2013 Examiners Report
2013 Examiners Report
2013 Examiners Report
REPORT FROM
THE EXAMINERS
2013
Statistics Page 6
THE EXAMINERS
Ghana Accra - Accra Brewery Ltd (SABMiller) Sri Lanka Colombo - British Council
Hungary Budapest - Dreher Breweries Sudan Juba - Southern Sudan Beverages Ltd (SABMiller)
India Aurangabad - SABMiller (Central India Centre) Sweden Lillkyrka - Grythyttan Whisky
Bangalore - SABMiller (South India Centre) Lulea - Lulea University of Technology
Sonepat - SABMiller HBL (North India Centre) Malmo - Purity Vodka AB
Ireland Clonmel - William Grant & Sons Tanzania Dar Es Salaam - University of Dar Es Salaam
Cork - Middleton Distillery
Dublin - Diageo Thailand Bangkok - Thai Asia Pacific Brewery Co. Ltd
Dublin - Dublin Central
Trinidad Champs Fleurs - Caribbean Development Co.
Dundalk - Diageo
Laventille - Angostura
Kilkenny - St Francis Abbey Brewery
Waterford - Diageo UAE Dubai - African & Eastern BVI Ltd
Waterford - Metalman Brewing
Uganda Jinja - Nile Breweries Ltd (SABMiller)
Italy Milan - British Council Kampala- EABL Uganda Breweries
Japan Tokyo - Temple University Japan Campus USA Albany GA - MillerCoors
Yokohama - Kirin Brewery Co. Arcata CA - Humboldt State University
Boston MA - University of Massachusetts Boston
Kenya Nairobi -British Council
Brevard NC - Blue Ridge Community College
Lesotho Maseru - Lesotho Brewing Company Bridgewater Corners VT - Long Trail Brewing Co.
Cincinnati OH - Samuel Adams Brewing Co.
Malaysia Kuala Lumpur - British Council Cottleville MO - St Charles Community College
Selangor - Guinness Anchor Berhad Davis CA - University of California (Davis)
Singapore - British Council Edwardsville IL - Southern Illinois University
Singapore - Diageo Asia Pacific Elkton VA - MillerCoors
Florida FL - Florida International University
Mozambique Maputo - Cervejas de Mozambique SA Fort Worth TX - MillerCoors
Golden CO.- MillerCoors
N.Ireland Bushmills - Old Bushmills Distillery
Greensboro NC - UNC Greensboro
Netherlands Zoeterwoude - Heineken Holland MI - New Holland Brewing Co.
Our thanks to all the breweries, distilleries, educational establishments and industry locations that hosted IBD examinations during 2012. A
total of 182 centres were made available for examination candidates across 60 countries, up on last years numbers of 45 countries hosting
139 centres.
Thanks also to all the staff and volunteers who agreed to act as invigilators at these centres.
Exam Module 2013 2012 2011 Exam Module 2013 2012 2011
Diploma in Module 1 410 287 262 Master Brewer Module1 34 41 41
Brewing Module 2 287 209 228 Module 2 40 43 35
Module 3 186 174 147 Module 3 27 25 27
Pass in all modules 107 98 95 Module 4 18 16 12
Diploma in Module 1 38 21 23 Module 5 16 10 10
Distilling Module 2 31 14 29 Pass in all modules 15 6 5
Module 3 16 20 18
Pass in all modules 11 14 13
Diploma in Module1 32 38 12
Packaging Module 2 33 2 14
Module 3 1 9 8
Pass in all modules 1 6 3
Exam Module 2013 2012 2011 Exam Module 2013 2012 2011
Diploma in Module 1 71% (50%) 61% (46%) 52% (44%) Master Brewer Module1 56% (51%) 51% (54%) 68% (55%)
Brewing Module 2 53% (43%) 50% (42%) 50% (43%) New Syllabus Module 2 55% (53%) 58% (52%) 46% (53%)
Module 3 64% (52%) 70% (55%) 65% (52%) Module 3 48% (51%) 60% (59%) 48% (52%)
Diploma in Module 1 89% (58%) 86% (62%) 71% (52%) Module 4 61% (52%) 88% (61%) 75% (55%)
Distilling Module 2 58% (46%) 71% (55%) 66% (49%) Module 5 100% 90% 100%
Module 3 81% (56%) 75% (56%) 83% (54%)
Diploma in Module1 69% (58%)* 87%* 60%
Packaging Module 2 82% (56%)* 100% 83%
Module 3 100% (-) 78% 100%
*Revised Syllabus
3000
2724
2500 Fundamentals
2269
General Certificates
1890
2000
Diploma in Packaging
1661
Diploma in Distilling
1500
Diploma in Brewing
Master Brewer
1000
Total Applicants
500
0
2010 2011 2012 2013
DIPLOMA IN BREWING:
DIPLOMA IN DISTILLING :
DIPLOMA IN PACKAGING:
FUNDAMENTALS OF DISTILLING:
Looking back
First up my apologies for the delayed publication of this report, we plan to It is in the interests for all stakeholders to improve the performance of
do much better with this years report. candidates. Accordingly the preparing for success one pager in the BDI
last May - available via the IBD website - will be refreshed again for this
This has been primarily a year of consolidation for IBD examinations. That years candidates. Further a Candidates Welcome Pack has been
said there have been a number of new and exciting initiatives notably prepared which provides an overview of all things examinations. This is a
examining the Diploma in Brewing Modules 1 and 2 in French and the living document and includes guidance on preparation/study, training,
development of the General Certificate in Malting. Pleasingly candidate mentoring and the importance of the Examiners Report. This is available
numbers continue to climb with year on year increases of 35% and 55% via the IBD website and the link will be part of the communications with
for, respectively, the Diploma in Packaging and Diploma in Distilling. candidates.
Whilst total candidates for these examinations are below 100, the Diploma
in Brewing has increased by 31% to an astonishing 883. Hello and goodbye
One of my key roles is to develop the BOE in terms of mix, experience and
The global reach of IBD examinations is once again reflected in the various diversity. Further as candidate numbers grow, the model of one Examiner
awards to the best candidates passing examinations across the portfolio and one Moderator has been challenged with notably the Diploma in
from Fundamentals of Distilling through to the James Hough award for the Brewing a move to two (and potentially three) Examiners. This, together
best overall candidate in the Master Brewer. In all 18 awards were given with the need for robust succession planning has increased the churn
to candidates in the USA (4), Scotland (3), England (2), India (2), Ireland (2), within the BOE.
Uganda, Zimbabwe and Canada. The Board of Examiners (BOE) sends its
hearty congratulations to all award winners and indeed all candidates who Accordingly some long serving and highly committed members of the BOE
were successful in the 2013 diet of examinations. have called it a day. Both Brian Eaton (DipBrew 3) and Paul Buttrick
(MBrew 5) have both been Examiners for over a decade and have
Examiner feedback contributed selflessly and thoughtfully to candidates in particular and the
The real value of the Examiners Report is the general and specific feedback IBD in general. Thank you Brian and Paul.
from the examination teams. This is a must read for all candidates
providing question-by-question detail from the Examiners setting the The other side of the coin is to welcome a number of new folk to the BOE.
questions. Having reviewed these individual reports, its hard not to be Joining us this last year Im delighted to welcome Trace Adie (DipPack),
struck by how the same general themes come up year after year. In Shiona Kamermans (MBrew) and Jens Voigt (MBrew). This coming year we
attempt to refresh the communication of these important message(s), the welcome Gary Freeman, Phil Worsley, Breda Tanner (all Dip Brew) and Bob
below table (once again) flags this years universal key things for Pursley, Derek Orford and Paul Jefferies (all MBrew).
candidates to do.
The role of examiner without portfolio enables potential examiners to be
Examiners feedback MBrew DipBrew DipDistil DipPack gently introduced into the hurly-burly of the BOE without the immediate
Read the question responsibility of setting and marking scripts. Inevitably the BOE is always
looking for potential recruits. Please make contact if youre interested in
Answer the question knowing more, particularly if you have expertise and experience of the
you are asked world of distilling.
Avoid being vague or Looking forward
wooly
Of course the big news for the IBD this year is the relocation from Clarges
Read around dont Street to a marvellously fit for purpose building in Curlew Street in
limit yourself to Southwark just south of the river Thames in London. For the BOE, the big
news is strategic and structural review of the jewel in the crown, the
revision notes
Diploma in Brewing. This will not a be a root and branch review but will
Record questions focus on making the examination better by applying successful approaches
answered in order from other examinations in the portfolio. Although focused on brewing, it
on the front of the is inevitable that other Diploma examinations will be impacted by this
booklet activity. Without prejudging the outcome, a possible consideration is to
better suite together brewing, packaging and distilling and to remove any
Manage your time v
overlap of subjects. Further the possible introduction of short questions -
marks on offer to better cover the syllabus will encourage a syllabus wide approach to
Diagrams practice, preparation and revision and discourage the old favourite of question
suitably sized and spotting.
annotated
Thanks
Do not try and The process that delivers IBD examinations is increasingly complex and
question spot the demanding. Huge thanks are due to the Clarges Street (for the last time!)
syllabus is being team who manage the interaction with candidates and pull together the
examined logistics, locations, scripts and generally make things happen in a timely
and efficient way. Thanks are also due to the good people at examination
centres who coordinate, arrange and invigilate. My thanks to all my
As a former Examiner, all of the above strike a familiar chord. Whilst all
colleagues past and present - in the Board of Examiners for their
are important, my pet enthusiasm is lack of reading around and over (if
steadfast commitment, good humour and professionalism. Finally a very
not total) dependency on revision notes for preparation. Indeed the
personal thank you to Steve Curtis and Simon Jackson at the IBD for their
worrying trend of learning this information word for word and
fellowship, hard work and shared vision.
regurgitating it back as an examination answer is very strongly
discouraged. These notes are simply supportive and require to be I would welcome any feedback good or bad, big or small on IBD
embellished with contemporary review articles in the Brewer and Distiller examinations. In particular this is especially welcome from candidates or
International (BDI) and elsewhere. An excellent and increasingly expansive folk who would like to know more without commitment of becoming
resource of learning material can be found at the IBD Learning Zone via an Examiner.
http://www.ibdlearningzone.org.uk.
David Quain
Examinations 2013
Question Papers and Examiners Reports
Examination team Robert Illingworth, Ian Smith, Jeremy Stead, Michael Partridge, Steve Curtis, Robin Cooper, Ian
Bearpark, Richard Westwood and Jens Voigt
Thirty four candidates sat the papers, nineteen candidates passed Computer Security
equivalent to a pass rate of 56%. This pass rate is slightly better than last Many candidates were unable to identify the various elements of a
years results (51%) but is below the five year rolling average pass rate of Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system.
59%.
Brewhouse Management
A very small number of candidates made the correct calculation of the
Paper 1: Short Questions and Multiple Choice
number of brews that could be scheduled in a week. The key to this
computation was to work out which stage in the process is the longest and
The marks for paper 1 ranged from 26% to 78%.
thus is the rate limiting stage. The time this step takes to carry out is then
the cycle time of successive brews. Finally it is necessary to take into
Cultivation of barleys for malting
account the extra time required at the start of the week for the cycle to
This remains a weak area for most candidates. Null-Lox barley, which
get established and that required at the end of the week to run out the
featured in one of the questions, was the subject of a lengthy article in the
last brew.
IBDs Brewer & Distiller International magazine.
