Improvements in the Utilization of Weak Alcoholic Liquids.
Year: 1897

page_text: PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in the Utilization of Weak Alcoholic Liquids.
I, JAMES EDWARD JOHNSON JOHNSON F.I.C., F.C.S., of The Crown Chemical
Works, Marsh Gate Lane, Stratford, in the County of Essex, Manufacturing
Chemist, do hereby declare the nature of this invention to be as follows:
In the manufacture of spirit from grain difficulty is often experienced in finding
a market for the spirit at remunerative prices. The distiller in such case fre-
quently has to rely on the disposal of the yeast produced by fermentation during
the formation of the spirit to render the industry sufficiently profitable to be
carried on.
Now this invention has reference to a new or improved process whereby in
addition to the disposal of the yeast hereinbefore referred to the fermented liquor
may be treated for the production of acetic acid with more advantageous results
from a commercial point of view than obtains by distillation and sale as spirit.
According thereto cereals such as barley, malted or otherwise, maize, rice,
When treat-
rye &c., are mashed in an ordinary mash-tub in the usual manner.
ing raw grain à certain quantity of barley malt, dependent on the amount of starch
in the grain is added, which by its diastasic action promotes the conversion of the
starch into sugar. In the case of maize for example this quantity would be from
twenty to twenty-five per cent. One thousand gallons of water is a suitable
quantity in which to mash 1 ton of the cereal or cereals employed. At the con-
clusion of the mashing process the liquid or wort is run off into suitable vessels and
fermented by pitching with yeast in the usual manner.
After fermentation the yeast produced as a result thereof is separated from the
wash as the fermented liquor is termed--and treated in the usual manner and
pressed as is customary, after which it is ready for the market.
The wash containing about five per cent. of alcohol instead of being subjected
to a process of distillation is caused to pass over and in contact with beech wood
chips by means of acidifiers whereby the alcohol is oxidised to acetic acid or the
oxidation may be effected by passing a current of air through the liquid or by
other known or suitable means. In some cases it may be necessary to filter the
wash before proceeding to the oxidation. The solution of acetic acid thus formed
and which is too dilute for most practical purposes, is neutralised with an alkali
or alkaline earth whereby the acid is converted into the corresponding acetate
or acetates of the base or bases employed, the said acetate or acetates being
recovered from the solution in the crystalline or solid form.
From the acetate or acetates thus produced the acetic acid is distilled off in a
more concentrated form and collected in the usual manner by treatment with a
stronger acid such as sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid.

page_text: 1.
Although this invention is described in connection with its application to weak
alcoholic spirit produced in a particular way it will be understood that it is
also applicable to weak alcoholic spirit produced in any other manner.
Dated this 11th day of Sontamhan 1007
poons in the Omnization of weak Alcoholic Liquids.
I, JAMES EDWARD JOHNSON JOHNSON, F.I.C., F.C.S., of The Crown Chemical
Works, Marsh Gate Lane, Stratford, in the County of Essex, Manufacturing
Chemist, do hereby declare the nature of this invention and in what manner the
same is to be performed. to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement; -
In the manufacture of spirit from grain, difficulty is often experienced in finding
a market for the spirit at remunerative prices, and the distiller in such cases fre-
quently has to rely on the disposal of the yeast produced by fermentation during
the formation of the spirit to render the industry sufficiently profitable to be
carried on.
Now this invention has reference to a new or improved process whereby in
addition to the disposal of the yeast herein before referred to, the fermented liquor
may be treated for the production of acetic acid with more advantageous results,
from a commercial point of view than obtains by distillation and sale as spirit.
According thereto cereals such as barley, malted or otherwise, maize, rice,
rye &c., are mashed in an ordinary mash-tun in the usual manner. When treat-
ing raw grain a certain quantity of barley malt, dependent on the amount of starch
in the grain is added, which by its diastasic action promotes the conversion of the
starch into sugar. In the case of maize for example, the quantity of barley malt
required would be from twenty to twenty five per cent. One thousand gallons of
water is a suitable quantity in which to mash one ton of the cereal or cereals
employed. At the conclusion of the mashing process, the liquid or wort is run off
into suitable vessels and fermented by pitching with yeast in the usual manner.
After fermentation, the yeast produced as a result thereof, is separated from the
wash- -as the fermented liquor is termed-and treated in the usual manner and
pressed as is customary, after which it is ready for the market.
The wash, containing about five per cent. of alcohol, instead of being subjected
to a process of distillation as heretofore usual, is caused to pass over and in contact
with beech wood or other suitable wood chips or shavings by means of acidifiers,
as well understood, whereby the alcohol is oxidised to acetic acid; or the oxida-
tion may be effected by passing a current of air through the liquid, or by other
known or suitable means. In some cases it may be necessary to filter the wash
before proceeding to the oxidation thereof. The solution of acetic acid thus formed
and which is too dilute for most practical purposes, except for the manufacture of
vinegar is neutralised with an alkali or alkaline earth whereby the acid is con-
verted into the corresponding acetate or acetates of the base or bases employed, the
said acetate or acetates being recovered from the solution in the crystalline or
solid form, by evaporating the solution.
From the acetate or acetates thus produced, acetic acid is distilled off and col-

page_text: lected in the usual manner after treatment with a stronger acid such as sulphuric
acid, hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid.
Although this invention is described in connection with its application to weak
alcoholic spirit produced in a particular way it will be understood that it is
also applicable to weak alcoholic spirit produced in any other manner.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of the said inven-
tion and in what manner the same is to be performed. I declare that what I
claim is:-
-
1. The hereinabove described treatment and utilization of weak alcoholic liquids.
2. Utilizing weak alcoholic liquids to produce acetic acid as set forth.
For the Applicant,
W. LLOYD WISE,
46, Lincoln's Inn Fields, London, W.C.,
Chartered Patent Agent.