The interview with the Roner AG distillery

1. You have been using our Spark M-20 methanol detector since October 2022, how satisfied are you with the measuring device and why?

"We are very satisfied with the Spark M-20 so far. The device is easy to use and also provides a fast and accurate result. This saves us from having to go to the lab several times."

2. How often do you use the Spark M-20 on average?

"We have taken about 20 measurements on our fires so far. We will use the Spark M-20 on a random basis in the future."

3. What do you primarily measure with the Spark M-20?

"We use the Spark M-20 for our high-proof distillates such as grappas, fruit distillates, spirits and spirits."

4. You also use a gas chromatograph (GC) in your laboratory, how do you rate the accuracy of the Spark M-20 compared to measurements with the GC?

"The accuracy of the Spark M-20 is very good and completely sufficient for measuring the methanol content. Our measurements carried out so far have confirmed this"

5. Do you also participate in international interlaboratory comparisons (such as BIPEA)?

"Yes in the interlaboratory comparisons (LVU)."

6. What are the advantages of the Spark M-20 compared to the GC?

"The fast and uncomplicated analysis of the methanol content is the main advantage of the device. In addition, the handling is very simple and can be carried out by anyone in the company, whereas the GC may only be operated by trained laboratory personnel. This allows us to take quick measurements on site and thus saves us time."

7. How long do you need for 5 measurements with the GC and for 5 measurements with the Spark M-20 (including calibration, sample preparation and data analysis)?

"Personally, I need about 6 hours for 5 measurements with the GC, whereby this is due to a measurement with several parameters. You could also carry out a quick method, but we don't do that because we want to measure all parameters at the same time when we use the GC. So we do not only determine the methanol content, but also other values, so that the rather costly use of the GC is also worthwhile. With the Spark M-20, however, we need less than 30 minutes for 5 measurements including calibration. This is very practical, because we don't have to start up the GC to determine the methanol content."

8. Why should a distillery additionally purchase a Spark-M20 despite GC in the laboratory?

"It is helpful to be able to carry out a quick analysis independent of the laboratory when it comes to methanol. For this purpose, the distillery is sometimes in operation 24 hours a day, but our laboratory is not. It is very useful to be able to determine the methanol content also outside the working hours of the laboratory and thus offers us additional security."

9. Even though your methanol levels are mostly below the EU limits, why is it still beneficial for a distillery to continuously measure the methanol content?

"The continuous measurement of the methanol content is very important for us for every batch. This is a control point in the HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) and must therefore be controlled by us. The Spark M-20 is therefore a great support for us in the area of food safety.

Elke Kaneppele, Laboratory employee at Roner AG, 27. May 2023