Cuong Tran

US Patent:

6555151, Apr 29, 2003

Filed:

Jan 12, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/760353

Inventors:

Yatao Hu - Wayne PA
Cuong Tran - Bethlehem PA

Assignee:

PQ Corporation - Berwyn PA

International Classification:

C12H 102

US Classification:

426422, 426423

Abstract:

An adsorbent removes certain undesirable components from beverages, such as beer, and has a low beverage soluble iron (BSI) content. These undesirable components include contaminants which cause chill haze. The adsorbent includes two components, a silica component and a polyphosphate sequestering agent component, such as sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP). The process for using the adsorbent involves first contacting a beverage with an adsorbent to adsorb at least a portion of the undesirable components then separating the adsorbent from the beverage. The adsorbent may be formed by one of two methods or a combination of both. The first method involves adding the polyphosphate sequestering agent to a reactant, such as a sodium or potassium silicate solution, prior to or during the gelation stage. A second method involves adding the polyphosphate sequestering agent to the water wash after a hydrogel is formed. The BSI of the adsorbent is substantially reduced using the first method, but the total iron content of the adsorbent appears to increase.

US Patent:

20030170361, Sep 11, 2003

Filed:

Mar 17, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/390361

Inventors:

Yatao Hu - Wayne PA, US
Cuong Tran - Bethlehem PA, US

International Classification:

C12H001/04

US Classification:

426/422000

Abstract:

An adsorbent removes certain undesirable components from beverages, such as beer, and has a low beverage soluble iron (BSI) content. These undesirable components include contaminants which cause chill haze. The adsorbent includes two components, a silica component and a polyphosphate sequestering agent component, such as sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP). The process for using the adsorbent involves first contacting a beverage with an adsorbent to adsorb at least a portion of the undesirable components then separating the adsorbent from the beverage. The adsorbent may be formed by one of two methods or a combination of both. The first method involves adding the polyphosphate sequestering agent to a reactant, such as a sodium or potassium silicate solution, prior to or during the gelation stage. A second method involves adding the polyphosphate sequestering agent to the water wash after a hydrogel is formed. The BSI of the adsorbent is substantially reduced using the first method, but the total iron content of the adsorbent appears to increase. The second method decreases both the BSI and the total iron content of the silica gel.