Method and apparatus for preparing or treating wort and use thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for preparing or treating wort, an apparatus for at least partially separating solids from wort, a wort preparation apparatus and the use of an apparatus for at least partially separating solids from wort according to the invention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of beverage production, particularly beer production, and to a method for preparing or processing wort, an apparatus for separating at least partially solids from wort, a wort preparation apparatus, and the use of the apparatus for separating at least partially solids from wort according to the invention. Background Technology

[0002] In conventional wort preparation processes, after boiling / holding, the wort is transferred to a vortex tank or settling tank, and some of the solids contained in the wort are removed before it cools to the inoculation temperature. In this process, solids include those already present in the wort before boiling / holding, as well as solids formed during boiling / holding (e.g., coagulated proteins) or added to the wort during boiling / holding (e.g., hop components).

[0003] This separation step is time-consuming and introduces technical drawbacks, such as the regeneration of DMS precursors (DMSP) into DMS, which negatively impacts the aroma of the resulting beer. In particular, when using a settling tank, its limited separation rate negatively affects separation performance, for example, by increasing the amount of hops. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a method for preparing or processing wort that improves upon the aforementioned defects, saving time compared to conventional methods. Another object of the present invention is to provide a corresponding apparatus and corresponding uses.

[0005] definition

[0006] According to the present invention, the term "boiling" in wort refers to the state in which the wort is bubbling, bubbling, or about to boil at the boiling temperature or boiling point.

[0007] Accordingly, according to the present invention, the term "boiling temperature" for wort refers to the temperature or temperature range at which the wort exhibits a bubbling, boiling, or impending boiling state. The boiling temperature depends on the composition of the wort, and particularly on the pressure applied to it. Examples of boiling temperatures are 100°C or a range of 98 to 102°C.

[0008] According to the present invention, "insulated" wort refers to maintaining the temperature of the wort between the boiling point and 8°C below the boiling point, preferably between the boiling point and 6°C below the boiling point, and more preferably between the boiling point and 4°C below the boiling point.

[0009] Accordingly, according to the present invention, the term "holding temperature" for wort includes a temperature range between the boiling temperature and 8°C below the boiling temperature, preferably between the boiling temperature and 6°C below the boiling temperature, and more preferably between the boiling temperature and 4°C below the boiling temperature. For example, the holding temperature range is 92 to 100°C, 94 to 100°C, or 96 to 100°C.

[0010] According to the present invention, the term "knocking out" in wort should be understood as referring to the removal or discharge of wort from the wort pot (brewing pot), wort heating device or wort warming device, preferably after the wort has been boiled or the wort has been kept warm.

[0011] According to the present invention, the term "fluid connection" between a separation device and a container or between two containers should be understood as an immediate, direct connection via a pipe or hose suitable for transmitting fluids (especially wort). Unless otherwise stated in the present invention, there are no other devices, such as heat exchangers or buffers, between the separation device and a container or between two containers. However, this does not include devices typically installed in piping, such as valves, valve discs, sensors, seals, flanges, pipe connections, etc.

[0012] According to the present invention, "G-number" should be understood as the acceleration variable of a separation device (especially a centrifuge) suitable for centrifugation during wort centrifugation. Therefore, for a centrifuge or centrifuge separator, "G-number" is defined according to the present invention as follows [units are given in parentheses]:

[0013]

[0014] The acceleration due to gravity is g = 9.81 m / s². 2 .

[0015] According to the present invention, the term "at least partially separated" from wort should be understood to mean either partial separation of the solids contained in the wort or complete separation within the limits of technical feasibility.

[0016] According to the present invention, the time indication of "immediately after separation" or "immediately after at least partial separation" of the solids and wort should be understood as a maximum of 20 seconds after the wort (partially) leaves the separation device after separating from the solids.

[0017] According to the invention, the time indication of "immediately after separation of solids and wort" should be understood as a time of at most 2 minutes, preferably at most 1 minute, and particularly at most 30 seconds after the wort has at least partially separated from the solids, preferably, a portion of the wort stream that is at least partially free of solids has been recombinated with the remaining brewing batch to form the entire brewing batch, and the latter is preferably homogenized.