Utilities and Services Usage
Malting Process
The question about the cost of boiling a given volume of wort was not
Local sections of the IBD often organize visits to maltings; anyone
answered particularly well. The key to this calculation was that in a wort
preparing for this exam must make full use of the learning opportunities
kettle that is 100% efficient, 1kg of steam is required to evaporate 1kg of
provided by these events. Too few candidates knew how to describe, even
water from the wort.
briefly, the operation of the germination stage of a tower maltings.
Further the rise in popularity of micro-breweries and their products Waste Minimization
requires brewers once again to know about specialty malts and how they There are several well-known techniques for minimizing waste. These
are produced. include prevention, re-use, recycling, energy recovery and disposal, in that
order of preference. Candidates should be fully conversant with these
Quality control and specifications
waste management techniques as they should be in use every working
In general these questions were answered adequately.
day.
Hops and hop products Financial Reporting
Several candidates were unsure of the characteristics that are selected for With very few exceptions businesses have to be run within agreed financial
in a new bittering hop variety and many were unsure of the manufacturing constraints. Reporting systems are devised to present appropriate
process for isomerized hop pellets. financial data to managers. It is important to know which reports are
which so that meaningful action can be taken to control costs. Few
Supply and treatment of water supply
candidates were aware of the purpose of management accounting reports.
Despite being the majority constituent of beer and despite the Examiners
comments on this topic last year, too few candidates knew the geological
Paper 2: Long Answer Questions
formations likely to contain aquifers. Additionally a surprising number of
answers failed to identify the ionic composition of brewing water for Pilsen
The marks for Paper 2 ranged from 26% to 66%.
light lager. The effects of calcium ions present in wort during mashing and
boiling were generally well described.
In previous years Examiners have exhorted candidates to read the
Materials and composition of wort questions carefully and allocate sufficient time to answer each question.
The calculation of malt costs and hop grist was similar to last year; again Last year all candidates answered the required four questions, though this
several answers ignored the moisture content of the malt. year recidivism crept in with one candidate only having time to answer
three questions.
Brewhouse design and layout
A surprising number of answers did not identify the Symphony boiling
Question 1- Water and barley
system despite the fact the photograph and the accompanying
manufacturers advertising copy appear regularly in the Brewer & Distiller Describe the role of water in all the processes involved from newly sown
International. barley seeds to malt in a storage silo at the brewery.
Control of hygiene This question was attempted by 27 candidates (79%) and of those 10
Too many candidates failed to explain why caustic soda (sodium (37%) passed.
hydroxide) is such a potent brewhouse detergent despite its almost
A wide ranging question from drilling barley seed at the start of the
universal use.
agricultural season to malt stored in the brewery. Many candidates
Quality and Troubleshooting missed an opportunity of demonstrating their knowledge of barley
The interpretation of the information revealed by an EBC control chart for agronomy, the effect of climate on the geography of suitable growing
wort colour was not particularly well thought through. areas and the effect of weather on the growing season. Coupling these
factors with recent extreme weather events round the globe and the
This was the fourth year for the new style syllabus and examination. There Weaker answers tended to focus only on quality items and one or two
were 2 papers, the first consisting of multiple choice and short answer other factors.
questions and the second being a traditional essay style paper. Forty
Question 2
candidates submitted scripts for the two papers. Twenty two gained pass
grades with a pass rate of 55%. There was one candidate at grade B, 10 at With the aid of suitably labelled diagrams, describe in detail the design
grade C and 11 at grade D. and operation of a yeast cropping system and storage tanks required to
maintain yeast slurry cropped from cylindroconical fermenters in the
Paper 1: Short Questions and Multiple Choice best possible condition for subsequent repitching. Indicate all process
parameters that require to be considered and show how they are
There were 3 very good papers, 7 good papers, 8 comfortable passes, 4 incorporated in the design and operation.
disappointing papers and the rest were clustered around the minimum
Thirty seven candidates attempted this question with 31 achieving the
standard.
pass standard (84%). There were six very good answers.
This paper covers the whole syllabus. The better candidates were able to
Two good diagrams with good annotation helped some of the better
answer questions across the whole paper with a wider spread of
candidates to achieve good marks for the design, worth 60% of the marks,
knowledge. Questions on filtration were generally less well answered than
with minimal writing. Some supplemented rather weak diagrams with
others, as was the one related to the product safety risks on a plate heat
good text to achieve similar results. More marks were gained for showing
exchanger.
how the design features met the requirements for good yeast handling.
Candidates should note that where a question asks for a specific number
The operation of the plant should have covered yeast movement, storage
of responses, and more are offered, they will be marked in the order
practices and conditions (agitation, temperature, sampling and testing)
supplied up to the required number and extra answers will be ignored.
and CIP. In other words the whole cycle of use. Weaker answers missed
out one or more of these elements.
Paper 2: Long Answer Questions
Question 3
There were two very good papers, 3 good papers, 10 comfortable passes,
13 disappointing papers and the rest were clustered around the minimum Describe all procedures and controls in fermentation and beer processing
standard. Some candidates were clearly not prepared for an examination areas that are important in ensuring beer flavour consistency. Explain
at this level, with a lack of practical knowledge and limited breadth of how each item discussed fulfils its purpose.
experience showing in the answers.
Thirty two candidates attempted this question with 18 achieving the pass
There were some areas of examination technique that let candidates standard (56%), though there were no very good answers.
down. Candidates need only write the question number at the start of
There are many factors that positively affect flavour including wort
their answers. There is no benefit or score attracted by copying out the
composition (oxygen and zinc being in scope for this paper), yeast
question from the examination paper. Time management was a problem
management, temperatures, pressure, process additions, etc. The impact
for a few candidates with three fairly complete answers presented, and
on flavour of these factors should have been stated, and what happens to
then the fourth was barely started. There were some questions that
flavour if control is poor. Then the means of implementing control should
candidates had either not read properly or had misunderstood the
have been noted. Weaker answers failed to cover the range of factors, or
direction required, resulting in irrelevant information being presented and
failed to show how they were controlled to maintain consistency. This
in some cases whole sections missed.
section was worth 75% of the marks.
Several questions were ideally answered by including a well presented,
The remaining 25% could have been gained from mention of how off-
labelled diagram, flow chart or graph, or a table of information and
flavours can arise in the process (e.g. metallic, oxidised, diacetyl) and how
comments. This is a simple way of presenting large amounts of information
they are avoided so that flavour remains consistent. Several candidates
without taking too much time. Diagrams ranged from very good to very
failed to cover these adequately.
poor. The best used at least half a side of paper, were drawn with a ruler
and were neatly annotated with appropriate labels. The worst were very Question 4
small, untidy and without adequate labelling. It is worth noting for future
With the aid of suitable diagrams, describe the design and layout of a
candidates that they are recommended to practice drawing diagrams of all
filtration plant suitable to produce 2 million hl per year of bright beer
of the main plant items (vessels, filters etc.) as part of their preparation.
from high gravity rough beer with an average dilution factor of 25%. 70%
Candidates should also note that information supplied in one answer can
of the output is for small pack beer with a required shelf life of 9 months,
be referred to in another answer without repeating the information in full.
the remainder is keg beer. Specify and justify the type and size/rating of
The performance in questions 4 and 6 relating to filtration showed the plant selected and state any assumptions made.
relative weakness of many candidates in this area. Pass rates were low, but
What risks are present in such a plant to the safety of personnel working
there were some high marks from those who clearly knew the topic and
there, and how are they minimized?
demonstrated practical knowledge and experience.
Eighteen candidates attempted this question with 7 achieving the pass
Question 1
standard (39%); amongst them were three very good answers.
Describe Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that can be used to monitor
The starting point for this answer is to calculate the hourly output required
performance in the fermentation and maturation/conditioning areas of a
from the plant to enable it to be sized. More marks were gained by making
brewery. For each KPI indicate how it impacts on the business and the
realistic assumptions about manned hours, maintenance and cleaning
factors that influence the performance.
time, change-over and CIP time, product mix, losses, and peak week
Thirty three candidates attempted this question with 13 achieving the pass loading. The range of sizes proposed varied by 50% either side of the
standard (39%). There were three very good answers. mean.
Many candidates focused on low level detail, such as individual quality The design and layout should have encompassed the plant and equipment
parameters, rather than the higher level or key measures that were from intake to the filter room to outlet buffer tank. A few candidates
required. Aspects of process time, quality, costs (losses, material variances, wasted time drawing and sizing either CTs, BBTs or both. All the major
and utility usage), safety, productivity and employee engagement should plant items should have been included, as well as indication of type and
all have featured in a balanced response. The better answers covered how location of control instrumentation. Weaker answers failed to state why
the measures were formulated and what could improve the result. specific equipment was selected or what size or rating it had.
In 2013, 27 papers were received of which 13 (48%) achieved the pass always be realistic and candidates should question when an unrealistic
standard. This represents deterioration on last years performance (56%). value is calculated. The same comment is true of some very basic
questions in the paper, usually multiple choice options to which the less
The average pass mark was low at 50.9% with passes at grades C, and D successful candidates gave incorrect answers. This echoes the Examiners
and few strong answers. Again this was a reduction on last year figure with comments from last year regarding the lack of exposure of candidates to
fewer papers scoring consistently well across all questions attempted. all areas of the syllabus.
Paper 1 was aimed at demonstrating experience and 52% of candidates
achieved the pass mark compared with 48% passing the second paper. Paper 2: Long Answer Questions
Overall, candidates appear to be familiar with the basic principles of a least
one method of packaging. However when pressed on packaging In paper 2 there were two very popular questions which greater than 90%
requirements beyond their experience, only a basic knowledge was of candidates attempted and at the other end of the spectrum - one
demonstrable. If presenting for this level of qualification, a good overall unpopular question which only 30% of candidates attempted.
knowledge of the syllabus needs to be backed up by practical experience. The best candidates were able to clearly demonstrate their knowledge and
It is worrying that some candidates are seemingly without any apparent direct experience of a topic area by including accurate references, sensible
experience of either managing or operating a packaging line, with their values and justifications to a range of processes and operational
preparation solely sourced from the written word. parameters.
Further, errors in key examination technique were apparent such as Examination technique let down a number of candidates with questions
candidates failing to answer all the requirements of a question due to not missed completely or obviously answered under a severe time constraint.
reading the question completely or choosing to focus their answer on Regrettably some candidates continue not to read the questions and miss
unrelated areas they felt confident of, rather than responding to the out key elements that have been requested. Good diagrams were rare.
question asked. This is disappointing as well laid out diagrams can provide an excellent
source of information. Some poor diagrams were accompanied by data
Paper 1: Short Questions and Multiple Choice hidden within the script later in the answer. Those good answers had clear
tables relating information and data to sections of the question.
In general, questions requiring lists or specific examples were answered
best. If details were requested the answers on values were wide ranging. Some questions were answered well with high scores however all
As in last years paper bottling then kegging questions were answered candidates had a least one question that they failed to maintain their
best. Several calculations were included which should pose no problem at standard on. The absence of A or B grades provides evidences for this lack
all to any candidate with operational experience. That said, answers should of in depth knowledge of packaging types outwith the candidates normal
experience.
