Separator's Digest 2004/1 - GEA Westfalia Separator Group

– Filtration using diatomaceous earth,possibly in combination with centrifuges.The high costs of filtration andthe losses are negative aspects of thisprocess.– Use of separators. However, thesemachines must have sufficient clarifyingefficiency if they are to enable theoperator to do without filtration.Using separators makes senseAfter the fermentation process hasbeen completed, the Kwas is pumpeddirectly from the fermentation tank tothe separator and discharged via a buffertank for bottling. If the Kwas has tobe pasteurized, it makes sense for abuffer tank to be installed between theseparator and the flash pasteurizer.“The performance ofthe separator can beautomatically adjusted tothe solid content of theKwas; when the clarificationprocess of a tankcommences, the capacityis reduced to compensatefor the higher yeastconcentration.”The clarification of the Kwas ismonitored continuously by a turbiditymeter in the separator discharge. If theturbidity falls below a preset limit, theyeast is automatically discharged fromthe bowl without any loss in performance.Of course, a separator can beused not only for Kwas but also forother products, e.g. beer or juice, outsidethe season. Such an arrangementreduces the specific investment costs.Otchakovo brewery is ableeliminate filters by usingseparatorsA new type GSC 100 clarifier fromWestfalia Separator has been installedrecently for Kwas clarification at theOtchakovo brewery in Moscow. Althoughseparators of older designshave long been used for Kwas clarification,the use of this modern separatorproduced much better results than hadbeen originally anticipated. For instance,the Otchakovo brewery was able to getby without its existing filters. With acapacity of 25 – 30 m 3 /h, significantlyfewer than 10,000 yeast cells/ml wereachieved in the separator discharge.This results in adequate stability ofthe Kwas as well as the possibility ofpasteurization. Otchakovo bottles Kwasin PET bottles, which ensures a shelf lifeof six weeks.The perfect results of the GSC 100are achieved by using a specially designeddisk stack, the gentle feed whichenables even fine particles to be separatedwithout being damaged, a powerfuldischarge system for optimum yieldwith maximum dry substance in theyeast, and optimum CIP ability. The installationoperates fully automaticallyand continuously. The capacity is adjustedin an optimum manner to the properspecifications. As a result of theeffective Hydrostop discharge system,product losses are minimized, and productionand disposal costs are reducedbecause filtration is no longer necessary.Practical experience has shownthat even such traditional productionmethods as those used for Kwas can beimproved even further by modern separatingsystems. Together with Vodka,Kwas is the favourite drink of Russians.Why should it not be possible for othernations to enjoy Kwas in the New Agebeverage era? ■Wolf-Dietrich HerbergProduct Management BeerBusiness Unit Beverage TechnologyWestfalia Separator Food Tec, OeldeTel.: + 49 25 22/77-17 18herberg.wolf@gea-westfalia.deSeparator´s World19Separator´s Digest 1/2004