Using air to brew beer

US-based brewery Suffolk Punch Brewing installed a compressed air system from ELGi to accommodate its current air demand whilst allowing for future growth.

The company began by making small batches of beer in a garage, but today it has formulated more than 40 recipes and has expanded dramatically. To accommodate its growing need for automation, Suffolk Punch Brewing selected ELGi’s EN 05 screw air compressor for its reliability and low noise levels.

“The tank-mounted compressor with a refrigerator dryer system is equipped with coalescing and carbon filters to provide clear, dry, oil-free air. Suffolk Punch Brewing uses the compressor to run the keg washer that cleans and sanitises the container, eliminating the possibility of residue. Any residual air could affect the quality and taste of the next batch,” explained Tom Fyfe, Managing Director for Pulford Air and Gas and President – ELGi Australia. “The compressor helps to operate a recently installed canning assembly line and the project has been a great success.”

Fyfe also said that such compressed air systems are in demand on local shores too. Beer has been around for nearly as long as humankind, dating back to 5000 BC, and it is an economic driver for Australia. The Brewers Association of Australia states that the beer industry underpins $16.9 billion a year in economic activity, accounting for 1.02% of Australia’s GDP. 

“With an increase in automation demands by microbreweries and companies operating in the sector, ELGi has seen some great installation success stories,” Fyfe said. “Our systems are proving to be low maintenance, reliable and cost-effective.”

Top image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/PhotoSpirit