Quality Control In The Beverage Industry

Dpstar is a leading provider of industrial measurement and instrumentation solutions for the beverage industries. We have over 30-years’ experience in providing reliable, high-quality instruments and can help you achieve efficiency and sustainability with accurate, high-precision control and monitoring equipment that complies with the strictest hygiene requirements.

Ensuring consistent product quality is a top priority for the beverage industry. In this context, product safety, monitoring of all critical process parameters, complete data recording, but also cost awareness are important factors. Dpstar’s instrumentation helps to meet these challenges, we understand the high demands and challenges faced by beverage manufacturers. We offer a complete portfolio of precise and reliable measurement technology optimized for the requirements of the beverage industry. Our common goal is to increase, maintain and ensure product quality and consumer safety in the long term.

CO₂ is a Key Ingredient in Beverage Production

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is one of the most important substances in the production of soft drinks, wine, sparkling wine or beer to a standard quality. It is used in various forms: Perhaps the best-known application is the addition of carbon dioxide gas as a flavour stabiliser. It is governed primarily by country-specific consumer habits and flavour preferences. Another common use-case of CO₂ is in the rinsing of component parts or filling units. It is used to displace oxygen, reduce foam formation and thus preserve the flavour of the drink. At the same time, CO₂ is released as part of the maturation or manufacturing process.

CO₂ is a Key Ingredient in Beverage Production

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is one of the most important substances in the production of soft drinks, wine, sparkling wine or beer to a standard quality. It is used in various forms: Perhaps the best-known application is the addition of carbon dioxide gas as a flavour stabiliser. It is governed primarily by country-specific consumer habits and flavour preferences. Another common use-case of CO₂ is in the rinsing of component parts or filling units. It is used to displace oxygen, reduce foam formation and thus preserve the flavour of the drink. At the same time, CO₂ is released as part of the maturation or manufacturing process.

Typical CO₂ Processes In The Beverage Industry

Carbonation

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is added to soft drinks during the bottling process to give the drink its fizz, made gaseous under high pressure. The aim is to release as little CO₂ as possible and achieve an optimal mixing ratio. While the soft drink containers are being filled during the bottling process, large volumes of CO2 are emitted from the fillers into the filler room atmosphere. If the filling rooms and the work areas are not adequately ventilated, CO2 can accumulate in the indoor air. CO2 is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that poses a potential risk to human health in high concentrations. CO2 levels should be monitored to avoid CO2 accumulation.

Fermentation

Enzymes, antibiotics, amino acids, and alcohols are all produced by fermentation in strictly controlled environments. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most important gaseous metabolic product in fermentation. As high CO2 levels are a potential health risk, CO2 level must be monitored in places, where there is a risk for elevated CO2 levels due to exhaust gas release to the surrounding environment. These type of places are wineries, breweries and other fermentation facilities.

Pressurisation and Rinsing

In the beer and wine industries, pressurisation and rinsing of containers or pipes play a part in preserving the quality of the flavour. The introduction of CO₂ into the filling container creates internal pressure. It prevents excessive amounts of foam from being generated during filling. Rinsing the container with CO₂ during the cleaning process also removes any residues from filter devices and equipment.

Inerting

In the production of fruit juice, CO₂ reduces the reaction of the juice contents with the oxygen present in the containers – thus avoiding any later unwanted fermentation during the shelf life of the product. This ensures prolonged sensory quality.

Typical CO₂ Processes In The Beverage Industry

Carbonation

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is added to soft drinks during the bottling process to give the drink its fizz, made gaseous under high pressure. The aim is to release as little CO₂ as possible and achieve an optimal mixing ratio. While the soft drink containers are being filled during the bottling process, large volumes of CO2 are emitted from the fillers into the filler room atmosphere. If the filling rooms and the work areas are not adequately ventilated, CO2 can accumulate in the indoor air. CO2 is a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas that poses a potential risk to human health in high concentrations. CO2 levels should be monitored to avoid CO2 accumulation.

Fermentation

Enzymes, antibiotics, amino acids, and alcohols are all produced by fermentation in strictly controlled environments. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most important gaseous metabolic product in fermentation. As high CO2 levels are a potential health risk, CO2 level must be monitored in places, where there is a risk for elevated CO2 levels due to exhaust gas release to the surrounding environment. These type of places are wineries, breweries and other fermentation facilities.

Pressurisation and Rinsing

In the beer and wine industries, pressurisation and rinsing of containers or pipes play a part in preserving the quality of the flavour. The introduction of CO₂ into the filling container creates internal pressure. It prevents excessive amounts of foam from being generated during filling. Rinsing the container with CO₂ during the cleaning process also removes any residues from filter devices and equipment.

Inerting

In the production of fruit juice, CO₂ reduces the reaction of the juice contents with the oxygen present in the containers – thus avoiding any later unwanted fermentation during the shelf life of the product. This ensures prolonged sensory quality.

