The present invention relates to a process and a system for producing
alcohol by distillation with energy optimization using split-feed
technology. The process of the present invention comprises the steps of:
a) splitting a stream of wine (1) to feed two depuration columns (2, 3),
the depuration column (2) generating a stream of phlegma (4) and the
depuration column (3) generating a stream of phlegma (5) and a stream of
vinasse (6); b) feeding the stream of phlegma (4) into at least one
rectification column (7) generating a top flow (8) and a stream of
hydrated alcohol (9); c) effecting the heat exchange between the top flow
(8) from at least one rectification column (7) and the stream of vinasse
(6) from the depuration column (3) in at least one heat exchanger (10);
and d) feeding the stream of phlegma (5) into a rectification column (11)
generating a stream of hydrated alcohol (12). The present invention
further relates to hydrated alcohol produced by the process described
above and to a process for producing anhydrous alcohol.