MEASURING BEER BITTERNESS WITH IBULYZER
The IBULyzer is an automated instrument that measures beer bitterness (IBU/EBU) using the standard iso-octane extraction method approved by the ASBC and EBC. It processes a sample in about 13 minutes, queues up to 8 samples at once, and matches manual-method accuracy with a relative standard deviation below 2.2% — without requiring a specialist analytical lab.
How does the IBULyzer save time in brewery labs?
The IBULyzer automates beer bitterness measurement, so lab staff don’t have to perform manual extractions. It returns a result in ~13 minutes, accepts a queue of up to 8 samples, and delivers the same accuracy as manual methods with greater run-to-run consistency. As a cost-effective complement to existing QC, it lets breweries hold tight control over IBU/EBU values across in-process and finished products.
Which standard does the IBULyzer use to measure bitterness?
As a cost-effective analytical solution, IBULyzers are in daily at-line use with both in-process and finished-product samples at plants around the world, backed by some of the world’s largest beer brand owners.
How does the IBULyzer measure beer bitterness, step by step?
1. Present a degassed sample to the IBULyzer
2. Absorbance of pure iso-octane is measured
3. The sample is acidified, and iso-octane is added in a 1:2 ratio
4. Extraction is promoted by forced aeration
5. Transfer for absorbance measurement at 275nm
6. Calculation of IBU and reporting of results
7. Cleaning cycle prevents cross-contamination
How accurate is the IBULyzer compared to lab methods?
Initially trialled with one of the world’s largest beer brand owners, the IBULyzer results confirmed calibration against expected manual values. Now rolled out globally, the IBULyzer continues to impress.
Several samples with corresponding lab data were supplied by the brewing company, enabling us to compare results with the reference lab method. In total, 10 different beers, ranging from 8.8 up to 27.8 IBU, were used to assess precision within a single run (repeatability). Results were in close agreement with the expected values, with an RSD (relative standard deviation) of less than 2.2%. Taking into account the relatively large measuring range of the sample set, this was indicative of the analyser’s potential for automated beer bitterness measurement tests, yet one which does not require special analytical skills. As expected, the test highlighted the importance of careful calibration using beers with known reference values, the key to obtaining reliable results.
What are the key features of the IBULyzer?
Specifications
- 8 sampling channels, with up to 8 samples queued at one time
- Each sample is processed in approximately 13 minutes
- Absorbance measured at 275 nm
- Incorporated an industrial panel PC with multiple remote-access options
Operational benefits
- Aligned with the internationally applied manual ISO-octane extraction method
- Measures total bitterness as a sum parameter (iso-alpha acids plus other components)
- Excellent accuracy and precision (repeatability)
- No sample pretreatment required beyond degassing
- Straightforward operation requiring no specialist analytical skills
- Smart features, including autocleaning and autocalibration
- Low cost of analysis relative to the volume of results produced
Which breweries are the IBULyzer suitable for?
The IBULyzer is ideal for in-process and quality-control measurement in breweries of every size, from micro to medium-sized. It is user-friendly and delivers quick, accurate results that can feed directly into process optimisation and automation projects. With this method, automated bitterness measurement is affordable and simple enough for anyone to use, removing the need for a dedicated analytical laboratory.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a typical IBU range for beer?
Most beers fall between roughly 5 and 100 IBU. Light lagers sit at the low end (around 5 to 15 IBU), pale ales and bitters in the middle, and heavily hopped IPAs and double IPAs at the top, often 60 IBU and above.
Do I need analytical training to use the IBULyzer?
No. The IBULyzer is designed for straightforward operation and requires no specialist analytical skills, so it can be run by general brewery and QC staff rather than a dedicated laboratory analyst.
How many samples can the IBULyzer measure at once?
The IBULyzer has 8 sampling channels and lets you queue up to 8 samples at one time, each processed in about 13 minutes, supporting continuous at-line testing with minimal supervision.
How does the IBULyzer prevent cross-contamination between samples?
After each measurement, the IBULyzer runs an automatic cleaning cycle, so residue from one sample does not affect the next.
Is the IBULyzer accurate enough to replace manual methods?
It matches manual-method accuracy: in repeatability testing across 10 beers (8.8 to 27.8 IBU), it agreed with the reference lab method at an RSD below 2.2%, provided it is calibrated against beers with known reference values. It is widely used to automate routine bitterness measurements as part of a brewery’s broader quality-control procedures.
ENQUIRE NOW TO KNOW MORE ABOUT BEER BITTERNESS MEASUREMENT TESTS
in due course. Thank you.