Beer pasteurization module

Achieve reliable microbial reduction and enhance the shelf life of beer and carbonated drinks with efficient thermal treatment, seamlessly integrated into your production line for optimal energy recovery.

Pasteurizes and Stabilizes Beer and Carbonated Drinks

The Flexitherm from Alfa Laval is a cutting-edge plate heat exchanger pasteurization system designed specifically for breweries and craft brewers. It utilizes a two-step thermal treatment process for efficient microbial reduction in beer and carbonated drinks, ensuring product stability and extended shelf life. With its capacity to handle up to 400 hectoliters per hour, Flexitherm integrates seamlessly into high-capacity production lines thanks to its fully automated, self-contained modular design. Energy efficiency is a standout feature, with the system recovering up to 95% of the heat, significantly lowering operational costs compared to traditional systems.

Flexitherm is constructed from durable stainless steel with EPDM gaskets, facilitating standard brewery cleaning-in-place (CIP) regimes and requiring minimal maintenance. Custom engineering options allow adaptation to specific production demands, including modifications for non-steam heating applications. Fully PLC-controlled, this system supports precise operation adjustments to meet varying filler requirements, with consistent pressure and flow rates maintained through the use of a buffer tank.

Particularly suited for producing imperial stouts, barley wines, and unique craft brews like bourbon barrel-aged beers, Flexitherm ensures that quality is preserved throughout the brewing process. The equipment meets the stringent demands of the food and beverage industry while offering enhanced flexibility with options to save multiple recipes, making it indispensable for dynamic brewing operations.

Benefits

  • Enhances product shelf life and microbiological stability, reducing spoilage risks.
  • Cuts operational costs with up to 95% energy recovery.
  • Minimizes beer loss through low hold-up volume design.
  • Streamlines integration with existing systems via automated PLC controls.
  • Facilitates easy maintenance with durable materials compatible with standard CIP regimes.

General


Applications
Carbonated drinks,Beer
End products
Bourbon barrel-aged beer,Craft beers,Barley wine,Imperial stout
Steps before
Filtration,Separation,Buffering,Heating
Steps after
Cooling,Aseptic Filling,Packaging,Quality Control
Input ingredients
unpasteurized beer,carbonated drinks
Output ingredients
pasteurized beer,microbiologically stable beer,beer with extended shelf life
Market info
Alfa Laval is renowned for its expertise in heat transfer, separation, and fluid handling technologies, providing innovative, energy-efficient engineered-to-order solutions for various industries including food, marine, and energy.

Technical Specifications


Capacity
5-50 hl/h
Capacity
40 hl/h
Capacity
400 hl/h
Automation
PLC-controlled
Energy Recovery
Up to 95%
Dimensions (LxWxH) for 40 hl/h
3.2m x 2.0m x 2.2m
Dimensions (LxWxH) for 400 hl/h
4.0m x 3.6m x 2.6m
Dimensions (LxWxH) for Mini
4,000 x 2,000 x 2,000 mm
Water Consumption Improvement
0.42 hl/hl
Energy Usage Improvement
5 MJ/hl
Self-Contained Module
Yes

Operating Characteristics


Working Mechanism
Heat exchange pasteurization
CIP Principles
Designed for Cleaning-In-Place (CIP)
Basic Operation Mode
Automatic pasteurization
Flow Type
Variable flow range
Automation Level
PLC-integrated
Modular Design
Pre-assembled module
Energy Recovery
Up to 95%
Operation Flexibility
Adaptable to filling machine demand
Beer Loss Minimization
Low hold-up volume in PHE
Process Adjustment
Continues refined control refinements

Material Compatibility


Abrasion resistance
High - made from stainless steel components
Biological compatibility
Suitable for brewing and food-grade applications
Cleanability
Designed for CIP (Cleaning in Place)
Corrosive resistance (e.g. acids)
Resistant - stainless steel and EPDM gaskets
Density/particle size
Suitable for liquid applications like beer

Physical Characteristics


Machine footprint (LxWxH)
3.2m x 2.0m x 2.2m to 4.0m x 3.6m x 2.6m
Compact footprint
Yes,designed to minimize site work
Discharge method
Automatic,integrated with PLC system
Control panel type
Automated,PLC-controlled
Built-in energy recovery
Up to 95%

Custom Options


Control System
Automated PLC
Integration Possibilities
Integrates with aseptic filling systems
Flow Rate Adjustment
Variable flow range
Heating Media
Steam / Hot water modification
Recipe Management
Multiple recipes in Flexitherm Mini
Buffer Tank,Routing
Available for consistent pressure control
Sterile Gas Filter
Optional (available on request)