From a gentle sparkle to lively effervescence, carbonation can totally change the drinking experience. But achieving the right level of carbonation consistently can be a challenge for producers - the product, temperature, pressure and equipment all play an important part.
What is carbonation?
Carbonation is the process of dissolving carbon dioxide (CO₂) into a liquid.
When a carbonated drink is kept inside a sealed bottle, can or keg, the CO₂ stays dissolved in the product under pressure. Once the container is opened and the pressure is released, the gas begins to escape from the liquid, creating bubbles and fizz.
The amount of dissolved CO₂ can have a significant effect on the finished drink, influencing its mouthfeel, look and overall drinking experience.
Why does temperature matter?
Temperature is one of the most important factors when carbonating a drink.
CO₂ dissolves more easily into colder liquids, which means chilling the product before carbonation makes the process more effective and controllable.
Maintaining a consistent temperature can therefore help producers achieve more repeatable results from batch to batch.
Still, sparkling or in between?
Different products call for different levels of fizz. A producer might be looking for a subtle sparkle for a new cider, or a more pronounced level of carbonation for a fruity soft drink.
The important thing is being able to control the process and achieve the desired result consistently.
This is particularly valuable when moving into larger-scale production, where repeatability becomes increasingly important.
How are drinks carbonated?
Carbonation can occur naturally through fermentation, but many producers carbonate a finished beverage by introducing CO₂ using dedicated carbonation equipment. This allows for much greater control over the process, and therefore more consistency throughout production.
The right solution will depend on factors including:
- The type of beverage being produced
- Required carbonation level
- Production volume
- Product temperature
- Existing tanks and processing equipment
- Filling and packaging requirements
- Available space in the production area
Choosing the right carbonation equipment
As with most drinks production equipment, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer.
For smaller producers, flexibility and ease of use is often the priority. Growing producers may instead be looking for increased throughput, greater process control or equipment that can integrate more effectively into an existing production line.
Introducing Vigo carbonators
Our newly developed carbonation equipment has been designed with drinks producers in mind, providing solutions for businesses looking to introduce carbonation or develop their existing production process.
Manufactured, installed and commissioned by our own engineers, the range is backed by the practical knowledge and technical support you expect from Vigo.
Ready to add some sparkle?
Explore our range of carbonators or speak to the Vigo team to discuss your production requirements.
