PUMPS PROGRESSIVE CAVITY PUMPS
SEEPEX
Overcoming the top 4 pumping challenges of the brewing and distilling industry
A flexible alternative to expeller units , SEEPEX open hopper pumps are used for spent grain handling as well as grist mixing and transfer
By Peter McGarian , Managing Director , SEEPEX UK
The many challenges faced throughout the brewing or distilling process can be divided into three major areas : raw materials handling , production and waste handling . In each , accurate control of product flow is essential to ensure the final product quality is consistently high . Pumps are therefore integral to brewing and distilling operations . Here , we demonstrate how switching to a progressive cavity ( PC ) pump can deliver efficiency , productivity and energy gains to help brewers and distillers thrive .
1 GRIST MIXING AND TRANSFER
The brewing or distilling process starts by mixing milled grain with water in a mash or lauter tun , where the starch is converted into sugar . In newer or smaller breweries , the grist case often sits below the mash tun , with a conveyor system transferring the grist to the masher . This involves high incremental costs and can add complexity to the conveying system , leading to mixing problems ; water is often added unevenly , resulting in a mix that is not homogenous and reduces the yield .
An alternative to complex conveyor systems are open hopper PC pumps in Seepex ’ s
BT range . These offer installation and mashing-in flexibility , allowing the grist to be mixed with hot water and then pumped into the mash tun . Comprising a feed hopper and an auger feed screw , the pitch and diameter of the auger can be adjusted for optimal product feed , ensuring a homogenous mix and a stable yield .
2 YEAST HANDLING
A critical process for any brewery or distillery is the fermentation stage ; when yeast is added to the wort to convert simple sugars into alcohol . Yeast is shear-sensitive so requires very gentle and hygienic handling to avoid damaging it .
BCF range of PC pumps offers more gentle and hygienic handling , better preserving the yeast quality for fermentation . This is because PC pumps move the product through the pump in a series of cavities , which prevents slip from the discharge back through the pump . Slip creates shear , so compared to other pump designs which have clearances between the lobes , screws or gears , PC pumps have a very low shear action . They are also good at handling entrained air and foam ; important for brewers and distillers as the yeast can gain a foamy consistency at this stage .
SEEPEX BCF progressive cavity pumps are ideal for gentle and hygienic handling of shear sensitive products like yeast
88 PECM Issue 54