Method and apparatus for extracting flavorings from plant flavoring carriers contained in a suspension in a fixed bed

Abstract

A device for extracting flavorings from plant flavoring carriers contained in a suspension in a fixed bed, wherein the plant flavoring carriers are suspended in a brewing liquid, is provided with a container (1; 1') having at least one suspension inlet (14) for the suspension and at least one extraction fluid outlet (16) for the extracted brewing liquid, a separation arrangement (2; 2') provided in the container (1; 1') having at least one liquid-permeable separation surface (20', 21', 22', 23', 24') which divides the interior of the container (1; 1') into a suspension space (12) and an extraction fluid space (11), wherein flow-guiding means (3; 4;5) are provided in or connected to the suspension chamber (12) which, in addition to the extraction fluid flow (F') penetrating the separation surface (20', 21', 22', 23', 24'), generate a suspension flow (U') along the separation surface (20', 21', 22', 23', 24').

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for extracting flavorings from plant flavor carriers contained in a suspension in a solid cake according to the preamble of claim 1. In particular, the invention relates to such a method carried out during dry hopping, wherein the plant flavor carriers are suspended in a brewing liquid. The invention further relates to an apparatus for carrying out such a method according to the preamble of claim 3.

[0002] In beer brewing, to impart special aromatic notes, the finished beer, also known as "young beer," is often mixed with aroma hop pellets. This process is called dry hopping. Traditionally, the pellets are placed in the lagering tank or added from the top into a container. The pellets swell over several hours, forming a sediment at the bottom of the container. Extraction occurs through diffusion. This mass transfer is slow and inefficient. Therefore, various dissolution stations are used to break down the pellets and better distribute the fine solid particles in the young beer, thus making the mass transfer more efficient. At the end of this aromatization process, known as dry hopping, the plant particles must be separated from the brewing liquid.Traditionally, this solid particle separation is achieved through sedimentation, whereby the solid particles collect at the bottom of a settling tank and are removed by sludge removal until only largely solid-free brewing liquid remains in the tank. Depending on the temperature, stage of fermentation, and fineness of the hop particles, this sedimentation process takes several days to several weeks. The sludge that collects at the bottom of the settling tank is removed at the end of the separation process. However, this sludge still contains significant amounts of brewing liquid, which are lost during the entire process. Beer losses of up to 50% have been measured using such sedimentation methods; 20 to 35% beer loss is quite common for cold-hopped beers.

[0003] Alternatively, the suspension of brewing liquid and hop solid particles can be centrifuged. A disadvantage of this method is that centrifuges for high solids loads must be very large, resulting in high investment costs. Furthermore, a considerable liquid flow is required to discharge the solids from the centrifuge, so beer losses can only be reduced to a limited extent. Other separation systems for the hop particles include continuous or self-cleaning filters or backflush filters, but these also result in very high liquid losses during solids discharge.

[0004] In a device known from DE 10 2013 101 435 A1, a dissolving station for hop pellets is provided in which a suspension of hop pellets and brewing liquid is produced, with the extraction of the aroma compounds from the components of the hop pellets taking place in the dissolving station. The suspension is fed from the dissolving station, formed by a first process vessel, to a separation device provided in a second process vessel, in which the solids are separated from the suspension, for example by means of a hydrocyclone, and returned to the first process vessel, i.e., to the dissolving station, so that the aroma compounds still contained in the solids can be extracted there. In the solid-liquid separation stage in the second process vessel, no significant extraction of aroma compounds from the aroma carrier solids takes place. The treatment of the suspension in the second process vessel serves exclusively for solid-liquid separation.

[0005] From EP 2 500 408 A1, a plant and a method for introducing hops into a tank are known, wherein a mixing device is connected downstream of a hop storage container, in which a young beer supplied to the mixing device from a storage tank is mixed with the hops dosed from the hop storage container.

[0006] The resulting suspension is returned to the storage tank from which the young beer supplied to the mixing device was taken. Aroma extraction takes place in the storage tank, where the solids contained in the suspension are separated from the young beer by sedimentation. In this known device, the extraction of aroma substances occurs partly in the mixing device and partly in the storage tank for the suspension of young beer and aroma carriers.

[0007] DE 10 2008 062 380 A1 discloses and describes a method and a device for precoat filtration of fluids. The device shown therein consists of a process vessel in which a plurality of filter cartridges are arranged in a ring around a central riser pipe for the supplied suspension. At the lower end of the riser pipe, a feed line for externally supplied suspension is provided, which engages with a nozzle-like outlet in an enlarged lower end section of the riser pipe, thus forming a water jet pump. When externally supplied suspension is injected, this creates a suction effect on the suspension in the lower part of the process vessel, causing the suspension in the vessel to be subjected to a circulating motion.The newly added and recirculated suspension is conveyed upwards in the inner central tube and exits to the sides in a ring-shaped pattern, flowing from top to bottom along the filter surfaces of the filter cartridges. A filtrate collection chamber, connected to the interior of each filter cartridge, is located in the upper part of the process vessel, from which the filtrate is discharged.

