Membrane Filtration Technology for the Production of Alcohol-free Beer
GEA AromaPlus Membrane Dealcoholization Unit
Supporting small to large feed rates, and configurable for both batch and continuous processes, the dedicated AromaPlus system is built on our reverse osmosis (RO) membrane filtration technology. Whichever process you choose, the AromaPlus technology removes alcohol to 0.5% or to 0.05% ABV.
Frame-mounted and ready for installation, the AromaPlus unit includes filtration modules fitted with special reverse osmosis membranes, pumps, internal piping, a clean-in-place (CIP) dosing unit and control technology for semi-automatic operation. The unit layout is modular, enabling the alcohol content of the beer, desired degree of dealcoholization and other factors to be adapted according to the specific process. Depending on their size, AromaPlus units are designed to batch process 50 to ≥ 1.000 hL per day, although larger dealcoholization units for continuous processing are available.
Dealcoholization by pressure
Reverse osmosis works at filtration temperatures of approximately 10 to 15 °C, presenting no thermal stress to the beer. The composite membranes allow water and alcohol to pass through and, as such, essential ingredients that comprise the aroma, color and turbidity are retained. GEA uses thin-film polymer membranes because they have a higher chemical resistance than the cellulose acetate membranes originally used for dealcoholization.
Dealcoholization of craft beer
The AromaPlus system is also cost-effective, so that even smaller breweries can consider investing in a dedicated dealcoholization unit on site.
Operating parameters and performance data
- Capacities from 50 hl batch operation up to ≥ 50 hl/h continuous processing
- Alcohol reduction down to 0.05% ABV
- Low operating temperature (approx. 10-15 °C)
AromaPlus at-a-glance
- Compact system design with straightforward instrumentation and control requirements
- Skid-mounted, prewired system
- Batch processing or continuous production
- Automatic control and visualization with touchscreen for easy operation
- Easy-to-clean membrane system
- Clean-in-place (CIP) dosing unit and integrated CIP routines
- Spiral-wound reverse osmosis AromaPlus membranes
Customer Stories
Staying close to our end customer
Adnams Brewery (UK) responds to growing low-alcohol demand by producing award-winning Ghost Ship 0,5% using GEA’s AromaPlus membrane dealcoholization technology .Fergus Fitzgerald, Adnams Head Brewer wanted to get close to the flavor and sensation of Ghost Ship 4.5% abv, Adnams’ main seller.
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