For Safe and Economical Simple Syrup Storage
The Target
- Reliable process
- Maintenance Free
- Low operating costs
- No increase of investment costs
The Process
It is common practice to store simple syrup used for the production of soft
drinks in large tanks. The sugar solution has a sugar content of at least
60o Brix, that prevents the growth of microorganisms (in particular
yeast and mould).
The Problem
The critical area in these storage tanks is the headspace of the tank. In
this area the sugar solution is in contact with a gas atmosphere that is in
most cases sterile air. If, due to temperature differences from inside
the tank to the outside atmosphere, condensation forms in the tank's
headspace. The condensation water is diluting the syrup at the tank wall
and thus creates good conditions for growing microorganimsms which might be
present in the simple syrup. The runninig down condensate dilutes the
upper layer of the sugar solution. As this layer is practically not
exchanged, the sugar concentration in this area is considerably reduced.
The decreasead sugar concentration causes problems for the following process
steps when the tank is completely emptied.
The standard solution:
UV lights which must be exchanged at regular intervals to remain effective
are installed in the headspace of the tank. They are used for killing
microorganisms which might be present in the syrup,
Dry, sterile air which is blown into the upper part of the tank shall
minimize the formation of condensation in the headspace.
Circulation pumps or agitators shall prevent the settling of the
solution. As it is commonly known that a solution does not settle, merely
the condensate is mixed.
The GEA-solution
GEA has developed an extremely simple system to avoid the formation of
condensate. The electrically heated tank headspace ensures that the
temperature of the headspace is constantly above the temperature of the liquid
in the tank. A condensation at the inside wall of the tank cannot take
place.
The advantages for the customer are evident:
- No increase of investment costs
- Maintenance free
- Safe process
- Reduced operating costs