[0018] According to the present invention, the wort turbidity is determined according to the Brewing Technique Analysis Methods of the Central European Brewing Analysis Association (MEBAK) Methods Collection; Volume II; Fourth Edition, Newly Revised and Supplemented; 2002, edited by President Dr. H. Miedaner; Method 1.3.

[0019] Invention Summary

[0020] The subject of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and includes beneficial implementation methods.

[0021] According to the present invention, a method for preparing or processing wort is provided, preferably for boiling or keeping wort warm, wherein the method includes at least the following steps:

[0022] (a) Boiling or keeping warm the wort; and

[0023] (b) During wort boiling or wort holding, or when the wort reaches boiling or holding temperature, at least some of the solids are separated from the wort by centrifugation.

[0024] During centrifugation, G-number ≥ 1000g, preferably 1000 to 12000g, preferably 2000 to 12000g, preferably 2000 to 10000g, preferably 3000 to 10000g, preferably 5000 to 10000g, more preferably 5000 to 8000g, where g = 9.81m / s 2 .

[0025] Because the method according to the invention separates solids (especially thermal coagulations or hot slag) from the wort during boiling or holding, or when the wort reaches the boiling or holding temperature, the invention eliminates the need for, and therefore eliminates, conventional solids separation steps such as settling tanks. This means that traditional wort purification and separation steps can be omitted. After the boiling or holding stage, the wort can proceed directly to wort cooling without further solids separation. This not only saves the time required for the whirlpool settling step, which comprises 30 to 60 minutes including filling, whirlpool settling quiescence, and emptying the container, but also typically saves at least 20 to 30 minutes of whirlpool settling quiescence if, due to the specific brewing system architecture, a settling tank or whirlpool is still provided or unavoidably used.

[0026] According to the present invention, an increase in DMS concentration in the wort is avoided, thereby avoiding the increase in DMS concentration in beer caused by conventional vortex settling steps, as well as other technical drawbacks caused by the separation of thermal coagulants due to wort boiling. Separate wort purification is not required in the settling tank or vortex tank, which also reduces water consumption in wort production. This is partly because thermal coagulants no longer need to be drained from the settling tank or vortex tank with water, and partly because the surfaces inside the settling tank or vortex tank no longer become soiled and therefore need to be rinsed after one or more brewing cycles.

[0027] Furthermore, practice has shown that the method according to the invention reduces wort loss during solids separation compared to separation in settling tanks or cyclone tanks.

[0028] One surprising effect of this invention is that, compared with wort prepared in a similar manner but without centrifugation, the wort prepared according to this invention contains a significantly increased content of iso-α-acids or bitter units, while also improving the utilization rate of hops.

[0029] Another advantage of the method according to the invention is that the degree of solids or residue separation can be specifically and easily adjusted. This allows for targeted control of wort composition, particularly the concentrations of zinc and fatty acids, which affect subsequent fermentation and beer quality. Therefore, in the context of the invention, due to the sufficient content of unsaturated long-chain fatty acids in the wort produced according to the invention and the associated good supply of yeast, wort aeration can be reduced before inoculation, thereby improving the quality of the final beer.

[0030] Furthermore, practice has shown that the method according to the invention can remove undigested starch particles from the wort without any problems. In particular, by using relatively high centrifugal force or G-number to separate solids, as described in the invention, more complete separation of solid particles from the wort can be achieved when necessary compared to conventional settling tanks or cyclone tanks. Moreover, using the method according to the invention can significantly reduce the unpleasant protein bitterness in the resulting beer.

[0031] Regarding the separation of solids from wort according to the present invention, the inventors have also discovered a higher final decay rate, which is also interpreted as an indicator of good yeast supply. Furthermore, due to the reduced solids content compared to similar conventional wort boiling (with the same wort composition and boiling temperature) without solids separation, the viscosity of the wort decreases during heat treatment, resulting in rheological advantages, such as reduced flow resistance. In addition, the higher wort temperature during the separation according to the present invention compared to the vortex precipitation step facilitates the separation of solid particles.

[0032] The method according to the present invention includes advantageous embodiments.