[0008] DE 813 144 A relates to hop trub filtration using a filter device comprising filter cartridges. This hop trub filtration is carried out in a hot environment and is based on a combination of sedimentation and filtration.

[0009] The DE 10 2013 216 134 A1 is directed towards a precoat candle filter which can also be used at the end of the hot section of a brewery plant for the filtration of beer.

[0010] It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a method and a device for extracting flavorings from plant flavor carriers contained in a suspension, in particular from plant solid particles contained in a brewing liquid, in a fixed bed, the extraction efficiency of which is high and which enables a minimization of brewing liquid loss.

[0011] The part of the problem relating to the method is solved by the method with the features of claim 1.

[0012] This inventive method for extracting flavorings from plant flavor carriers contained in a suspension in a solid cake, wherein the plant flavor carriers are suspended in a brewing liquid, comprises the following steps: a) Feeding a suspension containing solid particles to be separated into a container which has a separation arrangement provided with at least one liquid-permeable separation surface, wherein the at least one separation surface is oriented vertically or inclined with a vertical component; b) Applying the suspension to the separation surface in such a way that a uniform, essentially homogeneous and uniformly permeable solid cake is built up over the entire separation surface, for which purpose a suspension flow is generated which flows along the separation surface with an upward flow velocity which is equal to or greater than the sedimentation velocity of the solid particles and c) Passing suspension through the solid cake to separate the solid particles from the brewing liquid contained in the suspension, wherein, in a joint process step with the separation of the solid particles, the flavorings are extracted from the plant flavoring carriers retained in the solid cake from the brewing liquid flowing through the solid cake, forming an extraction fluid, and wherein a dense and solid solid cake packing is simultaneously produced, wherein the ratio of the volume flow of the extraction fluid flow penetrating the separation surface to the volume flow of the suspension flow flowing along the separation surface is adjustable such that - that the volume flow rate of the suspension flow along the separation surface for the formation of the solid cake in step b) is greater than the volume flow rate of the extraction fluid flow penetrating the separation surface and - that the volume flow of the suspension flow along the deposition surface after the solid cake has formed during deposition in step c) is smaller than the volume flow of the extraction fluid flow penetrating the deposition surface.

[0013] However, it is not absolutely necessary for the suspension flow rate to be greater than the extraction fluid flow rate. The most suitable velocity and volumetric flow rate depend on the sedimentation rate of the solids and on the direction of flow (with or against gravity).

[0014] It is advantageous if the suspension flow in the container is directed from bottom to top, preferably vertically, against gravity along the separation surface.

[0015] The part of the problem relating to the device is solved by the features of claim 3.

[0016] The device according to the invention for carrying out such a method for extracting flavorings from plant flavoring carriers contained in a suspension in a solid cake, wherein the plant flavoring carriers are suspended in a brewing liquid, is provided with a container having at least one suspension inlet for the suspension and at least one extraction fluid outlet for the extracted brewing liquid; with a separation arrangement provided in the container, which has at least one liquid-permeable separation surface oriented vertically or inclined with a vertical component, which divides the interior of the container into a suspension space and an extraction fluid space; wherein flow-guiding means are provided in or connected to the suspension space, which, in addition to the extraction fluid flow penetrating the separation surface, generate a suspension flow along the separation surface.This device is characterized by the fact that the ratio of the volume flow of the extraction fluid flow penetrating the separation surface to the volume flow of the suspension flow flowing along the separation surface is variably adjustable.

[0017] The flow-guiding elements in the suspension chamber, also known as the "unfiltrate chamber," enable the generation of a suspension flow along the separation surface in addition to the extraction fluid flow penetrating the separation surface. This suspension flow, which—unlike the extraction fluid flow—runs perpendicular to the separation surface but parallel to it, allows the entire separation surface to be wetted with suspension. This enables solid particles to settle uniformly across the entire separation surface, forming a substantially homogeneous solid cake. This homogeneous solid cake exhibits a uniform thickness, a uniform permeability (i.e., a uniform flow resistance), and a substantially homogeneous particle size distribution across essentially the entire separation surface.

