The James B. Beam Institute at the University of Kentucky is a training facility for students and researchers looking to learn more about the bourbon industry. To support students and researchers in their learning, JCS Process & Control Systems, a builder of specialized food and beverage processing machinery, donated its JCS UltraBlend™ Continuous In-line Standardizer. The technology is designed to work with two main blending components, mixing them together to provide an output stream with desired proportions, plus additional make-up water as necessary. The system’s ability to measure the density of the components and final blend ensures an on-spec final product. The system incorporates numerous Emerson instruments, including two Micro Motion Coriolis Mass Flow and Density Meters, two Rosemount Level Transmitters, two Rosemount Pressure Transmitters, and two Rosemount Temperature Sensors. Since JCS wanted to make this a donation to the school, Emerson provided all its instruments at no cost, sharing in the contribution. This donation will enable both students and industry professionals the opportunity to perform pilot testing and research in an academic laboratory environment. The JCS UltraBlend™ is the first system with approval from TTB to continuously blend alcohol to a bottling filler without the use of a bottling tank for proof verification/correction. This technology provides very tight control, achieving tolerances of blending high-proof spirits to +/- .03 ABV or better.
“JCS is thrilled to be able to coordinate the donation of this system with our component partners, for the advancement of research in the bourbon industry,” said David Stoklosa, VP of Sales and Marketing at JCS. “We look forward to seeing students and manufacturing professionals in the industry take advantage of the productivity and time savings advantages this system provides in comparison to traditional batching”.
“This equipment will enhance our ability to immerse our students in the ongoing modernization of the distilled spirits industry,” said Brad Berron, Beam Institute research director. “This gift significantly extends our ability to conduct impactful research aimed at increasing productivity and efficiency industrywide. Students from across UK’s campus will be trained by our faculty experts on these new technologies and their integration into traditional bourbon production processes. The UltraBlend™ system offers a unique platform for UK’s students to study complex mixing phenomena, process controls and automation.”
Photo Courtesy of JCS Process & Control Systems
For more information on Emerson’s measurement instrumentation for the Food & Beverage Industry, visit Emerson.com/FoodAndBeverageMeasurement
