Sizing of a Mobile Sodabi Production Unit

This study focuses on the design of an innovative mobile device for the production of sodabi, a traditional alcoholic beverage from Benin. The design is based on the control of distillation parameters, with an innovative approach aimed at improving production quality and efficiency. The separation of methanol (which is toxic) and the extraction of as much ethanol as possible are based on their different boiling points. Tests were carried out to assess the device’s ability to produce high-quality sodabi. The results show that the device designed provides adequate control of the distillation temperature, ensures continuous cooling of the vapours and consumes three times less energy than the traditional device, while achieving a material yield of 20%. What’s more, the system is 99% efficient. The tasters were also positive about the quality of the sodabi produced by the device. The prototype, with a maximum production capacity of 1.6 liters of sodabi per hour, costs an estimated FCFA 66,800.