Fluid Quip Technologies is accelerating the ethanol industry’s push towards lower carbon emissions and higher efficiency with the latest commercial deployment of its patented Low Energy Distillation (LED) system at United Ethanol in Milton, Wisconsin.
The LED platform, a next-generation distillation system, is designed to slash steam usage, cut water consumption, and maintain continuous, reliable operation. By removing direct-inject steam and integrating advanced heat recovery, the system helps producers reduce energy costs while improving carbon intensity (CI) scores.
The technology stems from a multi-year collaboration between FQT and RCM Thermal Kinetics, combining FQT’s system integration expertise with RCM’s advanced Distillation, Dehydration and Evaporation (DDE) process design. The result: a reimagined distillation process that delivers substantial energy savings without compromising plant throughput or reliability.
“With every LED installation, we’re demonstrating that ethanol production can be more efficient, profitable, and sustainable,” said Neal Jakel, President of Fluid Quip Technologies. “Producers are achieving meaningful energy savings, increased uptime, and measurable carbon reductions without compromising throughput or reliability.”
“We are excited to move forward with the LED system,” said Dan Wych, Vice President of Wisconsin Ethanol Operations at United Cooperative. “Reducing our energy demand is a strategic priority, and FQT’s LED technology aligns with our goals for efficiency, reliability, and CI reduction.”
This marks the fourth commercial deployment of the LED system, underscoring FQT’s leadership in energy-reduction technologies and the technology’s seamless integration into existing ethanol plant infrastructure.
