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An informative and educational resource specializing in process control instrumentation, analytical instruments, and related industrial equipment. Content includes technology basics, how-to's, new product developments, and application notes. Blog is courtesy of Alliance Technical Sales, a leading Manufacturers' Rep headquartered in Clarendon Hills, IL and serving customers in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin.
The craft beer industry has witnessed a remarkable rise in popularity, with discerning consumers seeking distinctive flavor profiles and superior quality. Craft breweries must prioritize consistency and excellence throughout the brewing process to satisfy these discerning palates. Integrating advanced measurement solutions for critical parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, gaseous oxygen, and turbidity is paramount to attaining optimal outcomes and preserving the intended taste characteristics of craft beers.
The acidity or alkalinity of the brewing environment, quantified by pH, exerts a profound influence on the activity of enzymes, the well-being of yeast, and the ultimate flavor profile of the beer. Precise pH monitoring is indispensable for maintaining batch-to-batch uniformity. Cutting-edge pH meters with features like automatic temperature compensation and calibration functionality empower brewers to track and fine-tune pH levels closely throughout the brewing cycle. By diligently regulating pH within the ideal range, brewers can ward off undesirable flavors, guarantee efficient fermentation, and create beers that exemplify their intended taste attributes.
The dissolved oxygen concentration (DO) in beer is a pivotal consideration, as it can significantly impact flavor stability and longevity. Excessive DO levels can trigger oxidation reactions, imparting stale or cardboard-like off-flavors to the beer. Cutting-edge DO meters employing optical sensing technology deliver precise and dependable measurements, empowering brewers to monitor and regulate vigilantly DO concentrations across the brewing and packaging stages. By minimizing the beer's exposure to DO, craft breweries can safeguard the freshness and integrity of their products.
Beyond dissolved oxygen, gaseous oxygen in the brewing environment warrants meticulous attention. Gaseous oxygen can infiltrate the beer during transfer processes, bottling, or canning, potentially leading to oxidative deterioration and compromised flavor. Advanced gaseous oxygen analyzers equip brewers to identify and quantify oxygen levels in the headspace of packaged beer. By diligently monitoring and controlling gaseous oxygen, craft breweries can effectively prevent oxidation and preserve the intended flavor characteristics of their beers.
Its turbidity or clarity greatly influences the visual allure and overall perception of craft beer. High-precision turbidity meters offer reliable and consistent measurements, enabling brewers to closely monitor the clarity of their beers at different junctures in the brewing process. By expertly manipulating turbidity levels, craft breweries can guarantee a consistent visual presentation and cater to consumer expectations, whether the desired outcome is a crystal-clear or intentionally hazy beer.
In conclusion, adopting state-of-the-art measurement solutions for pH, dissolved oxygen, gaseous oxygen, and turbidity is crucial for craft breweries aiming to elevate the quality and consistency of their offerings. Precise and reliable measurements arm brewers with the insights needed to make well-informed decisions, streamline their processes, and consistently deliver exceptional craft beers to their patrons. By strategically investing in cutting-edge measurement technologies, craft breweries can optimize their operations, minimize product inconsistencies, and cement their reputation as producers of top-tier, flavor-forward beers that stand out in the fiercely competitive craft beer landscape.
Alliance Technical Sales, Inc.pH, dissolved oxygen, and conductivity are important parameters to measure in industrial processes because they can provide valuable information about the products' quality and safety. By measuring these parameters, industrial processes can ensure that they are operating within safe and optimal ranges, which can improve the quality and efficiency of the products.
pH is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution, and it can significantly impact the behavior of chemicals in a process.
There are several ways to measure pH in industrial processes, including using a pH meter, pH test strips, and indicator solutions. A pH meter is a commonly used instrument that measures the pH of a solution by using a probe to measure the electrical potential difference between the solution and a reference electrode. pH test strips are also commonly used in industrial processes, as they are quick and easy to use and provide a general indication of the pH of a solution.
Dissolved oxygen is vital because many industrial processes involve biological organisms that require oxygen to survive and function properly.
There are several ways to measure dissolved oxygen in industrial processes, but some of the most common methods include the following:
Conductivity is a measure of the ability of a solution to conduct electricity. It can provide information about the concentration of ions in the solution, which can be helpful in various applications.
Conductivity in industrial processes is typically measured using a conductivity meter. This device uses electrodes to pass an electrical current through a substance sample and measures the substance's resistance to the flow of electricity. The resistance converts into a conductivity reading, typically reported in units of siemens per meter (S/m).
It's worth noting that the most appropriate method for measuring dissolved oxygen, conductivity and pH in industrial processes will depend on the application's specific requirements. It's always a good idea to consult with an expert in the field to determine the best method for your particular needs.
METTLER TOLEDO provides analytical transmitters for a wide range of analytics, including pH/ORP, oxygen, dissolved carbon dioxide and conductivity or resistivity. These analytical transmitters are the component within a measurement system that communicates displayed measurements to a user or higher level control system. METTLER TOLEDO high-performance analytical transmitters offer compatibility with traditional analog sensors and digital sensors with METTLER TOLEDO's Intelligent Sensor Management (ISM).
Discuss your process analytics requirements with professional, skilled expert engineers. Alliance Technical Sales is available to assist in the application and specification of sensors, transmitters, and controllers for any industrial process. Call them at 630-321-9646 or visit their website at https://alliancets.com.
Any process or transfer where beer becomes exposed to oxygen post-fermentation is an opportunity for oxygen to cause staling, muting, and shelf-life reduction. One example is the packaging process. The added oxygen resulting from placing the beer in cans, kegs, or bottles can affect the final product's consistency and taste.
As a brewer, you want to concentrate on producing the best-tasting beer. Therefore, it is critical to know how oxygen affects the brewing process and how packaging can eventually impact your beer's taste. It will give you the trust you need to create award-winning flavors that customers will enjoy, no matter how long the beer sits on the shelf.
METTLER TOLEDO Process Analytics offers the most accurate and cost-effective solutions for measuring dissolved oxygen in brewing applications. These robust optical dissolved oxygen sensors are durable and require minimal maintenance.
For more information about METTLER TOLEDO Process Analytics products in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Wisconsin call Alliance Technical Sales at 630-321-9646 or visit their website at https://alliancets.com.
pH Sensor (Mettler) |
The Pro2Go handheld pH meter delivers high levels of accuracy and functionality for process measurement. Image courtesy Mettler-Toledo Process Analytics |
The Pro2Go portable pH meter provides top flight measurement capability in a handheld portable package. Image courtesy Mettler Toledo |
Ingold and Thornton brands provide wide ranging solutions for process analytic challenges. Image courtesy Mettler Toledo |
Automated pH sensor cleaning and calibration with EasyClean 400 Courtesy Mettler Toledo |
The retractable sensor housings are available in several configurations |
The new M100 Sensor Mount Transmitter affixes directly to ISM type sensors. |