[0033] Therefore, in the method according to the invention, the separation of solids from the wort can occur between reaching the boiling temperature or the holding temperature of the wort, preferably between 5 min, more preferably 10 min, more preferably 20 min and 40 min after reaching the boiling temperature or the holding temperature of the wort, and most preferably 35 min after reaching the boiling temperature or the holding temperature of the wort. Preferably, the separation of solids can also be limited to the above-mentioned time period.

[0034] Furthermore, the separation of solids from the wort can be completed no later than the start of wort extraction, preferably 5 minutes before the start of wort extraction, and more preferably 10 minutes before the start of wort extraction.

[0035] The method according to the invention may be limited to the fact that completing the separation of solids from wort means that after this completion, at least after the wort has cooled (including during cooling), no further separation or re-separation of solids from wort occurs.

[0036] According to the invention, solid separation can be performed throughout the boiling or holding temperature phase, or when the wort reaches the boiling or holding temperature. However, preferably, separation can be limited to the aforementioned period. According to the inventors, solid particle formation is most intense and the particles are largest within 20 to 30 minutes after reaching the boiling or holding temperature, i.e., within 20 to 30 minutes after the start of boiling; this is why separation during this period is most efficient. According to the inventors, no significant amount of sediment forms within 35 minutes, and especially 40 minutes, after the wort reaches its boiling point; therefore, the efficiency of solid particle separation is lower after these time points. Therefore, according to the invention, the separation time after the wort reaches the boiling temperature can be limited to a period of up to 35 or 40 minutes. Conversely, at most a portion of solids forms upon reaching the boiling or holding temperature, so it is not mandatory to begin solid separation at or before reaching the boiling temperature. By limiting the separation time (which is possible according to the invention), the energy required for solid particle separation can be utilized most efficiently. In addition, other technical disadvantages, such as the risk of wort coming into contact with oxygen or the radiation loss of wort outside the wort pot or insulator, and the resulting energy loss, are minimized.

[0037] According to the invention, it can also be provided that, between the start of wort extraction and the completion of wort cooling to the inoculation temperature, no separation of solids from the wort occurs, particularly no separation of solids from the wort via a settling tank or vortex tank. Alternatively, it can also be provided that, between the completion of wort extraction and the completion of wort cooling to the inoculation temperature, no separation of solids from the wort occurs, particularly no separation of solids via a settling tank or vortex tank.

[0038] The aforementioned time savings and technological advantages can be achieved by eliminating solids separation and downstream separation after the boiling or holding stage. Furthermore, the wort preparation process is simplified by eliminating additional steps, and the brewing equipment required for this purpose becomes less complex, particularly in terms of space requirements due to the elimination of settling tanks or vortex tanks. Additionally, if the hot wort is fed directly into the wort cooling unit without passing through a settling tank or vortex tank, the hot wort comes into contact with less oxygen, thus reducing its heat load.

[0039] Furthermore, according to the invention, alternatively, the separation of solids from wort may end no later than the completion of wort extraction, preferably 2 minutes before the completion of wort extraction, and more preferably 5 minutes before the completion of wort extraction. This means that after wort extraction is completed, no further solids will be separated from the wort from the start of cooling until it cools down and during cooling.

[0040] This allows for the separation of solids using the time required for wort extraction, in addition to the time needed for boiling or holding. Alternatively, in one embodiment of the method according to the invention, solids can be separated only during wort extraction, i.e., the separation of solids occurs between the start and end of wort extraction and is limited to this period.

[0041] The advantage of this process change, or separation during wort extraction, is that the wort, or a portion thereof, is removed, for example, from the wort pot; solids are separated; and the wort (partial) released from the solids no longer needs to be returned to the wort pot but can be immediately further processed. This avoids mixing the solid-free portion with the remaining beer batch that still contains solids, thus eliminating the possibility of a portion of the beer batch being separated from solids two or more times. Therefore, this method improves the efficiency of solids separation.

[0042] Separation of solids from wort can occur before the first hops are added, before the second hops are added, and / or before the third hops are added to the wort.

