Episode 294: Benchmarking and Reducing CO2 Consumption
Nov 13, 2023
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Gabriel Dominguez, a frequent MBAA course lecturer, shares tips on reducing brewery's CO2 consumption. Topics include benchmarking CO2 usage, replacing CO2 with nitrogen, the importance of maintaining proper nitrogen and CO2 levels in the brewing process, water purging and nitrogen generation, and the significance of efficiency in reducing CO2 consumption while maintaining beer quality.
Craft breweries should aim to consume less than 10 pounds of carbon dioxide per beer barrel produced, with can fillers, carbonation, and BBT being the top offenders for excessive CO2 consumption.
Regular checks for leaks are essential in breweries, soapy water can be used for leak detection, and safety precautions must be taken when using nitrogen instead of CO2.
Deep dives
Benchmarking and reducing CO2 consumption
Craft breweries should aim to consume less than 10 pounds of carbon dioxide per beer barrel produced. This serves as a benchmark for efficiency across breweries of all sizes. Monitoring CO2 usage is crucial, and one should compare the amount of CO2 purchased with the output. The top offenders for excessive CO2 consumption are can fillers, which should not exceed 1.5 pounds per beer barrel, carbonation, which should not exceed 1.3 pounds per beer barrel, and BBT, which should not exceed 1.1 to 1.2 pounds per beer barrel. Monitoring and adjusting pressure settings in the can fillers can significantly reduce CO2 consumption.
Leak detection and safety considerations
Leaked CO2 not only results in financial loss but also poses safety hazards for operators and damages electrical contacts. Regular checks for leaks are essential, as leaks are common in brewery operations. Using soapy water can be a simple yet effective method of leak detection. It's important to remember that leaks are a constant in a brewery, so a systematic approach to regular leak detection is necessary. Additionally, safety precautions must be taken when using nitrogen instead of CO2, as high nitrogen levels can deplete the oxygen in the working area and pose safety risks for operators.
Efficient tank purging techniques
When purging tanks with CO2, it is important to go slow and avoid creating turbulence that mixes air with CO2. Slowing down the purging process ensures a more efficient removal of air and reduces the amount of CO2 consumed. Additionally, maintaining a positive pressure of 5 to 10 psi in the supply lines helps prevent air from entering and wasting CO2. It is also crucial to fill the tank immediately after purging to minimize the opportunity for air to re-enter the tank.
Considerations for nitrogen usage
Replacing CO2 with nitrogen should be done with caution, as nitrogen behaves differently in various processes. Nitrogen is significantly less soluble than CO2, so it should not be used for carbonation. However, nitrogen can be injected for nitro stouts or other purposes as long as CO2 is used for carbonation before injecting nitrogen. It is important to note that the use of nitrogen requires careful monitoring and understanding of its properties, such as its low solubility and potential safety hazards when using liquid nitrogen.