How a Traditional Brewery Uses High Viscosity Drum Pumps for Innovation - Case Study: Rothaus' Natural Beer Shandy

The Evolution of Beer Brewing Equipment

Brewing beer is one of the oldest beverage production methods, requiring specialised beer brewing equipment. In contrast to grape juice that ferments on its own, beer production involves multiple steps from grain to glass, thereby making the brewing industry a pioneer in technological innovation. Today, sophisticated systems produce and bottle beer hygienically and gently. Additionally, alongside traditional beers, non-alcoholic and mixed drinks have grown in popularity. High viscosity drum pumps and portable transfer pumps have become essential for handling raw materials such as flavourings and viscous juice concentrates hygienically and efficiently.

Tradition Meets Modern Technology at Rothaus Brewery

Rothaus Brewery, founded in 1791 by the Benedictine Monastery of St. Blasien, blends tradition with modern technology. Located at the “Zum Rothen Haus” tavern, the brewery leverages pure spring water, firewood and excellent transport connections for its operations. While still using wood for heating, Rothaus now employs a modern combustion system for sustainability and harnesses solar power for bottle washing. Additionally, it runs entirely on green electricity from Upper Rhine hydropower.

Innovation in Response to Consumer Preferences

In response to evolving consumer preferences, Rothaus introduced the alcohol-free shandy Natur Radler Lemon 0.0%. This innovation blends beer with natural fruit juice concentrates, avoiding artificial citric acid for a balanced flavour.

The Role of FLUX High Viscosity Drum Pumps in Rothaus Brewery

Efficient pumping of High-Viscosity Fruit Concentrates

To pump high-viscosity juice concentrates through the brewery's production line, Rothaus uses FLUX progressive cavity pumps, specifically the VISCOPOWER. These high viscosity drum pumps, designed for the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics sectors, ensure gentle, low-pulsation pumping of thick liquids.

The VISCOPOWER  features an eccentric worm rotor that creates closed cavities during rotation, facilitating smooth upward flow without additional seals. This design allows the pump to handle viscosities up to 80,000 mPas and delivery pressures up to 15 bar. The pumps are built with food-grade components and are easy to clean, meeting the brewery's stringent hygiene standards for beer brewing equipment. Find out more about the different drum pumps Flux has to offer.

Versatility in Pumping Applications

In addition to fruit juice concentrates, Rothaus uses FLUX drum pumps for metering cleaning agents. These portable drum pumps, equipped with mechanical seals, handle various cleaning solutions and disinfectants, ensuring thorough flushing between media changes. The compact design fits narrow container openings, provides delivery rates up to 240 l/min and pressures up to 30 meters water column.

The Impact of Advanced Pump Technology

The brewing industry has a long history of integrating new technology to innovate. Rothaus Brewery exemplifies this by using specialised transfer pumps from FLUX to create new beverages and flavours. Our pump innovations have helped to refine and expand the range of beer products available today.

By employing state-of-the-art drum pumps, Rothaus not only enhances the efficiency and hygiene of its production process, but also pioneers new trends in the beverage industry, blending tradition with innovation to meet modern consumer demands.

If you would like to discuss your high viscosity application, send an email to sales@flux-pumps.co.uk. Alternatively, you can read more on our VISCOPOWER here.