Key points
According to a report released by Wisevoter, the UK currently ranks 8th globally in total beer consumption when compared to the worldwide average.
With over 40 million hectolitres of beer produced each year, breweries of all sizes need to ensure they’re meeting increasing consumer demand while guaranteeing the integrity of the end product is maintained. The importance of consistency and efficiency within the beer and beverage industry cannot be overstated.
Now, when it comes to choosing a brewing pump for your business, you must consider two key factors: FDA approval as well as the pump’s ability to handle high temperatures:
FDA-approval:
Prioritising consumer health in the brewing process is non-negotiable. When selecting a brewing pump, it's crucial to opt for a pump with complete FDA approval; this includes not only the unit but also ALL wetted parts – from the housing and valves to the hoses. This approval ensures that your product remains free from contaminants.
Additionally, opting for hygienic pumps manufactured from high-grade Stainless Steel is imperative. Stainless Steel is GRAS (Generally Recognised As Safe) rated for the Food and Beverage industry. While FDA approval is a significant factor, it alone may not suffice.
As an example, a plastic Air-Operated Diaphragm Pump carries FDA certification, but its surface roughness could promote bacterial growth, further highlighting the necessity for Stainless Steel hygienically executed pumps.
- Temperature capabilities:
Brewery operations commonly involve high temperatures, with about 90% of brewing applications typically involving hot transfer, so your pump needs to be able to handle mash and wort effectively; some breweries may use cold liquor transfer pumps depending on their applications. Look for a pump with robust thermal capabilities to maintain optimal brewing conditions.
Main Types of Brewing Pumps:
The brewing industry typically uses three main types of pumps – Centrifugal Pumps, Sanitary Air-Operated Diaphragm Pumps as well as Peristaltic Pumps. Each type of pump offers unique benefits and features, each suited to specific brewing applications.
Centrifugal Pumps:
For beer intended for public consumption, choosing a Hygienic Centrifugal Pump is highly recommended. These pumps, such as the CTH Hygienic Centrifugal Pumps from Tapflo UK, offer superior sanitary performance for the food and beverage industries.
Constructed from Stainless Steel AISI 316L with electropolished surfaces to Ra <0.8, these pumps exhibit great mechanical strength.
Additionally, the FDA and EC1935-approved seals, DIN 11851 hygienic connections, viscosity handling up to 200 cSt, and temperature handling capabilities up to 180°C, make a Hygienic Centrifugal Pump ideal for demanding brewery applications.
Sanitary Air-Operated Diaphragm Pumps:
Known for their versatility and robustness, Sanitary Air Operated Diaphragm Pumps, constructed from Stainless Steel AISI 316L, are ideal for pumping beer and wort. Their simplicity, minimal parts, and dry-run capabilities make them a cost-effective choice for breweries.
Specifically designed for the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries, these FDA-approved, ATEX-rated pumps deliver flow rates of 825 l/min, solids handling up to 100mm, temperatures up to 110°C as well as discharge pressures up to 8 Bar.
Additionally, this pump range offers customisation options such as flap valves for solids, or magnetic ball lifters.
Peristaltic Pumps:
While Peristaltic Pumps may have a higher initial setup cost, their minimal upkeep and longevity make them a valuable asset for breweries. The PTL Low-Pressure Pump, as an example, is tailored to the food, beverage cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries.
Featuring a roller design and food-approved silicone grease lubricant for safe and hygienic operation, Peristaltic Pumps, like this low-pressure option, offer self-priming efficiency with a suction capacity of up to -0.6 Bar, viscosity handling up to 100,000 cPs, temperatures up to 80°C and are available in a range of sizes.
Additionally, ATEX-rated variants of these Peristaltic Pumps are available to ensure safety in hazardous environments, making these pumps an ideal solution for pumping liquids with hops/worts.
Other Recommended Pumps for Breweries:
Aside from the more commonly used pump types already listed, breweries can also consider Sanitary Lobe Pumps and Flexible Impeller Pumps for specific applications.
Additionally, Positive Displacement Pumps, including Progressive Cavity Pumps and Twin Screw Pumps, can also be considered as they offer accurate flows at low rates, handle solids and adhere to high hygiene standards.
If your business operates within the food and beverage industry where the end product is intended for human consumption, such as beer, you must opt for an FDA-approved Hygienic Pump to ensure strict industry compliance.
Accessories & System Enhancement Options:
Hygienic Trolleys:
Hygienic trolleys, constructed from high-quality Stainless Steel, enhance mobility and efficiency in breweries and production facilities.
Air Regulators:
Air regulators support maintenance efforts for optimal pump performance. They allow for precise control over the air pressure supplied to Sanitary Air Operated Diaphragm Pumps.
Pulsation Dampeners:
Pulsation dampeners are used in applications where a steady and consistent flow is required. These accessories help dampen pressure fluctuations, reducing pulsation and ensuring a continuous and uniform transfer.
Hoses:
Ensure that hoses are built from FDA-approved materials and that they are compatible with the fluids and temperatures found in brewing applications.
Control Panels:
Allows operators to monitor and control various parts of the brewing process. Look for control panels with user-friendly interfaces as this would allow users to easily adjust settings, monitor limits, and troubleshoot if needed.
Standard Inverters:
Enables precise regulation of your pump’s speed, allowing operators to achieve different flow rates and adapt to varying production demands.
Why Standard Water Centrifugal Pumps Should Be Avoided:
Standard Water Centrifugal Pumps, commonly manufactured from 304 unpolished Stainless Steel, lack FDA approval and so pose a risk of bacterial growth due to their rough finish.
While water-style Centrifugal Pumps might seem viable due to their lower price point, they’re a risky choice for your brewery. Furthermore, their short lifespan and inappropriate construction materials make them unsuitable for brewing applications.
Brewing Pump Considerations:
- Maintaining hygiene: Regular cleaning and sterilisation of your brewing equipment, including pumps, is essential in preventing the growth of bacteria and other contaminants
- Flavour: A brewing pump should be chosen based on its ability to handle ingredients without compromising the sensory characteristics of the beer
- Ensuring FDA approval: Full FDA approval for the pump, including all wetted parts, is crucial for compliance with food safety regulations
- CIP and SIP capabilities: Clean in Place and Sterilise in Place capabilities are important for maintaining yeast health and preventing contamination. CIP allows for efficient cleaning of the pump and components without disassembly, while SIP allows for the sterilisation of components, particularly those in contact with yeast
- High-quality polished Stainless Steel: Pumps constructed from high-quality materials, such as Stainless Steel AISI 316L, are crucial for preventing bacterial growth. Additionally, the polished surface reduces the risk of bacteria adhering to the pump’s internals
- Temperatures: Controlling temperatures during the brewing process is important for yeast activity and overall product quality. Incorrect temperatures can affect yeast fermentation, potentially leading to off-flavours or incomplete fermentation
Additional Brewing Pump Considerations:
Reducing Foaming and Agitation:
To prevent foaming and to maintain product quality, choose pumps with lower operating speeds. Sanitary Air-Operated Diaphragm Pumps, Sanitary Lobe Pumps, and Flexible Impeller Pumps operate at lower speeds and are shear-sensitive, ensuring gentle beer transfer and flavour preservation.
Maintaining Syrup Temperature:
For controlling syrup viscosity, consider pumps with Heating Jackets. Twin Screw Pumps, Lobe Pumps, and Air-Operated Diaphragm Pumps can be delivered with Heating Jackets, maintaining syrup temperature without compromising quality.
Additionally, we’d recommend implementing flushed mechanical seals. This is critical on pumps such as Centrifugal Pumps as solids, hops, and worts can cause build-up on the mechanical seal which in turn can cause failure. This is also a good option when dealing with syrups and other liquids that tend to crystallise.
Selecting the correct brewing pump is so important when it comes to maintaining your operational efficiency and ensuring a consistent, high-quality end product. By considering FDA approval, temperature handling, and specific brewing needs, breweries can make informed choices that contribute to the success of their operations.
For breweries seeking a reliable and hygienic pump, Tapflo UK offers a comprehensive Hygienic Pump range that caters to diverse brewery requirements.