[0018] The separation of the solid particles from the suspension then occurs through this solid cake. Due to the homogeneous structure of the solid cake, a uniform extraction of the flavor compounds from the plant-based flavor carriers accumulating within it takes place. Because the solid particles are separated from the suspension by the solid cake, not only can significantly finer solid particles be separated, but a dense and solid solid cake is also produced, containing only a small proportion of brewing liquid components. This small amount of brewing liquid can then be largely displaced from the solid cake after extraction, for example, with degassed water, through a process called cake washing, and thus recovered. Any dilution of the brewing liquid can be compensated for by brewing with a slightly higher concentration.Consequently, the loss of brewing liquid is significantly lower when using this device than in the prior art described above. Furthermore, considerable time can be saved in the dry-hopping process because aroma extraction, separation of the solid particles from the suspension, and the associated recovery of the aromatized brewing liquid as extraction fluid can be combined in a single process step. With suitable flow guidance of the brewing liquid as it passes through the solids cake, a greater concentration gradient can also be achieved, making the extraction even more efficient. Because the separation surface is arranged vertically or inclined with a vertical component in the container, the natural effect of gravity can provide additional flow support.The variable adjustability makes it possible to ensure a threshold build-up of a uniform solids cake across the entire separation surface at the beginning of a separation process.

[0019] The aim of the solids cake formation is to create a uniformly permeable solid bed on the separation surface for uniform extraction of the solid bed by the brewing liquid. While the solid particles are deposited on the separation surface, hardly any finely dispersed proteins and yeasts are removed. Therefore, the separation process in the extraction according to the invention is not beer filtration in the classical sense, where proteins and yeasts are filtered out of the brewing liquid. A subsequent beer filtration is therefore still required for a perfectly filtered beer.

[0020] For the phase separation of the solids from the suspension according to the invention, separator apparatuses with vertical separation surfaces are advantageous, since the separated aroma carrier solids can be easily backflushed and removed after extraction with brewing liquid using water and / or gas.

[0021] Advantageous further developments of the device according to the invention are specified in claims 4 to 9.

[0022] Preferably, the flow-guiding means are formed by a circulation device for the suspension. This makes it possible to guide the suspension flow along the separation surface in recirculation mode, so that this suspension flow is independent of the extraction fluid flow through the device.

[0023] It is advantageous if the circulation system includes a circulation pump, preferably a water jet pump, which is driven by the suspension supplied to the container. Such a water jet pump utilizes the energy of the supplied suspension flow, so that no additional electric circulation pump is required.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention, the separation arrangement is formed by filter cartridges. Alternatively, the separation arrangement can also be formed by plate filters, a filter basket, or other largely vertical separation surfaces.

[0025] It is advantageous if the vertical component of the flow velocity of the solid particles in the suspension flow along the separation surface, directed against the direction of gravity, is greater than the vertical sedimentation velocity of the solid particles in the suspension space upstream of the separation surface. This prevents sedimentation of the solid particles and thus ensures that all solid particles contained in the suspension are deposited on the separation surface, or on the solid cake that forms on the separation surface, with a uniform particle size distribution and therefore the same solid cake resistance (or flow resistance).

[0026] For particularly heavy solid particles, it can be especially advantageous if the vertical component of the suspension flow runs in the direction of gravity and if the suspension is drawn off from the bottom of the container. This prevents the formation of a sediment from the settling solid particles, as these settled solid particles are carried into the recirculation loop and reintroduced to the upper part of the container. Ideally, all solid particles are thus used to build up the solid cake and subjected to the extraction of flavor compounds. The required volumetric flow rate is significantly lower than with flow against gravity. A lower crossflow at the solid cake is advantageous for a uniform solid cake build-up.

[0027] The underlying idea of ​​the present invention is therefore to first build up a substantially homogeneous layer of a solid cake on the separation surface or surfaces and then to carry out the phase separation of the remaining brewing liquid through this solid cake. Tests have shown that when using a device according to the invention and carrying out the method according to the invention, a reduction in beer losses compared to the prior art is possible many times over. For example, beer losses of up to 50% (according to the prior art) can be reduced to one-fifth to a maximum of one-third, depending on the density of the solid cake and the particle size distribution.

[0028] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to examples and the drawing; this shows: Fig. 1 a first variant of a device according to the invention; Fig. 2 a second variant of a device according to the invention; Fig. 3 an enlarged section of the device according to Fig. 1 with cut filter candle and solid cake formed on the separation surface; Fig. 4 the first variant of the device according to the invention with reversed flow direction; Fig. 5 a second variant of the device according to the invention with reversed flow direction and Fig. 6 an enlarged section of the device according to Fig. 4 with cut filter candle and solid cake formed on the separation surface.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 shows a device according to the invention for extracting flavorings from plant flavor carriers contained in a suspension in a fixed bed, wherein the plant flavor carriers are suspended in a brewing liquid, such as is used, for example, in the cold hopping of a beer in a brewing plant.

