HPLC method for analysis of substrate and products in beverage alcohol production

Abstract

A procedure was developed and validated for the determination of sugars by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The system studied consisted of a Sugar-pak column operated continuously and with a methanol flow when not in use, as opposed to manufacturer's instructions, which recommend refrigeration of the column during the weekends when idle. This column is recommended for analysis of sugar products and process streams such as those of beet and sugarcane. Evaluations of this technique included a range of samples and procedure variables necessary to validate the effectiveness of the column. An excellent resolution and reproducibility was obtained among the sucrose, glucose, fructose and ethanol signals. The precision was within the accepted limits of less than 2% relative standard deviation.