We'll be attending The Craft Brewers Conference®, May 7-10 in Nashville, Tennessee! We hope to see you there.  Our goal at the conference is to learn more about what craft brewers look for in their valves and to educate attendees on the benefits of using Ceramic Core Ball Valves.

Valves Affect Flavor

Contamination

Valves that are not properly cleaned or sanitized can introduce bacteria or other contaminants into the beer, which can affect the taste and quality of the final product. This is particularly true for valves that are used to control the flow of liquids during fermentation or conditioning, as these are critical stages where the beer is vulnerable to contamination.

Temperature Control

Valves play a critical role in controlling the temperature of the beer during the brewing process. If the valves are not functioning properly, they may not be able to regulate the temperature effectively, which can impact the flavor of the beer.

Flow Rate

The flow rate of liquids during the brewing process can affect the flavor of the beer. For example, if the wort is boiled too quickly or too slowly, it can affect the extraction of flavors and aromas from the hops. Valves that are not functioning properly may not be able to control the flow rate effectively, which can impact the taste of the beer.

Ingredient Mixing

During the brewing process, various ingredients are added to the beer at different stages. Valves play a critical role in controlling the flow of these ingredients into the beer, if they are not functioning properly, it can impact the mixing of the ingredients and the flavor of the beer.

A Critical Part of the Brewing Process

Valves are used to control the flow of liquids and gases throughout the brewery. Here are some of the ways valves are used in the brewing process:

Mash Tun: Valves are used to control the flow of hot water and grist (crushed malt) into the mash tun, where the starch in the malt is converted into sugar.

Lauter Tun: In the lautering process, valves are used to control the flow of wort (sugar-rich liquid) from the mash tun to the lauter tun, where the wort is separated from the spent grains.

Boil Kettle: Valves are used to control the flow of wort into the boil kettle, where it is boiled with hops and other ingredients to create the flavor and aroma of the beer.

Fermentation Tanks: Valves are used to control the flow of cooled wort into fermentation tanks, where yeast is added to convert the sugar in the wort into alcohol and carbon dioxide.

Conditioning Tanks: After fermentation, the beer is moved to conditioning tanks, where it is clarified and carbonated. Valves are used to control the flow of beer into and out of these tanks.

Filling: Valves are used in the filling process to control the flow of beer into bottles, cans, or kegs, where it is then carbonated and sealed for distribution.

Why Ceramic Core Ball Valves?

Improved durability: Ceramic ball valves are highly durable and resistant to wear and tear, which means they can last longer than other types of valves. This reduces the need for frequent valve replacements, resulting in cost savings over time.

Enhanced sanitation: Ceramic ball valves have a non-porous surface, which means they are easy to clean and sanitize. This is important in a brewery where hygiene is crucial to prevent contamination and ensure the quality of the beer.

Chemical resistance: Ceramic ball valves are highly resistant to chemical corrosion and erosion, which is essential in a brewery where acidic or caustic cleaning agents and solutions are used to clean equipment and pipelines. This resistance ensures that the valves are not damaged by these chemicals and will last longer.

Reduced downtime: Since ceramic ball valves are durable and require less maintenance, they can reduce downtime in a brewery, which is essential for maximizing production and meeting demand.

High-temperature resistance: Ceramic ball valves can withstand high temperatures, making them ideal for use in high-temperature applications such as steam lines and hot water systems.

Investing in ceramic ball valves can provide a brewery with a reliable, durable, and sanitary valve solution that can help improve production efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and ensure the quality of the beer.

Call or email today to learn more.