Question 3 Keg line audit It is fair to say that all but a couple of the candidates could only display a
rudimentary knowledge of dispense systems. The better answers
Describe in detail the process of auditing a multiple lane keg plant to understood the challenges and justified the technical options taken which
assess process and hygiene risks, which could lead to the manufacture of would service the complexity of multiple bars at differing elevations.
product, which is out of internal specification. Sound references to gas pressures and temperatures required to present
This was the joint most popular question with 92% of candidates product at the correct specification were good evidence of experience. The
answering it. There was a wide range in the standard of the answers and latter half of the question is again relatively predictable and should present
68% achieved the pass standard making this one of the better answered no problem to any brewing packaging personnel who have taken part in
questions. trade visits or the design of beer cellar whether on site at the brewery or in
the retail trade.
The better answers demonstrated a clear understanding of multi-lane keg
line design and process. They then linked this to key process risks and
justified an audit plan based on sound knowledge and risk assessment. Michael Partridge
A total of eighteen candidates attempted the two examinations. Paper 2: Long Answer Questions
The best candidate achieved a mark of 79% whilst the weakest achieved Explain the objectives of trade effluent control.
43%. Describe the conditions which may be imposed by a Regulatory Authority
This year questions on the environment, health and safety, quality on liquid effluent discharged from a brewery.
assurance and resource planning were again answered more strongly than Explain how maintaining these conditions may affect everyday
finance and supply chain. production operations.
For Q5 (categories of use for electricity in a brewery) the Examiner was This was a very popular question with sixteen of the eighteen candidates
seeking ranked categories rather than single specific applications. So a choosing to answer it. Marks ranged from 8 to 17.
good answer might have listed refrigeration, pumping duties, compressed
air, malt conveying and lighting. The majority of candidates chose to interpret effluent as wastewater
whilst several candidates interpreted effluent more widely to include
One of the safety questions (Q8 explanations of the terms intrinsically solid waste. For the latter, the objectives for control can be said to:
safe and fail safe) yielded few correct answers for the first part of the Minimize landfill
question. There seemed to be a lot of confusion between intrinsically safe Maximize re-use/recycling
and inherently safe. In the field of safety, intrinsically safe has a very
specific meaning and describes a protection technique for the safe The objectives of liquid trade effluent control are to ensure that discharges
operation of electrical equipment in hazardous areas by limiting the either alone or in combination with other effluents or contents of the
energy available for ignition. In contrast fail safe was generally explained sewer cannot harm:
satisfactorily. the effluent network
the effluent treatment works
Q12 (the main objectives of holding an inquiry following a serious
employees and the general public
accident) produced a range of answers with many which were far too
the environment
simplistic. A list might have included: establishing where
systems/procedures failed, the effectiveness of the immediate response to At a practical level it should also be stressed that controlling cost is
the incident, lessons learned, whether disciplinary action is required, another objective!
whether individuals should be held culpable, action against the company
Short explanations rather than a simple list - for each of these points
etc. The structure of the actual inquiry was not asked for.
were sought by the Examiner. A similar approach was taken In seeking
Q14 (key attributes of bottled beer). There was a wide choice for bottle descriptions of the conditions which may be imposed by a Regulatory
label attributes but most candidates offered ABV, contents, allergens and Authority on liquid effluent discharged from a brewery. Marks were gained
health warnings. Best before date and the contact address of the brand for the fundamental conditions (often used for charging): volume, COD
owner were also correctly proposed by some candidates. and suspended solids. Additional marks were earned for pH, temperature,
toxic metals and other prescribed substances. The best answers included
Q15 (the key stages of handling customer complaints) was adequately
typical values for each main parameter.
answered but few mentioned the full cycle from recording, communicating
with customer, quantifying the level, forming the team, investigating and For the final part of the question the examiner was seeking explanations of
tracing, possible quarantine, reference samples, trigger point for re-call, how the conditions may affect everyday production operations rather than
re-supply and PR implications. The best answers mentioned the longer term strategic changes. Examples might have included:
implications of wider crisis management. balancing to avoid peaks of pH, temperature, COD, SS
Q17 (how the impact of a capital project appears in a profit and loss ongoing pH adjustment
statement) was not well answered. Several candidates cited depreciation suspension of operations (in extremis) to avoid exceeding
but few listed plant/spares write-offs, training, reduced/increased consent limit
operating costs etc. planned CIP programming
planned discharge of high COD or SS loads
Q20 (standard installation contracts) was quite well answered with most planned discharge of high/low pH liquids
candidates understanding the tried and tested Institute backed approach
and the time saved compared with producing a bespoke contract. Question 2
Q21 (key costs in an operational budget) once again demonstrated A brewhouse has twin brewing streams with crossovers between the
candidates ongoing confusion between fixed and variable costs. Future streams at strategic points to maximize flexibility in their use. One of the
candidates would do well to ensure a sound understanding of fixed, two wort transfer pumps has failed and must be replaced as a matter of
variable and (at this level) semi-variable costs as well as direct and indirect urgency to maintain the brewing programme.
costs and the principles of standard costing.
What system design features would be expected to allow such a
Q22 (options for dealing with sudden demand). Most candidates identified replacement to be carried out?
stockholding, capacity, possible outsourcing and flexible working
Explain the safety hazards that must be taken into account in carrying
agreements (seasonal peak, hot weather etc.).
out this task.
Q24 (seven stages of the procurement cycle). Few candidates specified all
Describe the procedures and measures that can minimize the risks to
seven: identify requirements, obtain quotes, assess offers,
safety when the task is carried out.
negotiate/formalise, place order, receive goods or service and pay
supplier. This question was attempted by fourteen candidates with marks ranging
from a very poor 7 to a creditable 18.
For Q27 (problem solving) most candidates were able to produce an
example of where to use a rational approach to solving a problem (e.g. For the first part of the question the examiner was seeking physical plant
control problem with packaging machine, pump failure) but many features specifically designed to aid such an operation. Possibilities might
struggled with a creative approach. Examples might have included how to include:
ensure a new team member joins in or changes to the working Double block and bleed valves
environment. Space for technicians to work, to move old pump out and new in
Explanations of the safety hazards were generally well covered. The better For the second section of the question, the examiner was seeking systems
candidates developed most if not all of the following: for end user and financial approval, limit setting, regular reviews, change
Electricity control (acceptance/rejection) and tracking, rapid methodology for re-
Hot surfaces costing etc.
Hot fluids For the final part several candidates identified reviewing the scope (e.g.
Chemicals less automation) to reduce a cost thought to be too high. Re-evaluation of
Manual handling needs and re-tendering may follow. Some candidates simply provided an
Lifting of heavy item(s) answer to running a theoretical project rather than considering this new
Noise automated conditioning block specifically.
Slippery surfaces
Question 5
Confined space (perhaps)
Describe the factors which should be considered to ensure supplies of
Descriptions of the procedures and measures that can minimize the risks malt, hops, bottles and bottle labels are maintained.
to safety of the task being carried out were also fairly well handled. The
very best answers included a rotation check on the pump once electrical For raw materials consumed in the brewing process and for finished
connection is restored and cleaning of the pump/pipework prior to use. stocks of packaged beer, how can quality be assured?
Many candidates were able to develop some or most of these suggestions: Fourteen candidates attempted this question with marks ranging from a
Permit(s) to work satisfactory 14 to a very poor five.
Safe Working Practices
PPE This question was poorly answered as the marks indicate with few
Lifting equipment candidates adequately covering specifications, procurement, alternative or
Temporary scaffolding for lifting beam (perhaps) dual supplier, supplier partnering arrangements and a supplier
Electrical and mechanical isolations and testing performance review system. Further considerations should have included
Rotation check on re-commissioning forward buying, forecasting, call-offs, payment history and geographical
location.
Cleaning of pump and pipework
Preventing product contamination For the second part of the question few candidates mentioned forecasting
demand to tell suppliers what the long term requirement would be but
Question 3
several covered stock rotation and management backed up by
For the installation of a new packaging line, identify the key components identification systems. A small number of candidates went on to include
of the plant and beer supply and prepare a HACCP analysis for its safe obsolescence, storage environment, handling systems and security.
operation. Describe the principles and skills required.
Question 6
Once established, how would food safety be maintained?
Explain the term inherent reliability (in-built reliability) in relation to
What records would be required to verify food safety to an external plant performance.
auditor?
How can inherent reliability be optimized?
Sixteen candidates chose to answer this question with marks ranging from
Describe the implications for capital and revenue expenditure in seeking
11 to a very good 20.
a high level of inherent reliability.
The question was generally well understood and answered with most
Just four candidates submitted answers for this question with marks
candidates identifying the main components of the line and applying the
ranging from 18 to 12.
seven HACCP principles to each part. The better candidates went on to
describe the management of Critical Control Points, training, daily checks, Inherent reliability was generally fairly well understood. The examiner was
audits and re-assessment following changes. seeking an explanation along these lines: the inherent reliability is a
measure of the overall robustness of a system or piece of equipment. It
Records should have included original analysis, policy statement, training,
provides an upper limit to the reliability and availability that can be
maintenance, review data etc.
achieved. In other words, no matter how much inspection or maintenance
Overall there was a tendency to spend too much time on HACCP theory is performed, the inherent reliability will never be exceeded.
without applying it to the plant so marks were lost.
Inherent reliability of plant or equipment can be optimized by careful
Question 4 consideration during the design and build phases as well as operating
phase. Reliability practices during the design phase might include:
Describe how time and cost can be controlled effectively for a project to
Zero failure design for key items critical failures are entirely
install a new automated cold conditioning block which has to be
eliminated by design
integrated between the existing fermenting tanks and filtration system.
Fault tolerance redundant elements switch over to a backup
Identify the major work streams and what would need to be considered
or alternative mode
at the interfaces with existing plant.
De-rating a component is used much below its capability
Describe an effective methodology for managing changes to the scope or rating
design and the impact on costs. Durability a component is designed to have a longer useful
If the project costs appear to be too high following the tendering process, life or damage tolerance
what steps could be taken to re-evaluate the proposals? Safety margins the design allows for all applicable worst-case
stresses and margins
This question was answered by eight candidates. Marks ranged from 9 to Fail safety design failure effects function but no injury or
19. additional damage
A number of candidates clearly had first-hand experience of a complex Provision of early warnings of failure through fault diagnosis
project requiring detailed preparation and possible re-working. Any lack of Strategies during the manufacturing, build and installation phases might
such experience showed up in not identifying the scope, tendering include:
Module 5 Dissertation
General Comments
This is the fourth year of the dissertation format for Module 5, with 16 Abstract or Executive Summary - The inclusion of an Abstract or Executive
submissions and a step up in entries from previous years. All 16 Summary has been recommended in previous reports.
submissions achieved the required 50 % pass mark.
Background - This is a scene setter and describes the situation and
There were four dissertations that were awarded Distinctions. The context in which the project is carried out.
remaining 12 dissertations were all awarded Pass grades; of these half
Purpose - The purpose of a project is why it is being carried out. It can
were in the 50% - 60% range with one dissertation just reaching the pass
nearly always be answered by in order to .
boundary.
Success criteria - This is a list of measures or actions which support the
Choice of topic
purpose and can be used to demonstrate the degree of success of a
The examiners strongly recommend that candidates choose topics in which
project. Success criteria generally include numerical measures. They can be
they can demonstrate a good grasp of Brewing Industry Science and
measures e.g. of efficiency (OEE), financial or improvements in quality. It is
Technology within the scope of the IBD Master Brewer examination.
good practice at the end of a project to review the outcome against the
Candidates should stay clear of projects based on complex corporate
proposed success criteria. For example, the original set success criteria
initiatives - with this type of project it is difficult for the candidate to
could be to reduce the filtration loss in the brewery from 5% to 3% and
demonstrate their personal contribution to the project. Another factor is
the project review would report what was actually achieved e.g. the
that complex corporate projects are rarely, if ever, completed in the six
filtration loss was reduced from 5% to 2.8%.
month timescale allotted.
