Precise dosing technology for water treatment and CIP in beverage processes

In the food and beverage industry, it is not only the quality of the raw materials that determines the end product, but also the control of the accompanying processes. Water treatment and cleaning of the equipment are among the most sensitive areas.

These involve hygiene, process reliability and the responsible handling of chemicals. Modern dosing technology plays a key role here: it ensures that alkalis, acids and disinfectants are added to the process in exactly the required quantities – no more and no less. This precision is indispensable, especially in breweries and beverage companies. Cleaning processes such as CIP procedures must be reproducible, safe and efficient. At the same time, environmental and occupational safety requirements are increasing. Dosing systems must therefore not only be technically reliable, but also modular, flexible and safe – requirements to which ProMinent responds with a clearly structured system approach.

Dosing technology as a central element of process control

Dosing technology is not a marginal issue, but an integral part of modern production lines. It controls the quality of water treatment as well as the effectiveness of cleaning and disinfection processes. Incorrect dosing can lead to inadequate cleaning, increased chemical consumption or, in the worst case, production downtime. A central unit that feeds chemicals into the process in a targeted manner provides clarity here. In a typical configuration, such as that used in ProMinent dosing systems, the chemicals are fed in via a metering pump that precisely regulates the flow of material. The system is supplemented by components that compensate for pressure fluctuations, record measured values and prevent emissions. It is the interaction of these elements that turns individual components into a functioning unit.

Structure of modular metering systems

Modern metering systems are deliberately designed to be modular. This allows them to be adapted to a wide range of requirements – from small beverage companies to complex brewery facilities. At the heart of the system is the metering pump, which generates the desired volume flow. In many applications, a pump from ProMinent's Sigma series is used, which is known for its precise controllability. Additional components are also integrated:

• Metering pump for the precise delivery of chemicals
• Pulsation damper to stabilise the flow rate
• Pressure transducer for continuous monitoring
• Collection container for degassing chemicals
• Connection to water treatment or CIP application

Flexibility through different configurations

A key advantage of modern dosing technology is its adaptability. Not every plant requires the same performance class or the same chemical media. That is why dosing systems can be equipped with different pumps and specifications. Performance ranges, flow rates and materials can be tailored to the respective application. This flexibility is particularly relevant in the beverage industry, where several cleaning and production steps often run in parallel. A system that can be modularly expanded or adapted reduces investment costs and increases the future-proofing of the plant. Operators do not receive a rigid product, but a solution that grows with their requirements.

Focus on safety and environmental aspects

In addition to technical precision, safety and environmental aspects are playing an increasingly important role. Chemicals such as alkalis or acids must be handled in a controlled manner. This starts with dosing and ends with the prevention of emissions. Collection containers for outgassing chemicals are therefore an integral part of modern systems. Furthermore, precise metering helps to reduce overall chemical consumption. This not only has a positive effect on operating costs, but also reduces the environmental impact. Metering technology thus becomes a tool for sustainable process management.

Classification of the manufacturer in a technical context

The system concepts described are characteristic of ProMinent's metering solutions. The company has specialised in metering technology and water treatment for decades and is one of the established suppliers in this field. Instead of rigid complete systems, ProMinent relies on modular units that can be adapted to different plant concepts. For operators, this means a high degree of accuracy in terms of fit for the respective production environment, without having to forego proven standard components. Dosing technology is thus not seen as an isolated product, but as an integral part of process control.

Significance for the beverage industry

In practice, it is clear that dosing technology is much more than just a supporting system. It directly influences process stability, product quality and compliance with hygiene standards. Reliable dosing is particularly crucial in CIP applications, which are carried out regularly and under time pressure. Increasing automation in the beverage industry is reinforcing this trend. Dosing systems can be integrated into higher-level control concepts and provide important process data. This makes them a building block of digital and efficient production environments.

Outlook for further developments

With increasing demands for sustainability, resource efficiency and process reliability, the importance of precise dosing technology will continue to grow. Future developments are likely to focus even more strongly on networking, sensor technology and adaptive control. However, the basis remains unchanged: a robust, modular unit that feeds chemicals safely and accurately into the process. For breweries and beverage companies, dosing technology is therefore not an interchangeable accessory, but a central element of modern production and cleaning concepts.