[0030] The device comprises a preferably cylindrical container 1, which has an internal, horizontal partition 10 in its upper region. This partition separates an extraction fluid chamber 11 (filtrate chamber) located above the partition 10 from a suspension chamber 12 (unfiltrate chamber) located below the partition 10. A plurality of separation elements of a separation arrangement 2 extend downwards from the partition 10 into the extraction fluid chamber 11. In the example shown, the separation elements are designed as filter cartridges 20, 21, 22, 23, 24. Each of these filter cartridges 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 is provided with a liquid-permeable filter surface or separation surface 20', 21', 22', 23', 24', which forms a boundary between the suspension chamber 12 and the extraction fluid chamber 11. The separation elements can alternatively be designed as plate filters.The separation surfaces can be arranged vertically, as in the examples shown, but they can also be inclined – at least partially or section by section – with a vertical component, or run horizontally.

[0031] In the conically shaped lower section 13 of the container 1, a central suspension inlet 14 is provided, which can be supplied with the suspension of brewing liquid and solid particles via a suspension inlet line 15, as symbolically represented by the arrow U. The suspension inlet line 15 can be shut off by means of an inlet valve 15', and the volume flow through the suspension inlet line 15 can also be varied by means of this inlet valve 15'. The suspension inlet 14 is further connected via a valve 14' to an outlet line 14" through which the container 1 can be emptied.

[0032] In the upper part of the container 1, an extraction fluid drain 16 is provided, through which the filtrate collecting in the extraction fluid chamber 11 can be directed into an extraction fluid drain line 17 and through this line forward to a next stage, as symbolized by the arrow F.

[0033] In the example of the Fig. In its lower section, below the filter cartridges 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, the container 1 is provided with a recirculation inlet 30 of a recirculation device 3 located outside the container 1. In its upper section, immediately below the partition 10 and above the separating surfaces 20', 21', 22', 23', 24', the container 1 is provided with a recirculation outlet 32, which is connected to a water jet pump 34 via an upper recirculation line 33. The upper recirculation line 33 opens into an annular space in the upper section of the water jet pump 34, which surrounds a central injection line 35. This injection line opens into a section of the water jet pump 34 with a reduced diameter via an injection nozzle 35'.

[0034] In the lower part of the water jet pump 34, a lower circulation line 31 is connected, which leads to the circulation inlet 30 and there opens into the container 1 below the separator arrangement 2.

[0035] The injection line 35 is connected to the suspension inlet line 15 upstream of the valve 15' via a supply line 36 equipped with a valve 36'. The volume flow into the injection line 35 can be metered and shut off by means of the valve 36', so that the intensity of the water jet pump 35 and thus the suction effect acting on the upper recirculation line 33 can be adjusted by means of the valve 36'. When the water jet pump 34 is in operation, suspension (also referred to as "unfiltrate") is drawn from the suspension chamber 12 of the container 1 through the recirculation outlet 32 ​​and the upper recirculation line 33 and, together with the suspension supplied through the central injection pipe 35, is returned to the suspension chamber 12 of the container via the lower recirculation line 31 and the recirculation inlet 30.

[0036] This creates a circulating flow B, also known as a "bypass flow", which in the suspension chamber 12 of the container 1 superimposes the suspension flow towards the separation surface (20', 21', 22', 23', 24') (and through it as extraction fluid flow F') and thereby forms a resulting suspension flow U' flowing from bottom to top along the separation surfaces 20', 21', 22', 23', 24', which flows vertically along the entire separation surface.

[0037] Instead of introducing the circulated suspension into the lower part of the preferably cylindrical part of the container 1 through the circulating inlet 30 provided there, the suspension can also be returned through the central suspension inlet 14 provided in the lower area 13 of the container 1.

[0038] In Fig. Figure 1 further shows an alternative or additional circulation device 4, which is equipped with an electric circulation pump 44. An upper circulation line 43 leads from a circulation outlet 40 of the tank 1, located directly below the partition 10 and above the separation surfaces 20', 21', 22', 23', 24', to the circulation pump 44. A lower circulation line 41 leads from the circulation pump 44 to a lower circulation inlet 40. A valve 41' is provided in the lower circulation line 41, by means of which the volume flow of suspension through the circulation device 4 can be adjusted or shut off. The circulation pump 44 pumps the suspension from the container 1 through the upper circulation outlet 42 and the circulation lines 43, 41 back to the circulation inlet 40 which opens into the container 1 below the separation arrangement 2, thereby also causing a vertically upward flow of suspension U'.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the separating elements can be attached to a register of collecting pipes instead of being mounted on the partition wall 10, in which case no partition wall is provided in the container and the entire contents of the container become the suspension chamber. The recirculation outlet 32 ​​or 42 is located at the highest point of the container 1.

