Process technology
HopSteiner
Solids separation after dry hopping
The HopSteiner was created in partnership with the experts in hop extraction at the Steiner Group. The idea for the HopSteiner was based upon the concept of the “beer cleaner”.
Curved screen filter technology served as a basis for the device, and it has created new possibilities for dry hopping. The hop solids can be separated independently of the process of sedimentation, and the time the beer spends in the tank can therefore be significantly reduced. This increases the capacity of the fermentation or maturation cellar.
Hop-related beer losses can be reduced by up to 60 %.
Key facts
- gentle separation of the hop particles in all phases of fermentation and maturation
- the hop solids possess an average dry matter content of 12 %
- up to a 60 % reduction in beer losses
- reliable retention of particles > 100 µm
- oxygen-free operation (< 20 ppb)
- reduced “hop creep”
- flexible and simple integration
- shorter tank occupancy
- throughputs of up to 100 hl/h
- safe integration into CIP system
New possibilities
With the HopSteiner, hops can be removed from the tank at any time with no fear of oxygen sneaking into the process. This gives brewers much more freedom with regard to process technology, while also reducing the effluent load at the brewery and ensuring, for example, continuous and trouble-free operation of any downstream centrifuges.
Because there is no need to wait for the hops to sediment out, tank occupancy time is significantly reduced. At the same time, the shorter contact time between the hops and the beer lessens the effects of “hop creep”.
Mobile and hygienic
The HopSteiner has been optimized according to the principles of hygienic design and is delivered already mounted on a mobile frame on casters. The HopSteiner can thus be utilized immediately and flexibly at various locations throughout the brewery with no set-up time required.
Powerful
Even large batches of beer can be processed reliably with the HopSteiner’s throughput of up to 100 hl per hour.
A modular system
With its own beer backflow controller, the HopSteiner can be integrated into the dry hopping process quite easily as an independent module, even with manual operations. This also applies to the CIP system.
The HopSteiner offers additional advantages in combination with the Loopulator. Similar to the LoopulEX system, external dry hopping with solids retention in the bypass is possible. The hops are extracted entirely outside of the tank. The solids are then separated afterwards. This results in further potential for savings and options for enhancing the process, for example, when employing new yeast strains for non-alcoholic beers.
Contact
We would be glad to assist you with any questions. Please contact us for an individualized quote!
