Presented by PQ Corporation
Recorded on December 6, 2022
Beer contains various proteins (polypeptides) and tannins (polyphenols) that can slowly react during shelf storage to develop a colloidal complex. This complex becomes insoluble at cold temperatures at which beer is stored and consumed. The result is the formation of an undesirable turbidity known as chill haze.
Silica gel is an amorphous form of silicon dioxide produced from naturally derived raw materials that contains a network of pores. The surface chemistry includes silanol groups (Si‐OH) that specifically adsorb haze protein in beer. Only the proteins that cause chill haze are selectively adsorbed, while the proteins necessary for a stable head of foam are not adsorbed. This makes silica gel highly selective for haze protein.
PQ’s BRITESORB® silica gels are highly selective adsorbents for beer haze-forming protein, with no adverse effect on flavor, foam, color, or aroma. BRITESORB® beer stabilizers have chillproofed more beer than any other silica gel in the world.
BRITESORB® particles have pores of carefully controlled size and huge internal surface area. 10g of BRITESORB® silica gel have a similar area to a football (soccer) filed.
Silica gel beer stabilizers are divided into three categories: silica hydrogels, silica hydrated xerogels and silica xerogels.
Hydrogels have the advantages of lower dusting and faster filtration, while xerogels have the advantages of effectiveness at shorter contact times and higher activity on difficult-to-chillproof beers.
- During the webinar we will discuss how the different types of silica gel can impact the beer colloidal stability and the advantages of each of them.
- We will also address the differences between dead end and crossflow (membrane) filtration and which silica gel products are advised for each case.
- And we will talk about gluten free beer and present some considerations on organic/bio beer.
Watch the Webinar Recording
Download the Slides
Contact Miguel Monsanto / Ask a Question
Contact Philippe Cario / Ask a Question
The views, opinions and technical analyses presented here are those of the author or advertiser, and are not necessarily those of ULProspector.com or UL Solutions. The appearance of this content in the UL Prospector Knowledge Center does not constitute an endorsement by UL Solutions or its affiliates.
All content is subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without prior authorization from UL Solutions or the content author.
The content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. While the editors of this site may verify the accuracy of its content from time to time, we assume no responsibility for errors made by the author, editorial staff or any other contributor.
UL Solutions does not make any representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness or completeness of the content. UL Solutions does not warrant the performance, effectiveness or applicability of sites listed or linked to in any content.