Flexitherm

FLEXITHERM ist ein Plattenwärmetauscher (PWT): Ein System zur Pasteurisierung von Bier, das lebende Mikroorganismen im Produkt eliminiert oder dezimiert. Es reduziert den mikrobiologischen Verderb, verbessert die mikrobiologische Stabilität und erhöht die Lagerfähigkeit des Produkts.

Die richtige Pasteurisierungstemperatur mit Flexitherm™

Flexitherm™ erreicht die erforderliche Pasteurisierungstemperatur t durch eine Kombination von Wärme und Verweildauer. Kaltes, nicht pasteurisiertes Bier wird im PWT in zwei Schritten auf die gewünschte Pasteurisierungstemperatur erhitzt. FLEXITHERM passt seinen Durchsatz automatisch an die Abnahmemenge der Abfüllmaschine an. Eine erneute Zirkulation des Produkts und das Risiko einer zu starken Pasteurisierung werden so vermieden.

FAQs

Can an Alfa Laval Flexitherm™ solve my product shelf-life and/or stability issues?

Yes, if the issue is related to the presence of living microorganisms in the beer and the contamination occurs upstream. If the stability issue is related to something else or occurs downstream at the filling line or packaging area, for instance, the Flexitherm will not be able to solve the issue. If it is a colloidal stability issue like those experience with German wheat beers, then the process temperature must be raised beyond the level that a standard Flexitherm can handle. If this case, please contact Alfa Laval Brewery Systems so we can review and recommend a solution.

Is it possible to use hot water instead of steam as a heating media?

The Alfa Laval Flexitherm works as a standard with steam. If no steam is available, it is possible to modify the Flexitherm (at an extra cost) and run it using hot water. The temperature of the  hot water must be at least 90°C in order to sterilize the interior of the Flexitherm.

Can the Alfa Laval Flexitherm solve my contamination issues?

That depends. Yes if the contamination occurs upstream, and no if the contamination occurs after the Flexitherm, such as at the filling line, final packaging line, or receiving tank.

What is the typical commissioning time for the Flexitherm?

The typical commissioning time varies, depending on the use of a buffer tank. Commissioning a Flexitherm without buffer tank and routing generally takes about five days on site. It takes about 10 days on site when the Flexitherm has a buffer tank and routing in front of a filler.

How does the Flexitherm perform if my filler requires a certain pressure and/or flow rate?

A standard Flexitherm pasteurization machine is equipped with buffer tank and routing to ensure that the pressure after the buffer tank is constant—regardless of flow rate. This ensures that the requirements of the filler are met.

Can I pasteurize milk with a Flexitherm?

No. The Alfa Laval Flexitherm is not intended for milk pasteurization. Please contact our Global Alliance partner Tetra Pack for this application.

When are the electrical drawings available?

The electrical drawings are usually ready and available for your use about four weeks after you place your order.

Why is the maximum allowed deaeration water temperature set to 15°C?

The deaeration water temperature should be as close as possible to the temperature of the beer. If the temperature is too high, the system’s temperature variations will be too large when switching back to beer.

Can I apply my specific Cleaning-in-Place (CIP) recipe to the Flexitherm ? Can I use lye and acid?

The Flexitherm can tolerate any standard brewery CIP regimes. This includes caustic and acid cleaning. All wetted parts that come into contact with the product are made of stainless steel and all gaskets are made of EPDM. To be 100% sure, if you use an oxidative or chlorine-based cleaning regime, Alfa Laval recommends a visual inspection of the unit’s interior to identify any risk of corrosion.

I’ve heard other beer pasteurization suppliers are introducing sterile gas filters for air and CO₂ to their beer pasteurizers. Will Alfa Laval also be doing the same?

Alfa Laval is aware of that other beer pasteurization suppliers are offering craft brewers sterile gas filters. However, we decided to remove this option for the Flexitherm Mini for the sake of price and simplicity. Based on experience, we know that sterile gas filters are not critical features to prevent contamination. The sterile gas filter is available as a standard option on our core range and, upon request, we can also offer sterile gas filters on the Alfa Laval Flexitherm Mini.

Can I install the Flexitherm just after my separator?

No. A Flexitherm requires the feed beer to be constant and maintained at a minimum required pressure to ensure that the pressure within the system during pasteurization is consistently high. Without uniform high pressure in the system, there will be cavitation issues, pressure drops and CO₂ breakouts in the system.