Presentation of Results and Discussion - These sections are the most
This years topics were again very diverse. The four distinctions awarded
important part of the dissertation and attract more marks than other
were all for optimisation projects within the brewery; reducing variability
sections. It is therefore advisable to ensure the results are presented in an
in primary fermentations, filtration department optimisation, improving
easy to read and structured way. Results tables, graphs and comparisons -
fermentation vessel cleaning and reduction in keg filling dissolved oxygen
where appropriate - against the project success criteria, are very
levels. Each of these dissertations had a clear and measurable benefit to
beneficial. A long list of descriptions such as: the filtration loss was
their brewery and the candidates successfully demonstrated their ability to
significantly reduced is good to know, but submissions at Master Brewer
perform at Master Brewer level.
level should contain more detail, reporting in quantitive terms the size of
Some of the poorer dissertations tended to be simpler in scope and the improvement.
challenge. Others did not go far enough in meeting the scope originally
Assessment of how the project went - Better submissions describe what
agreed with the examiner at project approval stage. The Examiners in
the candidate themselves could have done differently, and any difficulties
future intend to be more critical of project proposals that they feel will not
they had. Poorer submissions focus more on problems outside their
allow a demonstration of performance at Master Brewer level, and will
control.
advise potential candidates accordingly.
Presentation Candidates are reminded that overly long submissions of
Dissertation structure
greater than 10,000 words are likely to be penalised, which could result in
Again most candidates had read and followed previous recommendations,
a candidate missing out on a distinction award, or even at the other
and it is always useful to repeat advice from previous years as to how a
extreme, failing this module.
good submission should be structured.
Following the IBD guidelines, a dissertation should have the following
sections : Richard Westwood and Paul Buttrick
Examination team Robert McCaig, Ian Smith, David Cook, Marc Schmitt, Alastair Pringle, Tobin Eppard,
George Ritchie, Jacques Mayance, Brian Eaton and Andrew Barker
Module 1 Materials and Wort the question, giving descriptions of the growth of the plant, to germination
of the seed. The question asked was about barley grain development, and
The examination was sat by 410 candidates (including for the first time 21 the three stages are milk, dough and mature stage. Use of a diagram was
in French language), compared with 287 candidates in 2012 and 262 in essential to show seed starch, protein and sucrose values through the
candidates in 2011. The pass rate for the examination this year was 71%. stages. Top marks were received for those candidates that listed the stages
This compares with a pass rate in 2012 of 61% and 2011 of 52%. and gave details on the stage including length in days, growth and colour.
The grade distribution was as follows (2012 in parenthesis): Question 2
List and explain the critical parameters that are measured to assess the
A: 0% (2%)
B: 10% (8%)
suitability of barley for malting (10)
C: 29% (18%) Upon receipt of a barley at the maltings, germination energy is found to
D: 32% (24%)
be very low (<50%). However, the germination capacity is found to be
E: 16% (22%)
F: 8% (16%)
100%. Identify the possible reason for these results and detail procedures
G: 5% (10%) to overcome the problem (5)
List and briefly describe the purpose of all of the processes involved in
Once again the Examiners request that you number each question that you
malting barley (5)
have answered clearly in the examination booklet as well as marking on
the front of the examination booklet what questions were attempted, for This popular question was attempted by 338 candidates (87%). Again in
example, Q1, Q2 etc., in this way sections or parts of answers will not get the first part of the question - many candidates did not answer the
mixed up. It is also better if the candidate starts each question on a fresh question. Many spent valuable time listing the critical parameters for
page and on the lined page only! finished malt. The examiner was looking for attributes for barley selection
for malting including moisture, protein content, grain size and uniformity,
The very best candidates showed an ability to write quickly, legibly and germination energy, germination capacity and free from infestation. The
clearly and using diagrams that were sized correctly and labelled examiner also expected a brief reason for the importance of the
accurately. Troubling trends noted this year included (i) some candidates requirement (i.e. moisture, too high and possible storage issues). Many
failure to recognize what the question was asking and (ii) the failure of missed the clue in Part B naming two of the criteria for malting selection,
candidates to harmonize the possible points versus their answer e.g. germination energy and capacity! Most candidates correctly identified the
writing a brilliant four page answer for a question worth 5 marks, while problem here as dormancy, although many did not detail procedures to
writing three lines for one that scored 10 marks. Some candidates have break dormancy such as abrasion, addition of gibberelic acid, warm
difficulty in writing legibly or coherently which make it much more difficult storage of the barley, and steep water additions such as hydrogen
for the examiner to assess their paper. In the case of those candidates that peroxide, lime, sodium hydroxide and mineral acids. The third part of the
were close to pass/fail this inability may have been an impediment to question was well answered, although many candidates wrote a
receiving a passing grade. disproportionate number of pages for 5 marks. The examiner was looking
for storage and cleaning, steeping, germination and kilning. In steeping the
There was little obvious reading around the subject. Candidates are
purpose is to increase the moisture content of the barley to 44 46%
encouraged to read the numerous appropriate review articles in the
through immersion in water, preparing the barley for germination. The
Brewer & Distiller International, Journal of the Institute of Brewing and
purpose of germination is to modify the barley for use by the brewer, and
those lodged in the IBD Learning Zone. Many suppliers also provide high
in kilning the purpose is to stop germination to fix the components of the
quality information via their websites and information packs.
malt for safe storage, as well as developing colour and malty aroma.
Question 1 Question 3
Describe, with the use of a diagram, the structure of the barley grain and Outline the role and significance of calcium in the brewing process (10)
the functional significance of the main physiological features (10)
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of ion exchange and reverse
Briefly describe the physiological differences between two row and six osmosis systems for the removal of inorganic ions from brewing water
row barley varieties (5) (10)
Describe the three different stages in barley grain development and This question, attempted by 305 candidates (78%). was generally well
graph the evolution of the starch, protein and sucrose components of the answered. In Part A, the examiner was looking for the numerous
developing grain (5) contributions of calcium to the process. For example in mashing where it
helps stabilize alpha amylase, promoting greater starch breakdown, higher
This question was attempted by 234 candidates (78%). In the first part of
extract and higher attenuation. It also helps in improving extract recovery
the question a diagram was essential to achieve top marks. This would be
as well as aiding in precipitation of phosphate, better protein solubilisation
expected to accurately identify the embryo, starchy endosperm, and husk
and enhanced FAN. It lowers viscosity, enhancing run-off velocity, as well
and delineate the testa, pericarp, aleurone layer, scutellum, micropylar
as complexing with oxalate. A lower pH results in less polyphenol
region, coleoptiles and coleorhizae. Regrettably many candidates then
extraction therefore less astringent beer. It also reduces colour formation
forgot to briefly describe the function of those identified components. In
in the wort and reduces hop utilization but does increase hop
the second part, the Examiner was looking for an understanding of the
isomerization.
evolution of the two barley types from the triad of florets that arise along
the plant rachis. In two-rowed, only the central spikelet develops into a Part B was not answered as well. Many candidates gave long accounts of
seed, one grain per node develops on rachis and therefore two rowed how ion exchange and reverse osmosis systems are designed and operate
barley ear. In six-rowed all three spikelets are fertile so three grains at but did not answer the question of simply listing the advantages and
each node and therefore six-row. The Examiner was also looking for disadvantages of each system including capital cost, operating cost, health
differences such as six-rowed being thinner with a twist, lower in extract and safety, specificity and end use.
and higher in enzyme titre. In the third part, many candidates did not read
In all there were 287 submitted scripts, which is a large increase from the brewing press particularly the readable articles linked to Diploma content.
209 marked in 2012. This is the first year that examinations were set and Similarly, PDFs of useful articles can be sourced from the IBD website (see
marked in French. Eighteen papers were marked and moderated http://www.ibdlearningzone.org.uk).
collaboratively between new French-speaking Examiners and current
Overall
Examiners and moderator.
The aim of the Examiners was to test both the breadth and depth of the
Following an established and effective process, a common marking scheme candidates knowledge in the materials covered by the syllabus.
was agreed and the papers were evenly split between Examiners. In all Accordingly candidates who studied the entire syllabus were more likely to
156 candidates passed Module 2 to give a pass rate of 54%, which is a be successful. Notably candidates who prepared selectively struggled to
significant increase over the previous year. We believe that ambiguity in answer their last two questions this was seen consistently across many
questions was greatly reduced through the robust nature of the question scripts this year.
setting process, including multiple reviews by Examiners and moderator.
Some candidates spent time regurgitating information from the revision
This effort may be contributing to the improved pass rate, and as well
notes. Further, in a number of cases information was not asked in the
resulting in reduced numbers of scripts in the F/G/E range.
question and accordingly did not gain marks. Similarly candidates were
An analysis of questions that were answered and the corresponding pass not rewarded for answers that were vague or included unqualified terms
rate is provided in Table 1. Only four candidates elected not to answer Q4, such as vigorous, healthy, solid, enhances, right level, etc. Some
which also provided the highest overall pass rate of 83%! Four questions used imprecise descriptions, such as yeast will take amino acids,
(Q1, Q3, Q6, Q7) were answered by more than 86% (and higher) of the transaminate them and slap the nitrogen into carbon shells.
candidates with Q2 the least popular with 28%.
Question 1
Table 1: Performance by question Write brief notes on the following organelles within the brewing yeast
cell (10)
Question Answered by Passed by Passed % a. Nucleus
1 252 151 60.0 b. Mitochondrion
2 80 29 36.0 c. Vacuole
3 262 105 40.1 d. Cell Wall
4 283 235 83.0 e. Plasma Membrane
5 143 65 45.5
Draw a labelled diagram showing the stages of the yeast growth curve
6 247 126 51.0 during a brewery fermentation and write brief notes on each (10)
7 252 73 29.0
8 159 53 33.3 This was one of the most answered questions and generally was well
answered by most. Successful candidates described each organelle and its
In addition to the preparing for success top tips (see www.ibd.org.uk), it function within the brewing yeast cell. Some candidates mistakenly
is a good strategy for study to .. described the function of the mitochondrion during aerobic respiration. In
addition, some were confused as to the functions of the plasma
1. Be able to define the subject what is it? membrane and cell wall in transportation of nutrients.
2. Be able to describe the subject why is it important?
3. Be able to articulate methods to control or modify (the topic in The second part required a drawing of the growth curve and a description
context) to understand the pro/cons involved. of each phase of the yeast growth curve i.e. lag, logarithmic, stationary and
4. Read beyond the IBD revision notes. These resources provide a death. Successful candidates correctly described the uptake of oxygen
higher level of depth that not only demonstrates clearer during the lag phase for the synthesis of lipids, outlining their role and
understanding of the material, but also provides a solid platform for importance in the plasma membrane together with the impact of lipid
professional and practical application. dilution on cell division.
The Module 3 examination was sat by 186 candidates - an increase of 12 SECTION A Packaging Technology
candidates on the 174 candidates who sat in 2011. The pass rates, grades
and details of candidates performance on individual questions are shown Question 1
in the tables below. Outline the range of keg types available to the present-day brewer.
