In the brewing process of craft beer, the disinfection of equipment is a key step to ensure beer quality. Today, I would like to share how craft beer equipment is disinfected with hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide).
Hydrogen peroxide, with the chemical formula H₂O₂, is a colorless and transparent liquid with a strong bactericidal effect. Stable hydrogen peroxide is colorless, odorless, and non-toxic and has the characteristics of efficient, long-lasting, and hygienic bactericidal after synergistic and stabilization treatment.
The bactericidal principle of hydrogen peroxide is to use the strong oxidizing ability of active oxygen to destroy the protoplasm in microorganisms to achieve the purpose of killing microorganisms and disinfection and sterilization. During use, hydrogen peroxide decomposes into oxygen and water, without toxic residues and no pollution to the environment.
The factors that affect the stability of hydrogen peroxide are mainly the following:
Temperature
In the environment of craft beer equipment with lower temperatures and higher purity, hydrogen peroxide is relatively stable. High temperatures will cause it to decompose violently, so the temperature should be controlled during the disinfection process.
pH value
Under acidic conditions, hydrogen peroxide is stable; conversely, it is very unstable under alkaline conditions.
Impurities
Metal ions such as iron, manganese, copper, chromium, etc. will promote the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. To improve stability, stabilizers such as sodium stannate, sodium pyrophosphate, or 8-hydroxyquinoline are often added to inhibit decomposition through reduction and complexation.
Light
Light of a specific wavelength will accelerate the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.
The above analysis shows that hydrogen peroxide, as an efficient and environmentally friendly disinfectant, plays an important role in the disinfection of craft beer equipment. The beer equipment and brewing knowledge provided by Shandong Tiantai can ensure that your beer production process is hygienic and efficient. If you are interested in craft beer equipment, please feel free to consult us.
