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