Beverage manufacturers face a tremendous risk if microbiologically unstable products are filled and delivered to the end consumer. Potential carryovers of unwanted microorganisms from the production process into the final product remain initially undetected and can only be detected with a significant time delay. This risk can be minimized.
The best method to achieve microbiologically stable product quality while maintaining full flavor is continuous or flash pasteurization. Flash pasteurization systems improve the microbiological stability of liquid products such as beer, beer mixes, cider, hard seltzer or soft drinks by thermal inactivation of unwanted microorganisms (pasteurization) in a controlled, continuous process. The flash pasteurization process is equally suitable for filtered and unfiltered products, which represents a significant advantage over cold sterile filtration, which can only be used with clear filtered products.
In addition to microbiological stability, flash pasteurization can also increase the chemical-physical stability of the product (e.g., filtered beer). Another positive side effect of flash pasteurization is the inactivation of enzymes.
State-of-the-art heat treatment of carbonated and non-carbonated beverages with the focus on process safety, efficiency and sustainability
The ECO-FLASH® is a fully automated, modular, frame-mounted flash pasteurization system that masters a wide range of pasteurization conditions. Its design and functionality are precisely engineered to match with the type of products to be treated. The use of proven hygienic equipment and advanced process software are fundamental conditions for high microbiological safety, taste stability and system efficiency. The system is widely adjustable according to its task and operates within tight tolerances. In addition to the basic configuration, there are numerous options available that further improve product safety and minimize the lifecycle costs of the system.
All functions of this fully automated flash pasteurization system are implemented in its own decentralized control system. The risk of malfunctions is minimized due to standardized process software.
ECO-FLASH® flash pasteurization module
The ECO-FLASH® flash pasteurization module enables efficient heat treatment and stabilization of liquid products by inactivating unwanted microorganisms. The product is processed at controlled, continuous flow and exposed to the desired temperature for a defined time (holding time). Precise control of the applied Pasteurization Units is an essential safety factor. The well-engineered combination of different control loops ensures high accuracies of ± 1 PU or ± 2 %, depending on the control range.
A three-stage plate heat exchanger ensures high operating efficiency. In it, the previously pasteurized hot product heats the untreated, cold product in counterflow and cools down in the process. Thanks to this recuperative design, more than 90 % of the introduced thermal energy can be recovered. This makes flash pasteurization the most economical of all heat treatment processes today.
ECO-FLASH® buffer tank module for pasteurized product
The ECO-FLASH® buffer tank module completes the flash pasteurization system when it is, for example, located upstream of a filling line. In this case, the integrated buffer tank for pasteurized product ensures hydraulic decoupling of the flash pasteurization and the downstream process. Despite of a standstill of the downstream process, interruption-free operation of the system is still possible until the available buffer tank capacity is depleted. The necessary buffer tank capacity is determined by the plant operator's requirements. A vacuum-resistant design of the buffer tank allows the omission of a vacuum valve, which excludes potential recontamination of the buffer tank by ambient air.
Features
- Precise control of the Pasteurization Units as an essential safety factor
- Consistent pressure regime prevents outgassing and ensures a positive pressure gradient
- Efficient recuperative design with high heat recovery
- Consistent use of mix-proof valves prevents contamination
- Fully integrated cleaning concept for highest hygiene standards
- Integrated standby operation to maintain steady-state control
- Carefully considered responses to interruptions and errors ensure maximum process safety and minimized product losses
- Integrated hot water recirculation at production start and after critical errors or emergency stops ensures microbial integrity
- Level-dependent flow control increases buffer capacity and reduces product losses
Downloads
Produits associés
GEA HOPSTAR® Dry
A plug-and-play dry hopping skid for breweries incorporating next generation dry hopping technology.
Propagateur de levure GEA Craft
Un système de propagation de levure pour les brasseries artisanales : le propagateur de levure GEA Craft.
Carbonateur DICAR-B™
Le système de carbonatation DICAR-B™ de GEA a été conçu pour la carbonatation de haute précision en continu des bières et mélanges à base de bières. Il est principalement utilisé dans l’industrie brassicole.
Système de mélange à jet de liquide GEA pour les boissons
Assurant une qualité produit constante, une homogénéité accrue et des économies d’énergie, le système de mélange à jet de liquide GEA est idéal pour mélanger efficacement les liquides à faible viscosité dans l’industrie des boissons.
GEA Insights
The breakthrough that changed spray drying
In 1976, NIRO engineers responded to a competitive challenge by rethinking what spray drying could do. Their idea became the multi-stage dryer MSD. Fifty years later, the same fundamental principle helps turn liquids into the powders used in essential nutrition products and important medicines around the world. Refined through decades of engineering expertise, customer insight and continuous development, MSD is a story of innovation with lasting impact.
Au-delà des machines : exploiter les gisements de performance des installations
Ce n'est pas parce que vous avez des machines efficaces que votre usine l'est. Une trajectoire d'amélioration efficace commence souvent par une analyse qui ne se limite pas aux équipements pris individuellement, et cherche à comprendre comment les processus, les systèmes énergétiques et les décisions opérationnelles s'influencent mutuellement. C'est une démarche holistique, conçue pour repérer des opportunités qui, sans cela, risqueraient de passer inaperçues.
Comment une vanne révolutionne la production des aliments et des boissons
Dans les installations agroalimentaires, les vannes sont généralement actionnées en utilisant de l'air comprimé. La technologie d'actionnement GEA Hydract® Actuation Technology, quant à elle, actionne les vannes en utilisant de l'eau, au sein d'un circuit fermé à commande numérique. Résultat, une vanne peut être maintenue en place de manière exacte et réglée par petits paliers. Cela se traduit par une consommation d'énergie en baisse et un meilleur contrôle.
Ce système, axé sur la sécurité microbiologique, la qualité et la stabilité du goût, permet de traiter les boissons en flux continu contrôlé, en les soumettant à la température requise pendant une durée définie.
Principales caractéristiques
- Contrôle précis des unités de pasteurisation (PU) comme facteur de sécurité essentiel
- Contrôle du débit en fonction du niveau pour augmenter la capacité tampon et réduire les pertes de produit
- Régime de pression constant qui garantit un gradient de pression positif et empêche le dégazage
- Traitement sophistiqué des interruptions et des erreurs pour garantir de hauts niveaux de sécurité du process et minimiser les pertes
- Concept entièrement intégré de nettoyage et de stérilisation pour la conformité aux normes d'hygiène les plus strictes
- Conception conforme aux principes EHEDG éprouvés
- Vanne spéciale VARIVENT® D-Force conçue pour garantir une hygiène maximale
