Successful beer brewing supported by ifm
04.10.2023 – The process of brewing beer has evolved over centuries into what we know today. Brewed without automation in the distant past, it would be difficult to imagine a world without this popular drink - and ifm is part of scaling the production process today.
Many things have changed in beer production today. What was once a marginal brewing culture has now become a global industry consisting of several multinational companies and thousands of small producers, ranging from brewpubs to regional breweries. One such brewery is the "Schlossbrauerei Stein" in the Stein an der Traun district of the Upper Bavarian town of Traunreut in the Chiemgau region.
History of Schlossbrauerei Stein
The founding history of this brewery goes back to 1489 when a brewery on the castle grounds was first mentioned in a document. In the following centuries, the castle changed owners, who then built a completely walled and shingle-covered brewery with its own hop garden. In 1855, the castle brewery even rose to become the most important brewery in all of Upper Bavaria. Gradually, the current brewery took shape. It is still located on the castle grounds today, preserving its unique history.
The Brewing Process
In addition to brewing beer, the brewery also offers the opportunity to visit the brewery in its medieval setting. The usual ingredients of water, hops, malt and yeast, mixed with the help automation play an important role in the production of Steiner beers.
Picture 1: ifm compressed air meter SD5000, Picture 2: Yeast cultivation controlled by SD5000.
ifm colleague Sebastian Vial was able to see this for himself during a guided tour on which he spotted the ifm compressed air meter SD5000. In this application, the compressed air flow sensor is used to regulate the flow speed so that the yeast enters beer tanks with the correct amount of pressure. If too much pressure is applied by the compressed air system, then the beer quality will be adversely affected. After successful production, the beer will be stored for four to six weeks in the castle's rock cellar at a natural and constant cold temperature to bring its taste to perfection. Hence, the compressed air sensor plays a significant role in ensuring process control during the key components of the brewing process at Schlossbrauerei Stein.