[0043] Therefore, the inventors have discovered that hop utilization can be improved by the method according to the invention. This is particularly applicable to cases where solid particles are separated before hop addition. By partially or completely separating the solids from the wort before they come into contact with the hop particles, the remaining solids bind with less hop component. According to the invention, due to the reduced solids concentration in the wort, more valuable hop components are retained in the wort, which can help improve hop utilization, for example, manifested as a higher bitterness unit in the resulting beer. Furthermore, it has been observed that the isomerization of hop components is improved due to the solids separation according to the invention, particularly achieving a higher concentration of iso-α-acids, further improving hop utilization. Due to the improved hop utilization, the amount of hop feedstock can be reduced while maintaining comparable beer quality. According to the invention, hop particles introduced into the wort can also be removed from the wort, for example, by combining solids separation before hop addition with a second solids separation after hop addition, such as during wort removal.

[0044] According to the present invention, the separation of solids and wort can be carried out continuously.

[0045] Furthermore, the separation of solids from wort can be carried out by a separation device, preferably a centrifugal separator or centrifuge, and more preferably a disc separator or sedimentation centrifuge.

[0046] According to the present invention, after solid separation, the turbidity of the total brewing batch or total batch wort, i.e., the total amount of wort in the wort pot or wort warming device, can be between 20 and 400 EBC, preferably between 50 and 150 EBC. If the wort turbidity is within the specified range, a good yeast supply can be ensured during the subsequent fermentation process of the wort.

[0047] Compared to batch operations, continuous solids separation requires smaller and more space- and cost-effective separation equipment components. The aforementioned centrifuges or centrifuges have proven particularly effective in this regard. On the one hand, adjusting turbidity within the aforementioned range means sufficient solids separation to achieve relevant benefits, such as increased hop utilization discussed above. On the other hand, this does not make the wort so bright or clear that deficiencies (particularly zinc and long-chain unsaturated fatty acid deficiencies, C16 to C18:3) occur in the next fermentation step regarding yeast nutrition. Using the method according to the invention, the wort composition can also be optimally regulated independently of the washing and boiling / heating systems used.

[0048] Furthermore, to separate solids, a portion of the wort stream can be removed from a first container containing wort or a portion of its volume when the wort reaches boiling or holding temperature. Solids can be partially or completely separated from the wort stream, and the partially or completely solid-free wort stream can be fed into a first or second container, wherein the second container contains wort at the boiling or holding temperature. In this regard, the first and second containers can each be a wort pot, a wort warming device, a wort heating device, preferably an external boiler, a wort reservoir, or a pipe. Preferably, the first container is a wort pot or a wort warming device. However, alternatively, the wort can be removed from the wort pot or wort warming device serving as the first container, separating solids partially or completely from the wort, and the solid-free wort (partially) supplied to the wort heating device, wort reservoir, or buffer container serving as the second container.

[0049] In this process, solid separation can preferably be carried out in such a way that, after the solids are separated by means of a separation device, the turbidity of a portion of the wort stream is between 20 and 100 EBC, preferably between 40 and 80 EBC.

[0050] The method of this invention is highly flexible. For example, to separate solids from the wort, a portion of the wort stream can be removed from the wort pot, the solids separated by a separator, and most of the wort stream substantially free of solids, which is then fed back to the wort pot. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the extraction point can also be an upstream or downstream pipe of an external boiler (or other wort heating or wort warming device), such as after or before the external boiler. Accordingly, the feed or injection point is not limited to the wort pot and can also be another wort delivery container.

[0051] The inventors further observed that the above-described effects according to the invention are particularly well achieved when the residual turbidity of the wort produced immediately after solid separation is in the range of 20 to 100 EBC (preferably in the range of 40 to 80 EBC).

[0052] With regard to the aforementioned apparatus, the above-mentioned objectives are achieved by the apparatus and wort preparation apparatus described in this invention. The apparatus according to the invention, the wort preparation apparatus according to the invention, and the application according to the invention have effects similar to those of the method of the invention.

[0053] Therefore, according to the present invention, an apparatus is provided for separating at least partially solids from wort during boiling, during wort holding, or when the wort reaches the boiling or holding temperature. This apparatus is preferably adapted to perform step (b) of the method according to the present invention.

[0054] The apparatus according to the invention includes at least one separating device for separating solids from the wort at least partially by centrifugation, preferably from a portion of the wort stream or a portion of its volume. Furthermore, the apparatus includes a first container, wherein the first container contains wort or a portion of its volume at a boiling temperature or a holding temperature.

