DeAlcoTec - Dealcoholization

DeAlcoTec is a dealcoholization system for the aroma-preserving removal of alcohol from beer after completed fermentation. The process runs under vacuum and is designed to remove alcohol particularly effectively at low temperature and low pressure – with hygienic design and full CIP capability.

Application

Dealcoholization of beer after completed fermentation
Ingredients are preserved to a particularly high degree or returned to the beer
Low dealcoholization temperature; residual alcohol close to the detection limit (depending on design)

How DeAlcoTec Works in the Process

1) Gentle preheating with energy recovery

The incoming alcohol-rich product is gently heated in a regenerative heat exchanger in countercurrent flow to the finished product.
A high proportion of the energy is recovered.

2) Evaporation column under vacuum

The preheated product is distributed in the upper section of a specially designed evaporation column.
Tightly packed, thin stainless steel sheets inside the column increase the exchange area and contact time between the product and the vapors.
The entire process takes place under vacuum.

3) Alcohol stripping in countercurrent flow

Vapors are introduced at the bottom of the column and rise in countercurrent flow to the falling warm liquid.
In this way, they remove the volatile alcohol from the product.

4) Generation of vapors

Less volatile components collect at the bottom of the column and flow into the falling-film evaporator.
The falling-film evaporator generates the vapors required for dealcoholization.

Note for CO₂-Containing Products

For CO₂-containing products, upstream deaeration can help prevent foam formation.

Aroma & Alcohol (optional / depending on version)

Aroma recovery: Volatile aromas can be separated from the vapors in a special aroma recovery system and returned to the finished product to improve taste.
Alcohol concentration / rectification: On request, alcohol is concentrated to produce liquid alcohol (depending on version); alcohol rectification in an ATEX zone is possible.

What You Gain in Operation

Gentle product treatment at low temperature and low pressure
Effective alcohol removal; residual alcohol close to the detection limit
A high proportion of energy is recovered
Optional: aroma recovery and alcohol rectification
Customer-specific modular design with standard PLC
Frame-mounted for easy installation and commissioning
Hygienic design and full CIP capability