Describe their major features and the advantages and disadvantages of
Overall Pass/Fail and Grades each keg design (6)
Passed Candidates %
Explain, with the use of a diagram how the spear (extractor) enables beer
Grade A 18 9.7
to be dispensed from a keg (4)
B 28 15.0
C 37 19.9 For ONE type of keg, describe how a keg is manufactured (5)
D 34 18.3
Outline devices that are available, by attachment to the keg, for tracking
Overall Pass 117 62.9 %
kegs through the supply chain and explain how each device works (5)
Failed
Grade E* 7 3.8 Very few candidates (32) attempted this question and whilst large pack
E 28 15.0 (cask and keg), is only to be found in a few countries such as Great
F 18 9.7 Britain, Ireland, USA and Australia the topic is in the syllabus and
G 16 8.6 accordingly candidates would be well advised to study all topics. The
Overall Fail 69 37.1 % question was well answered with 81% passing.
The range of keg types was well covered stainless steel, aluminium,
Performance by Question polypropylene, plastic-sheathed stainless steel and one trip units.
Question Answered by Passed by Passed (%) There was some confusion in answers about how the spear attaches to the
1 32 26 81 keg it is not welded directly into the keg dome end. A Barnes neck is
2 151 126 83 welded onto the keg dome and it can either be internally threaded at 14
3 129 100 78 tpi to take the spear or fitted using a bayonet grove with retaining circlip.
4 115 82 71 The better answers pointed out that, if the keg is aluminium, a plastic
5 115 93 81 sleeve is required to insulate the spear from the keg as otherwise galvanic
6 105 49 47 corrosion will occur.
7 110 64 58
8 147 95 65 For keg tracking a range of devices were expected RFIDs, active and
9 61 30 49 passive, barcodes, labels and caps and direct printing onto the keg.
10 109 68 62 Question 2
General Comments Describe the precautions, both in equipment design and operating
The overall pass rate of 63% was down slightly on 2012 but it was most procedures, to minimise oxygen pick-up in beer from filtration through to
encouraging to see the ongoing increase in the Grade A passes with some final package. Answers should consider bottle, can and keg operations
exceptionally good answers. Regrettably though, there was an increase in and should outline the controls that need to be in place (20)
the bottom G category that showed a lack of understanding of both There are a lot of common factors in minimising oxygen pick-up for bottle,
packaging technology and process technology. Also from the above can and keg, and the question required you to explain these, but also to
analysis, the pass rate for the process technology questions (6 to 10) at pull-out differences for each package type. It was not necessary to repeat
58% is somewhat lower than the 79% for the packaging technology the same precautions three times and time could have been saved with
questions (1 to 5). this approach.
Candidates are reminded that to achieve a good overall pass mark, Many candidates specified that laminar beer flow was essential, but this is
candidates need to prepare well for both sections of the paper. Indeed for highly unlikely in even the best designed system. A quick calculation of
this Module, candidates must achieve a minimum standard of 35% in both Reynolds Number would show this. Using water as example, a flow of 1
Packaging Technology and in Process Technology. Consequently to metre per second in a 100m diameter pipe will give an Re of 100,000 ( x u
achieve the overall pass mark of 45%, attaining 35% in either section x d/ = 1000 x 1 x 0.1 / 0.001) and turbulent flow is likely above an Re of
requires a mark of at least 55% in the other section. Failure to achieve the 4,000. What has to be avoided is excessive turbulence and the measures
minimum standard results in the overall mark being graded at E*. that could be taken to avoid excessive turbulence were required.
Accordingly in 2013 there were 7 E* grades, all of whom failed to achieve
the minimum 35% in the process technology section. Several candidates decided that a block diagram of the flow from filtration
to package was required. Although it might have helped candidates to
It is evident that once again, there were one or two candidates who tried gather their thoughts in answering the question, such diagrams alone
to gain extra marks by answering more than 6 questions, or by answering added nothing useful to the answer.
more than three questions from either the packaging technology or In specifying the carbon dioxide purity required to minimise dissolved
process technology sections. Neither approach was successful or oxygen, it would be preferable to state the maximum level of
rewarded! contaminants rather than quoting the carbon dioxide purity as a
percentage.
Examination team George Bathgate, Douglas Murray, Michelle Pizzi, Iain Campbell
and Alan Wolstenholme
This year there were 34 candidates for the 2013 Module 1 (cereal) Diploma Question 2
module and 30 passed comfortably (89% pass rate). Describe, in detail, a malting schedule (i.e. from barley to kilned malt)
with appropriate process and quality control procedures, for a maltings
The Examiners however were concerned with the wide discrepancy
with separate steeping, germination and kilning vessels, in order to
between the average pass mark of 58% and the average of the four
maximise fermentable extract (20)
candidates who achieved a fail (44%) of whom two also failed the multiple
choice questions in section A. It was apparent that these candidates had The vast majority of candidates attempted this question (33 candidates),
not prepared themselves adequately for this level of qualification. and most passed (the average score was 67%). Encouragingly twelve
candidates achieved higher than 70% for this question.
There was only one grade A pass (>75%) and 10 grade B passes (65-74%).
Only four of these 11 people passed all of their chosen questions as well as Many gave examples of typical barley and malt analyses/results from the
both sets of multiple choice sections. start to the end of the malting process together with a basic outline of the
process and associated temperatures to look for.
This year, section A was compiled of molasses and grape based multiple
choice questionnaire (MCQ) questions, and section B, candidates were For those who performed less well, it was clear that they focussed mainly
asked to choose five cereal essay style questions to answer out of seven. on distilling and distillery processes for their revision and had limited
exposure or knowledge of barley and maltings processes. Revealingly, a
The purpose of the MCQ used in section A of the examination is to test the
few candidates got mixed up between barley and malt, as well as steeping
candidates overall/wider knowledge of the other categories of substrates
and germination and what happened during these steps of the process.
(outside of their chosen elective). Most candidates passed (71% pass rate)
but only four candidates obtained an overall A grade. It is apparent that Candidates that scored well not only answered the question in a customer
many candidates are still reliant on their elected discipline and are putting focussed way but gave a methodical account of all that was needed for
insufficient effort into broadening their wider knowledge so as to do well each step of the process with examples of both typical process and quality
in the other disciplines. checks along the way.
The questions in section B were answered well in only a few cases. The Many forgot about the need for visual/smell tests and barley screening.
highest pass marks for all of the questions was in the order of 83-90%.
Most people could give some information for a basic example of a steeping
However, few candidates managed to do well in all five questions they had
and germination schedule. However, only a third of candidates were able
chosen (and only seven candidates passed all of the five questions chosen).
to give accurate and full examples of these and what to look for at each
Thus indicating that candidates are choosing to prepare themselves in
step.
certain areas more, or leaving their studying till the last minute. A few
candidates stood out from the crowd! These demonstrated that they had Finally kilning was covered to a satisfactory level, with bonus marks
dome more work in preparation than focus their activity on the IBD awarded to candidates that detailed the need to avoid stewing, and
revision notes. At the other extreme, it was most disappointing to find covered the effects of peating (from both a process and laboratory
there were candidates at this level - confusing barley and malt, or being perspective).
unable to provide more than a three-line answer to an essay question.
Question 3
What are the mashing conditions which would cause a loss of
Question 1
fermentable extract in a malt distillery and explain why such conditions
Give an account of how the development of new barley varieties has
would lead to a drop in yield when using a malt which otherwise met all
benefitted the distilling industry and describe how the breeding, testing
purchase specifications? (20)
and seed multiplication of such varieties is presently carried out (20)
This question was answered poorly by the majority of candidates, with a
This question was attempted by 24 candidates and passed by 22 (average
greater gap between those that did well and those that failed. This
score of 70%). Most candidates attempted to create the diagram provided
question was attempted by 33 candidates but only passed by 14. The
in the revision notes for a general breeding programme. Unfortunately,
majority of those that passed achieved above 60% with the highest scorers
only few candidates correctly presented all the details, stages and
achieving 83%.
observations associated with the different steps of the programme.
Candidates that did well methodically discussed all elements of mashing
Good marks were obtained by candidates who also gave a detailed list of
water, grist, mashing process parameters together with the conditions that
the agronomic characteristics needed in new varieties versus the
could affect yield and what typical values for each of these should be for
requirements of the various stakeholders (farmers, maltster, grain/malt
different mashing systems. In addition, they gave examples of non-typical
distiller). They also gave examples of more recent varieties that provided
mashing parameters, detailing for each how it would affect the process,
these characteristics, as well as typical quantitative increases observed in
enzyme activity etc. Only a few candidates remembered to include the
predicted spirit yield (PSY) and diastatic power (DP) etc. in more recent
need to cool wort fast enough to ensure enzyme activity was preserved for
years.
secondary conversion.
While many candidates gave a few characteristics of newer varieties (e.g.
Those candidates that did not do as well chose not to the answer the
increased PSYs, higher thousand corn weight and rapid/even endosperm
question directly and delivered unrequired detail about milling, including
modification), many forgot to mention and describe molecular biology
drawing different types of mills. Whilst doubtless an attempt to try to
techniques that can now be involved in breeding and testing.
catch some marks, this resulted in lost time to answer the rest of the
Only one candidate mentioned the benefits and implications of carrying question adequately.
out breeding programmes in different parts of the globe.
It is most disappointing that so many candidates performed poorly in this
question, as mashing is a key part of the process (and the syllabus), which
requires some basic knowledge.
Douglas Murray
Thirty-one candidates sat the Module 2 examination (up from fourteen in Question 1
2012) but regrettably only 18 passed, 6 at grade C and 12 at D. A pass rate Describe the structure of the cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane (cell
of 56% compares unfavourably with last years 71%. A failure rate of 44%, membrane) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae and explain their roles in
absence of any passes at grades A or B and a module average mark of only metabolism and growth (20)
46.4% are individually and collectively disappointing results. Another
As an absolute minimum the following points had to be described and
further and disappointing metric is that only three of the eight questions
explained: cell wall, a rigid permeable cover, mainly glucan and mannan, but
produced an average mark of pass grade, and one of these was exactly on
also the site of important enzymes, e.g. invertase; membrane: a
the pass/fail border.
phospholipid bilayer with sterols and unsaturated fatty acid phospholipids,
As a long-term Examiner coupled with the robust examination setting and transport enzymes controlling entry and exit of nutrients and
process, there is no debate that this examination was any more difficult metabolites. Given the difficulty of providing adequate explanation by words
than in previous years. However several questions tested different aspects alone, several diagrams were also required for a good answer. Some
from recent questions on the same topics. Many of the poorly-marked answers expanded on 'growth' by explaining the role of the wall and
answers gave lots of factually correct information that did not answer this membrane in the budding process. Unfortunately the 24 answers scored an
year's version of the question and therefore scored low marks. Was this average mark of only 8.3/20, with a pass rate of only 58% and no candidate
the result of using a previous paper for practice and then using the same scoring higher than 12/20. Too little information or too many mistakes in the
answer for a different question? Whilst such preparation is obviously information provided were the main reasons for this disappointing outcome.
worthwhile it is only part of the armoury of preparation for examinations.
