SEEPEX PC pumps are integral to brewing and distilling in raw material handling , production and waste handling
At the end of the fermentation process , yeast can also be recovered for re-use by discharging from the conical base of closed vessels or skimming from the surface of open vessels . In either case , the low shear characteristics of the BCF range offer advantages over alternative pumped methods or inefficient manual procedures .
3 FLAVOUR AND COLOUR DOSING
The addition of flavours and colours into beers and spirits must be done accurately and constantly to ensure even distribution and a consistent final product , with any additives metered in a non-pulsating manner . Positive displacement pumps are sometimes used but their pulsating action means that once they have dispensed a product , there is a pause before they can dispense again . This results in a gap in the process , which can cause uneven distribution of ingredients .
In contrast , Seepex ’ s PC dosing pumps (
D range ) are virtually pulsation-free and their output is directly proportional to the rotational speed of the pumping elements . This linear accuracy enables easy calibration and control . Their ability to meter very low flow rates means that colours , flavours and portions
The addition of flavours and colours into beers and spirits must be done accurately and constantly to ensure even distribution and a consistent final product
are all consistent , and they can also accurately meter a wide range of product consistencies .
4 REMOVING SPENT GRAINS , DRAFF AND HOPS
By-products of beer and spirit production include spent grains , draff and hops . At the end of the mashing process , they need to be transferred rapidly to storage tanks or silos to enable production to continue .
The methods of removing spent grain or draff vary according to the size of the brewery . Small breweries favour manual removal , whilst larger breweries or distilleries tend to use compressed air units ( pneumatic expeller units ). However , brewers and distillers can significantly reduce their costs by pumping these residual materials instead . Open hopper PC pumps with auger feed systems can transport the spent grain or draff within a closed pipe system over hundreds of metres .
Seepex ’ s
Smart Air Injection ( SAI ) technology is also ideal for this application . SAI can efficiently convey 15-40 % dry solids ( ds ) spent grains , draff and hops in plugs of 20-30m length , over distances of up to several hundred metres using controlled air pulses . SAI combines progressive cavity pumping with pneumatic dense-phase conveying to increase process efficiency and productivity , as well as reducing energy consumption .
IMPROVED BOTTOM LINE
In conclusion , by moving away from traditional and inefficient product handling methods towards innovative , problemsolving PC pump solutions , brewers and distillers can maintain their product quality , reduce their energy consumption and increase their production capacity .
For further information , please visit www . seepex . com
Issue 54 PECM 89