Technical answers regarding dissolved gas verification, units of measurement, and hardware installation.
General & hardware
If the verifier and analyser do not agree, how do I know which is correct?
You cannot assume the verifier is correct, all you can be sure of is that something is wrong.
In practice, as the verifier just remains on a laboratory wall with filtered water passing through, it almost never fails.
When there is a disagreement you need an ACTION PLAN which would include servicing the analyser, and if possible checking a number of analysers to see if they give different answers.
Trace Measurement service dept. can supply an engineer for a site visit or can often resolve a problem by phone/email.
The most important reason for using a verifier is that if it and the analyser agree then you KNOW you can trust the answers you get when measuring beer.
What is the difference between a Verifier and a Calibrator?
A calibrator is typically used to set the zero and span points of an instrument. A verifier, like our Trace Measurement units, produces a sample with a known, stable concentration of gas to confirm that the analyser is reading correctly within its operational environment. It is the "truth" check for your process line.
Do I have to service the verifier?
No. There are no serviceable items in the verifier. Contracts are available whereby a service engineer will visit twice per year to check/adjust/service the system and issue a certificate to confirm it is operating accurately to national standards
We do require that the customer regularly change the water filters (supplied as part of the install). This should be done approximately every 3 months.
Science & units
Why does temperature affect dissolved gas readings?
According to Henry's Law, the solubility of a gas in a liquid is directly proportional to the partial pressure of that gas. However, solubility is inversely proportional to temperature. As water gets warmer, it can hold less dissolved gas. Our verifiers and calculators account for this relationship to ensure accurate verification.
What is the difference between mg/L, ppm, and % Saturation?
mg/L (milligrams per liter): A measure of the absolute mass of gas dissolved in a volume of liquid.
ppm (parts per million): In dilute aqueous solutions, 1 mg/L is approximately equal to 1 ppm.
% Saturation: A relative measure. 100% saturation means the water is holding the maximum amount of gas possible at that specific temperature and pressure.
Trace Measurement history and customer base
Trace Measurement was founded in 1989 and provides instrumentation to the brewing industry
Verifiers are installed in many major brewers in the UK & Ireland including:
Diageo
Heineken
Carlsberg
Molson-Coors
Can't find the answer you need?
Our engineering team is happy to discuss specific technical requirements.