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Beer Stabilization Protein & Polyphenol Control Chill haze stabilization is an important consideration for beers that are distributed throughout a territory and require any degree of shelf stability. Most retailers and consumers expect clarity and no post-bottling sedimentation in beer on a consistent basis, and with today’s flavorful and wide varieties of beers, the potential for instability exists. Through the use of either silica-based
stabilizing agents or PVPP (polyvinylpolypyrrolidone) polymer-based stabilizing agents, chill haze stabilization can be achieved without affecting flavor, aroma, body or head retention. These stabilizing agents are widely used, economical and readily available through Gusmer Enterprises. Chill haze is caused by the natural reaction of “sensitive proteins” (proteins rich in proline) and polyphenols, both of which are inherently found in beer. These sensitive proteins and polyphenols agglomerate to form larger colloids which are insoluble at cold storage and serving temperatures. The instability results in a precipitation which creates cloudy beer or bottle sediment. Stability of the beer can be achieved by removing either the sensitive proteins or the polyphenols, so that the two cannot so readily react with each other. Silica-based stabilizers, whether amorphous solids or colloidal liquids, used in the brewing process have a small particle size (8 nm to 16 microns) and are highly porous with typical surface areas from about 300 m 2 /g to more than 1,000 m 2 /g. These specially engineered silica particles are hydrophilic due to coverage of their surface by hydroxyl (silanol) groups. It is the interactions of proline with these silanol groups that enable the selective adsorption of sensitive proteins from beer. PVPP polymer-based stabilizers are approximately 50 microns in size and have a high affinity for flavonoid polyphenols via hydrogen and hydrophobic bonding. Both forms of stabilizing agents are ultimately removed from the beer through centrifugation or filtration. The choice to use either a silica-based stabilizer or a PVPP polymer-based stabilizer is up to the brewer, and for beers that are more difficult to stabilize, the use of both agents may synergistically result in stabilization.
PQ Corporation BRITESORB ® A100 – ( Silica Hydrogel ) Silica Hydrogel is an amorphous silica powder, which is non-dusting and free flowing, and has a moisture content of approximately 65%. BRITESORB A100 works through size exclusion. The surface of BRITESORB A100 is engineered with a moderately sized porosity, which selectively allows for the internal adsorption of haze-forming proteins while retarding the entry of larger, foam-positive proteins. An excellent choice for chillproofing lighter style beers, BRITESORB A100 has a high permeability factor that allows for faster filtration rates and longer filter runs.
PQ Corporation BRITESORB ® D300 – ( Silica Xerogel ) Silica Xerogel is an amorphous, free flowing powder of approximately 5% moisture content. Pound for pound, it is a more effective stabilizer than Silica Hydrogel. BRITESORB D300 utilizes the same adsorption principals as A100, but in addition, BRITESORB D300 is activated by a patented process that increases its affinity for sensitive protein. This typically allows for short contact times and reduced dose rates. A good candidate to stabilize difficult brews, BRITESORB D300 has a good permeability factor and can be used in conjunction with PVPP.
Particle Size: ~ 16 um Dose Rate: Beer up to 65% malt
Particle Size: ~ 12 um Dose Rate: Beer up to 70% malt
40-50 g/hL (~10-12 lb/100 US bbl)
25-40 g/hL (~6-10 lb/100 US bbl) Dose Rate: Beer more than 70% malt 40-60 g/hL (~10-15 lb/100 US bbl)
Dose Rate: Beer more than 65% malt
50-70 g/hL (~12-17 lb/100 US bbl)
Contact time: 20 minutes Permeability: 0.15 D’Arcy Sizes: 50 lb bags
Contact time: 5 minutes Permeability: 0.05 D’Arcy Sizes: 40 lb bags
West Coast: 559.485.2692 / East Coast: 908.301.1811 www.gusmerbeer.com 13
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