Abstract: A method includes operating an apparatus having a mash circulating and recirculating system with pump and fermentation tank, an atmosphere circulating and recirculating system with blower for recirculating atmosphere between the tank and an ethanol-removal station, and an integrated refrigerating heat-transfer system with first coils remote from the tank for condensing out ethanol from the atmosphere, and second coils for warming the mash. The entire apparatus can be up-sized or down-sized for specific applications. In one form, the system includes electrically-driven pump, blower, and refrigeration compressors, with the external energy consumption being entirely electrical and kept surprisingly low.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a mash circulating system with pump and fermentation tank, an atmosphere circulating system with blower for circulating atmosphere between the tank and an ethanol-removal station, and an integrated refrigerating heat-transfer system with first coils for condensing out ethanol from the atmosphere, and second coils for warming the mash. A support frame supports portions of the above components, making it a transportable modular unit to facilitate installation, minimize cost, and provide for efficient operation. The entire apparatus can be up-sized or down-sized for specific applications. In one form, the system includes electrically-driven pump, blower, and refrigeration compressors, with the external energy consumption kept surprisingly low. Methods related to the above are also disclosed.