Application of Membrane Filtration Technology in the Production of Non-Alcoholic Beer

Non-alcoholic beer is a new member of the beer family. What exactly is non-alcoholic beer? It is beer from which all components except alcohol are preserved, retaining the same color, aroma, and taste as regular beer, with an alcohol content below 0.15% (v/v)—essentially alcohol-free. Non-alcoholic beer is rich in nutrients and offers a pleasant taste. Compared with alcoholic beverages, it does not have the adverse health effects associated with alcohol. Compared with ordinary carbonated soft drinks, it offers higher nutritional value, containing 18 essential amino acids required by the human body along with various trace elements. It is low in calories and aids digestion. Non-alcoholic beer perfectly meets the demands of modern consumers pursuing a healthy lifestyle, and membrane filtration technology is currently the primary method for its production.

In the membrane filtration process, beer is pumped into reverse osmosis membrane modules. Under pressure-driven conditions, water and alcohol molecules overcome the natural osmotic pressure and permeate through the membrane for removal, while the color, aroma, flavor, and nutritional components are retained in the beer. Since some water is removed along with the alcohol during the separation process, deaerated and desalinated purified water must be continuously replenished on the feed side. Additionally, carbon dioxide needs to be supplemented to enhance the mouthfeel of the non-alcoholic beer.

Another membrane separation method employs dialysis membranes, which is commonly used in Germany, for example. This method typically utilizes hollow fiber dialysis membrane modules, with beer and dialysate flowing counter-currently on opposite sides of the membrane. The separation process is driven by the concentration difference of the components, allowing alcohol molecules in the beer to diffuse toward the dialysate side for removal. However, this process also results in the loss of many volatile fermentation byproducts from the beer, thereby reducing the quality of the non-alcoholic beer.

Shandong Qisheng Membrane is a professional manufacturer of membrane separation elements, modules, and ceramic membrane equipment, with years of production experience and strong technical expertise. We focus on solving filtration and concentration challenges in biopharmaceutical fermentation, beverage production, traditional Chinese medicine extraction, and plant/animal extraction processes.

The company adopts a circular production model, effectively helping clients improve production efficiency and achieve clean production goals. Should you encounter any challenges in membrane filtration technology applications, please feel free to contact Shandong Qisheng Membrane. Our professional technical team will provide targeted solutions tailored to your needs.