PROCESS ANALYTICS

Brewery processes

Monitoring Brewery Processes

The taste and quality of beer greatly depend on the quality of the water used to brew it. pH and conductivity measurements determine its quality.

Globalization is putting massive competitive pressure on breweries. Maintaining high beer quality is key to remaining successful in the market.

Using process analytics guarantees beer quality and optimizes process management at the same time.

Food and Beverage

Not just a matter of taste: pH, conductivity and oxygen measurement in brewery processes

The brewing water’s pH value and salt content are major determinants of the taste and quality of beer. This is why depending on the substances it contains, raw or potable water must be subjected to various types of treatment ranging from reverse osmosis and chemical treatment to filtration. SE558 pH sensors or SE605H Memosens conductivity sensors are used to monitor the brewing water alkalinity and salt content required for each specific style of beer.

Mashing process: highly pH dependent starch-sugar conversion

In subsequent processes, pH measurement also plays a major role. After the brewing water is mixed with milled malt in the mash tun, enzymes convert the starch it contains into maltose. This highly pH-dependent process takes place in the 5.4 to 5.6 pH range. In the next step, wort boiling, hops are added to control the future beer’s taste and shelf life, its specific gravity is set and the pH value lowered. Because the SE555 pH sensor can be sterilized with superheated steam and is biocompatible, it is ideal for monitoring these processes.

Oxygen measurement – essential for reliable process management

Afterward, the trub – hops debris and precipitated protein – is separated in a whirlpool and metered yeast and oxygen are added to the wort in order to trigger the fermentation process. Rigorous rules apply for the yeast. To ensure optimal quality, the pH value and dissolved oxygen content are monitored during yeast breeding. Since the dissolved oxygen content determines yeast vitality during fermentation and taste development as well, oxygen measurement is essential for reliable process management. At this point, the SE706 oxygen sensor in the hygienic stainless steel variant guarantees reliable inline measurement.

Next, the wort turns into green beer in storage tanks. At this stage, low oxygen content retains the beer’s taste. And continuous oxygen measurement also allows leaks in the storage tanks to be detected in time. Before it is bottled, beer is filtered and stored in pressurized tanks. To safeguard taste and prevent oxidation, maximum limit values for the concentration of oxygen must be complied with. Some large breweries also set the precise alcohol content of the beer by diluting it with degassed water. The degassing process is monitored by measuring the dissolved oxygen. The same applies to bottling, in which the oxygen concentration must remain below 25 ppb to maintain shelf life and taste.

CIP: Dosing rinse media with inductive conductivity measurement

In order to comply with the rigorous hygiene rules for food production, the systems involved in brewing beer must be cleaned by alternately flushing with a sodium hydroxide solution and acid (often nitric acid) at temperatures of around 65 °C (CIP process). The concentration of the CIP media (intrusion) is controlled based on inductive conductivity measurement with a SE680 sensor. During the final rinse of the cleaned process lines, the complete removal of all rinse media is verified using the SE605H conductivity sensor.

Brewery wastewater treatment

Last but not least, Memosens technology is also applied in the treatment of brewery wastewater, which requires sensors such as the SE554 pH sensor, the highly chemical resistant SE655 for measuring inductive conductivity in heavily polluted media and the long-term stable SE715 oxygen sensor. Since brewery wastewater treatment assumes an unusually high load of debris, automated cleaning systems at the measuring points involved are recommended.

Return on Investment

In the moist environments of breweries and for system cleaning, the contactless inductive Memosens plug & play system guarantees unrivaled measurement reliability and quality.
Reliably accurate measurements are essential for high product quality and safeguard the brand’s key properties from the consumer’s point of view.
Reduced costs thanks to longer sensor service life: Memosens detects the number of CIP/SIP cycles and suggests maintenance intervals to extend sensor service life.

Matching Products

SE558 pH Sensor | Memosens | 225 mm | Ex | For ultrapure water, water and analytical chemistry

Product number:

SE558X/2-NMSN

Product number:

SE555X/1-NMSN

SE706 Oxygen Sensor | Memosens | 120 mm | Ex | Measuring range (resolution) 0 ... 50 mg/l (6 μg/l)

Product number:

SE706X/1-NMSN

SE680 Digital Toroidal Conductivity Sensor | Varivent DN 50 | Ex | FDA-approved PEEK | Measuring range 0 … 2000 mS/cm

Product number:

SE680X-V1N4U00M

Related Industries and Applications

Food and Beverage

Reliable measurements from raw material to end product under the extreme requirements due to SIP/CIP, temperature and safety.

Monitoring raw water inlet

Recording raw water values plays a key role in the overall process of drinking water treatment. Measures for neutralizing extreme pH values or oxidation-reduction potentials are not only taken in the spirit of health compatibility, but also…

Monitoring sugar production

pH sensors are subject to extreme requirements during sugar production. Lime is dosed based on pH measurement right from the start...

Quality control for raw milk delivery

High quality requirements are placed on raw milk, and online monitoring of truck unloading procedure at the dairy prevents inferior quality (sour milk) from spoiling the entire stock of the storage tank.

Blog Articles on this Subject

Feb 2024

Process Analytics

Uniclean700, Launch

Uniclean 700 Series - Modular control system for automated sensor cleaning

With the Uniclean 700 series, Knick is introducing a modular control system, that can be installed very quickly and cost-effectively as a flexible entry-level solution for automated sensor cleaning.

