Better Bubbles

As a brewer, you know that carbonation significantly influences the taste, mouthfeel, and overall quality of beverages such as beer and seltzer. Traditionally, you may have relied on carbonation stones to achieve the desired level of carbonation. However, advances in technology have introduced more efficient methods, such as the ProCarb system from ProBrew. Here we explore the benefits of using ProCarb instead of traditional carbonation stones, highlighting how it can enhance your brewing process.

Carbonation Precision and Consistency

One of the most significant advantages of the ProCarb system is its ability to deliver precise and consistent carbonation levels. Carbonation stones, while effective, often require careful monitoring and adjustments to ensure that you achieve the desired CO₂ levels. This can lead to inconsistencies, especially in larger batches. The ProCarb, on the other hand, uses a sophisticated inline carbonation technology that allows for precise control over the carbonation process. Through integrated sensors and automated controls, the ProCarb ensures that each batch of beer or seltzer is carbonated to your exact specifications, resulting in a uniform product every time.

Efficient Carbonation

Carbonating a batch of beer with a stone can be a slow process, often taking several hours to reach the desired level of carbonation because the CO₂ must slowly dissolve into the liquid through the tiny pores of the stone. ProCarb accelerates this process by directly injecting CO₂ into the liquid as it flows through the system, drastically reducing carbonation time. This increased speed not only boosts productivity, but it also allows you to quickly adjust carbonation levels if necessary, ensuring that the final product is ready for packaging much sooner.

Ease of Use

Carbonation stones are generally an imprecise method of adding carbonation because the flow of gas through the stone is typically not measured accurately. Too little pressure risks slow or no gas flow through the stone while if the pressure is too high, the CO₂ can bubble up through the beer. This not only wastes CO₂, but it also strips volatiles and can cause foaming within the tank, resulting in lower head retention in the finished beer. In contrast, the human-machine interface (HMI) on the ProCarb lets you input the natural carbonation level present in the beer and the desired finished carbonation level. The ProCarb eliminates all the guess work by adding exactly the right amount of carbonation to the product as it flows through the system.

Carbonation stones also require regular maintenance, including cleaning and sanitizing to prevent blockages and contamination. This maintenance can be time-consuming and requires careful handling to avoid damaging the delicate stones. In contrast, the ProCarb system is designed for ease of use and minimal maintenance. Its inline design means it can be easily integrated into existing production lines, and it is designed to be cleaned with standard brewery CIP procedures and chemicals. This simplicity can help you focus more on other aspects of the brewing process, ultimately leading to a more efficient operation.

Flexibility and Versatility

The ProCarb system offers a level of flexibility that is hard to achieve with carbonation stones. A carb stone is typically used within a specific tank, whereas ProCarb’s inline system is versatile and can be used across various tanks and production lines without the need for different equipment. This versatility makes it an excellent choice if your brewery produces multiple types of beverages or operates at different scales. In addition, the ProCarb can handle a wide range of carbonation levels, making it suitable for everything from lightly carbonated beers to highly carbonated seltzers.

Improved Quality Control

The ProCarb provides significant advantages when it comes to quality control. The precise control over CO₂ injection ensures that carbonation levels are consistent across batches, reducing the risk of over- or under-carbonation. This consistency not only improves the quality of the final product, but it also enhances shelf stability and customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the ProCarb system’s optional inline monitoring capabilities let you continuously track and adjust carbonation levels in real-time, providing an additional layer of quality control that is not possible with traditional carbonation stones.

Cost-Effective Carbonation

While the initial cost of a ProCarb system may be higher than the cost of carbonation stones, the long-term cost benefits are substantial. The ProCarb’s efficiency and speed reduce production time and labor costs, while its durability and low maintenance requirements minimize downtime and replacement costs. Over time, these savings can outweigh the initial investment, making the ProCarb a cost-effective solution for breweries of all sizes.

Contact us today to integrate ProCarb into your operations for enhanced productivity, consistent product quality, and—ultimately—better beverages for your customers. Whether you’re a large-scale brewery or a small craft brewer, the ProCarb is a game-changer in the world of carbonation.