Beer Stabilization Filter Units with Offset Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current beer stabilization processes, particularly those using polyvinylpolypyrrolidone as a stabilizing agent, face challenges with high investment costs and operational complexities, leading to inefficiencies and increased maintenance due to the difficulty in regenerating and cleaning filter units, which can cause production interruptions and additional costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing precoat filter units with offset operational phases for stabilization, regeneration, and cleaning, allowing for continuous operation by connecting and switching filter units in series and parallel configurations to ensure high throughput with reduced investment costs, where each filter unit operates in precoat, stabilization, and regeneration phases, and is supplied with stabilizing agents immediately after regeneration to minimize precoat phase duration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If filter units are used for beer stabilization with stabilizing agents, then stabilization effectiveness is improved, but cleaning and regeneration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into multiple filter units (first filter unit, second filter unit) that can operate independently. Each filter unit can be taken offline for cleaning and regeneration while the other continues to provide stabilization, eliminating production interruptions and simplifying maintenance operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a regeneration process where stabilizing agents are recovered and reused. The system collects spent stabilizing agents from filter units, regenerates them, and returns them to service, reducing waste and operational costs while maintaining stabilization effectiveness.
2Productivity
If multiple filter units are operated in parallel for continuous stabilization, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple filter units into a single integrated system with shared control and regeneration infrastructure. The connecting and switching means allow flexible configuration where filter units can be operated in parallel for high throughput or in series for maintenance, simplifying overall system management while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic switching capabilities that allow filter units to be reconfigured between parallel and series operations based on operational needs. This dynamic flexibility enables continuous production while simplifying the complexity of managing multiple units, as the same infrastructure supports different operational modes.
3Reliability
If filter units are cleaned and regenerated frequently, then stabilization quality is maintained, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by having standby filter units ready while others are being regenerated. The connecting and switching means are pre-configured to allow immediate switching to alternative filter units, minimizing downtime. Regeneration processes are initiated in advance before filter units are fully exhausted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous stabilization by maintaining multiple filter units in different operational states (active, regenerating, standby). When one unit requires regeneration, another is immediately available to maintain production, eliminating interruptions and ensuring continuous useful action without compromising stabilization quality.
4Reliability
If stabilizing agents are continuously supplied to filter units, then stabilization effectiveness is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a recovery loop where spent stabilizing agents are collected from filter units, regenerated, and returned to service. This closed-loop approach reduces stabilizing agent consumption significantly compared to continuous fresh agent supply, while maintaining stabilization effectiveness through regenerated agents.
Solution Approach 2:
The regeneration process changes the chemical parameters of spent stabilizing agents, restoring their effectiveness. By modifying the state of used agents through regeneration rather than discarding them, the system maintains stabilization quality while reducing overall agent consumption and costs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the stabilization process efficiency, increases throughput, and reduces operational costs by allowing continuous stabilization with minimal downtime and lower investment requirements, ensuring a consistent supply of stabilized beer.
Implementation Method 1
The ensuing chemical reaction binds the polyphenols to the polyvinylpolypyrrolidone and thus removes them from the beer
Implementation Method 2
Filtration occurs as the liquid passes through the filter layer, typically a layer of diatomaceous earth
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus and to a process for stabilizing a liquid (B), especially beer, comprising at least one first and second filter unit (F1, F2) and at least one intermediate storage unit (ZSU) to accommodate a regenerable stabilizing agent, especially polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP), in which an inlet line (EL) provided for supply of the unstabilized liquid (B) is connected at least to the first and second filter unit (F1, F2) and to the intermediate storage unit (ZSU), the stabilizing agent (PVPP) first being added to the unstabilized liquid (B) and then the unstabilized liquid (B) with added stabilizing agent (PVPP) being supplied to the first and/or second filter unit (F1, F2), and the first and second filter unit (F1, F2) being operated in different operation phases offset in time from one another. Particularly advantageously, connecting and switching means through which one filter unit (F1) in each case, immediately after the regeneration and cleaning phase (R) thereof, can be connected upstream of the further filter unit (F2) are provided.