[0040] In Fig. Figure 2 shows an alternative embodiment of the device according to the invention, in which the circulation device 5 is integrated into the container 1. The structure of the container 1 and its periphery corresponds to the structure of the one described in Figure 2. Fig. 1 of the container 1 shown, so that in this respect reference is made to the explanations regarding Fig. 1. Reference is made. Accordingly, the terms in Fig. The two listed elements with the same reference symbols are also the same as in Fig. 1.

[0041] The in Fig. The separation arrangement shown in 2' consists as in the example of the Fig. 1 from individual filter candles 20, 21, 23, 24, wherein the middle, central filter candle is opposite the example of the Fig. 1 has been omitted. Instead, a water jet pump 54 is arranged at this central location in the container 1', which is constructed similarly to the one in the example of the Fig. 1. The water jet pump 54 has a cylindrical tube 54' which is open at its upper and lower ends and is funnel-shaped at the upper end. The upper end of the cylindrical tube 54' is located directly below the partition 10 and above the separating surfaces 20', 21', 22', 23', 24'. The lower open end of the cylindrical tube 54' lies below the lower end of the respective separating surfaces 20', 21', 22', 23', 24'. An injection tube 55, equipped with an injection nozzle 55', engages centrally from above into the tube 54' of the water jet pump 54, the injection tube 55 being connected to a supply line 56, which, as in the example of the Fig. 1 is connected to the supply line 15 in the direction of flow upstream of the valve 15'. The injection pipe 55 and its supply line 56 are sealed as they pass through the extraction fluid chamber 11. A shut-off and control valve 56' is arranged in the supply line 56 and is designed to adjust and regulate the pumping action of the water jet pump 54.

[0042] When suspension is injected through the injection line 55 into the cylindrical tube 54' of the central water jet pump 54, a suction effect is created in the upper region of the cylindrical tube 54'. This suction draws suspension from the space between the filter cartridges 20, 21, 23, 24 below the partition 10 and conveys it downwards in the container 1 into the space below the filter cartridges 20, 21, 23, 24. In this way, a circulating flow is created within the suspension chamber 12 of the container 1', which generates the suspension flow U' along the separation surfaces 20', 21', 23', 24'.

[0043] In an embodiment not shown, in which the filter candles 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 are not attached to the partition wall 10 but to a collecting pipe register and in which the entire interior of the container 1' forms the suspension chamber, the suspension is drawn into the inlet of the water jet pump 54 above the collecting pipe register.

[0044] In all the embodiments shown, it is advantageous if the respective separation surface 20', 21', 22', 23', 24' of the filter candles 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 ends below the partition wall 10 and at a distance a from the partition wall 10, so that the suction of the suspension into the corresponding circulation device 3, 4, 5 takes place above the separation surfaces 20', 21', 22', 23', 24'.

[0045] Both in the embodiments described in Fig. 1 are shown, as well as in the embodiment shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the suspension flow U' is preferably adjusted such that the upward vertical velocity of the solid particles contained in the suspension flow U' is greater than the downward sedimentation velocity of the large and largest particle fraction. This prevents sedimentation of the solid particles, and the solid particles move exclusively upwards with the suspension flow U' along the separation surfaces 20', 21', 22', 23', 24' and are deposited on these surfaces due to the extraction fluid flow F', which runs perpendicular to the suspension flow U'.

[0046] Since the suspension flow U' flows along the entire vertical (and also horizontal or circumferential) extent of the separation surfaces 20', 21', 22', 23', 24' in the suspension chamber 12 due to the design of the respective container 1, 1', the separation surfaces are uniformly wetted with the suspension and the solid particles contained in the suspension are deposited almost uniformly on the separation surfaces 20', 21', 22', 23', 24', so that a solid cake K, essentially homogeneous and of uniform thickness, is built up over the entire separation surface, as shown in Fig. 3 is shown.

[0047] Once the solid cake K has formed, the suspension present in the container and the suspension being added to it must not only penetrate the respective separation surfaces 20', 21', 22', 23', 24', but also the solid cake K formed on each of these surfaces, in order to then flow as an extraction fluid flow F' into the extraction fluid chamber 11. This not only improves the separation efficiency, but also compacts the solid cake K, so that after the solid separation process is complete, it contains hardly any brewing liquid. Furthermore, this flow through the plant flavor carriers separated as solids in the solid cake results in a highly effective extraction of any remaining flavor compounds contained within the solids.This combines the extraction of flavorings from the solids and the separation of the solids from the suspension into a single process step, thereby shortening the time and compacting the entire extraction process.

[0048] Fig. Figure 3A shows a diagram illustrating the velocity profile of the motional velocities acting on the suspension particles flowing along the vertical extent L of the separation surface 24', i.e., the solid particles contained in the suspension. The volume flow profile along the vertical extent L is correspondingly similar.

