Brewery Applications

In 1994, John McClain began working with ozone as a sanitizer and McClain Ozone leads the industry in the development of new ozone advancements and applications. McClain Ozone has worked closely with its brewery clients to document the efficacy of ozone in brewery sanitation applications.

With hundreds clients worldwide, McClain Ozone is the leader in the production of mobile and stationary ozone sanitation systems and produces systems designed to meet the needs of any size brewery.

Ozone a Versatile Organic Sanitizer in the Brewery

Sanitation plays a critical role in the brewing industry. Historically, breweries have used chlorine (and/or other halogen chemicals), heat (hot water and/or steam) and acids for sanitation, but these methods have drawbacks and restrictions. The high energy cost of generating heat, the harmful byproducts associated with halogen chemicals and safety hazards of acids have made their use problematic.

Many brewers have chosen to completely eliminate the use of chlorine and other halogenated compounds to avoid the formation of TCA (2,4,6-trichoroanisole) and other aromatic halogenated hydrocarbons which can impact beer flavors.

Ozone has several characteristics that make it excellent for brewery sanitation.

  • Ozone is a stand-alone organic sanitizer which simplifies sanitation, is cost effective, safe to use, saves water and energy, and is environmentally friendly.
  • Ozone is produced as needed on site, dissipates after use and minimizes the purchase, storage, mixing and disposal of chemicals.
  • Ozone is a cold sanitizer which saves energy, extends barrel flavors, and minimizes bottling line maintenance costs and cool down cycles.
  • Ozone kills a much broader spectrum bacteria, fungus and molds, yeasts, spores and cysts Organisms Killed by Ozone) from 10 to 5000 times faster than halogenated chemicals (chorine, iodine, etc.).
  • Ozone was approved by a FDA Expert Panel as GRAS (generally recognized as safe) for use as a sanitizer in 1997 and was approved by FDA for use with fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, etc. in June 2001 (food additive petition).
  • Ozone was approved under USDA Organic Rule in 2000.
  • Ozone reverts to molecular oxygen, leaving no by-products or residual contaminants.
  • Ozone unlike halogenated chemicals (i.e. chlorine, iodine, etc.) ozone does not generate TCA precursors or dangerous halogenated hydrocarbon byproducts, such as THM’s.
  • Ozone destroys objectionable taste and odor causing compounds.
  • Ozone is pH neutral, (does not change the acid/alkaline balance).

Application of Ozone in the Brewery

Ozone is a single source organic sanitizer in the brewery. Its use allows the brewer to produce a better product through the control of spoilage organisms, mold and mildew in the brewery. Brewery applications include the following:

Fermentation and “Brite” Tank Sanitation

The use of aqueous ozone in the sanitation of stainless, polycarbonate and other tanks is a common application of ozone in the brewery. Ozone, utilized with proper protocols and CT values provides effective and rapid sanitation of tanks. In addition, breweries utilizing ozone have experienced better yeast management, improved product quality,distile2 and reduced sanitation time and cost.

As an added benefit, when used in a tank recirculation mode ozone can save hundreds of gallons of water during the tank sanitation process. Ozone does not result in tank damage as is often the case with chorine and no rinsing after the sanitation is required which reduces time and water usage. Protocols for the safe use of aqueous ozone in tanks have been developed by McClain and are available to McClain clients.

Bottles, Bottling and Can Line Sanitation

Conserving water and energy and maintaining bottle, bottling and can line sterility are a major concern for breweries. The unique “cold sterilization” ability of ozone, combined with its non-contaminating qualities and low water use, make it an excellent alternative to chemicals, steam and hot water.

The expansion and contraction of bottling line components created by heat contribute to the long term stress and damage to bottling lines. The use of cold ozonated water eliminates these stresses resulting in less bottling line downtime and maintenance cost. Protocols for the safe use of aqueous ozone in bottle, bottling and can line sanitation have been developed by McClain and are available to McClain clients.

Process Piping, Hose, Pump, and Appurtenance (Valve, Clamp, Gasket, etc.) Sanitation

Preventing the transfer of spoilage organisms in the brewery is important to beer quality and a major concern of the brewer. Aqueous ozone can be utilized to quickly sanitize all equipment which comes into beer contact eliminating the movement of unwanted microbes within the brewery. In addition, no rinsing is required after the sanitation which reduces time and water usage. Protocols for the safe use of aqueous ozone for brewery equipment have been developed by McClain and are available to McClain clients.

Keg, Keg Washer/Racker Sanitation

Conserving water and energy and maintaining keg sterility are a major concern for breweries. The unique “cold sterilization” ability of ozone, combined with its non-contaminating qualities and low water use, make it an excellent alternative to chemicals, steam and hot water for sanitizing kegs. In addition, no rinsing is required after the sanitation which reduces time and water usage. Protocols for the safe use of aqueous ozone for brewery equipment have been developed by McClain and are available to McClain clients.

DE Filter and/or Plate & Frame Filter Sanitation

The unique “cold sterilization” ability of ozone, combined with its non-contaminating qualities and ease of use, make it an excellent sanitizer for filters. Aqueous ozone can be utilized to quickly and easily sanitize filters eliminating t unwanted microbes. In addition, no rinsing is required after the sanitation which reduces time and water usage. Protocols for the safe use of aqueous ozone for filter sanitation have been developed by McClain and are available to McClain clients.

Wooden Tank/Barrel Sanitation and Storage

Aqueous ozone eliminates and prevents the return of microbial spoilage organisms (i.e. Brettanomyces, Acetobacter, etc.) in wooden tanks and barrels. No rinsing after the sanitation is required which reduces sanitation times and water usage. Gaseous ozone is being utilized to maintain barrel and wooden tank health during storage eliminating the use of sulfur and sulfur dioxide. Protocols for the safe use of both aqueous and gaseous ozone in wooden tanks and barrels have been developed by McClain and are available to McClain clients.

Surface Sanitation

Sanitizing brewery floors, walls, drains and other surfaces with aqueous ozone reduces microbes (fungi, yeast, and bacteria), maintains a sanitary brewery, and eliminates background odors. Protocols for the safe use of aqueous ozone for surface sanitation have been developed by McClain and are available to McClain clients.

Air Sanitation and Vector Control

The use of gaseous ozone to control mold, airborne spoilage organisms, odors and some insects is a common practice and had many applications in breweries. Protocols for the safe and effective use of gaseous ozone have been developed by McClain and are available to McClain clients.

The Perfect Solution for Brewery Sanitation

From spoilage organism control to mold and mildew management, ozone is the perfect sustainable solution for your brewery sanitation requirements. Contact us today to learn how McClain Ozone can help you sanitize organically.