Carbon Dioxide and Safety

Carbon dioxide is a non-toxic and non-flammable gas. However, exposure to elevated concentrations can induce a risk to life. Whenever CO2 gas or dry ice is used, produced, shipped, or stored, CO2 concentration can rise to dangerously high levels. Because CO2 is odorless and colorless, leakages are impossible to detect, meaning proper sensors are needed to help ensure the safety of personnel.

Effect of Different Levels of CO2
Concentration Effect
350 – 450 ppm Typical atmospheric concentration
600 – 800 ppm Acceptable indoor air quality
1,000 ppm Tolerable indoor air quality
5,000 ppm Average exposure limit over 8-hour period
6,000 – 30,000 ppm Concern, short exposure only
3 – 8% Increased respiration rate, headache
> 10% Nausea, vomiting, unconsciousness
> 20% Rapid unconsciousness, death

Dpstar’s Reliable CO2 Measurement Solution

Almost every industry has to deal with gas hazards of one kind or another, and the beverage industry is no exception. It is necessary to measure carbon dioxide reliably in beverage production plant environments. An undetected failure of the sensor can lead to costly damage to the instrument, false CO2 readings, and wasted product. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is an indispensable additive in beverage production today. However, under certain circumstances, it can prove extremely hazardous for employees. This risk can be controlled by the continuous monitoring of the production process. Vaisala CARBOCAP® Carbon Dioxide Transmitter provides a well-founded solution for this measurement need. Due to the long-term stability and reliability, the lifetime cost of the sensor makes CO2 monitoring easy and economical. Operational instrument uptime and non-ambiguous measurement values are key aspects of in-line dissolved CO2 measurement systems installed in beverage facilities. The integrity of sensor parts and instrument air supply are basic requirements for ensuring measurement data is always reliable.

Benefits of CARBOCAP® Sensors

Benefits of CARBOCAP® Sensors

Dpstar’s CO2 measurement is based on a unique CARBOCAP® technology with a built-in true reference measurement that enables long-term stability and ensures reliable measurement. The products require minimal maintenance and calibration.

Stability

The unique design of CARBOCAP® results in recommended calibration intervals of up to 5 years.

24/7 Occupation

Suitable for use in spaces occupied 24/7 as well as dusty and dirty industrial environments.

Long lifetime

Its microglow light source is rated for 15+ years of stable light output providing many years of trouble-free use.

Out of the box performance

Shows correct values immediately after power-up because the CARBOCAP® does not need to “learn” its environment like other technologies do.

How it Works

Gases have a characteristic absorbance band in the infrared (IR) region, each at a unique wavelength. When IR radiation is passed through a gas containing another gas we are measuring, part of the radiation is absorbed. Therefore, the amount of radiation passing through the gas depends on the amount of the measured gas present, and this can be detected with an IR detector.

The Vaisala CARBOCAP® sensor features an electrically tunable FPI filter. In addition to measuring gas absorption, the micromechanical FPI filter enables a reference measurement at a wavelength where no absorption occurs. When taking the reference measurement, the FPI filter is electrically adjusted to switch the bypass band from the absorption wavelength to a non-absorption wavelength. The reference measurement compensates for any potential changes in the light source intensity, as well as for contamination and dirt accumulation in the optical path. This feature means that CARBOCAP® sensor operation is highly stable over time.

Instruments measuring at several absorption and reference wavelengths with a single light source are known as single-beam multi-wavelength instruments. The technology is widely applied in costly analyzers. The unique feature of the CARBOCAP® sensor is its micromachined FPI filter, which performs a multiwavelength measurement using a single detector. The compact size of the sensor means that this advanced technology can be incorporated into small probes, modules, and transmitters.

Optimal Locations for CO2 Transmitters

  • Avoid locations where people may breathe directly onto the sensor. Also, avoid placing sensors close to intake or exhaust ducts, or near windows and doorways.
  • In demand-controlled ventilation wall-mounted sensors provide more accurate data on ventilation effectiveness than duct-mounted sensors. Duct-mounted sensors are best suited to single-zone systems and should be installed as close to the occupied space as possible to allow for easy maintenance access.
  • When measuring CO2 for the purposes of personnel safety, transmitters should be installed close to potential leakage points to enable early detection. The geometry, ventilation, and airflow of the monitored area need to be taken into account. The number and location of the CO2 transmitters should be based on a risk assessment.

Our Products Solutions

Our Products Solutions

Talk to an Expert

Our CO2 measurement devices are based on our unique, second-generation CARBOCAP® technology, which ensures exceptional stability, and are delivered with a NIST traceable calibration certificate. They are easy to use, require little maintenance, and have a low total cost of ownership. Meet the goals of your gas detection program with personalized guidance from our team of experts.

Get In Touch With Our Experts Today!

Dpstar Group
No 35, Jalan OP ½, Pusat Perdagangan One Puchong,
Off Jalan Puchong, 47160 Puchong,
Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia.
Email: [email protected]

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