Brew Series: Questions and answers
Our experts have years of experience working with craft brewers in every corner of the globe. They understand the unique needs and challenges that brewpubs and microbreweries face. Not only that, they share your passion for making – and tasting – great beer.
Why would a small craft brewery want to consider separation technology?
As a microbrewery, investing in a separator can enhance both consistency and quality in your product. Even as a small craft brewery, you can enjoy many of the same advantages as larger operations. Many of our customers experience increased yield, faster tank turnover, extended shelf life, and improved product quality. The size of the machine is not a limiting factor. By incorporating a separator into your process, you can achieve all these benefits.
How can a centrifuge improve the flavor and aroma of our beers?
Separators or centrifuges, compared to other filtration technologies, better preserve the volatile aromas and flavor profile of your beer. They remove only larger particles, while other downstream filtration methods also eliminate finer materials, resulting in much better consistency in your beer. The quality improves because you can ensure there is no yeast or hop matter remaining. Whether you're brewing a light lager, an imperial stout, or an IPA, you can consistently achieve the same quality.
Why would we want to use a separator if we brew hazy beers or stouts?
Even if you're brewing hazy beers or stouts, a separator ensures that you can remove core solids while preserving volatile oils and aromatics. For a stout that is already dark, you’ll still achieve better quality in your beer. Even if you don’t currently filter your beer, you can still see many benefits from using a separator. We have many customers who create very hazy beers. It’s about how you use the machine, and it’s our job to help you understand what the machine is capable of, how it fits into your process, what you’re aiming to achieve, and to ensure you know how to use it correctly and that you get the right machine for your needs.
How can a separator help us increase our output?
The separator is one of the most effective tools for increasing yield. With the same number of tanks, you can boost your production capacity by 15-20%, as tank turnaround speeds up significantly. Every pint you sell adds to your revenue, helping to offset the investment in the machine. For a small brewery, every bit of savings matters. That beer is liquid gold, and every extra gallon or barrel you save means more beer for your customers.
Would adding a centrifuge to our production increase the risk of dissolved oxygen pickup?
Whenever you introduce new equipment into your process, dissolved oxygen pick-up is a concern. At Alfa Laval, we are known for our innovative technology, and we understand the importance of maintaining low dissolved oxygen (D.O.) levels. Many suppliers claim to offer hermetic separators or centrifuges, but it’s crucial to understand the different "hermetic" technologies available.
To achieve low oxygen pick-up levels with a hydro hermetic machine, you need deaerated water and CO₂. Alfa Laval has pioneered the Axial Hermetic Seal, an improvement over hydro hermetic seals, which is available in our Brew 20n and 80 models. It does not require CO₂ or deaerated water to achieve very low dissolved oxygen pick-up levels.
We’ve taken our innovation further with the fully hermetic, center-on-center, bottom-fed design, featured in our Brew 250 and larger models. These offer the gentlest treatment, zero dissolved oxygen pick-up, lower shear stress, and reduced temperature increase.
What can we expect in terms of the financial benefits of a separator?
With increased yield, you get more beer from the same fermentation vessels, which means more revenue. You can boost profits since your beer won’t sit in the fermentation tank as long as it normally would, leading to faster turnover. With consistent quality, your customers will keep coming back to your beer time and time again.
When considering financial benefits, depending on your current processes and the types of beer you brew, many customers see a return on their investment within two to three years, and some in less than a year. It really depends on your specific situation, and we can help you assess this as part of the process.
How can we make sure we pick the right model centrifuge for our brewery?
Regardless of the size of your brewery or your goals for the next five years, Alfa Laval offers a wide variety of models tailored to your needs, based on throughput, expected solids, and desired outcomes. Alfa Laval has a long history of innovation. Over 100 years ago, we introduced the first disc stack separator—originally called AlfaDisc—to the market. We understand the importance of treating your beer gently, with low shear stress, minimal temperature increase, and low dissolved oxygen. All of our technologies deliver on these fronts.
With the Brew 80 and Brew 20, we offer the latest in Alfa Laval innovation and technology for small craft brewers. These models provide the gentlest beer treatment at excellent value, which is essential for the craft beer community.
How can you help us with installation and with long-term support?
Alfa Laval has a global service network with trained field technicians who possess unique brewery experience and expertise. We work closely with you from installation and commissioning, through the entire lifetime of the equipment. Whenever and wherever you need us, we can provide service and parts, or support to make sure you’re always getting the most from your centrifuge.