Why proper chemical dosage is key to product safety

The Challenge

In the brewing and beverage industry, microbiological contamination remains one of the leading causes of product recalls—most recently, 62% of alerts in the beverage category were attributed to this issue. A common cause is unreliable or incorrect dosing of cleaning and disinfection chemicals in CIP processes. Too-low concentrations compromise hygiene, while too-high concentrations increase corrosion risks, costs, and safety issues. At the same time, dosing systems are not a priority in many operations, even though they directly impact product safety. This makes chemical dosing an underestimated yet critical operational risk.

The sera Solution

sera addresses this risk with systematically designed, automated dosing systems for cleaning and disinfection chemicals. The dosing stations convey concentrates from containers or tanks to the mixing point and reliably deliver the required application concentration. The design takes into account the application’s objectives, required dosing capacity, material compatibility (e.g., PVC, PP, PVDF, stainless steel), and media properties such as the tendency of caustic soda to crystallize. Additionally, depending on the application, safety and functional components such as overflow valves, pulsation dampers, leak sensors, splash guards, and drip pans are integrated. The systems are integrated into the higher-level process control system and are designed for low-maintenance, safe continuous operation.

Customer Benefits

• Reduced risk of product contamination and resulting recalls
• Reproducible, safe cleaning and disinfection in CIP processes
• Protection of equipment, personnel, and the environment through appropriate safety concepts
• Lower downtime and failure costs due to correctly designed and maintained dosing technology

Summary

It is not the chemicals themselves, but rather inadequately controlled dosing that poses one of the greatest hygiene and operational risks in the beverage industry—and this is precisely where professionally designed dosing technology determines process reliability.