Chapter 18

Canning Beer

Beer Cans

Cans are made of an alloy containing about 1 percent each of magnesium and manganese in aluminum. The inside of the can has an epoxy coating to keep the beer from making direct contact with the metal and corroding it. The can comes in two parts: the body, which includes the sides and bottom of the can, and the top, which has a scored opening with a riveted pull tab that allows the consumer to open the can without a tool (Figure 18.1).

Liners

Epoxy-based bisphenol A (BPA) coatings are inexpensive, provide good corrosion resistance, withstand high temperatures and stresses, and have good adherence to the metal. As a result, they have been the most widely used coatings for decades, until recently, when BPA has faced challenges from scientists regarding its adverse health effects.

Compression-Pack Pallets

Today, all cans are delivered on compression-pack pallets. For interchangeability, the industry has developed standards on pallet size, number of cans per layer, and number of layers per pallet. Cans are loaded onto pallets automatically by a palletizer. The first step is placing a separator sheet on a pallet.

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