Question 2
So, candidates please read the question carefully and answer what is
Give an account of the metabolism of sugars in aerobic growth of distillery
actually asked, not what you would prefer it to be.
yeast (as in a propagation plant) and anaerobic fermentation, and discuss
Whilst a good thing that some candidates are progressing from GCD to the biochemical implications of the differences between these metabolic
Diploma, it is regrettable that some of the answers appear to be based on pathways (20)
GCD teaching materials. Since the Diploma is a more advanced
Again, answers varied widely in quality. Metabolic pathways ranged from a
examination, the GCD revision literature will be insufficient to support a
brief overview to the expected account of the successive steps of complete
pass. The Diploma in Distilling requires a higher level of knowledge,
aerobic oxidation to fermentation to ethanol (and pyruvate). Some
examined mainly by essays, which tend to be on a specific aspect of the
candidates provided little or no comment on the significance of the
syllabus. For example, the main part of the question on maturation, 7 (b),
differences between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism representing
asked how to maximise maturation effects. A general essay on
almost half of the question and presumably worthy of some attention?
maturation, or even worse, just a list or table of maturation changes,
Consideration of energy yields, Crabtree/Pasteur effects and the metabolic
would not be a satisfactory answer. A good answer required both
by-products generated under anaerobic conditions are some examples of
knowledge of maturation in general and the initiative to select the
suitable topics for discussion, the last being particularly important with
appropriate material for the specified discussion. Further with essay
respect to flavour congeners. Although the 7 passes included some very
answers a well-developed argument is likely to score a better mark than
good answers, the average was brought down to 8.4/20 by the low marks of
the same facts offered in random order. Writing good essays requires
the 6 failures.
practice, and that is an important part of preparation for the examination.
Further many of the poorer answers - already destined to fail - made an Question 3
even worse impression by disorganised and untidy presentation. A little Describe, showing graphs of changes in the principal parameters, the
extra effort to give information in a neat and logical way could favourably progress of a typical fermentation by distilling yeast. State which type of
influence a border-line mark. fermentation you are describing: cereal wort for whisky, grape must for
brandy, or molasses wort for rum production (20)
These are general comments on the module examination as a whole.
Further comments below concern answers to the individual questions. Changes in yeast concentration, pH, amino-nitrogen and specific gravity/%
Sixteen candidates sat this examination with an average mark was 56.3 %. columns although wide variations were allowed including those who
simplified the situation by starting with a spirit feed.
13 passed (2*A; 3*B; 4*C and 4*D) giving a pass rate of 81.3% which is
higher than last years 75% and aligned with the 83.3% in 2011. In the second part of the question a simple calculation on heat transfer
was necessary. Unfortunately half of the candidates failed to account for
The three fails comprised one each at E, F and G grades reflecting a broad the water component of the 96% v/v spirit. This is something of a rookie
range of deficiency in knowledge requiring to be made up. There were also error and accordingly somewhat concerning.
5 no shows who hopefully will appear, suitably prepared, at a future date.
Question 3
Whether as a result of reading the advice here last year (Read the Using a suitably labelled diagram of a pot spirit still, discuss the main
instructions and questions; Manage your time strictly; Show your energy and heat transfer processes and how they impact on product
working; Draw legible diagrams) or not, it was pleasing to note some quality (12)
progress. Assuming a surface area of 20 m2, emissivity 0.5 and an average
distillation temperature 95C, how much heat will a copper wash still
This year all candidates attempted the correct number of questions and
emit by convection and radiation over the duration of a 5 hour run?
the drawings were generally of a reasonable scale. However some
Assume an ambient stillhouse temperature of 20C. (8)
candidates ignored the requirement to note the numbers of questions
tackled on the cover page together with starting each question on a fresh Convective heat transfer coefficient from surface: 10 W.m-2 K-1
page. Stefan-Boltzmann constant: 5.67 x 10-8 W. m-2K-4
Although a generalisation, there is the impression that simple questions 15 candidates attempted this question and 11 passed with an average
requiring mathematical working in the areas of heat transfer, viscosity, mark of 11.9.
pump pressures or combustion etc. are avoided or done reluctantly by a Part one was again Distillation Theory 101 and was generally quite well
significant proportion of candidates. It is strongly recommended - as part answered. However, given that the question was about a pot still and heat
of their exam preparations - that candidates overcome any inherent transfer, it was unfortunate that several candidates did not think it
reluctance and force themselves to complete as many worked examples as necessary to include a condenser within the scope of their answer. This
they can. impacted on the product quality component of the answers, which could
have been more comprehensive e.g. by discussing coils versus shell and
Question 1
tube arrangements.
Discuss, with the help of relevant diagrams, the theory of distillation in a
binary ethanol : water mixture (10) Only four candidates got the answer to the second part entirely correct
with the others getting varying degrees of credit depending on the extent
Explain how this theory influences the practical design and operation of a
of their workings. Failing to account for both components (convection and
distillation plant for a named spirit (10)
radiation) and not using degrees Kelvin lost marks.
Only eight candidates attempted this question and all but two passed with Question 4
an average mark of 11.4. The Examiner was surprised that only half the Draw a diagram of a gas fired boiler to supply a high pressure process
candidates attempted this question, as it is what our US candidates would steam main, showing and describing its main features for safe operation
call Distillation Theory 101. (8)
The first part of the question was an opportunity for candidates to display Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using mains gas as
their understanding of vapour pressure, vapour-liquid equilibriums, compared to alternative energy sources (6)
McCabe Thiele graphs and the processes of both stripping and
Calculate the amount of air (assume 21% O2, 79% N2) required per hour
rectification. The second part was an opportunity to discuss material of
for complete combustion of 200 m3.h-1 of gas in such a boiler (assume
construction, area, conductivity, reflux and cooling in respect of a chosen
pure methane, fully combusted to carbon dioxide) under the
apparatus.
circumstances of 40% excess air. (6)
Three good answers, three adequate passes and two fails mainly reflecting
Density of air = 1.293 kg.m-3
differing levels of completeness but there were instances of back to front
Density of methane/natural gas = 0.717 kg.m-3
vaporisation: condensation diagrams which lost marks.
H=1, C=12, N=14, O=16.
Question 2
14 candidates attempted this question with 10 passes, four fails and an
Describe, with the help of a simple diagram, a multi-column distillation
average mark of 10.1.
system for neutral spirit production, stating the role of the various
columns and ancillary equipment, specifying the plate design of one In the first part, candidates were invited to display their knowledge of a
named column. Show the major flows of feed, energy, distilled products package boiler with emphasis on safety features. Performance ranged
and other exit streams (12) from full marks to zero reflecting the varying degree of knowledge of the
subject. Good answers included pressure gauges, Mobrey Hi Lo controls,
1000 kg/h-1 of ethanol condensate at 96% v/v (93.8% w/w) exits a
safety valve, Crown head valve, Blow down valve as well as a shell and
column at 78C and is cooled in a countercurrent heat exchanger to 20C.
tubes.
The cooling water feeds the cooler at 10C and exits at 70C. Assuming
perfect insulation, how much water must be flowing through the cooler? Part (ii) was a comparison of gas with other fuels and was generally
satisfactorily. Discussion of storability, stability and energy density were all
Specific heat of water = 4.2 kJ.kg-1 K-1
valid considerations.
Specific heat of ethanol = 2.4 kJ.kg-1 K-1 (8)
The final part of this question involved a simple combustion calculation.
Fourteen candidates attempted this question, and all but three passed.
As the question did not specify whether the answer should be in units of
The average score was the highest of any question, at 12.9. Half of those
mass or volume both were accepted. The given oxygen: nitrogen ratio of
who attempted this question gained good or very good marks.
21:79 is a volumetric ratio but several candidates interpreted it as w/w and
The first part requested a diagram of a neutral spirit apparatus. A couple of accordingly full credit was given where correctly calculated. Some
answers offered a Coffey apparatus which is not, on its own, acceptable. candidates failed either to convert an oxygen amount to air, or to add the
Others omitted the request for a plate diagram. Some responses were 40% excess specified and thus lost marks.
slightly suspect in terms of the order, number or function of various
The second part sought two methods of copper removal. Most candidates The second part of this question asked for three process parameters,
offered reed beds but struggled to describe a second such as ion exchange, which could require monitoring. These could be temperature, pressure,
membranes or ultrafiltration. Answers such as plants or grass were density, level or flow. The requirement to describe remote sensors for
considered a little inadequate. these parameters was delivered to a rather variable standard. A huge
range of techniques would have been acceptable, from thermocouples to
About half the candidates gained reasonable combined marks but many radar!
answers were lacking detail e.g. reduction of suspended solids.
This two part question was generally reasonably answered, but there was
Question 6 one outstanding answer which gained full marks, the only such instance in
Discuss, with suitably annotated diagrams, laminar and turbulent flow in the entire examination.
pipes and the importance of the Reynolds number. Give one example of
each in the operation of a named type of distillery (12) Question 8
Explain the difference between floc and haze in a potable spirit product
Discuss the problem of pump cavitation and determine by calculation and discuss the opportunities for their control, prevention and removal
whether the pump in the following example will cavitate or not. at different production steps prior to bottle filling (8)
A wash pot still, with open hatch/manhole and vents, at a pressure of Referencing a flow diagram of a spirits bottling line which shows
101kPa contains pot ale/spent wash at a density of 1020 kg.m -3. Its cast- sequentially the main equipment required, discuss how you would
out/discharge pump is at the end of 20 m of pipe run and 3 m below the monitor and control the operational efficiency of this line (12)
base of the still. (8)
This question was answered by nine candidates with five passing and an
Pfrictional = 0.5 Pa.m-1, Gravity = 9.81 m.s-2 overall average score of 10.7.
Eleven candidates attempted this question and all but two passed. The For part (i) the difference between haze and floc should have flagged that
average mark was 12.4. haze forming at low temperatures, is a reversible condition deriving from
both distillation congeners, such as long chain fatty acids and wood
The first part of the question required a discussion of laminar and extractives. Floc is ionic in origin and irreversible due to the formation of
turbulent flow referencing diagrams and giving examples. Most made a calcium and magnesium oxalate. Haze prevention would include control of
reasonable attempt at the pump cavitation question although only one still running conditions whereas the use of deionised water would reduce
gained full marks. Correctly done, the calculation would prove that the floc formation. Chill filtration, where the spirit is reduced to 0-4C and
pressure at the pump would be more than sufficient to prevent cavitation. passed through roughing and polishing sheets was the obvious removal
In passing determine by calculation is not the same as taking a fifty-fifty process.
guess! The question prompted several good combined marks and one very In the second part of the question, the flow diagrams were presented
good mark. adequately showing the sequence of the various steps in the bottling line
Question7 process. Discussion was expected on the V graph, machine available time,
(a) Explain the difference between austenitic and non-austenitic stoppages, machine run time, accumulation tables and the calculation of
stainless steels (3) machine efficiency.
