Carbonation of beer in microbreweries using a bulk gas-to-atomised liquid (BGAL) approach

Alexandra  Jean; Jordan Funkhouser; Andrew Makowsk; Stacy Groene; Robert Brown

doi:10.58430/jib.v132i2.98

Authors

Alexandra Jean Iowa State University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6425-4443
Jordan Funkhouser Iowa State University
Andrew Makowsk Iowa State University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8148-9703
Stacy Groene Iowa State University
Robert Brown Iowa State University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0847-9557

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58430/jib.v132i2.98

Keywords:

carbonation, process intensification, bulk gas-to-atomised liquid, hop oil compounds

Abstract

Why was the work done: In microbreweries, forced carbonation in a bright beer tank using a carbonation stone may require up to 72 hours to reach specification for dissolved carbon dioxide. The mass transfer kinetics in bubbled systems are generally poor due to the small surface area-to-volume ratio in the liquid phase. Alternatively, droplets of beer have a comparatively large surface area-to-volume ratio and can absorb gas at greater rates.

How was the work done: A bulk gas-to-atomised liquid (BGAL) process was evaluated for beer carbonation. Using this method, a spray of beer droplets is carbonated in a closed vessel pressurised with carbon dioxide gas and equipped with a nozzle to atomise the beer. Following testing at prototype scale (3 x 19 L), the approach was evaluated at a pilot scale by retrofitting a 240 L bright beer tank to accommodate a nozzle, and a laboratory brewed IPA was carbonated at a rate of 3.0 L/min.

What are the main findings: The rate of carbonation achieved by the BGAL system was between 3 and 50 times greater than conventional carbonation, the precise improvement was dependent upon the operating conditions for the conventional method. Further, analysis of the finished beer revealed that hop oil compounds in BGAL carbonated beer were statistically similar to the concentration in beer carbonated by conventional means.

Why is the work important: These results suggest that the BGAL system could enhance the carbonation step in microbreweries that use a carbonation stone in bright beer tank, while maintaining the aromatic characteristics of the beer.

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