[0055] The separation device is suitable for achieving a G-number ≥ 1000g during centrifugation, preferably 1000 to 12000g, more preferably 2000 to 12000g, more preferably 2000 to 10000g, more preferably 3000 to 10000g, more preferably 5000 to 10000g, and even more preferably 5000 to 8000g, wherein g = 9.81m / s 2 .

[0056] The inlet of the separator is fluidly connected to a first container via an inlet pipe. The first container is a wort pot, wort warming device, wort heating device, preferably an external boiler, wort reservoir, or piping. Furthermore, the outlet of the separator is fluidly connected to the first container via an outlet pipe. Alternatively, instead of being fluidly connected to the first container, the outlet of the separator via the outlet pipe can be fluidly connected to a device for further wort processing or treatment, particularly a wort cooling device.

[0057] In an advantageous embodiment, the device according to the invention may include a second container. In this case, the outlet of the separating device may be fluidly connected to the second container via an outlet pipe. The second container contains wort or a portion of the wort at boiling temperature or holding temperature.

[0058] The second container is a wort pot, a wort warming device, a wort heating device, preferably an external boiler, a wort storage container, or a pipeline.

[0059] The aforementioned advantageous embodiments of the device according to the present invention can be further implemented as follows: the first container is a wort pot or a wort warming device, and the second container is a wort reservoir or a pipe.

[0060] Furthermore, the separation device is preferably adapted to separate solids from the wort continuously or discontinuously. Specifically, the separation device can be a centrifuge, preferably a disc separator or a sedimentation centrifuge. Additionally, the separation device can be adapted to adjust the turbidity of the wort (preferably a partial flow of wort) to between 20 and 100 EBC, preferably between 40 and 80 EBC, immediately after partial or complete separation of solids.

[0061] Using a centrifuge for solids separation is particularly advantageous because of its compact design, requiring minimal space in the brewing facility. Furthermore, it is suitable for continuous solids separation, where the wort only needs to be removed from the wort batch or the entire brewing batch (e.g., the wort pot) for a short period, preferably a few minutes, for separation. Sufficient homogeneity of the wort is ensured by removing a portion of the wort stream from the main wort batch only for a relatively short time during boiling or holding. In other words, from a heat treatment perspective, the brief extraction of the main batch wort for solids separation according to the invention is negligible. Similarly, temperature loss or thermal radiation is negligible for such a short extraction.

[0062] The advantages of the circuitry and design of the device according to the present invention can also be seen in the following description of the accompanying drawings.

[0063] According to the invention, it can also be provided that, between the apparatus according to the invention and the wort cooling apparatus, preferably between the separation apparatus and the wort cooling apparatus, there is no or the arrangement is suitable for separating solids from the wort, especially no settling tank and vortex tank.

[0064] Furthermore, the present invention provides a wort preparation apparatus for preparing wort in the beer brewing or beverage industry, wherein the wort preparation apparatus includes the device according to the invention. Preferably, in addition to the separation device according to the invention as described above, the wort preparation apparatus does not include any device suitable for separating solids from the wort, particularly excluding sedimentation tanks and cyclone tanks.

[0065] Finally, the purpose of the invention is achieved through the apparatus of the invention.

[0066] The invention also includes the use of the apparatus according to the invention for separating solids at least partially from the wort during the boiling or holding temperature of the wort, or when the wort reaches the boiling or holding temperature.

[0067] In this regard, the turbidity of the entire brewing batch or the entire wort batch after solids separation may be between 20 and 400 EBC, preferably between 50 and 150 EBC. Furthermore, after at least partial solids separation, a portion of the wort may be immediately adjusted to a turbidity between 20 and 100 EBC, preferably between 40 and 80 EBC.

[0068] The apparatus, wort preparation apparatus, and applications of the present invention have effects similar to the methods of the present invention described above. Beneficial embodiments of the apparatus and applications according to the present invention are the subject matter to be protected by the present invention. Multiple features of the methods or apparatus described herein that are associated with the present invention can be individually or in combination according to similar applications of the present invention to achieve similar effects.