[0049] The solid line represents the ideal upward flow velocity v. IDthe suspension particles again, which would prevail in the absence of gravity if the circulation flow B were not present. In this ideal state, the upward flow velocity v ID at the upper end of the separation surface 24' zero. However, since gravity acts on the suspension particles and pulls them downwards, the gravity-induced sedimentation velocity v ensures SED the suspension particles ensure that the suspension particles do not penetrate to the upper end of the separation surface 24', because the actual upward flow velocity v R The velocity of the suspension particle (dashed line) becomes zero before reaching the upper end of the separation area 24'; the velocities are subtracted here, namely: vR=vID−vSED. According to the invention, the actual upward flow velocity v R from the flow velocity V Bsuperimposed on the upward-directed overturning flow B, which is at least large enough to increase the downward-directed sedimentation velocity V SED is compensated; the following applies: VB>=VSED.

[0050] This superposition (addition) of the actual flow velocity v R (dashed line) upwards and towards the separation surface (20', 21', 22', 23', 24') suspension flow with the upward-directed circulation flow B, the course of which is independent of the settling velocity v G If the suspension particle is drawn as a dashed line, a resulting flow velocity v is obtained. RES of the suspension particles, which is equal to or greater than the ideal upward flow velocity v ID .

[0051] Without the suspension recirculation according to the invention, the vertical free-pipe velocity in the suspension chamber 12 of the container 1 would decrease continuously and linearly upwards due to the continuous removal of brewing liquid through the vertical separation surface. After a certain height, the upward flow would then be reduced to such an extent that the larger particles could no longer be transported upwards. At this point, the so-called classification effect would begin to take effect, so that the particles in the separated solid cake would become progressively smaller towards the top, until only the smallest particles were transported to the very top. This is particularly problematic with rapidly sedimenting aroma carriers, such as hop particles, as it would result in the formation of an inhomogeneous and unevenly permeable solid cake along its height.Due to the decreasing permeability towards the top, the extraction of flavor compounds from the solid cake would become increasingly inefficient. The inventive circulation of the suspension and the associated suspension flow along the deposition surfaces prevent this effect, allowing for the formation of a uniform solid cake. Thus, in the inventive process, the solid particles are uniformly deposited on the deposition surface or on the solid cake that forms there, and a uniform extraction of flavor compounds from the solid cake is possible.

[0052] In the examples of Fig. Figures 1 to 3 show variants in which the suspension flow U' along the separation surfaces 20', 21', 22', 23', 24' flows against gravity, i.e., from bottom to top. This variant can be advantageous if the density difference between the brewing liquid and the solid particles is not too large, or if the particles have a small mean particle size within a narrow Parkel size distribution. Neither of these conditions applies to hop solids, for example, unlike filter aids such as diatomaceous earth, perlite, or cellulose. With certain properties that lead to high sedimentation velocities, the suspension flow U' would have to be so high—to prevent gravity-induced settling of the solid particles—that this high flow velocity could disrupt the formation of a homogeneous solid cake on the separation surfaces.In this case, it may be advantageous to direct the suspension flow U' not from bottom to top, i.e., against gravity, but from top to bottom, i.e., with gravity.

[0053] Such a vertically downward guiding of the suspension along the separation surfaces is found in the Fig. 4 to 6 are shown. Fig. In its basic structure, 4 corresponds to the example of the Fig. 1, the Fig. In its basic structure, 5 corresponds to the example of the Fig. 2 and the Fig. Figure 6 corresponds to the enlarged section view of the Fig. 3. The design differs from the examples only in the arrangement of the circulation device 3', 4', 5'. Fig. 1 to 3, where the differing components are indicated by reference numerals increased by 100. Therefore, only those components that differ from the examples in the following are discussed below. Fig. 1 to 3 different circulation devices 3', 4', 5' and the oppositely running circulation flows are described.

[0054] In the circulation circuit 3' equipped with the water jet pump 134, the water jet pump 134 is different from the example of the Fig. The central injection line 135 is installed rotated 180° so that it enters the housing of the water jet pump 134 from below, and the suspension to be circulated is injected into the water jet pump 134 from bottom to top, i.e., against the direction of gravity, through the injection nozzle 135'. The central injection line 135 is connected to a supply line 136, which is connected to the suspension supply line 15 and can be shut off by means of a valve 136'. The volume flow of the suspension entering the supply line 136 can also be adjusted by means of the valve 136'. The discharge of the water jet pump is through the upper circulation line 133, which leads into a circulation inlet 132 of the container 1" below the inner partition wall 10 and above the separation surfaces 20', 21', 22', 23', 24'.

