Supply Chain Difficulties with CO2

Brewer – The conditions of the brewing process have to be optimal in order to get the desired taste. Using nitrogen prevents our beer from oxidation during the brewing process. The result, is the best beer we can craft!

Brewer – Each step in the brewing process contributes to the unique properties of the beer. In addition, there are different methods and combinations of methods for brewers to produce their own, unique beer. 

Historically we’ve used CO2 for many processes, however, the use of nitrogen, produced by Presscon’s custom-built, energy efficient nitrogen generator, not only prevents oxidation during the brewing process, but better preserves taste and extends the life cycle of the product, in a cost-effective and easy way.  We use it in the following:

• Cleaning of production vessels, in order to prevent residuals to mix with next batch

• Emptying of pipework

• Transporting liquids from vessel to vessel by means of pressure

• Displacing oxygen and carbon dioxide from vessels

• Rinsing of barrels

In using CO2 bottles for processes, we had to continuously monitoring usage and replace bottles just in time. By using the nitrogen solutions, the consumption of CO2 can be vastly reduced. For many years, Presscon has been an expert in developing nitrogen generators that enable on-site production, which is safe, efficient and reliable. As a result, nitrogen is always available. 

It has numerous advantages as you always have access to the amount of nitrogen required, the right purity and last but not least, the logistical advantage of no transport costs and no problems with any cryogenic storage.

We’ve found the Presscon N-gen to be extremely reliable and has a lengthy service life, which guarantees a high return on our investment. Moreover, we’ve found fast and efficient maintenance is possible, thanks to it’s modular design and high-quality components.

Many other breweries still use CO2 or liquid nitrogen for rinsing, separating and emptying barrels. Presscon provided us with a solution that enable the replacement of CO2 by nitrogen in most operations during the brewing process. This provided us the same result, but at lower costs and with greater convenience.

There are others that use a PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) technology to produce N2. However, Presscon has developed a completely new (HP – High Performance) system that eliminates the drawbacks experienced with a traditional PSA system. The HP technology distinguishes itself by an optimized airflow in the system and a unique pressing system for the activated carbon.

These improvements ensure a system that is environmentally friendly, with a significantly longer life span and lower energy consumption. The patented generator requires less than 3 m3 of compressed air to produce 1 m3 of 99% pure nitrogen.

In addition to lower energy consumption, this also means that when using our nitrogen generators, a compressor with a lower capacity can be used to achieve the desired amount of compressed air. This makes the Presscon N-gen up to 55% more energy efficient than other nitrogen generators with membrane technology or less advanced versions of the PSA technology.

Presscon – Another big advantage is that you don’t have to adapt your usual process to the use of nitrogen instead of CO2. You lower your cost price by producing nitrogen on-site compared to purchasing CO2, and less gas will be wasted.

Normally, a portion of CO2 remains in the bottles when the bottles are almost empty and no longer reach the desired pressure. In addition, you have more control over your gas consumption, you do not have (unexpected) price increases and you do not have to incur extra costs for managing the stock or incidental urgent purchases if the CO2 stock is exhausted.

When the beer is stored with a higher CO2 pressure compared to the pressure with which it is saturated, the CO2 will provide more saturation in the product. This is something you obviously don’t want; after all, you want your beer to always taste the same. When using nitrogen, you will not experience any adverse effects, so that the beer retains the correct saturation.

Presscon works closely together with brewers to ensure that the system is tailored to your business process. Regardless of the size of your activities, Presscon can design and build a nitrogen generator and compressed air installation that optimally meets the needs of your brewery.

Our nitrogen generators are designed, built and tested in our factory in Holland and are characterised by innovation, efficiency and quality. Through our partners, we can supply a tailor-made nitrogen purity from up to 99.9999%. Each solution requires a specific purity, so we are happy to advise you on the possible applications in your brewery.

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