[0069] As part of this disclosure, the subject matter (methods, apparatus, and uses) claimed according to this invention is not limited to specific saccharification separation techniques or wort boiling / keeping techniques, but can be explicitly combined with all wort filtration techniques known in the art, such as boiling kettles, saccharification filters, or turntable filters, as well as all types of hot wort processing. Attached Figure Description

[0070] The advantageous embodiments of the subject matter claimed according to the present invention are the subject matter of the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0071] Figure 1 A first embodiment of the device V according to the present invention is illustrated schematically;

[0072] Figure 2 A second embodiment of the device V according to the invention is illustrated schematically;

[0073] Figure 3 A third embodiment of the device V according to the invention is illustrated schematically;

[0074] Figure 4 A fourth embodiment of the device V according to the invention is illustrated schematically; and

[0075] Figure 5 A fifth embodiment of the device V according to the invention is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0076] The table below shows the results of a survey on solids separation during wort heat treatment according to the present invention. The wort is used to produce all-malt beer, wherein the malt mash is separated by a rotating disc filter. During the heat treatment of the wort using an internal boiler, the boiling or holding temperature is 99°C, and the boiling / holding time is 60 minutes. During this process, a portion of the flow at a volumetric flow rate of 13.7 to 20 hl / h is continuously discharged from the total brewing batch (8 hl) of wort in the wort pot 20 minutes after the start of boiling. The solid particles of this portion of the flow are separated by a disc centrifuge at a speed of 7200 to 7400 rpm (plate radius: 13.5 cm; G-number: approximately 7800 to 8300 g), and the portion of the flow separated from the solids is fed back to the wort pot. Solids separation continues until the end of boiling. At the start of separation, the wort turbidity at the centrifuge inlet is 1550 EBC. Separation is carried out to keep the wort turbidity at the centrifuge outlet between 60 and 70 EBC. At the end of boiling (60 minutes after the start of boiling), the wort turbidity of all brewing batches in the wort pot was 190 EBC (according to Examples 1 and 2 of the invention). Hop addition was performed on the brewing batch 60 minutes after the start of boiling, i.e., after boiling was completed, by adding separately heat-treated hop product. In the comparative example, the wort was produced from the same raw materials and underwent the same heat treatment as the wort of the invention, but no solids separation was performed during the heat treatment (comparative example). The analytical values ​​shown in the table below refer to the analytical values ​​of the wort when half the volume of the brewing batch had been transferred to the cooling equipment. According to the table below, the total production time of the brewing batch from the start of crushing to the end of wort cooling clearly shows that separating solid particles before the end of wort discharge of the invention can save the whirlpool sedimentation step, which will reduce the total time by an average of 40 minutes. The time saved includes: a 10-minute reduction in the duration of the wort extraction process compared to the conventional method using a vortex settling step, a 20-minute reduction in the vortex settling stillness, and a 10-minute reduction in the duration of wort cooling, because when using a settling tank, the settling must be emptied more slowly than when using the apparatus / process of this invention to prevent the sediment at the bottom of the settling tank from separating into cones.

[0077]

[0078]

[0079] The measurement method used in this invention:

[0080] Bitterness Unit (EBC): Brewing Analysis; Methods Collection of the Central European Brewing Analysis Association (MEBAK); Volume II; Fourth Edition, Revised and Supplemented; 2002; Edited by Dr. H. Miedaner, President; Method 2.17.

[0081] Iso-α-acids: HPLC001 / 02 2009-2

[0082] Zinc: DIN and ISO 11885:2009; Brewing Analysis; Methods Collection of the Central European Association for Brewing Analysis (MEBAK); Volume II; Fourth Edition, Revised and Supplemented; 2002; Edited by Dr. H. Miedaner, President; pp. 159 and 160; Method 2.29.8

[0083] Forced aging test (0 / 40°C): Brewing analysis method; Methods set of the Central European Brewing Analysis Association (MEBAK); Volume II; Fourth Edition, revised and supplemented; 2002; published by Dr. H. Miedaner, President; Method 2.14.2.1; The given measurements are normalized to the values ​​of the reference example (=1.00).

[0084] As can be seen from the test results shown in the table above, hop utilization is significantly increased in the examples according to the present invention. This applies to both bitterness units and iso-α-acids. Furthermore, the zinc and extract content in the wort produced according to the present invention is slightly higher than, or comparable to, conventionally produced wort. Finally, the wort produced according to the present invention yielded an average final decay rate 3 percentage points higher, indicating sufficient yeast expansion.

