News
September 2009
Determination of Heavy Metals in Distillery Effluents
We are pleased to advise that we now have commissioned a new Agilent Technologies 7500 Series ICP-MS. This is an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer which is capable of measuring trace elements as low as one part per trillion (ppt). It is equipped with the Mass Hunter Workstation software which automates the analysis and accurately interprets the resulting data.
This latest version incorporates collision cell technology which uses hydrogen and helium options to prevent interference from argon dimers. Additionally, a full organics option is available should distilleries wish to monitor engine, pump or other lubrication oils which may be subject to wear (presence of metallic components).
As far as we are aware, this is the first of these instruments to be installed for use in the Scotch Whisky industry and the Mass Hunter software is the first installation in Scotland.
In view of the recent moves by SEPA to focus on heavy metal content of distillery effluents, this ICP-MS system at Tatlock and Thomson is now available for independent analysis of Scotch Whisky production and effluent streams.
Although the samples need some pre-analysis treatment, once this is carried out the subsequent element analysis is rapid and accurate.
In addition to effluent streams, the system will of course be utilised for regular analysis of production and domestic waters.
Please give us a call on 01383 411017 or email lab@tatlockandthomson.com for more information.
2009 Barley Harvest
As we move into the start of September, the cereal harvest in Scotland has esentially been halted by incessant rainfall. The wet, warm weather is also wrecking havoc with the unharvested malting barley with the variety Oxbridge being hardest hit. One wonders why, with the experience of the 2008 wet harvest , this variety was maintained on the IOB list of approved varieties for growing in Scotland. Recent barley breeding seems to have bred dormancy out of these modern varieties. Seed dormancy is a natural phenomenon designed to prevent premature germination of spring crops. Indeed a large part of malting technology was designed to combat this natural protective characteristic.
Presently, it looks like large swaths of barley across the grain growing regions will not harvest for at least 2 weeks. Inevitably, there will be massive ground damage to fields as combines and trailers get mired in the wet conditions.
The poor spot price for malting barley means that very little spring barley, other than some hardy feed varieties, will be planted for the 2010 harvest. Many fields will just be left uncropped.
Spring 2009
Planting of the Scottish spring cereals crop was essentially complete, in most areas, by the end of March. There has been a significant increase in the acreage of spring wheat, mainly as a replacement for the poor autumn winter wheat planting conditions and the shortage of seed at that time. Malting barley plantings may be slightly up on last year with the main variety being Optic. Other varieties are Publican an some Oxbridge. Currently, other than contracts issued last year for 2009 harvest, there are no malting barley fixed price contracts currently available.
Distilling production has continued at a good pace although there are some signs that the market for mature whiskies has slowed. Whether this situtation significantly effects new make production with the subsequent knock-on effect for the malting industry and ultimately farming, remains to be seen.
The industry is trying hard to strengthen and maintain its position in overseas markets with recent efforts being directed towards the far east.
New Equipment
At Tatlock and Thomson, April and May has seen a considerable upgrade in both laboratory and instrumental facilities. A new lab has been constructed, principally to serve production distilling interests. Gas chromatography equipment has been upgraded to facilitate more automation and the first inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) in the whisky industry will be installed later this month. This equipment will have full organics facilities, will be fully automated and will replace all of the older atomic absorbtion spectroscopy.
