Diseño y construcción de un carbonatador de inyección como parte de una línea de proceso para la producción de cerveza artesanal

Abstract

The objective of this work was to design and build an injection carbonator as part of a process line for the production of craft beer. The pressure and temperature process variables were established, following the requirements of the carbonation parameter of the NTE INEN 2262 standard “Alcoholic beverages. Beer. Requirements". The design of the tank body, its main accessories and the selection of the construction material were based on the ASME code Section VIII: Rules for the construction of pressure vessels, Division I and Section II Materials Part D Properties of the same code. Additionally, a device was built to verify the carbonation level under the guidelines of the NTE INEN 2324 standard "Alcoholic beverages to verify the carbonation level. A maximum pressure of 30 psi and a temperature between 5 and 25 degrees Celsius was determined. The designed tank has a 3mm wall width, 40 liter capacity, ellipsoidal heads and an adjustable Swagelok relief valve to avoid explosions due to excess pressure; operates up to a pressure suggested maximum 30 psi, verified by hydrostatic testing. As a result of carbonation, 2.45 vol. of carbon dioxide per liter of beer, a value that is within the range allowed for carbonation by the NTE INEN 2262 standard. Finally, this work can be expanded by studying the use of an automatic control system or a stirring system. It is recommended to use the tank to carbonate different types of drinks.