(b) Discuss two alloy grades of stainless steel and their features (4)
Alan Wolstenholme
(c) Describe a situation where stainless steel would not be the correct
choice of steel to use and explain why that is the case (3)
Identify three process parameters, which require monitoring during the
production of spirit products and describe with simple diagrams the
workings of remote sensors, which could monitor these chosen
parameters (10)
Examiners - Ruth Bromley, Roland Folz, Gavin Duffy, Robin Cooper, Zane Barnes,
Angus Steven, Dick Charlton and Thomas Shellhammer
Module 1:
Unit 1 Packaging Theory and Materials
Assignment
This assignment was designed to show that the candidate understood the Compare and contrast this with an alternative method of bottle
impact of the loss of different packaging materials on their production line. manufacturing and explain the advantages and disadvantages of the two
processes (10)
For a packaging line of your choice, carry out a study of the material
losses on the line and explain how these are calculated and tracked (7) List the key steps for the manufacturing process described in part (1)
where quality issues can arise. For each issue listed explain the potential
Select the material which has the highest loss, then investigate and
consequences and what should be done to either mitigate or prevent
explain the main causes for this (8)
these from causing issues on the bottle filling line (10)
Evaluate the impact this is having on your production site, both in terms
15 candidates answered this question, with marks ranging from one to 24,
of reduced performance and associated issues (e.g. cost, re-work, output
with an average score of 14.
etc.) and propose ways to reduce this loss (10)
The standard of the diagrams provided for this question was mixed, with
35 candidates submitted this assignment, achieving an average score of
some candidates following the question and using a flow diagram, and
13, with the range of scores from 6 to 20.
others trying to reproduce diagrams of bottle manufacture. By asking for a
As the first assignment for these candidates, a number of submissions flow diagram, the Examiner was looking candidates to highlight the key
were lacking the detail expected within the submission. The purpose of steps in the process, together with a description. In general, most of the
the assignments is to allow the candidates to investigate real topics on descriptions provided were poor, with only the better candidates covering
their own production line and potentially help find solutions and savings gob formation and hot end treatment along with the main steps in the
for their company. bottle manufacturing process.
A well-structured submission generally included a brief overview of the The second section was the best answered, although again the
packaging line selected, sometimes including flow or layout diagrams to comparisons were of mixed quality. Here the Examiner was looking for
help explain the line. The candidates who had spent their time on the line alternate bottle production methods therefore those candidates who
study were then able to provide good descriptions of the potential areas of talked about the production of jars or vases did not score well. The narrow
materials loss, and also accompanied their descriptions with both how the neck press and blow process is generally used for high precision and high
losses were measured (frequency, volume, value) and either diagrams or volume production and can produce a consistent thickness of glass which
photographs of the areas concerned. allows for lightweighting of the bottle however it is a high cost
process. Better answers compared this with the older blow and blow
Candidates were then asked to select the material with the highest loss
process, and very good answers included diagrams of both processes to
and this could be described either in terms of value, volume, and
help support their comparisons.
production efficiency loss or personnel impact. Better explanations
included pareto analysis of the losses and details of the investigations into A number of candidates either ran out of time for the final part of the
each area including some classifications of the issues and how these had question, or had not studied the bottle manufacturing process, and as a
been undertaken. result this section was poorly answered. The expectation was for
candidates to use the steps detailed in the first part of the answer and
The final part of the question received mixed responses. Most candidates
explain where the manufacturing issues could occur. Better answers
managed to explain what they would do to try and reduce the losses, with
included surface treatment, annealing, hot and cold end treatments, bottle
the better submissions also including their action plans as an
inspection (and the various types of faults) and even potential sampling
appendix. However the majority of candidates did not then translate
regimes.
these impacts into financial or numeric form which meant that it was
virtually impossible to determine whether the right prioritization had been Question 2
applied or not. Describe the technical and marketing functions of packaging materials
(10)
Short Answer Questions
Using a standard 2 piece can as the sample material, give examples of
32 candidates sat the exam, and achieved an average score of 21, with the
both the technical and marketing functions (10)
scores ranging from 3 to 32.
With the use of a flow diagram describe the key steps in the
In general the knowledge demonstrated by candidates was disappointing,
manufacturing process of a can end with a retained tab (15)
with the average just above half marks. Questions on the can making
process and the use of different print types were very poorly 16 candidates answered this question, with marks ranging between seven
answered. Answers to the questions on keg manufacture and PET bottle and 24, and an average score of 13.
production were also variable in their standard, suggesting that a number
The first part of this question was looking for a description of each of the
of candidates had only focused on the materials used in their process,
technical and marketing functions of packaging materials. A number of
rather than all of those detailed within the syllabus. Further some
candidates chose to simply list topics under each heading and as a result
candidates failed to read the question, and gave incorrect answers e.g.
their score was lower. This should not have been a difficult question as
answering a question about materials used in crown manufacture, rather
the topic is covered extensively in the learning material.
than the one asked about materials used in crown liners.
Having explained what the technical and marketing functions were, the
Long Answer Questions
second part of the question required the candidate to apply these to a
Question 1 standard two-piece can and to illustrate each function. A couple of
With the aid of a flow diagram describe the key steps in the examples of this would have been:-
manufacturing process of a narrow neck press and blow bottle (15)
Roland Folz The emphasis of the question was focussed on a description and examples
of key design aspects in the nominated areas. Factors, which should have
been considered, included the following:
Soft container handling - container design, container
protection, container handling (including both on and off-line -
Module 1:
transport, secondary and tertiary packing), and line and
Unit 3 Planning and Line Design equipment design considerations/aspects for soft container
handling.
Assignment Reduced waste and breakage - key waste forms, typical
This assignment is designed to evaluate and assess poor packaging line measures and targets, key container, equipment and line design
performance and the related recommendations to improve performance. factors and criteria (thermal shock, container speed/impact
criteria).
For a packaging line of your choice, describe the approach that you Low noise levels and staff safety typical targets and
would take to identify the cause of poor operational performance on this parameters, analysis and evaluation, measures and focus areas,
line (5) protection and prevention, safety procedures, lockout systems,
Explain how you would determine and quantify the key deviations and training.
gaps in meeting the key performance standards. You are encouraged to Extended container trip life - container design, container
include diagrams, checks, analysis examples and tools that you would protection - glass coatings, inspection, returnable container
use in your evaluation as part of the submission (5) population management, palletisation, storage, transportation,
quality measures.
Outline the recommendations you would make to improve performance Improved efficiency and productivity - speed losses, defect
in the key areas of:- losses, waste reduction, manning, training and skilling,
line design integrity organisational design, KPIs/targets and measures, tracking and
downtime verification key problem solving processes including line design reviews and
waste (10) performance evaluation, and plant maintenance
34 candidates submitted this assignment, achieving an average score of considerations.
13, with the range of scores from eight to 22. In general the bulk of the responses listed a few factors by area with little
For the first part of the assignment, candidates were expected to describe substantiation, qualification or reasoning.
the procedures, measures, tools and techniques that they would use to Question 2
identify the cause of poor performance on the line. The candidates were With the aid of sketches/schematic diagrams explain the key differences
expected to identify key areas of performance, KPI's and related standards between static and dynamic accumulation, and the respective
and benchmarks for focus. advantages and disadvantages of each (15)
In the second part, a more detailed analysis of those key areas identified With the aid of schematic diagrams distinguish the key differences
above was expected, with appropriate details, examples, charts and between straight line and u-shaped layouts, and cover the respective
diagrams and a supporting explanation of the identified deviations to advantages and disadvantages by layout type (20)
target/standard.
16 candidates chose to answer this question, with marks ranging between
The final part required recommendations to improve performance in the zero and 24 with an average score of 15.
three key areas of line design integrity, downtime verification, and waste
respectively. Responses were expected to include specific references to The question on accumulation was aimed at establishing the candidates
KPI's, trends, problem solving/root cause analysis and key corrective action understanding of the key differences in static and dynamic accumulation
recommendations with supporting post recommendation and how these are used and applied on modern packaging lines.
expectations/results/business benefits. Responses were generally disappointing, suggesting a more in-depth
Candidates with higher scores provided comprehensive coverage of the exposure to conveyor design/accumulation principles and application is
key expectations by section and included corrective action warranted. Examples of what the expected response include:
recommendations and related business benefits, whereas the poorer Detailed sketches explaining the key differences by accumulation type,
responses were more of a theoretical response with little to no including methods of control and reasons for these; design standards in
substantiation. terms of typical accumulation parameters and how these are quantified
with knowledge of typical failure patterns and frequencies by and between
Short Answer Questions machines and machine types, and overall line profiles and ratings.
32 candidates sat the exam, and achieved an average score of 22, with the Most candidates provided unsubstantiated advantages and disadvantages
scores ranging from six to 38. between accumulation type, with the better responses providing more
The candidates breadth of knowledge of the unit subject matter was detailed substantiation/reasoning for these factors.
tested here. Weaker areas/responses were prevalent in questions on The section on layout sought to establish the candidates understanding of
planning and forecasting, materials of construction and corrosion. packaging line layouts by type, the key design and operational differences
Long Answer Questions and how these layouts are applied in practice.
Explain how the functionality of the palletizer and its set up meet the 18 candidates answered this question with an average score of 16 out of
challenges of transporting pallets and allow for storage optimisation. 35 marks. The range was from three to 33 marks with only 9 out of the 18
Compare the capability and limitations of the palletizer with the demand candidates passing the question.
for different pack formats. Your submission should also consider pallet The main problem with many of the answers was the lack of depth of
stability, pallet formats, stacking patterns and the impact on storage knowledge. The first part of the question should include all the types of
utilization. secondary packaging e.g. trays, cartons, baskets, collated film etc. This is
33 candidates submitted this assignment with scores ranging from 24 to an extensive field and one of the most important aspects of selling beer in
80% and an average of 56%. many markets. The best answer described all these packaging types and
also went on to explain the reasons for using a particular pack type relating
9 candidates did not pass this assignment as their submission lacked the to cost, ease of packing, transport implications, geographical demands and
basics of a good assignment report. Here, there was little or no structure consumer needs. There was also an understanding of materials used in
to the report and some of the basic elements of easy to read, structure, these secondary pack types.
references and the correct number of words was not adhered to. Further
weaker reports had no detailed description of how the palletiser in their The second part of the question had a whole range of answers from some
brewery operates. This was disappointing as the assignment requires the very good sketches of a packer operation to a few general points. To
candidate to visit the palletiser and understand how it operates. answer this question in a structured way required the candidate to draw a
flow diagram of the packer operation, highlight all the principle features of
The satisfactory submissions demonstrated knowledge of how the that operation, describe how the packer actually works and highlight with
palletiser works and also started to describe in greater detail its reasons all the critical areas which affect the robustness of the pack.
functionality relating this to flexibility, stacking patterns, layer formation,
materials used in palletisation and pallet quality. Safety at the palletiser is Angus Steven
the most important consideration and the better candidates explored this
outlining safety measures in place.
The second part of the question was generally not well answered. Those
good submissions highlighted pallet stability, stacking patterns (diagrams Module 2:
or sketches would help here), the use of stretchwrap, lock and pop Unit 1 Quality
adhesive and started to explain the purpose of good palletisation in
maintaining pack integrity through the transportation process. Some Assignment
aspects, which were rarely, mentioned (but should have been) included
maintenance, change-overs, effects of transportation and how warehouse This assignment was designed to demonstrate an understanding of how
utilisation is affected by different pallet formations. Ironically, all the areas operational quality is monitored and managed on a packaging line.
which needed to be covered were highlighted in the question so On a packaging line of your choice identify ten key packaging analytical
development coupled with real experience would have produced a and on line measures that are used to verify and ensure packaged
satisfactory report. product and pack integrity. Provide a brief explanation of the
methodology, frequency and reasoning for each of these measures (10)
Short Answer
Identify a key process area on the packaging line that is not consistently
The marks ranged from 16 to 37 marks (out of 40) with a mark of 28. achieving the required quality standard and, with the aid of the
There were no particular weak areas and most candidates demonstrated a analytical and on line measures used above, determine and explain what
good range of knowledge from bottle washing to can filling and seaming. actions you would take to improve quality in this key area with
supporting justification (15)
Long answer
You are encouraged to provide measurement and analysis details, trends
Question 1 and charts and process evaluation methods used to support your findings
Explain the operation of a can seamer using a sketch or flow diagram (10) and recommendations.