[0055] The lower suspension inlet 14, intended for filling the container 1'', simultaneously serves as a recirculation outlet for the suspension being circulated during recirculation operation. For this purpose, the valve 15' in the suspension inlet line is closed during recirculation operation, allowing the suspension to flow through the suspension inlet line into a branching lower recirculation line 131, which leads into the annular space of the water jet pump 134 surrounding the central injection line 135. Furthermore, drawing the suspension for the recirculation circuit from the lowest point of the container 1'' ensures that settled solids are returned to the recirculation circuit and do not settle at the bottom of the container 1''.

[0056] Similarly, the flow direction of the suspension to be circulated in the alternatively or additionally provided circulating device 4' is also different compared to the example of the Fig. 1 opposite direction. In this circulation device 4', the suspension to be circulated is drawn from the suspension inlet 14 located in the lower region 13 of the container 1'' by the circulation pump 144 through the lower circulation line 141 equipped with the valve 141' and reintroduced through the upper circulation line 143 into an upper circulation inlet 142 in the preferably cylindrical container 1'' below the inner partition 10 and above the separation surfaces 20', 21', 22', 23', 24'.

[0057] In both operation of the recirculation device 3' and operation of the recirculation device 4', the recirculated suspension flow U'' flows downwards under the influence of gravity along the entire separation surface 20', 21', 22', 23', 24', ensuring a uniform build-up of the solids cake K on the respective separation surface. Accordingly, the direction of the arrows relating to the suspension flow U'' is also shown in Fig. 3 in these examples of Fig. 4 (and also Fig. 5) Conversely, and thus directed from top to bottom. The flow direction of the extraction fluid flow F' remains unaffected.

[0058] At the in Fig. 5. Modification of the device shown according to Fig. In the second example, the central cylindrical tube 154' of the internal water jet pump 154, located inside the container 1''', is also installed rotated by 180°, so that the injection tube 155, with its opening entering the cylindrical tube 154' and forming the injection nozzle 155', is oriented from bottom to top. The flow inside the cylindrical tube 154' of the water jet pump 154 ​​is directed from bottom to top in this example, i.e., against gravity, so that the suspension flow U''' along the separation surfaces 20', 21', 22', 23', 24' is directed from top to bottom. The lower, funnel-shaped widened end of the cylindrical tube 154' lies below the separation surfaces 20', 21', 22', 23', 24' in the lower, conical area 13 of the container 1''', so that deposited, sedimented solids are carried along and returned to the circulation loop.The upper opening of the cylindrical tube 154' of the water jet pump 154 ​​is located above the respective upper end of the separation surfaces 20', 21', 23', 24' below the inner partition wall 10', so that the separation surfaces 20', 21', 23', 24' are swept over their entire length by the suspension flow U''' running from top to bottom in the direction of gravity.

[0059] The opposite of the variants of Fig. 1 to 3 along the separation surfaces, vertically downward directed suspension flow U'' in the direction of gravity is in Fig. 6 shown. Here too, the suspension flow U'' ensures - as in the example of the Fig. 3 - for the formation of a uniformly thick and homogeneous solid cake K' on the respective entire separation surface, of which in Fig. 6 only shows the separation area 24'.

[0060] Horizontal filters or chamber filter presses can also be used as the system basis for the separation arrangements. The basic concept of flow guidance of the suspension along the entire filter surface would then need to be adapted to the filter design so that the described effects of homogeneous filter cake formation are achieved.

[0061] The invention is not limited to the above embodiments, which merely serve to generally illustrate the core concept of the invention. Within the scope of protection, the device according to the invention can also assume other embodiments than those described above. In particular, the device can have features that represent a combination of the respective individual features of the claims.

[0062] Reference numerals in the claims, description and drawings serve only to improve understanding of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection. Reference symbol list 1 container 1' container 1'' container 1''' Container 2. Separation order 2' Separation order 3 Circulation device 3' Circulation device 4 Circulation device 4' Circulation device 5 Circulation device 5' Circulation device 10 inner partition 11 Extraction fluid room 12 Suspension room 13 lower area of ​​container 1 14 Suspension inlet 14' valve 14'' outlet pipe 15 Suspension inlet line 15' valve 16 Extraction fluid flow 17 Extraction fluid drain line 20 filter candles 20' separation area 21 filter candle 21' separation area 22 filter candle 22' separation area 23 filter candle 23' separation area 24 filter candles 24' separation area 30 Circulation inlet 31 lower circulation line 32 Circulation outlet 33 upper circulation line 34 Water jet pump 35 central injection line 35' injector nozzle 36 Inlet pipe 36' valve 40 Circulation inlet 41 lower circulation line 41' valve 42 Circulation outlet 43 upper circulation line 44 Circulation pump 45 Injection pipe 54 Water jet pump 54' cylindrical tube 55 Injection pipe 55' injector 56 Supply line 56' Shut-off and control valve 131 lower circulation pipe 132 Circulation inlet 134 Water jet pump 135 central injection line 136 Inlet pipe 136' valve 141 lower circulation pipe 141' Valve 142 upper recirculation inlet 143 Circulation line 154 Water jet pump 154' cylindrical tube 155 Injection pipe 155' injector F Extraction fluid removal F' Extraction fluid flow K solid cake K' solid cake U Suspension supply U' Suspension flow U'' Suspension flow U''' Suspension flow

