The classic glass beer bottle remains a stalwart in the beverage industry for good reason.
Its ability to preserve the taste, protect the contents from contamination, and communicate brand identity has solidified its position as a preferred container. However, the delicate nature of beer, particularly its susceptibility to oxygen, necessitates a carefully considered filling process.
Traditionally, liquid ring vacuum pumps were the industry standard for beer bottling. While effective, they came with inherent drawbacks. High water and energy consumption, potential wastewater contamination, and the risk of downtime due to cavitation presented challenges for brewers. This is where Leybold’s innovative **Beer Bottling Vacuum System (BBVS)** comes in, offering a sustainable and efficient solution to these challenges.
A Sustainable Solution for Modern Brewing:
The BBVS is a complete turnkey system designed to replace outdated liquid ring pump technology. It combines a robust set of features to ensure optimal performance and environmental responsibility:
A separator tank with automatic drainage: This critical component effectively removes foam and liquids carried over from the filler, preventing contamination of the vacuum system.
The DRYVAC dry screw vacuum pump: This powerful pump delivers deep, consistent vacuum levels, ensuring efficient and reliable filling.
PLC-controlled electrical cabinet: This user-friendly interface provides complete control over the system, offering remote operation and integration with filler systems via digital I/Os or fieldbus.
The Benefits of DRYVAC Technology:
The heart of the BBVS is the DRYVAC dry screw vacuum pump, a cornerstone of Leybold’s expertise. This cutting-edge technology boasts numerous advantages:
Water-cooled operation: This design eliminates the need for large amounts of water, minimizing environmental impact and operational costs.
Exceptional quiet operation: The DV 650 FP-r and DV 800 FP-r models generate noise levels of just 67 dB(A) and 70 dB(A) respectively, allowing for seamless integration into existing facilities.
Minimal heat generation: The DRYVAC models minimize heat emissions, improving workplace conditions and reducing energy consumption.
Durability and reliability: Designed for demanding industrial environments, the DRYVAC pumps are built to withstand the rigors of continuous operation, ensuring long-term performance.
Impact on the Beer Industry:
The adoption of the BBVS signifies a significant step forward for the beer industry. By reducing water consumption, minimizing waste, and improving energy efficiency, the system aligns with the growing demand for sustainability in the beverage sector. Moreover, its ability to achieve high throughput rates of up to 60,000 bottles per hour allows brewers to increase production capacity while maintaining consistent quality.
The Future of Beer Bottling:
The BBVS represents a paradigm shift in beer bottling technology. By addressing the limitations of traditional systems and providing a sustainable, efficient, and reliable solution, Leybold empowers brewers to optimize their operations and deliver superior quality products to consumers. As the industry continues to evolve, innovations like the BBVS will play a crucial role in shaping the future of beer production.
Source: Leybold with additional information added by GlassBalkan
