Free Amino Nitrogen by OPA (FAN) is a test that allows to manage correctly the alcohol fermentation. In fact the lack of Nitrogen can cause a slowing-down or even the stop of the fermentation, compromising seriously the quality and the organoleptic characteristics of the beer.
FAN by OPA analysis with the CDR BeerLab® method allows to determine the concentration of the two components separately, giving the possibility to carry out with accuracy the appropriate corrections before and during the alcohol fermentation. The kit for the Inorganic Nitrogen is selective for the ammonium ion and allows to adjust with accuracy a possible addition of sulfate/hydrogen-ammonium phosphate in the wort.
The systems to test Free Amino Nitrogen by OPA (FAN) in beer and wort
Free Amino Nitrogen by OPA (FAN) can be measured using CDR BeerLab®, a system which enables you to carry out a wide panel of chemical analyses on beer and water, using a single instrument, in a process that is faster and simpler than traditional methods.
With CDR BeerLab® brewers and breweries of any size can independently carry out brewing process controls without having to rely on external laboratories.
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Analyses |
Beer, Wort and Water: Bitterness (IBU) Fermentable Sugars Alcohol by Volume (ABV) Acetic acid Yeast Vitality Vicinal Diketons (VDKs) Total sulfur dioxide Free Amino Nitrogen (FAN) by OPA Colour Starch pH Lactic Acid (D + L) Polyphenols in beer Carbohydrates in Beer Zinc Calcium in Beer and Water Alkalinity of water Bicarbonate in Water Zinc in Water Sulfate in Water Magnesium in Water Potassium in Water Chloride in Water |
Configuration with tailored panel of analyses |
Simultaneous Sample Analyses | 16 | 3 |
Multiple Analyses on a Sample | ![]() |
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Method
Test type: End Point.
Time testing: 4 minutes.
Are possible test sessions with several samples, up to 16 tests for CDR BeerLab® and 3 tests for CDR BeerLab® Junior.
Calibration Curve
Calibration curve obtained with samples of known values.
Test Principle
The α-amino Nitrogen reacts in presence of N-acetyl-L-cysteine with o-phthalaldehyde forming an isoindole derived. The difference of absorbance, measured at 366 nm (end point), is correlated with the quantity of Organic Nitrogen expressed in mg/L of Nitrogen.
Applications
Analysis of Mashing in the Brewery
Is it possible to reduce the mashing time improving the process efficiency with in-house brewing process control? The case study shows that it is possible to reduce the mashing time improving the process efficiency using CDR BeerLab® to perform chemical analysis of beer for in-house brewering process control.
Download the case study “Analysis of Mashing in the Brewery” wiritten by Dr Lee Walsh, QCL, CDR BeerLab® distributor in UK
Reagent test Kits
The reagents are packaged in foil pouches containing 10 tubes useful to perform 10 analyses.
This is the minimum package that allows the use of CDR systems even to those who need to make a few analyses, thus not wasting reagents.
There are also boxes of 100 tests, however, packaged in 10 bags of 10 tubes containing the reagent.
- Code *300785 – The kit, designed for 10 tests
- Code *300780 – The kit, designed for 100 tests
The reagents have a shelf-life of 6 months.
Processing of Sample
Use on wort. For higher accuracy in the analysis of wort we recommend to centrifuge the sample.
Measuring Range
Analysis | Measuring range | Resolution | Repeatability |
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FAN by OPA | 30 – 300 ppm | 1 ppm | 2 ppm |