Beer clarification using
modern separation technology

Preventing hops and malt from going to waste: Efficient beer separation for maximum yield and flexibility

Customized centrifuge systems – to meet the requirements of beer clarification and cold processes in modern breweries

Beer clarification is an essential step in the brewing process that does more than just remove turbidity. It ensures the purity, characteristic flavor, and long shelf life of the beer by effectively removing unwanted suspended matter, such as yeast cells, proteins, hop residues, and starch.

For large-scale production, both quality and efficiency are decisive criteria. Flottweg offers modern separation technologies that facilitate a faster and more effective separation than is possible with sedimentation. This minimizes losses, maximizes yield, and makes optimal use of storage tank capacity, thus saving costs.

Flottweg separators feature a fully automatic monitoring and control system, ensuring consistent quality and high process reliability throughout large-scale production. They relieve the load on the filtration system, reduce the consumption of filter aids, and reduce maintenance and cleaning requirements – all these factors are important for achieving cost-effectiveness. Flottweg separators offer flexible solutions for both craft and medium-sized breweries, facilitating precise clarification of various beer styles, from naturally cloudy to crystal clear. This allows brewers to respond to market demands and consumer trends without compromising on taste and quality. Flottweg supports breweries of all sizes in their efforts to efficiently produce high-quality, sustainable beer.

The Brewing Process with Flottweg Separation Technology

Transforming grains into refreshing beer involves a complex process. Beer, in its many forms during production, is created step-by-step in the brewery’s hot and cold processes. Flottweg’s highly efficient beer centrifuges meet the specific requirements of breweries while optimizing the entire process for maximum yields with the utmost level of quality.

More than just beer is produced in the brewing process: Brewers grains, surplus yeast, and spent hops are all by-products that no longer play a role in the production of beer. There are also wastewater flows, such as Kieselguhr, which is a form of diatomaceous earth used in manufacturing. When these waste materials are not handled directly by the breweries, they must also be sold or disposed, which leads to wastewater, disposal, and transport costs.

With its decanters and Sedicanter®, Flottweg offers proven technologies for increasing the efficiency of the brewing process: The decanter separates over 98% of the liquid wort from the hot trub, thus reducing losses. The Sedicanter®, on the other hand, is particularly useful for the recovery of beer from fermentation and bottom-fermenting yeasts; it separates solids in cold processes with over 99% efficiency. The Flottweg separator, of course, is the heart of the beer clarification process. It is primarily used in the later stages of the brewing process to gently and effectively remove yeast cells, hop residues, and other clouding agents. The carbon dioxide remains in the beer thanks to the pressurized discharge and the hydrohermetic seal.

The separator also extends the life of filters and minimizes beer losses. It ensures consistent turbidity, particularly for wheat and naturally turbid beers, and gives breweries the flexibility to manufacture different beer styles to the highest quality standards.

With many decades of experience in separation technology, Flottweg finds custom and comprehensive solutions for specific brewing processes. The equipment can be smoothly integrated into everyday operations and adapted to the hygiene control requirements of breweries.

The Brewing Process with Flottweg Separation Technology

Sustainability and cost reduction with beer centrifuges

Integrating beer centrifuges into the brewing process enhances quality while reducing the consumption of resources. The use of fewer filter aids, such as Kieselguhr, reduces both waste and the associated impact on the environment. In addition, precise separation facilitates lower water consumption by reducing the need for cleaning.

Breweries benefit from a longer filter service life and a reduced need for filtering aids, both of which reduce costs. Gentle solids discharge minimizes beer losses and optimizes raw material consumption. Modern separators are energy efficient and consume less electricity.

The automated operation of beer centrifuges ensures smooth operation, increases productivity and strengthens competitiveness.

Beer clarification as a success factor for modern breweries

Beer clarification is much more than just a simple cleaning step within the brewing process. It not only ensures that the beer is visually clear and appealing, but also that it tastes good and has a long shelf life. ionThe flexibility and precision of clarification technology are of particular importance in modern breweries that produce a wide array of beer types. Different beer styles require varying degrees of clarification - from cloudy to crystal clear - and this is precisely where Flottweg's innovative separators offer the perfect solution.

Overall, the use of Flottweg separators for modern beer clarification is essential for breweries that prioritize quality, efficiency and sustainability. It optimizes the brewing process, saves valuable resources and ensures that the final product meets the highest standards.