Kieselsol and Chitosan are fining agents used primarily in winemaking but also occasionally in brewing to help clarify the beverage and remove unwanted particles and haze.
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Kieselsol: Also known as silica sol, Kieselsol is a fining agent made from colloidal silica. It primarily works on negatively charged particles in the wine or beer.
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Chitosan: Derived from chitin, which is found in the exoskeleton of crustaceans, Chitosan acts on positively charged particles.
Usage in Brewing:
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Kieselsol is added first to the wine, beer, cider or mead. After it’s been mixed in, it attracts negatively charged particles, starting the clarification process.
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Several hours later, Chitosan is added. This positively charged compound then attracts and binds to the remaining particles that are negatively charged, including those attached to the Kieselsol.
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The combined weight of these binding reactions causes the particles to settle to the bottom, resulting in clearer homebrew.
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After a period (of 4-7 days), the beer or wine can be siphoned or racked off the sediment, leaving behind a clearer product.
This package can clear up to 6 gallons / 23 liters of wine.