[0085] Figure 1 A first embodiment of the apparatus V according to the invention is shown, comprising a separating device T. The separating device T includes an inlet TE and an outlet TA. The inlet TE of the separating device T is fluidly connected to a first container G1 via an inlet pipe LE. The outlet TA of the separating device T is fluidly connected to the first container G1 via an outlet pipe LA. Both the inlet pipe LE and the outlet pipe LA constitute a pipe L in the sense of the invention. The first container G1 is adapted to boil or keep warm the wort W; for example, the first container G1 is a wort pot or a wort warming device, and / or the first container G1 contains wort W that has reached the boiling temperature or the warming temperature. A level indicator in the first container G1 indicates the degree of addition of wort W to the separating device T. The separating device T is adapted to at least partially separate solids from the wort W; for example, the separating device T is a disc separator, a disc centrifuge, or a sedimentation centrifuge.

[0086] When implementing the method according to the invention according to the first embodiment, during the boiling or holding temperature of the wort W and / or when the wort W reaches the boiling or holding temperature, a portion of the wort W is removed from the first container G1 and fed as a portion of the wort W TS through the inlet pipe LE and inlet TE of the separation device T. In the separation device T, at least a portion of the solids are separated from the wort W by centrifugation, wherein G-number ≥ 1000g is reached during the centrifugation process. The wort W, partially or completely free of solids, leaves the separation device T through the outlet TA and is fed back to the first container G1, such as the wort pot, through the outlet pipe LA. The arrows in the figure indicate the direction of wort flow through the pipes. In the figures, for clarity, some device components, particularly optional device components, such as the outlet of the separation device T for separating solids, pumps, sensors, such as temperature sensors, valves, and control devices, are omitted.

[0087] The advantage of this embodiment is that during heat treatment in the first container G1, the wort W can be desolventized continuously or discontinuously via a partial flow TS.

[0088] Figure 2 A second embodiment of the device V according to the invention is shown, which is essentially the same as the first embodiment of the device V according to the invention described above; therefore, only the differences from the first embodiment will be explained below. In the second embodiment, the outlet TA of the separating device T is fluidly connected to a second container G2 via an outlet pipe LA. In this embodiment, the second container G2 is different from the first container G1, for example, it is a wort heating device or an external boiler. In this embodiment, the second container G2 is then fluidly connected to the first container G1 via a pipe L. In this embodiment, the first container G1 can be, for example, a wort pot or a non-heatable wort tank.

[0089] The method of the present invention implemented according to the second embodiment is essentially the same as the method implemented according to the first embodiment, except that the wort W, with at least some solids removed, is conveyed to the second container G2 through the outlet pipe LA. If the second container G2 is a wort heating device or an external boiler, the wort W is heated to a predetermined temperature. The heated wort W is then conveyed back to the first container G1 from the second container G2 through the pipe L.

[0090] The advantage of this embodiment is that the wort W can be immediately desolventized before heat treatment in the second container G2, thereby reducing contamination in the second container G2, such as contamination in an external boiler.

[0091] Figure 3A third embodiment of the device V according to the present invention is shown, which is substantially the same as the device V according to the second embodiment described above; therefore, only the differences from the second embodiment will be explained below. In the third embodiment, for example, the first container G1 is a wort heating device or an external boiler. Furthermore, for example, the second container G2 can be a wort pot or a non-heatable wort pot. The first container G1 and the second container G2 each contain wort W that has reached boiling temperature or a holding temperature.

[0092] The method of the present invention implemented according to the third embodiment is essentially the same as the method implemented according to the second embodiment, except that wort W is extracted from the second container G2 and transported to the first container G1 through pipe L. In the first container G1, the wort W is heated or reaches boiling temperature, and then transported to the separation device T through inlet pipe LE. In the separation device T, the wort W is at least partially free of solids and is transported to the second container G2 through outlet pipe LA. The wort W can be transported back from the second container G2 to the first container G1 through pipe L.

