Praxair unveils sanitary version of oxygen stripping system
The sanitary version of the oxygen stripper was introduced in April.
When asked about the sanitary design over the old version, the firm told us the specifics are proprietary to Praxair.
“Praxair sources certain commercially available components of the system (regulators, valves, etc.); proprietary components are made by a contract manufacturer to Praxair's exact specifications. The complete system is assembled and tested at Praxair.”
The in-line oxygen stripping system reduces dissolved oxygen in process water to reduce oxidative reactions throughout the brewing and beverage manufacturing process.
Protecting product
Avoiding oxidations lowers the chance of developing cardboard/paper flavours, unpleasant bitterness, darker colour and product instability, said the firm.
It will be featured at the show that is co-located with Process Expo in Chicago, September 15-18.
The sanitary in-line stripping system is installed into the existing processing water lines for the brewery, carbonated beverage or specialty beverage processing industries.
Using inert nitrogen gas or carbon dioxide as a process gas, the system creates a concentration gradient that forces dissolved oxygen into the gas phase removing it from the fluid phase. The oxygen is then vented from the process along with the stripping gas.
Effectiveness is dependent on the uniformity of the bubble distribution in the process water, contact time allowed and the level of dissolved oxygen in the process water.
Negative effects
Lauren Dunlap, Praxair business development manager, said oxygen in process water can negatively affect the taste, color and stability of beverages.
“Praxair’s proprietary sanitary in-line system drives oxygen out of process water, helping customers increase production and through reduced oxidative reactions, improve the quality of their products.
“Our system for de-aeration is relatively easy to install, very easy to monitor and quickly knocks down dissolved oxygen levels from parts per million to parts per billion. Because it’s a continuous in-line system, there’s no processing downtime.”
Praxair also has a batch stripping system used with a recycle loop which the firm claims operates more efficiently than traditional gas sparging, de-aeration or sintered metal discs.
The multi-stage column stripping system is for applications that require low oxygen levels.
Praxair’s technology has been installed at Boulevard Brewing Company in Kansas City, Missouri.
The system has reduced dissolved oxygen in the process water used by the regional specialty brewer to produce 200,000 barrels of beer annually.
Praxair worked with Mike Utz, Boulevard director of engineering, to install the equipment and a bulk nitrogen system that supplies it.
“At Boulevard, we pride ourselves on quality and Praxair has provided us with the technology we need to continue to create the high-quality product our customers have come to expect.”
