Filtration Aid Powder Dispersion for Beer

 Powder Dispersion using Filtration aid 

Most beers, especially lagers, are filtered to remove yeast and other suspended solids. This reduces the storage time required for the natural clarification of beer, improving stability and shelf life. The most commonly used filter media (or filter media) is synthetic amorphous silica (silica), commonly referred to as diatomaceous earth, which is available under a variety of trade names.

Process

An aqueous suspension of powdered diatomaceous earth is prepared in a separate container before being fed to the filter. The solid content can be varied depending on the dosage required for each type of beer.

The general manufacturing process for diatomaceous earth production using a conventional stirrer is as follows:

• The container is filled with water.

• The stirrer arranged to generate a vortex starts.

• The powder is slowly fed into the vortex.

• Continue mixing to completely disperse the powder and keep the solids in suspension.

Problems

• Using a traditional stirrer can cause some problems. 

• Diatomaceous earth is very low density and can emit large amounts of dust.

• The powder is easy to float. Incorporating the powder into the water requires vigorous agitation, exacerbating the dust problem and increasing oxygenation. The rate of addition of powder should be carefully controlled to avoid lump formation.

• Aggregates need to break down to fine particle size to create a stable suspension. 

• The cleaning effect of the stirrer cannot do this 

• A long mixing time is required to complete the dispersion/suspension.

Solution

Wahal Flashblend can be used to significantly reduce processing time and improve product quality.

Stage 1:

Water is drawn from the reservoir by a centrifugal pump and sent to an in-line mixer via a venturi assembly. The high-speed flow through the venturi creates a vacuum in the chamber below the powder hopper. Water is returned to the container via a self-pumping in-line mixer.

Stage 2:

The powder is fed to a specially designed hopper. As soon as the water circulates, the powder supply valve opens. The powder is sucked into a Venturi tube, where the water and powder flow are immediately mixed and immediately sent to the inlet of the Inline High Shear Mixer.

Stage 3:

Liquids and solids are subjected to strong high shear forces at the work heads of in-line mixers. When the powder addition is complete, the bypass valve opens and the flush blend is in fast recirculation mode. The entire contents of the bottle pass through the flash blend in a short mixing cycle, ensuring rapid completion of hydration.

Benefits

Wahal Bead Mill machine has many advantages over traditional systems.

• Processing time is greatly reduced.

• The rapid uptake of large amounts of powder.

• Improved consistency and reproducibility.

• Controlled powder addition rate

• Requires minimal operator input.

• Minimized cleaning requirements LIQUID POWDER MIXER is designed for Cleaned In Place (CIP).

• Designed to facilitate automation and connection to process computers.

• Dust Emission Reduction Flashblend can also be integrated into a dust extraction system.

• The Powder Incorporation system can be custom-built to meet the requirements of individual customers.

• Can be integrated into powder administration systems such as large bags (flexible containers). 

• The optional Funnel Flow Aid can be used on difficult powders.