OPERATIONS IN A VINEGAR FACTORY. 97 



taste so as to render it unfit for the preparation of table vinegar, 

 and can only be utilized, for instance, in the preparation of ace- 

 tate of lead, etc. When the vinegar running off has acquired a 

 pure taste, it is collected by itself and later converted into a 

 stronger product by mixing it with alcohol and passing again 

 through the generators. By this saturation of the shavings with 

 vinegar, the vinegar ferment locates in abundance upon the sur- 

 face of the shavings and the generators are fit for the formation 

 of vinegar. 



The regular fabrication can, however, be commenced only 

 gradually, as may be illustrated by the following example : At 

 first, for instance, alcoholic liquid is introduced only once a day, 

 either early in the morning or in the evening. In about eight 

 days, or under certain conditions even later, the temperature in 

 the interior has risen to from 86 to 95 F., and alcoholic liquid 

 may now be introduced twice daily, for instance, early in the 

 morning and in the afternoon. That the generator works, is re- 

 cognized by the increased temperature and by the flame of a 

 candle held near a draught-hole being drawn inwards. After 8 

 to 14 days more the thermometer shows 96 to 98 F., and then 

 alcoholic liquid is introduced three times daily, for instance, early 

 in the morning, in the forenoon, and in the afternoon, whereby 

 the temperature rises to 102 to 104 F. If now the vinegar 

 running off shows the intended strength, the generators are in 

 good working order and subjected to the regular treatment. 



Accelerated Acidulation. 



By closely considering the processes which must take place in 

 acidification and the first stage of the operation, it will be plainly 

 seen that the above-described method cannot be called a rational 

 one, there being a waste of time as well as of material and the 

 commencement of regular working being largely dependent on 

 accident. 



The object of acidulation is, as previously stated, first to thor- 

 oughly saturate the shavings with vinegar and next to develop the 

 vinegar ferment upon them. This can, however, be attained in a 

 more suitable and a quicker manner than by the above process. 



(TJ1TIVBRSITY 



