heated fluid to the body of fluid 50 within the still 1 10, and in some examples, the fluid inlet 120 may be configured to impart a rotation on fluid within the still, using returning fluid.

It will be appreciated that the described evaporation device 180 may be used with or indeed without the control/heat exchange systems mentioned above.

As mentioned in relation to Figure 1 , unlike typical pot still arrangements, the system 100 here comprises the thermal store 200, which is in communication with the heat exchanger 140. As is better shown in Figure 6a, an example of the thermal store 200 may be specifically configured to receive heat from a plurality of sources 210a-210d. At least one of those sources may be heat obtained (e.g. scavenged) from different pot still systems (e.g. heat taken from previous wash, pot ale, spent lees, and/or spirit).

The thermal store 200 may comprise, as a working fluid, oil (e.g. food grade oil), water, steam, etc., and as mentioned above the control system 170 can be in communication with the thermal store 200 and configured to modify or maintain the temperature of the thermal store 200 accordingly. In some examples, the control system 170 may be configured to select energy sources for the thermal store 200 (e.g. based on energy efficiency calculations, or time of day - e.g. reduce tariff times). Further, the control system may be configured to select one or more particular distillation profiles based on energy source/thermal store 200 configuration. In other similar words, the control system 170 may be configured to use a particular distillation profile based on the expected source of the thermal store. For example, the control system 170 may be configured to use a first distillation profile when the thermal store is being supplied energy from a first energy source (e.g. onsite biomass) and a second distillation profile when the thermal store 200 is being supplied energy from a second energy source (e.g. low-tariff power from the power network, or resident heat in the thermal store, or the like). The temperature of the working fluid when used between the first and second energy sources may be different, but nevertheless the first and second distillation profiles may provide the same or similar characteristics in the resultant product. In such a way, the energy used can be optimised, and costs/carbon emissions reduced, without compromising the final product.

In some examples, the thermal store 200 may be in communication with a plurality of distillation systems 220a, 220b, 220c as is shown in Figure 6b. In this example, each distillation system 210a, 220b, 220c may comprise a pot still 1 10/heat exchange system 140 as mentioned above. Here, each system 220a-220c again may be controlled by the control system 170. In some cases, depending on the configuration of the thermal store, it may be that more thermal energy is available to a first system 220a compared to a final system 220c (e.g. when connected in a fluid circuit). In such examples, the control system may be configured to use different distillation profiles for each system 220a-220c. In those cases, the resultant product may remain the same or similar in character/alcohol content, etc. In such a way, energy can be extracted efficiently from the thermal store for a distillation site. Figure 7 shows a further example of a system 400 comprising a heat exchange system 430 comprising a plurality of heat exchangers and a plurality for thermal stores being provided, where each heat exchanger is in communication with a different thermal store.

Here, the system 400 comprises a first heat exchanger 440a in communication with a recovered heat thermal store 510. The recovered heat thermal store 510 may have recovered heat from, for example, pot ale, spent lees, or the like. The system 400 also comprises a second heat exchanger 440b in communication with a primary heat thermal store 520. The primary heat thermal store 520 may be heated using, for example, electrical energy, to the like, which may be sourced from renewable sources at site.

In use, the control system 170 permits heat from the recovered heat thermal store 510 to be imparted into fluid being passed through the first heat exchanger 440a. Again variable heat transfer and temperature control can be achieved. High temperature heat at the second heat exchanger can then be used, if needed, to achieve a desired temperature and heat transfer to the fluid 50. In this way, initial heating is provided from recovered heat, before additional heating is required. Return lines 515 can be used to enable a proportion of the flow to be returned to the heat exchanger to optimise control and heat transfer. As above, the system 400 can be used not only to optimise energy usage within the distillation process, but also, if desired, to control the characteristics, etc. of the resultant product. It will be appreciated that in some examples, the system 100 may be provided without the evaporation device 180 (e.g. only the heat exchanger, etc.), while in other example, the evaporation device 180 may be used without the heat exchange system 140, etc. In those cases, fluid may be circulated within the pot still itself, and across the evaporation device. A skilled reader will readily be able to implement such alternative examples accordingly. In some examples, it will also be appreciated that due to the configuration of the system 100, certain characteristics in the resultant product may be provided which otherwise would not have historically been present in such a product. For example, it may now be possible to provide certain flavours in the final product by virtue of the potential for controllable/variable temperatures and flow to be used (e.g. use of flashing the heat exchanger, or the like) that may impart a resultant and determinable character on the final product.

The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or combinations are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the invention may consist of any such individual feature or combination of features. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.