Application
Brewing
At Hamilton, we understand the importance of precise brewery process control at each step of the brewing process to ensure optimal product quality and consistency. That's why we specialize in in-line sensors and sensor accessories for breweries that enable you to measure Critical Process Parameters like pH, Conductivity, Dissolved Oxygen, and Key Performance Indicators such as Total Cell Density and Viable Cell Density in real-time. Our sensors and housings are compatible with a wide range of systems, making them a versatile and flexible solution across the brewing industry.
The raw materials for beer are basic – water, barley, hops, and yeast – but making beer is a multi-step process that must be monitored and controlled to consistently produce high quality, mouth-watering beer. With decades of experience in process analytics, Hamilton Company has established itself as a trusted provider of measurement solutions for the most critical parameters in brewing. From the brewhouse to fermentation, filtration and filling, our sensors allow you to monitor the parameters that are essential to the brewing process.
How Hamilton Supports Sample Brewing Workflows
The brewhouse is the heart of a brewery. All equipment required for wort production is installed in the brewhouse. The output of the brewhouse has a big impact on the efficiency and quality of a brewery. The yield depends on the raw ingredients, equipment, mash process, lautering operations, etc.
The mash process relies on enzymes to convert starch into fermentable sugars. To ensure full conversion, brewers must precisely control temperature and pH using brewing equipment sensors such as pH and temperature probes.
Today, the vast majority of fermentation vessels are made of stainless steel, whereas in the past open fermentation in wooden vats was common. The temperature of the fermenters has to be controlled in order to ensure optimum conditions for the type of yeast strain used. Adjusting the temperature at the end of the fermentation process and in the storage cellar helps to remove turbidity causing particles and to ensure reliable brews.
Optimization of storage cellar conditions is essential for efficient yeast management, including yeast pitching and yeast propagation. For this, in-line measurement of viable and total cell densities enables the early detection of process deviations for improved reproducibility and the delivery of consistent product quality.
At the end of the maturation process, the beer is almost free of oxygen, but yeast and other turbidity-causing particles are precipitated or still in suspension. These have to be removed without the uptake of oxygen. The purpose of filtration is to make beer optically stable so that no visible changes occur during shelf life. Hamilton’s brewing process control sensors help brewers maintain low levels of dissolved oxygen through the final filling stage, preserving the integrity of the finished beer.
The brewing process relies on supporting processes, such as water preparation, Cleaning In Place, and wastewater treatment. As water has become a major cost factor, recycling and reusing water have become more important. This also helps to reduce the environmental footprint of a brewery.
Explore our Brewing Solutions and Applications in Detail
Choose an outcome below to see personalized product recommendations.
EasyFerm Bio pH Sensors
EasyFerm Bio
The EasyFerm Bio is a pH sensor, featuring Hamilton pre-pressurized reference technology. Ideal for food and beverage and as well as Biopharma applications.
VisiFerm Dissolved Oxygen Sensors
VisiFerm mA
Less frequent calibration and longer lifetime. 2-wire 4-20mA / HART for GMP production environments. Explosive-rated environments.
VisiFerm Dissolved Oxygen Sensors
VisiFerm RS485-ECS
VisiFerm RS485-ECS is an advanced optical dissolved oxygen sensor for biotechnology, biopharmaceutical, and food and beverage industries, offering full measurement functionality, self-diagnostics, and simplified maintenance.
VisiTrace Dissolved Oxygen Sensors
VisiTrace RS485 L1
VisiTrace RS485 L1 is an optical dissolved oxygen sensor designed for precise low ppb measurements in brewing and power plant applications. It offers fast response, low maintenance, and seamless integration with control systems.
Dencytee Arc RS485 sensors enable real-time, in-situ measurement of total cell density using transmittance and reflectance of near-infrared light in low and high cell density applications. Reduce off-line sampling and increase the reliable optical density measurement range.
Incyte Arc Expert sensors enable real-time, in-situ measurement of viable cells, making it possible to detect events and respond in real time without increased off-line sampling.
Conducell 4UxF
Conducell 4USF Arc
The Conducell 4USF Arc is a 4-pole conductivity sensor equipped with advanced Arc technology and a VP8 connector. This sensor is designed for hygienic applications, offering features like onboard calibration storage and direct connection to control systems, simplifying integration and maintenance.
Lab Syringes
Gastight Syringes
The solution for dispensing both gases and heterogeneous liquids. Hamilton Gastight syringes are equipped with a precision-machined PTFE plunger tip to create a leak-free seal.
Good to Know About Brewing Processes
Hamilton Products in Action
A collection of videos showcasing Hamilton products in use, providing practical insights into their functionality and benefits.
/
Solutions for Top 3 Challenges of the Brewing Process
Challenge: Monitoring key brewing parameters consistently and accurately is essential for maintaining product quality, but this can be difficult in fast-paced, industrial brewing environments.
Solution: Hamilton brewery process control sensors deliver precise and reliable measurements, ensuring consistent product quality and process control.
Challenge: Harsh brewing environments can lead to shortened sensor life and require frequent replacements, resulting in costly downtime.
Solution: Hamilton robust, long-lasting brewing equipment sensors are designed to withstand demanding conditions, providing long-lasting performance and minimizing downtime.
Challenge: Integrating new sensors into existing process control systems can be complex and time-consuming, hindering efficiency.
Solution: Hamilton sensors offer versatile connectivity and compatibility options, making them easy to implement across diverse brewery process control platforms for enhanced monitoring and control.
Brewing Case Studies and Application Notes
Other Brewing Sensor Resources
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
Browse app notes, user guides, specification documents, and more in our Knowledge Center.
Backed by world-class service and support.
For over 75 years, the Hamilton name has been recognized globally for its unwavering commitment to quality. That pledge extends to creating long-term customer partnerships. We're proud to offer in-depth training courses, on-site field support, custom product builds, and so much more.
Let's Talk
Connect with a Hamilton expert to discuss solutions for your workflow. We are here to enable your success.
Request Type: