DEGONG Guide To Efficient Cleaning And Maintenance of Distillation Equipment

Distillation equipment plays a central role in the production of spirits, essential oils, fuel alcohol, plant extracts, laboratory chemicals, and many other applications. To keep your system operating at peak performance, regular cleaning and maintenance are essential—not only for product purity, but also for safety, energy efficiency, and long-term equipment durability.

As a professional manufacturer of stainless-steel and copper distillation systems, DEGONG has helped hundreds of clients optimize their production performance. This guide summarizes the best maintenance practices to help you protect your investment and extend the lifespan of your equipment.

1. Why Proper Maintenance Matters

During distillation, equipment is exposed to high temperatures, pressure, moisture, organic compounds, minerals, and in some cases, acidic vapors. Without proper maintenance, several problems can develop:

• Declining product purity

Leftover residues, oils, sulfur compounds, sugars, and yeast deposits can carry unwanted flavors or odors into the next distillation batch.

• Reduced heat-transfer efficiency

Scale buildup inside boilers, columns, and condensers makes heating less efficient, increasing energy costs and prolonging batch cycles.

• Corrosion and equipment wear

Stainless-steel and copper can both corrode if cleaning is neglected, especially in humid conditions or when acidic residues remain.

• Higher risk of equipment failure

Leaking seals, clogged valves, dirty packing, or compromised condensers can cause downtime and expensive repairs.

• Safety concerns

Poorly maintained distillation equipment may face pressure buildup, leaks, or overheating.

DEGONG Insight: A clean system runs smoother, safer, and produces consistently higher-quality distillate.

2. Daily Cleaning Routine (After Each Distillation Run)

Performing a quick cleaning immediately after each batch prevents residue from hardening and reduces long-term buildup.

1. Drain and rinse

• Drain the boiler and rinse with hot water

• Flush the column, pipes, and condenser with warm water

2. Remove visible solids

• Clean out solids, sediments, and any burnt material inside the boiler

• Inspect the column and packing visually

3. Check connections and seals

• Inspect clamps, tri-clamp gaskets, valves, and the condenser outlet

• Replace damaged or swollen gaskets immediately

4. Wipe exterior surfaces

• Helps prevent corrosion and keeps the equipment looking new.

3. Weekly or Deep Cleaning Routine

A more complete cleaning routine should be done every few runs, depending on system usage.

A. Soak Removable Parts

Soak trays, valves, copper packing, and small fittings in a food-grade alkaline cleaner.

B. Clean Copper Components Correctly

Copper requires special care:

• Use citric acid or vinegar solution

• Avoid bleach or strong alkali (these damage copper permanently)

C. Use Soft Brushes Only

• Avoid metal or abrasive brushes

• Choose nylon or soft-bristle brushes for stainless steel and copper

D. Rinse Until Neutral

Rinse all parts until no foam or odor remains and pH is neutral.

4. Monthly Maintenance & Inspection

Every 4–6 weeks, DEGONG recommends performing a deeper inspection:

✔ Inspect welds and joints

Look for cracks, discoloration, or corrosion.

✔ Flush condensers & piping

Mineral scale can accumulate in heat exchangers, reducing efficiency.

✔ Clean or replace packing/trays

Packing material (copper mesh, raschig rings, structured packing) can trap oils and residues.

✔ Check boiler interior

Look for scale, scorch marks, or corrosion.

✔ Lubricate valves (if required)

Use food-grade lubricants where suitable.

5. Annual Professional Preventive Maintenance

For commercial facilities, an annual full-system maintenance check is essential:

• Performance check of heating system

• Pressure test of piping and seals

• Replacement of worn O-rings, gaskets, valves

• Inspection of steam jackets or electric heating elements

• Passivation of stainless-steel surfaces (restores protective chromium layer)

• Calibration of sensors, thermometers, and pressure-valves

DEGONG Service Option:

Many clients choose DEGONG’s annual inspection service to ensure regulatory compliance and optimal performance.

6. Cleaning Tools & Systems You May Use

(1) CIP (Clean-In-Place) System

Ideal for medium to large distilleries, allowing automated circulation of cleaning chemicals without disassembling the system.

(2) Spray Balls or Rotating Jet Cleaners

Installed inside tanks or columns for 360° internal cleaning coverage.

(3) High-Pressure Hot Water or Steam Cleaner

Excellent for removing stubborn deposits.

(4) Ultrasonic Cleaners

Used for small parts such as valves, connectors, O-rings, and copper mesh.

(5) Food-Grade Cleaning Chemicals

• Alkaline cleaners → remove organic residue

• Acid cleaners → remove scale and mineral deposits

• Sanitizers → ensure microbiological safety

7. Material-Specific Care

Stainless Steel

• Use alkaline + acid cycles

• Avoid chlorine chemicals

• Maintain passivation layer to prevent corrosion

Copper

• Clean with citric acid

• Avoid abrasive tools

• Rinse thoroughly to prevent copper salts

Gaskets / Seals

• Replace regularly

• Inspect for warping or cracks

• Use food-grade lubricants when needed