Beer is the drink most consumed globally. However, do you ever think of how it was produced? Here, we shall be taking you through the process of beer production and showing at which stages what kind of industrial level sensors and switches are used. So, let's begin without wasting any more time!
Step 1: Malt Silo
The beer production process starts with malting. Barley grains are watered and allowed to germinate before drying in a kiln. At this stage, it is typical to employ RF Admittance Level Sensors when measuring the level within a silo holding barley. These sensors measure the level in this silo by determining changes in capacitance as the material fills up the silo. Vibrating Fork Level Switch for Solids may be favored when there is a need to avoid maintenance. The sensor bases its detecting ability on the vibration changes that occur on happening contact with the given solids.
Use: During this process, the starches in the barley convert into fermentable sugars.
2. Hot Water Tank
Malted grains are then crushed and combined with hot water. Hot water is commonly used between 70°C and 80°C. Liquid Tuning Fork Level Switches can be used to control the hot temperature of the water. Liquid level sensors work by vibrating at a specific frequency. Any time the liquid comes in contact with the sensor, the vibration changes to signal the level status.
Use: The crushed malt releases hot water that extracts fermentable sugars which the yeast will later use for energy during the fermentation process.
Step 3: Mash Tun
Malted extract and hot water are pumped into the mash tun. The starch is converted into sugars in this process with the help of enzymes. For sanitary applications, an EHEDG Certified Tuning Fork Level Sensor for Liquids is used. It is similar to the principle of a tuning fork but designed to keep the process sanitary.
Use: This stage is vital in the production of fermentable sugars that are needed for fermentation.
Step 4: Lauter Tun
Since wort is now separated from the grains through grinding, a Tuning Fork Level Switch for Liquids with hygienic fittings is applied in the lauter tun in the process. With hygienic fittings, this device ensures it remains clean. This is also possible through the use of a Tuning Fork Level Sensor for Liquids in compact installations. The sensors must monitor the wort level separated from the grains.
Use: Separation of clear, sugar-rich wort to be fermented into beer.
Step 5: Wort Kettle
Transfer to the kettle in which the wort is boiled with hops. This step provides the bitterness and the aroma of beer. Sensors here are of types that survive up to 150°C; therefore, Tuning Fork Level Sensor for Liquids can be used for detecting levels in different liquids. They monitor the liquid level by sensing the variation in vibration while low-power-consumption vibration switches save energy.
Use: Boil with hops in order to strengthen the flavour profile of beer and kill bacteria.
Step 6: Fermentation Tank
After boiling, the wort is cooled and put into the fermentation tank. Suger is ferment to alcohol or carbon dioxide by yeast. RF-Admittance Level Switch for Sticky Solids is ideal in this tacky situation because of their immunity to build-up; they can measure material levels remarkably well even with the case of tackiness.
Use: The yeast ferments the sugars into alcohol which composes the beer.
Step 7: Yeast Storage
Yeast is an integral part of the beer production process. For yeast storage, a remote level monitoring system such as an RF Admittance Type Level Sensor is efficient. However, for a compact solution, an RF-Admittance Level Switch for Sticky Solids and Liquids measuring both liquids and solids with great accuracy does the trick.
Use: To store the yeast so that it may be used again in fermentation.
Step 8: Maturation Vat
Beer is transferred to the maturation vats, also known as secondary fermentation tanks, where the remaining yeast particles settle. A Capacitive Level Sensor for Bulky Solids with rope arrangement measures the settled particles. Rope arrangement is useful for the accurate measurement in large storage sections.
Use: This allows the beer to mature. It enhances clarity and will enhance the flavor.
Step 9: Bright Beer Tank
Clarifiers are added to the beer to enhance its clarity and flavors. For the stage of production at this point, tuning fork level switches for liquids are used to determine the liquid levels. The sensor ensures that the beer remains at the optimum level to process.
Finishing The beer is ready to be packaged and sold with the desirable taste and appearance.