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WASTE MINIMIZATION ASSESSMENT FOR A BOURBON DISTILLERY
Citation:
Fleischman, M., M. Parris, E. W. Daley, AND G. P. Looby. WASTE MINIMIZATION ASSESSMENT FOR A BOURBON DISTILLERY. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/S-95/002, 1995.
Description:
The U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has funded a pilot project to assist small and medium-size manufacturers who want to minimize their generation of waste but who lack the expertise to do so. Waste Minimization Assessment Centers (WMACs) were established at selected universities and procedures were adapted from the EPA Waste Minimization Opportunity Assessment Manual(EPA/625/7-88/003, July 1988). That document has been superseded by the Facility Pollution Prevention Guide(EPA/600/R-92/088, May 1992).The WMAC team at the University of Louisville performed an assessment at a plant that manufactures burbon whiskey and distiller dried grains as a byproduct from corn, rye, and malt. The grains are milled, mixed together, and cooked. Then the resulting mixture is allowed to ferment. After fermentation, the mixture is processed in a distillation column. The distillate is diluted to proper proof and placed in charred barrels for aging. After an appropriate storage period, the barrels are emptied and the contents are shipped in tank trailers. The team's report, detailing findings and recommendations, indicated that large quantities of CO2 and ethanol are vented from the plant and that significant cost savings could be achieved though CO2 and ethanol recovery.