A new sorbent was designed on the basis of ion exchangers selective for proteins and for tannins that form the colloid trouble of beer. For a better promotion of that sorbent in the market, a simple and unexpensive method of operational application was proposed and launched.
The process done until now applies dosage of sorbent into the beer flow and its capture on filter. This solution is costly in construction and sanitary demanding. The sorbent is mechanically stressed and crushed and the fine particles pass through the filter screen. The passing particles are to be captured by another filter which makes the process even more expensive.
The company Amersham Pharmacia Biotech lent its pilot unity for testing into the Velke Popovice Brewery. The article describes the results of operational tests performed on that equipment. The following criteria were monitored: anthocyanogens, polyphenols, sulfate test, colour, trouble, proteins determined by the Comassie Brilliant Blue method, total nitrogen by the Kjeldahl method, bitter substances and the original degrees. Fresh samples, as well as samples after 3 and 6 months were tasted and simultaneously their clarity was traced by means of nephelometric measurement of trouble.
The test results have confirmed that the designed ion-exchanger stabilization represents an interesting alternative of the colloid stabilization of beer.