As an engineer working in the beverage industry for over 30 years, ensuring consistent product quality is a key part of the job. Whether you’re crafting a new soft drink or brewing the perfect beer, quality control goes beyond taste testing — it’s all about data, precision, and having the right tools. That’s where laboratory beverage analysers come into play. So, grab your favourite beverage (hopefully something you’ve worked on!), and let’s dive into the world of beverage analysers.
What Exactly Are Beverage Analysers?
If you’ve ever wondered how beverage companies keep their products consistent from one bottle to the next, beverage analysers are the secret. These analysers measure everything from sugar concentration (Brix) to CO2 levels, oxygen, alcohol content, and more. They help ensure that every batch of soft drink, juice, or beer meets the same quality standards, bottle after bottle.
Why You Need Laboratory Analysers in Your Workflow
You might be thinking, “We’ve got taste testers—why do we need analysers?” Well, it’s all about precision. Taste buds vary, but data doesn’t. Laboratory beverage analysers provide reliable, repeatable measurements that taste testers alone can’t. From maintaining the right carbonation levels to ensuring proper sweetness in every batch, analysers keep your product consistent.
The DR Series Easy-Diet™: Your Go-To for Diet Drinks
For those working on diet beverages, the DR Series of Easy-Diet™ analysers is a must-have. They measures diet and sugar-free drinks like carbonated soft drinks, flavoured waters, and energy drinks. In just a few minutes, delivering accurate measurements of sugar substitutes, replacing more traditional, time-consuming methods. Plus, the system is fully automated—just pour in the sample and let it do the work.
LP10: The Multi Parameter Beverage Analysis
If you’re looking for a workhorse in the lab, the LP10 Soft Drink Analyser has got your back. It’s a modular system, meaning you can customise it to measure everything from Brix to CO2, oxygen, and even alcohol content. Whether you’re dealing with cans, PET, or glass bottles, its automatic sampler makes it super easy to get consistent results without the fuss of manual sampling.
Measuring CO2 Like a Pro
For those in carbonated beverage production, CO2 measurement is critical. The LP10 and LP20 analysers come equipped with CO2 modules that provide accurate and repeatable results. No more guessing whether your drink has just the right fizz—the analyser will tell you exactly where you stand.
The Portable LP20: For Testing on the Go
Sometimes you need to take your testing on the road, and that’s where the LP20 Portable Analyser comes in handy. It’s a rugged little unit you can take right to your production line, tanks, or piping systems. Battery-powered and IP67-rated (which means it’s tough enough to handle harsh environments), the LP20 is perfect for real-time analysis when you don’t have time to run back to the lab.
Refractive Index and Brix: What You Need to Know
Ever wonder how beverage companies ensure the right level of sweetness in each batch? It’s all about Brix—the measure of sugar content. The LR05 Refractometer is the tool for this job. By measuring the refractive index of your beverage, it calculates sugar levels with precision. If you’re making soft drinks or fruit juices, having the LR05 in your lab is a game-changer.
The Role of Oxygen in Beverages
Oxygen might be great for breathing, but it’s not always welcome in your beverages. Too much oxygen can cause oxidation, which can spoil the taste, especially in beers and wines. Analysers like the LP10 and LP20 come equipped with oxygen modules, allowing you to monitor and control oxygen levels, ensuring your product tastes fresh. Oxygen elimination is becoming more and more significant in the beverage industry especially with more natural ingredients being used. Oxygen impacts taste and shelf life, so removing it and measuring it is key.
Automatic Samplers: The Secret to Consistency
Sampling by hand? That’s so 1990s. Today, automatic samplers like the SL01 and SL02 make it easy to get accurate samples from pressurised or non-pressurised containers. Whether you’re working with a glass bottle, can, or PET, these samplers pierce the container and extract the perfect sample—every single time.
Data Management: Keeping Your Results Organised
Analysing your beverages is one thing—keeping track of all that data is another. Software like Maselli’s Multilab software connects to their analysers, allowing you to store and organise all your production data. You can perform statistical analysis, track historical data, and even spot trends over time. It’s like having a data scientist in your lab, minus the salary.
Maintenance and Calibration: Keeping Things Running Smoothly
One of the best things about Maselli’s analysers is how low-maintenance they are. Thanks to their solid-state optical technology, they rarely need upkeep. Calibration is a once-a-year affair with traceable standards, making sure your equipment stays accurate without too much hassle.
Choosing the Right Analyser for Your Production Line
Not every beverage requires the same level of analysis. If you’re working with diet drinks, the DR Series Easy-Diet™ is perfect. For those in beer or soft drink production, the LP10 and LP20 are versatile options that can handle multiple measurements in one system. Need portability? Go for the LP20. Whatever your needs, there’s a Maselli analyser that fits your production line like a glove.
Precision analysis to meet your needs
Beverage quality control isn’t just about taste—it’s about data, consistency, and precision. Laboratory beverage analysers like the DR10, LR05, LP10, and LP20 make it easy to get accurate, reliable results, ensuring that your product meets the highest standards with every batch. So, whether you’re a soft drink maker, beer brewer, or juice producer, these tools are your new best friends in the lab. Contact us today and one of our experts will glady help you select the right analyser for your needs.
