Beer Stabilization: Comparison of Alternative Methods
MBAA TQ vol. 45, no. 4, 2008, pp.
337-339 |
VIEW ARTICLE
J. Zuber and U. Gans. FILTROX AG, Switzerland.
Abstract
With the increasing industrialization and internationalization of beer
production, beer stabilization has become more and more a standard process step.
Various methods have been developed over the last 50 years, starting with silica
gels and one-way PVPP (polyvinylpolypyrrolidone) and progressing later on to
regenerable PVPP and solid-bed adsorbers. The interaction of proteins and
polyphenols causes unwanted colloidal haze. Some methods reduce the amount of
proteins, while some reduce the amount of polyphenols; the latest method
attempts to prevent the two groups of molecules from interacting. Looking at the
pros and cons of these methods, it is evident that with single-use products like
silica gels and one-way PVPP, it is possible to produce stabilized beer on an
existing production line without investing in hardware but with a high
operational cost. The application of regenerable products on the other hand,
requires a substantial upfront investment but over the long term provides
considerably lower operating costs. FILTROX presented a very economical solution
to the brewing industry eight years ago with the development of a candle filter
for regenerable PVPP.
Keywords: adsorbers, beer stabilization, candle filters, enzymes, PVPP,
silica gels
S�ntesis
La estabilizaci�n f�sico-qu�mica de la cerveza se ha vuelto un proceso
est�ndar cervecero debido a la industrializaci�n e internacionalizaci�n de la
elaboraci�n de la cerveza en los �ltimos decenios. Se han desarrollado varios
m�todos en estos �ltimos 50 a�os, comenzando con s�lica gel y PVPP de un solo
uso y progresando al uso de PVPP regenerable y lechos adsorbentes s�lidos. La
interacci�n de prote�nas y polifenoles resulta en una turbieza coloidal
indeseada. Algunos m�todos de estabilizaci�n reducen la cantidad de prote�nas
mientras otros reducen los polifenoles; un m�todo nuevo trata de evitar que
estos dos grupos lleguen a interactuar. Es evidente que con productos de un solo
uso, como s�lica gel y PVPP no regenerable, es posible producir una cerveza
estabilizada en una planta sin necesidad de invertir en �hardware�, pero a un
alto costo operativo. El uso de productos regenerables requiere de una inversi�n
inicial, aunque esta provee costos operativos m�s bajos a lo largo de la
inversi�n. FILTROX present� una soluci�n muy econ�mica a la industria cervecera
hace unos ocho a�os: un filtro de velas con PVPP regenerable.
Palabras claves: adsorbentes, enzimas, estabilizaci�n, filtro vela, PVPP,
s�lica gel
