Brewing beer delivers a delicious craft, but it also leaves behind byproducts like wastewater. Processes like cleaning brewing tanks and vessels, pipes, and other equipment require a lot of water.
And that water must be treated prior to entering municipal water systems. With sustainability and costs in mind, many brewers are seeking more responsible methods of tackling wastewater in their brewing operations.
Read on to learn about the challenges and solutions they can expect to find.
Reasons to Retool Management Practices
Wastewater might seem like the last thing a brewer wants to think about. But it’s not an area they can afford to overlook. Why should breweries even bother finding better ways to deal with wastewater?
The reasons include:
- Environmental concerns
- A desire to be more cost-effective
- Compliance with regulations
Breweries that simply deposit used water into local water systems would face hefty fines and potentially lose their ability to do business. With tighter environmental standards in place, breweries have to remove chemicals and solids from wastewater before disposing of it.
This is to help minimize the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), which tends to be higher in brewery wastewater. Too much BOD can suggest that water is polluted and harm wildlife as a result.
Treating polluted wastewater can hurt a brewery’s bottom line, however. Consequently, breweries are wise to seek innovative solutions that can trim costs. Minimizing wastewater through advanced cleaning practices can be one effective way to reduce the financial burden.
Challenges on the Road to Better Results
For breweries, offering a variety of beers, like IPAs and stouts, tends to be a priority as they aim to grow their customer base. However, each beer requires different brewing processes, and not every beer may be brewed in equal amounts depending on demand or the season.
As a result, cleaning practices for brewing equipment also will vary. And that’s anything but convenient for brewers trying to keep pace with demand.
Breweries may lack the space to invest in on-site treatment equipment that can handle everything they produce if they’re in an urban area. Or as a new business, they may not have the resources to afford the latest equipment.
Plus, with evolving technology, a big investment now may be outdated in another year or two. The best approach to mindful wastewater treatment is to consult with other brewers and experts in the area.
Finding a Wastewater Solution
In the field of wastewater treatment, advances have led to systems that are more efficient and scalable than ever before. The MBBR wastewater treatment system is the leading choice for its streamlined design and effective results. Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) is among the best options thanks to its compact structure and quick results.
First, the system’s tank accepts wastewater before allowing microorganisms to digest the organic matter within it. Then, an aeration process continues the treatment before the clean water is separated and removed.
This system offers a high-efficiency and low-maintenance method of wastewater treatment, making it an ideal selection for brewers. And as a brewery expands over time, this cutting-edge approach to treatment can be scaled to meet the needs of the business.
Charting a More Efficient Path
Breweries hoping to establish themselves as a fixture on the scene need to focus on more than just brewing the finest beverages. The behind-the-scenes work of brewing beer results in wastewater that must be discharged responsibly.
Brewers need to investigate treatment options that fit their space, budget, and size while turning to the latest technology, like MBBR. With a stable plan in place, breweries will be able to grow and stay compliant with local regulations.
