From malt milling to fermentation, VEGA sensors provide advanced measurement technology that supports every stage of beer production, ensuring quality, efficiency and consistency.
Water, hops, malt and yeast, the four traditional ingredients defined by the German Beer Purity Law, leave little room for error. That’s why breweries like Alpirsbacher Klosterbräu rely on the precision of modern measurement technology. With limited ingredients but boundless creativity, maintaining tight control over brewing parameters is essential.
Located in the Black Forest, Alpirsbacher Klosterbräu is a renowned traditional brewery with a long history of producing award-winning beer. Like many brewers striving for quality and consistency, the team here has integrated a wide range of VEGA instruments into its processes. These include devices for monitoring pressure, level and switching – three key factors in brewing that demand constant attention.
One of the most yeast-heavy stages in brewing is filtration. After the green beer leaves storage, it moves into a separator where much of the yeast is removed. However, additional clarification is needed before the beer can achieve its signature bright appearance. Here, differential pressure monitoring becomes essential to regulate the correct dosing of diatomaceous earth, a filtering aid.
At Alpirsbacher, this task is handled by the VEGABAR pressure sensor. According to Jürgen Wöhrle, head of quality assurance and management at the brewery, the sensor has made a noticeable difference.
“We can now measure very accurately,” he said.
The brewery also benefits from the user-friendly setup of the sensors. Through the VEGA Tools app, operators can install and manage the devices directly from a smartphone or tablet – a feature that saves time and simplifies daily tasks.
Fermentation, storage and reliable pressure
Beyond filtration, VEGA pressure sensors are also essential in fermentation and storage tanks, where the beer ferments and matures over several weeks. Maintaining the right pressure in these tanks is vital for proper CO₂ saturation, which directly affects the taste and mouthfeel of the final product.
Equally important is level monitoring. The ability to fill or empty tanks at just the right time ensures a seamless production cycle and prevents wastage. Due to the precision of VEGA instruments, brewers can manage this balance with confidence.
At the start of the brewing process, VEGAPOINT level switches play a role in the grist mill, where malt is crushed before entering the mash tun. These point level sensors are designed to detect specific fill levels immediately, sending alerts to avoid under- or overloading the mill.
This not only helps prevent equipment damage and energy waste but also keeps the process smooth and efficient. As with other VEGA sensors, installation is straightforward, and all devices share a common hygienic adapter system. This compatibility helps reduce downtime, simplify maintenance and streamline the management of spare parts, all of which matter in an industry where timing is everything.
In addition to pressure and level instruments, Alpirsbacher also benefits from VEGA’s radar-based solutions. The VEGAPULS 42 is a compact radar level sensor engineered for the needs of factory automation and hygienic industries like brewing.
The sensor delivers exact level data in small tanks and during batch filling processes. Due to its high switching frequency, it can detect rapid changes in fill levels, which is useful in fast-paced production environments. It supports efficient, resource-saving manufacturing, and is built with a hygienic design that suits food and pharmaceutical applications.
Smart features for smarter brewing
The VEGAPULS 42 includes a range of modern features to further enhance usability and process control:
- Universal communication via IO-Link in its three-wire version allows for cost-effective and straightforward integration.
- A Smart Sensor profile enables seamless parameter transfer when replacing instruments, ensuring minimal downtime.
- Bluetooth functionality means that users can manage and adjust the sensor using the VEGA Tools app, directly from their phone.
One user-friendly feature is the illuminated ring that indicates sensor and process status. This visual feedback helps operators monitor operations at a glance, even from a distance, increasing safety and responsiveness on the brewery floor.
With VEGA’s sensor technology at their fingertips, brewers at Alpirsbacher Klosterbräu are free to focus on what they do best: making award-winning beer. Precise measurement and easy-to-use interfaces bring modern control to a centuries-old craft, proof that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand.