The objective of a mobile configuration of information flow within company processes is to reduce costs. Expenses calculated for a stationary configuration of information flow can thus be compared with those for a mobile configuration. A detailed analysis of actual and target state form the basis, both for the decision itself as well as for monitoring during the period of use.

The presence of carbon dioxide in beer influences the pH value. Models have been derived that convert with great accuracy the pH value of carbonized beer into the value of the degassed sample. The pH value measurement was integrated into a new modular measurement system. Apart from the pH value, this modular measurement system, without sample preparation, also determines the alcohol concentration, the density, the carbon dioxide percentage and the color of carbonized beer.

A new non-invasive and non-destructive fibre optic oxygen meter determines oxygen permeability of plastic bottles and containers by measuring trace concentrations of oxygen as it passes through the package wall. Ideal for production and QC/QA testing applications, this system incorporates the latest in optical-chemical sensor technology. Permeation rates can be confirmed without piercing the package or bottle. Oxygen ingress or seal integrity can be verified as it occurs in standard packaging process.

Sometimes strategic business planning can turn into an existential dilemma. Just ask the Ajegroup’s executives, Peru’s upstart soft drinks company. They not only dared to enter the oligopolist Mexican soft drinks market but also announced plans to diversify into brewing. 

Using parameters for sizing of compressor capacity and condenser capacity on the basis of hl of sales beer produced per day, it is possible to evaluate the performance of the installed refrigeration plant without problems at any time, and not just during peak production months. This calculation check can show whether bottlenecks exist and whether a more accurate calculation of refrigeration requirements is necessary.

The basic criteria underlying selection of methods of analysis are described in this article. The functions of a laboratory are outlined. These ideas emerged from a working group meeting of the Technical Commission for Quality Assurance and Analysis Equipment of the Technical-Scientific Committee of VLB Berlin.

The research topic has been initiated by Wissenschaftsförderung der Deutschen Brauwirtschaft [EV] (Wifö). In a tender, universities and companies were called on to develop solutions that can reliably detect even the slightest germ count of beer-spoilage bacteria and yeasts. Results are summarised below.

Rock ‘n’ roll and politics don’t mix. Young people and politics don’t mix. Politics, you see, is a highbrow endeavour for grey men in suits who spend their tedious lives blustering about issues like how to increase VAT on cut flowers. Why flamboyant brewers still feel the urge to dabble in politics – apparently, beer and politics do seem to mix. But not very well, though, and often to the detriment of the brewing industry.

The viscosity measurement instrument type AMVn (automatic microviscosimeter) developed by Anton Paar GmbH of Graz has been extensively tested in a ring test. It proved to be a very good alternative to systems already established (Ubbelohde und Hoeppler).

A new measuring method allows rapid and accurate measurements of the CO2 content of beverages without influence from other dissolved gases. The measuring instrument based on this new method is portable, robust and easy to use. It is ideal for quality control in laboratories and for spot checks in production.