VIEW ARTICLE    DOI: 10.1094/ASBCJ-54-0191

Detection and Identification of Oils in Beer by FTIR. Karen E. Skinner, Brewing Technical Services, Anheuser-Busch Inc., One Busch Place, St. Louis, MO 63118; 314/577-2850; Fax 314/577-1055. J. Am. Soc. Brew. Chem. 54(4):191-197. Accepted April 12, 1996.


Oils were extracted from finished beers by filtration through polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (Teflon) membrane filter pads and from in-process beers by stirring with diatomaceous earth. The oils were then eluted from the filter pad or diatomaceous earth with 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane (Freon 113). The eluant was concentrated to a known volume and analyzed by measuring the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) absorbance of the oil peaks at 2930 cm(^-1) in a fixed pathlength cell. The concentration of oil present was determined by comparison with a standard curve. Standards were prepared by dissolving various oils and lubricants in 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane. Low concentrations of oils, up to 0.2 mg/L, were found in virtually all normal canned beers. The oil found in these beers had as its probable source the petrolatum used as a lid stock lubricant. Tetrachloroethylene was investigated as an alternative solvent to 1,1,2-trichlorotrifluoroethane. The extracted oils were qualitatively identified by concentration of the extracts to a few drops, which were then applied to a potassium bromide salt plate. After evaporation of residual solvent, the infrared spectrum of the cast film of the extracted oil was recorded. Keywords: Beer, FTIR, Infrared, Lubricant, Oil.


Aceites fueron extraídos de cerveza terminada, pasando ésta a través de filtros de membrana PTFE (teflón), y de cerveza en proceso por agitación con tierra de diatomeas con 1, 1, 2-triclorotrifluoroetano (Freon 113). El eluente fue concentrado hasta un volumen conocido y analizado midiendo la absorbancia en el infrarrojo (FTIR) de los picos de los aceites a 2930 cm(^-1) en una celda de longitud fija. La concentración de aceite presente se determinó por comparación con una curva estándar. Estándares fueron preparados disolviendo varios aceites y lubricantes en Freon 113. Tetracloroetileno fue investigado como otra opción al Freon 113. Los aceites extraídos fueron identificados cualitativamente al concentrar los extractos hasta unas cuantas gotas y aplicando éstas a placas de bromuro de potasio. Después de evaporarse el solvente residual, se obtuvo el espectro infrarrojo de la capa de aceite en la placa.