Chemviron Carbon: Activated carbon in Brewing and Bottling

PROCESS WATER TREATMENT

The characteristics of water have a great influence on the character of the product. Even when the incoming process water is from a municipal drinking water source, the water may contain residual tastes, odours, disinfection by-products, and free and combined chlorine. Molecules with carbon-sulphur bonds often smell and taste bad, but these are often preferentially adsorbed on carbon. The same is true of molecules with aromatic rings. Carbon's de-chlorinating capability results from its ability to act as a reducing agent that reacts with strong oxidizing agents such as hypochlorous acid or chlorine dioxide.

Activated carbons such as Filtrasorb® 200 (coal) and Aquacarb 607C (acid washed coconut) , which meet the Food Chemicals Codex testing protocols, are an effective treatment to assure water that is contaminant, taste and odour free.

BREWING PROCESS APPLICATIONS

Tannin Treatment:

The treatment of tannic acid for flavour and odour removal is a process application in brewing where carbon adsorption is used.  Since the tannic acid is treated at a low pH, Chemviron Carbon recommends an acid washed carbon CPG LF® for this application.

De-colorization of "Clear" Beers:

Carbon is also used to remove colour from malts for use in clear beers and other flavoured malt beverages.  Several granular and powdered products can be used for this type of application. Generally, granular carbons such as CAL® are more efficient than powdered carbons, and avoid disposal issues. However, where powdered products are needed for batch processing, Chemviron Carbon has several types available.

SUMMARY OF OTHER BEVERAGE APPLICATIONS

VAPOUR PHASE APPLICATIONS

• Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Recovery – Purification of the carbon dioxide generated in brewing for reuse in carbonation.
• Wort Kettle Steam – Odour control
• Fumigant Emission Control -  Phosphine abatemement from grain, barley or hop storage