Drinks Industry (Distilleries)

Gas hazards are present throughout many different parts of the drinks industry: from the carbon dioxide used for the carbonation of soft drinks to the range of dangerous gases that can be produced during fermentation and distillation of alcoholic drinks.

Soft Drinks: Carbon dioxide is used as the basis for the carbonation of drinks. The process involves dissolving carbon dioxide in drinks at high pressure. Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is a dangerous toxic gas hazard that when released to atmosphere can result in a range of health problems including headaches, dizziness and loss of consciousness at higher concentrations.

Distilleries: Distilleries produce other hazardous gases often produced by the malting and distillation processes. This can result in flammable vapours produced by the distillation, where alcohol is evaporated from solution and condensed to create strong alcoholic spirits.

Methanol and ethanol are highly flammable. They must therefore be constantly monitored during the distillation process, bottling and storage stage to prevent explosive air mixtures from forming.

Safely monitoring the gases can be achieved by deploying a ‘Fixed’ gas detection system involving controllers and detectors often following a site survey by experienced gas detection professional like ATEXIS Solutions Ltd.