Master Brewers Association of the AmericasPublicationsTechnical QuarterlyTQ Archive2018

​How to Remove Silicon Dioxide (SiO2) Fining Agents in Fermentation Vessels and Brite Tanks in the Brewery

MBAA TQ https://doi.org/10.1094/TQ-55-3-1026-01 | VIEW ARTICLE
 
Dana Johnson. Birko, Denver, CO, U.S.A.
 
Abstract
Brewers have been using silicon dioxide (SiO2)-containing products, also known as silicic acid, silica, or kieselsol, to remove yeast and haze-forming particles from beer in the fermenter or brite tank for many years now. The use of silicon dioxide allows brewers to achieve a relatively “brite” (clear) beer without the need of filtration, which can remove not only proteins but also many positive flavor components from the beer. The mechanism of how silica-containing auxiliary fining products work has been discussed in great detail over the years, but the removal of residual silica has not. The cleaning process for silica is not generally understood and has been causing problems for craft brewers in recent years. This article details how to adequately remove silicon dioxide in the cleaning process.

Keywords: Silicon dioxide removal, Keg cleaning, Brewery sanitation, Brite tank cleaning, Beerstone solutions, Clean in place