Overcoming the top four pumping challenges in the brewing and distilling industry
PUMPS INNOVATIVE PUMP SOLUTIONS
SEEPEX
Overcoming the top four pumping challenges in the brewing and distilling industry
The UK hospitality sector is set for a positive 2024 , fuelled by favourable economic conditions , evolving culinary trends , and strategic industry efforts . Despite high energy prices , consumer demand for beer and spirits remains strong . The rising popularity of craft beers and a growing market for artisan and flavoured gins partly drives this trend . For brewing and distilling operations , managing costs while maintaining product quality is crucial .
In the brewing and distilling industry , challenges can be categorised into three key areas : raw materials handling , production , and waste management . Efficient product flow control is essential in each area to ensure highquality output . Progressive cavity ( PC ) pumps provide significant advantages in efficiency , productivity , and energy savings , helping producers navigate high energy costs .
1 . Grist Mixing and Transfer The brewing or distilling process begins by mixing milled grain ( grist ) with water in a vessel called a mash or lauter tun , where the starch is converted to sugar . Traditionally , the grain is cracked and stored in a grist case and then gravity fed into a masher where it is mixed with hot water before entering the mash tun . However , newer or smaller breweries often use conveyors , adding complexity and cost . Inconsistent mixing due to uneven water addition can also reduce yield .
SEEPEX ’ s BT range offers a streamlined alternative , combining a feed hopper and adjustable auger feed screw to ensure homogenous mixing and stable yield . These offer installation and mashing-in flexibility , mixing the grist with hot water and then pumping into the mash tun . This pump can reduce transfer times by half and double mashing capacity . The inclusion of Smart Conveying Technology ( SCT ) enabling rapid dismantling and cleaning , increasing pump stator life by up to 200 % and reducing maintenance time by up to 85 %.
2 . Yeast Handling Fermentation , where yeast is added to the wort to convert simple sugars into alcohol , is a critical stage . Yeast is shear-sensitive and requires gentle and hygienic handling to preserve its quality . Traditional peristaltic pumps can damage yeast with their pulsating action , which has a detrimental effect on the taste of the beer or spirit .
SEEPEX ’ s BCF range of PC pumps provides a gentler alternative , moving yeast through a series of cavities with minimal shear . This preserves yeast quality and ensures better fermentation outcomes . This is because PC pumps move the product through the pump in a series of cavities , preventing slip from the discharge back through the pump . Slip creates shear , so PC pumps have extremely low shear compared to other pump designs that have clearances between the lobes , screws or gears . They are also good at handling entrained air and foam , which is important for brewers and distillers as the yeast can become foamy at this stage .
112 PECM Issue 70