Question 1 Describe how keg contents can be optimized to ensure minimal beer loss
Explain six key factors which influence the overall performance of a while still conforming to Contents Legislation (5)
packaging line (24) 35 candidates submitted this assignment with a range of scores from 24%
For two of these factors, describe how each may be optimized (11) to 76% and an average of 52%.
All 33 candidates chose to answer this question, with marks ranging 12 candidates did not pass this assignment as their submission lacked the
between 8 and 26 and an average of 17. basics of a good assignment report. There was little or no structure to the
report and some of the basic requirements of clarity and the use of
The failure of candidates to manage their time adequately in the illustrative diagrams were absent. Although nearly all reports explained
examination continues to be an issue. A number of candidates had clearly the theory of keg washing and filling, the better reports actually
not allowed enough time for the long answer question. In addition, several highlighted that the candidate had spent time at the keg filler and
candidates had not divided their time appropriately between the two parts understood the parameters particularly relevant to their machine. It is not
of the question, which were proportional to the marks! sufficient to copy out operating parameters and diagrams from the keg
In asking the candidates to Explain six key factors.. a simple list will not filler operating manual.
satisfy the Examiner. Two or three sentences for each factor would be The satisfactory submissions demonstrated knowledge of how the keg
expected as a minimum. After all, this section represents two thirds of the filler operates and more importantly how the key parameters (time,
available marks. temperature, caustic/acid strength, latent heat of steam) affected the
The examiner had anticipated candidates basing their answers on the key cleaning cycle and therefore the impact on beer quality. An explanation of
factors laid out in the Revision Notes. These are materials, planning and the physical preparation of the keg e.g. external keg washing and torque
plant performance. The latter then being broken down into inherent checking as well as the importance of sterilisation was also required.
reliability, maintenance and the skills and motivation of operators and Answers to the second part of the paper ranged from very detailed
technicians. The better answers reproduced the diagram in the Notes explanations of the filling process using sophisticated techniques like DFC
showing the dependencies of these factors and then going on to briefly to very basic explanations, which failed to demonstrate that the candidate
explain each in turn. understood the process. The question also asked for a simple explanation
A significant number of candidates chose an alternative approach of the contents legislation in the candidates country. Regrettably some
effectively providing measures of performance rather than influences on candidates ignored this request, which is an essential piece of knowledge
performance although each should lead to management action to improve for those working in packaging. The third part of the question was not well
performance. They were based mainly on the 6 big losses used in OEE answered with very little detail on how to optimise the contents in a keg. It
calculations (equipment failure, changeover and set-up, idling and minor is not satisfactory to say this is done by the machine. The better reports
stops, reduced speed, defects in process and reduced yield/start-up). listed actual results and how this was measured. All candidates should
Whilst not the examiners preferred approach the scripts were marked look at this area and highlight how contents control could be improved
sympathetically.
Short Answer
The second part of the question was not well addressed. Again the Notes
provided prompts to enable candidates to describe how two key factors This unit had the weakest candidate scoring 13 marks and the best scoring
can be optimized. Several candidates clearly drew on their own 35 marks out of 40 with an average score was 26 marks. There were no
experiences to cite excellent relevant examples. themes to questions which were poorly answered and most candidates
demonstrated a good range of knowledge of line capacity to operating
In considering overall packaging line performance, only the very best conditions on a keg line.
candidates managed to work into their answers a full range of relevant
KPIs which might have included yield, quality, waste/losses, operating Long answer
costs, achievement of plan and service Levels.
Question 1
Question 2 List the key design and operational features of keg dispense equipment
Explain the principal stages in the purchasing cycle (20) from keg spears (extractors) to dispense taps and how each type of
Compare and contrast procedures and practices for traditional and e- equipment may impact on dispense yield (10)
commerce purchasing operations (15)
Dick Charlton
FBPB Nov 2012- May 2013 GCP Nov 2012- May 2013
The number of candidates sitting the IBDs entry level brewing and A total of 205 candidates sat the General Certificate in Packaging (Beer)
packaging examination, the Fundamentals of Brewing and Packaging of across all formats in the period November 2012 to May 2013, down
Beer, continues to grow steadily with a total of 125 candidates taking the slightly from 214 candidates for the equivalent period 2011-12. Better
examination in the period November 2012 to May 2013. The pass rate of news was that the pass rate of 66% was significantly higher than the 53%
82% compares favourably to the pass rate of 50% from the May 2012 from the equivalent period 2011-12.
examination. 37 credit passes and 25 distinctions (candidate scoring 90%
or more) demonstrates the commitment of the candidates to studying the
Learning Material. Fail Pass Credit Distinction Total
GCP CAN 8 8 4 0 20
Fundamentals of Distilling
General Certificate in Distilling
FD Nov 2012- May 2013
GCD Nov 2012- May 2013
The number of candidates sitting the IBDs entry level distilling
examination, the Fundamentals of Distilling, also continues to grow A total of 183 candidates sat the General Certificate in Distilling across all
steadily with a total of 29 candidates taking the examination in the period three formats in the period November 2012 to May 2013, up from 153
November 2012 to May 2013. The pass rate of 69% compares favourably candidates for the equivalent period 2011-12. The pass rate of 52% was
to the pass rate of 58% from the May 2012 examination. significantly lower than the 57% from the equivalent period 2011-12. The
pass rate for the cereal option of 55% was significantly higher than for
those sitting the molasses option which, at 44%, was particularly
Fail Pass Credit Distinction Total disappointing.
FD 9 13 5 2 29
Fail Pass Credit Distinction Total
The Learning Material from both the FBPB and the FD qualifications can GCD Cereal 62 64 12 0 138
be purchased in book form from the IBDs bookshop at GCD Grape 0 1 0 0 1
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/IBD GCD Molasses 26 14 4 0 44
GCD Total 88 79 16 0 183
General Certificate in Brewing
The successful candidates from the 2013 Diploma and Master Brewer Examinations,
who met all the IBD criteria, are listed as follows:
MASTER BREWER
MB1 Passes
Susheel Kumar Agarwal Skol Breweries Ltd Thomas Spencer Marstons PLC
Astrid Elizabeth Bredenkamp South African Breweries Ltd Genevieve Upton Marstons PLC
Hugh Connolly Marstons PLC Stephen Whitehead Lion
Marina Du Plessis South African Breweries Ltd Chris Joel Willcock 4 Pines Microbrewery
Letitia Hamman South African Breweries Ltd
David Hill Marstons PLC MB3 Passes
Rupert Howard Hodgkins Shepherd Neame Ltd
Travis Audet Labatt Breweries of Canada
Peter Hofmann South African Breweries Ltd
Lindsay Matthew Crawford Bluetongue Brewery Pty Ltd
Marcelino Mahassa Cervejas De Mozambique
Louis Richard de Jager South African Breweries Ltd
Wade Paul McCann South African Breweries Ltd
Lawrence Egan Diageo Global Supply
Paula Alexandra Medronho South African Breweries Ltd
Lisa Marie Marlow Diageo Global Supply
Haydon Peter Morgan Lion
Patrick Joseph McGinty Marstons PLC
John Berchman Njoku Intafact Beverages Ltd
Richard John Moxom Diageo Global Supply
Viena Butshilani Nzana Delta Beverages Ltd
John Berchman Njoku Intafact Beverages Ltd
Sylva Okechukwu Okpara Nigerian Breweries PLC
Sam Shrimpton Bluetongue Brewery Pty Ltd
Fred Akoko Oluoch East African Breweries Ltd
Jo Tillson Wychwood Brewery Co. Ltd
Christopher Shilubane South African Breweries Ltd
Steven Andrew Tomblin Hall & Woodhouse Ltd
Stefan John Walker Cascade Brewery Co.Pty Ltd
Emma Louise Walton Lion
Chris John Wells Camerons Brewery Ltd
Robert Whelan Diageo Global Supply
Susheel Kumar Agarwal Skol Breweries Ltd
Astrid Elizabeth Bredenkamp South African Breweries Ltd
MB4 Passes
Hugh Connolly Marstons PLC
Marina Du Plessis South African Breweries Ltd Miles Chesterman Hogs Back Brewery Ltd
Letitia Hamman South African Breweries Ltd Lindsay Matthew Crawford Bluetongue Brewery Pty Ltd
David Hill Marstons PLC Alan Dempsey Diageo Global Supply
Rupert Howard Hodgkins Shepherd Neame Ltd Oluwaseun Faturiyele Nigerian Breweries PLC
Peter Hofmann South African Breweries Ltd Tully Hadley Carlton & United Breweries
Martin Hall Banks (Barbados) Breweries Ltd
MB2 Passes
Belinda Jennings Adnams & Co.PLC
Visva Malayalam Carlsberg Brewery Malaysia
Michael Badura Diageo Global Supply
Bhavya Mandanna Molson Coors Brewing Ltd
Dawn Marie Baldry Greene King PLC
Apiwe Philela Nxusani
Craig Douglas Bennett Heineken UK Ltd
Robert Whelan Diageo Global Supply
Astrid Elizabeth Bredenkamp South African Breweries Ltd
Christopher Cook Fuller Smith & Turner PLC MB5 Passes
Julriech Mark Farmer South African Breweries Ltd
Mathew Henney Dartmoor Brewery Ltd Inalegwu Adoga Nigerian Breweries PLC
Bhavya Mandanna Molson Coors Brewing Ltd Abiodun Bamidele Ajayi Nigerian Breweries PLC
Wade Paul McCann South African Breweries Ltd Ragihalli Ashoka Skol Breweries Ltd
Paula Alexandra Medronho South African Breweries Ltd Louis Richard de Jager South African Breweries Ltd
Haydon Peter Morgan Lion Alan Dempsey Diageo Global Supply
John Berchman Njoku Intafact Beverages Ltd Oluwaseun Faturiyele Nigerian Breweries PLC
Viena Butshilani Nzana Delta Beverages Ltd Tully Hadley Carlton & United Breweries
Sylva Okechukwu Okpara Nigerian Breweries PLC Belinda Jennings Adnams & Co. PLC
Luis Ortega Robert Patrick Kelly Diageo Australia Ltd
David Rogers John O'Brien
Samuel Thomas Seward Fosters Australia Ltd Fearghal Patrick O'Connor Diageo Australia Ltd
Christopher Shilubane South African Breweries Ltd Omololu Dada Ogunkeye Nigerian Breweries PLC
Module 3 Passes
Petr Bilek Plzensky Prazdroj, a.s
James William Buckley Evan Evans Brewery Geoffrey Keith Davis Lion
Chee Hoong Chim Lion
Bright Chitomfwa Zambian Breweries PLC
Jessica Craig Carlsberg UK Ltd AWARDED DIPLOMA IN BEVERAGE PACKAGING
Ikechukwu Ekeleme Consolidated Breweries PLC QUALIFICATION HAVING COMPLETED ALL 3 MODULES
Tichafara Jaya Delta Beverages Ltd
Charles Simon Mkumbo Serengeti Breweries Ltd Geoffrey Keith Davis Lion