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A simple fermentation monitoring and control system

We present a simple approach for continuous monitoring of beer and other alcoholic fermentations by measuring carbon dioxide evolution. Measuring the CO₂ evolution rate can help estimate extract consumption and alcohol production in a continuous manner with simple and relatively inexpensive instrumentation (FermAT™). The technique can be used to “fingerprint” fermentations in a brewery and recognize early any deviations in fermentation performance. Moreover, with the FermAT™ system, it is possible to precisely control beer carbonation at the end of fermentation, prior to harvesting fermentors. The technology could potentially eliminate the need for secondary carbonation adjustment operations in the brewery.

Murthy Tata is the founder and president of QuantiPerm, LLC. QuantiPerm has developed innovative instrumentation and methods for rapid analytical techniques related to barrier packaging development. QuantiPerm operates a testing laboratory and consults for the food, beverage, biotechnology, and consumer products industries. Murthy was at Miller Brewing Company between 1994 and 2000, working in all areas—brewing, fermentation, beer processing, and packaging. Subsequent to his tenure at Miller, Murthy worked at Motorola Life Sciences between 2000 and 2002 in the development of DNA biochip platforms for gene expression and genetic polymorphism analyses.