Dec 2023

Company

|

Interface Technology

|

Process Analytics

Knick Austria - direct customer contact in Austria from 2024

Reorganization of sales in Austria and new contacts in the field of process analytics and interface technology

Apr 2023

Process Analytics

Launch, Fitting, WA111

Robust WA111 Retractable Fitting Made of Plastic for Highly Corrosive Operating Conditions

The plastic WA111 retractable fitting is a robust and cost-effective solution for corrosive processes and environments. It is equipped with a secure lock function and multiple nozzles for thorough sensor cleaning.

Apr 2023

Process Analytics

Launch, Fitting, WA155

Successful joint project : Knick developed the special Ceramat WA 155 retractable fitting for optical probes from SOPAT

In cooperation with SOPAT, Knick developed a special Ceramat fitting for optical probes for automatic cleaning in fouling processes.

Apr 2023

Process Analytics

Conductivity, Phamacy, pH

pH and conductivity measurement in vaccine production

Pharmaceutical contract manufacturer relies on Knick's transmitters for modular production plants for Covid-19 vaccines.

Apr 2023

Process Analytics

Conductivity, Sensor, SE625

Sturdy 2-Electrodes Conductivity Sensor SE625 with Coaxial Electrodes made of Titanium

The SE625 ensures reliable and accurate determination of the conductivity of ultrapure water in the semiconductor industry.

Jan 2023

Process Analytics

ARD75

Sensor Adapter with Lock Function Enables Safe and Thorough Cleaning

Sensor adapter with locking gate for safety and thorough cleaning of sensors in the immersion fitting ARD75 without the need

Nov 2022

Process Analytics

Protos II 4400, Module

Up to six Sensors on one Transmitter Protos II 4400 via Modul MSU4400-180

Users can now connect up to six Memosens sensors simultaneously.

Aug 2022

Process Analytics

Achema, Exhibition

ACHEMA 2022 - Knick at the world forum for the process industry

In August 2022, the international process industry met at the ACHEMA. Knick presented the cCare system and industrial applications in a new concept.

Jun 2022

Process Analytics

pH, Sensor, SE555, ORP

Combined pH- and ORP-Sensor SE555X/*-AMSN

Combined pH and ORP measurement in one sensor SE555 saves place and equipment costs for demanding requirements in the chemical industry, the food sector and for hygienic applications.

Apr 2022

Process Analytics

MemoTrans

Ultra Compact Transmitter for Memosens Sensors

The new ultra compact MemoTrans MT201 transmitter plugs directly onto the Memosens sensor in the fitting and communicates via 4-20 mA HART protocol.

Feb 2022

Process Analytics

Protos II 4400, Stratos Multi, Software, ProgaLog

Conveniently configure transmitters offline on a PC - ProgaLog 4000

Conveniently configure all flexibly configurable Stratos Multi and Protos II 4400 transmitters offline, save settings, duplicate for further transmitters, and create documentation for audits.

Feb 2022

Process Analytics

Stratos Multi, Transmitter

New Stratos Multi E461N transmitter with Profinet

The interface enables continuous communication of process variables and predictive maintenance from the field level to all common process control systems.

Jan 2022

Process Analytics

Memosens

Memosens 2.0: Evolution of digital data transfer

As one of the two initiators of Memosens, Knick is constantly developing the technology.

Nov 2021

Process Analytics

Conductivity, Sensor, Ex, SE656, SE655

SE655X Digital and SE656X Digital - Digital Conductivity Sensors with Ex Certification

The SE655X digital and SE656X digital conductivity sensors with Memosens protocol are now also available with Ex certification.

Nov 2021

Process Analytics

Exhibition, Switzerland, Ilmac

ILMAC 2021 in Basel - Trade Show Review by Knick Schweiz AG

Knick Schweiz AG exhibited at ILMAC in Basel and gives a brief review of what it's like to have finally met customers at the show again.

Oct 2021

Process Analytics

Stratos Multi, Transmitter, Ex

Stratos Multi E401X- Multiparameter Transmitter for Hazardous Locations

The new Multiparameter Transmitter Stratos Multi E401X can now also be used in hazardous locations, installed in Ex Zone 2.

May 2021

Process Analytics

Transmitters, Stratos Multi

Stratos Multi E471 with EtherNet/IP for process optimization

EtherNet/IP communication protocol allows the transmitter to be easily integrated into Industrial Ethernet networks as PCS.

May 2021

Process Analytics

Launch, Conductivity, Sensor, SE656

New SE656N digital conductivity sensor

New toroidal Digital Conductivity Sensor with a large measuring range and consisting of PFA for using in aggressive media

Mar 2021

Process Analytics

Protos II 4400, Profinet

Transmitter for the process industry with PROFINET module

The PROFINET industrial Ethernet standard is becoming an increasingly important aspect of process engineering in the “Industry 4.0” environment.

Jul 2020

Process Analytics

Launch, Fitting, ARD170

High-quality immersion fitting for mobile applications

ARD 170 enables measurements even in deep water

Jul 2020

Process Analytics

Fitting, ARD50, ARD75

Modular immersion fitting as an electrically conductive variant

Knick is expanding its portfolio of fittings for liquid analysis with additional electrically conductive (EL) variants.

Apr 2020

Process Analytics

Launch, Transmitters, Stratos Multi

New multiparameter transmitter Stratos Multi

Knick is launching the the next generation in its Stratos analyzer product line.

Feb 2018

Process Analytics

Fitting, Sensor

How to get the sensor into the process

Sensors as the direct interface to the process must be exactly matched to the chemistry of the measured medium and to the prevailing pressure and temperature conditions.

Apr 2017

Process Analytics

MemoRail Modbus

Powerful compact analyzer boosts performance while reducing costs

It has long been common practice when taking pH/ORP, conductivity, and oxygen measurements that a fixed analyzer be mounted near the sensor. The analyzer serves several purposes.