How Important are Engineering Standards in the whisky industry❓
🗣”Engineering standards serve as the backbone of any manufacturing industry, providing a common framework and best practices to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production processes. However, I often hear within the whisky industry a sentiment that applying consistent engineering standards for compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices is excessive.
The question arises: why overengineer or overdesign something that has already been successfully implemented on an industrial scale for decades?
Unfortunately, this notion and disparity can result in potential safety risks, plant downtime and missed opportunities for net zero goals, energy reduction and process optimization. It is truly remarkable to witness the level of investment and the application of technology and innovations in the whisky distilling and manufacturing processes, encompassing various stages such as grain intake, milling, mashing, fermentation, distillation, storage, filling, disgorging, bottling, and the essential utility systems.
Process, safety, mechanical, piping, electrical, control, and instrumentation engineering standards are equally significant in whisky distilling and manufacturing processes. By adhering to these standards, distilleries can optimize equipment selection, design efficient piping systems, ensure reliable electrical installations, and implement accurate control and instrumentation systems.
Consistent application of these engineering standards guarantees equipment integrity, reduces downtime, and enhances process control, resulting in improved production efficiency and product quality.
Collaboration among industry professionals, regulatory bodies, and industry associations is crucial to establish a common understanding and commitment to these standards. By sharing best practices, lessons learned, and industry knowledge, we can bridge the gap and elevate the whisky industry to new heights.
It has been great to work alongside my colleagues at Integro Design Engineering Associates (IDEA) Ltd. and collaborate with distillery clients who demonstrate unwavering commitment to enhancing the applicability of standards in the industry.”
Contact Abhishek Bhatia CEng MIMechE to find out more.