Claims

[1] Method for extracting flavorings from plant flavoring carriers contained in a suspension in a solid cake, in particular during cold hopping, wherein the plant flavoring carriers are suspended in a brewing liquid, comprising the steps: a) Feeding a suspension containing solid particles to be separated into a container (1; 1') which has a separation arrangement (2; 2') provided with at least one liquid-permeable separation surface (20', 21', 22', 23', 24'), wherein the at least one separation surface (20', 21', 22', 23', 24') is oriented vertically or inclined with a vertical component; b) Applying the suspension to the separation surface (20', 21', 22', 23', 24') such that a uniform, essentially homogeneous and uniformly permeable solid cake is built up on the entire separation surface (20', 21', 22', 23', 24'), for which purpose a suspension flow (U') is generated which flows along the separation surface (20', 21', 22', 23', 24') with an upward flow velocity (v B ) flows, which is equal to the sedimentation rate (v SED ) the solid particle is or is larger than these and c) Passing suspension through the solid cake to separate the solid particles from the brewing liquid contained in the suspension, wherein, in a joint process step with the separation of the solid particles, the flavorings are extracted from the brewing liquid flowing through the solid cake, forming an extraction fluid, from the plant flavoring carriers retained in the solid cake, and wherein a dense and solid solid cake packing is produced simultaneously, wherein the ratio of the volume flow of the extraction fluid flow (F') penetrating the separation surface (20', 21', 22', 23', 24') to the volume flow of the suspension flow (U') flowing along the separation surface (20', 21', 22', 23', 24') is adjustable such that - that the volume flow rate of the suspension flow (U') flowing along the deposition surface (20', 21', 22', 23', 24') for the formation of the solid cake in step b) is greater than the volume flow rate of the extraction fluid flow (F') penetrating the deposition surface (20', 21', 22', 23', 24') and - that the volume flow rate of the suspension flow (U') flowing along the deposition surface (20', 21', 22', 23', 24') after the solid cake has formed during deposition in step c) is smaller than the volume flow rate of the extraction fluid flow (F') penetrating the deposition surface (20', 21', 22', 23', 24'). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the suspension flow (U') in the container (1; 1') is guided from bottom to top, preferably vertically, against gravity along the separation surface (20', 21', 22', 23', 24')(20', 21', 22', 23', 24'). [3] Apparatus for carrying out a method for extracting flavoring substances from plant flavoring carriers contained in a suspension in a solid cake according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plant flavoring carriers are suspended in a brewing liquid, with - a container (1; 1') which has at least one suspension inlet (14) for the suspension and at least one extraction fluid outlet (16) for the extracted brewing liquid; - a separation arrangement (2; 2') provided in the container (1; 1') which has at least one liquid-permeable separation surface (20', 21', 22', 23', 24') oriented vertically or inclined with a vertical component, which divides the interior of the container (1; 1') into a suspension space (12) and an extraction fluid space (11); - wherein flow-guiding means (3; 4; 5) are provided in or connected to the suspension chamber (12) which, in addition to the extraction fluid flow (F') penetrating the separation surface (20', 21', 22', 23', 24'), generate a suspension flow (U') along the separation surface (20', 21', 22', 23', 24'), characterized by , - that the ratio of the volume flow rate of the extraction fluid flow (F') penetrating the separation area (20', 21', 22', 23', 24') to the volume flow rate of the suspension flow (U') flowing along the separation area (20', 21', 22', 23', 24') is variably adjustable. [4] Device according to claim 3, characterized by , that the flow-conducting means are formed by a circulation device (3; 4; 5) for the suspension. [5] Device according to claim 4, characterized by that the circulation device (4) has a circulation pump (44). [6] Device according to claim 4, characterized by, that the circulation device includes a water jet pump (34) which is driven by suspension supplied into the container (1; 1'). [7] Device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized by , that the separation arrangement (2; 2') is formed by filter candles (20, 21, 22, 23, 24). [8] Device according to any one of claims 3 to 7, characterized by , that the separation arrangement (2) is formed of plate filters. [9] Device according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized by , that the vertical component of the flow velocity of the solid particles in the suspension flow (U') directed against gravity along the separation surface (20', 21', 22', 23', 24') is greater than the vertical sedimentation velocity of the solid particles in the suspension space (12) in front of the separation surface (20', 21', 22', 23', 24').

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