Automated dry hopping system for large-scale beer production
In large-scale beer production, brewers face challenges of evenly dispersing hop aromas, minimizing product loss, and reducing the risk of equipment blockages during dry hopping. Managing these issues efficiently is crucial for maintaining product consistency and production uptime.
Optimizes dry hopping with minimal product loss
The Alfa Laval Iso-Mix External Drive (IMXD) is designed to automate and scale up dry hopping for beer volumes ranging from 100 to over 5000 hectoliters. This system integrates seamlessly with any hop introduction method and ensures efficient hop utilization through rapid dispersion and extraction. Positioned low in the fermenter, the IMXD mixer maintains hop particles in suspension, preventing sedimentation and blockages. Additionally, it facilitates consistent feeding to the centrifuge, optimizing separation efficiency. The IMXD system also assists in improving fermentation by keeping yeast uniformly mixed, thereby enhancing contact with fermentable sugars and reducing overall process time. Furthermore, the system’s design minimizes contact between circulating fluid and gears, allowing it to handle high concentrations of solid matter.
Benefits
- Reduces residence time for hop extraction
- Minimizes product loss during dry hopping
- Prevents blockages in process lines and equipment
- Enhances yeast suspension and fermentation efficiency
- Compatible with various hop introduction methods