FlavourSpec™ VDK

Diacetyl and pentandione (VDK) are by-products of the beer brewing process whose concentration needs to be controlled during brewing

Traditionally, GC-ECD has been the analytical technique of choice for this monitoring, as it affords the sensitivity needed in these measurements. IMSPEX’s diagnostics FlavourSpec® is an instrument based on GC-IMS (Gas Chromatography – Ion Mobility Spectrometry) which affords the sensitivity and reproducibility needed by this analysis, whilst presenting a series of significant advantages which make it ideal for the beer brewing industry

FlavourSpec® is able to measure diacetyl and pentandione (VDK) in full automation.

• Sample preparation is handled by the CTC sample changer and oven integrated into the FlavourSpec®
• Diacethyl and pentandione levels are automatically calculated without user intervention, so that a non expert user can run the analysis
• The instrument is rugged and can be placed anywhere in the brewery, as all it needs to run is electricity and an air cylinder (no vacuum pump, no helium)
• Reduce your analytical instrument purchase cost and cost of ownership, increase your analysis speed and simplify your analysis

FlavourSpec shows many benefits when compared to alternative analytical instruments:

• Ionization source below EUROATOM radiation level so no bureaucracy or permits
• No helium (carrier gas in Nitrogen) means it is cheaper to run and no scarcity issues
• Runs at atmospheric pressure therefore does not need a vacuum pump
• Avoids costly breakdowns which can disrupt analytical function
• No noise
• More energy efficient
• Faster analysis – 20 minutes run time means increased ROI (more analyses per time unit)
• Sample preparation is fully automated so no skills needed from operator
• Analysis is fully automated so no skills needed from the operator
• Able to measure hops and flavouring agents in positive mode – QC/QA of ingredients from the same instrument

SABMiller plc, one of the World largest breweries, commented on our instrumentation

We find the FlavourSpec to be very well suited to the needs of the research brewery for both basic beer analysis and advanced testing of beer. This is valuable in optimising processes and ensuring that we maintain our high standards of beer quality throughout – Trevor Cowley, Project Brewer

One of the major brewery groups in Germany just emailed us saying:

The old GC-MS is now switched off and we measure VDKs only with FlavourSpec…

And FlavourSpec® can be used to measure many other compounds in brewing. Take a look at this ArticleNahrChemie2013 published in 2013 about measurement of other flavour-influencing compounds in beer.

Watch this video to get an idea of how simple to use the instrument is, and how to get from beer to report in a few, automated steps!

What next?

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