Air Dehumidification in the Beverage Industry

Efficiently controlling humidity throughout the production and storage process environment offers companies in the beverage industry clear added value. It allows them to optimise their production conditions while also supporting them in keeping their costs and efforts in the area of heat and energy consumption as lean as possible. The use of highly effective dehumidification systems offers a whole range of benefits. In many cases, for example, the installation of cooling or ventilation systems can be eliminated — with the corresponding cost benefits this brings. Other plus points: avoiding condensation and corrosion in the area of building structures and production facilities, as well as reliable labelling of bottles and containers. And, of course, the issue of hygiene: controlled humidity prevents the growth of mould or harmful bacterial cultures!

Preventing Fungal Growth and Bacteria
Keeping Malt and Barley Free from Mould

In the beverage industry, especially in the production of alcoholic beverages, compliance with specific purity regulations is particularly important. The potential formation of mould or fungus in the production and storage process environment not only constitutes an infringement on existing hygiene regulations, it also has a direct impact on the taste quality. This is why beer brewers in particular are keen to use effective dehumidification systems that protect them from the potential consequences of excessive humidity. The considerable amounts of steam generated during beer production settle primarily on the surfaces of open containers. It is therefore particularly important here to protect raw materials such as malt, barley or seasonings against penetrating rot and mould.

Labels Peeling Off

When bottles are labelled in the course of beverage bottling or refilling, excessive humidity in the vicinity of the production and bottling systems can damage the labelling of the filled bottles to such an extent that they ultimately cannot be put on sale. The problem: The excessively humid air always condenses on glass or plastic surfaces. The condensation that is formed has a disastrous effect on labelling in particular. Because the containers are not dry enough at high humidity, the glue that is used to stick the printed labels to the bottles cannot adhere sufficiently to the surfaces.

Corrosion on Pipes
and Brewing Cylinders

Merely due to the extensive surfaces they form, pipelines and fittings quickly become coated in condensation — all the more so at lower temperatures. This can have far-reaching consequences — and therefore prove costly. Over time, the ongoing exposure to humidity causes rust to form in the affected areas. Worse still: Depending on where the piping systems are set up, the condensed water can also drip into the production or storage containers below and cause considerable damage there, contingent on the role of the system elements in the production process. The use of dehumidification systems based on current adsorption technology guards against condensation, corrosion and mould formation and thus prevents permanent damage to products and production facilities.