[0093] The advantage of this embodiment is that the solids formed during heat treatment in the first container G1 can be removed immediately after their formation, and thus the solids content of the wort in the second container G2 (e.g., a wort pot) is reduced. For example, as described at the beginning, this has a beneficial effect on the conversion of hop components and hop utilization.

[0094] Figure 4 A fourth embodiment of the apparatus V according to the invention is shown, which is essentially the same as the second embodiment of the apparatus V described above; therefore, only the differences from the second embodiment will be explained below. In the fourth embodiment, the separating device T is fluidly connected to the second container G2 via an outlet TA and a pipe LA. However, the second container G2 is not fluidly connected to the first container G1 via a pipe, but is connected via a pipe L to an apparatus or container for a subsequent preparation step (not shown), such as a wort cooling device. The second container G2 is only suitable for receiving and temporarily storing wort, and is not suitable for separating solids. For example, the second container G2 is a wort reservoir, but not a settling tank or vortex tank.

[0095] The method according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention is essentially the same as the method according to the second embodiment described above; therefore, the differences from the second embodiment will only be explained below. At least partially free of solids, the wort W is conveyed through the outlet TA of the separation device T and the pipe LA to the second container G2, where it is temporarily stored. However, the wort W flowing out of the second container G2 is not returned to the first container G1, but is conveyed through the pipe L for further processing or treatment in subsequent preparation steps. For example, the wort W may be fed into a wort cooling device (not shown), in which it is cooled to the inoculation temperature.

[0096] The fourth embodiment enables rapid, efficient, partial, or even complete separation of solids from wort W. Therefore, the aforementioned advantages are achieved, and the vortex sedimentation step is also omitted. The inclusion of the second container G2 increases the time flexibility for subsequent process steps involving wort reprocessing or use.

[0097] Figure 5 A fifth embodiment of the apparatus V according to the invention is shown, which is substantially the same as the fourth embodiment of the apparatus V according to the invention described above; therefore, only the differences from the fourth embodiment will be explained below. In the fifth embodiment, the separation device T is fluidly connected to the apparatus or container (e.g., a wort cooling device) for subsequent preparation steps (not shown) via outlet TA and pipes LA and L, respectively. This embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention does not include a second container G2, a sedimentation tank, or a vortex tank.

[0098] The method according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention is essentially the same as that of the fourth embodiment; therefore, only the differences from the fourth embodiment will be described below. At least partially free of solids, the wort W is not fed into the second container G2, nor is it returned to the first container G1. Instead, the wort W is directly fed through the outlet TA of the separating device T and the pipe LA or L into subsequent preparation steps for further processing or treatment. For example, the wort W can be directly conveyed from the separating device T to a wort cooling device (not shown), in which the wort is cooled to the inoculation temperature.

[0099] The fifth embodiment also achieves the effects of the fourth embodiment described above (except for the effects of the second container G2). Furthermore, together with the first embodiment described above, it represents a particularly simple and cost-effective implementation of the invention in terms of equipment engineering / construction.

Claims

1. A method for preparing or processing wort (W), comprising at least the following steps: (a) Boiling the wort (W) or keeping the wort (W) warm; and (b) During the boiling of the wort (W) or during the holding of the wort (W), at least a portion of the solids are separated from the wort (W) by centrifugation; During centrifugation, G-number ≥ 1000 g, where g = 9.81 m / s²; In order to separate the solids, a portion of the wort (W) (TS) is removed from a first container (G1) containing the wort (W) at a boiling or holding temperature. A portion of the wort (W) (TS) that is partially or completely separated from the solids and is partially or completely free of solids is fed directly or via a second container (G2) into the first container (G1), wherein the second container (G2) contains wort (W) at a boiling or holding temperature. The first container (G1) and the second container (G2) are each independently selected from the group consisting of wort pots, wort holding devices, and wort heating devices. The separation of the solids from the wort (W) occurs before the addition of the first hop, before the addition of the second hop, and / or before the addition of the third hop; and The separation of the solids from the wort (W) by centrifugation ends no later than the start of wort extraction.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The separation of the solids from the wort (W) occurs between 5 minutes after the wort (W) reaches its boiling or holding temperature and between 40 minutes after the wort (W) reaches its boiling or holding temperature.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, No separation of the solids from the wort (W) occurs between the start of wort production and the completion of cooling the wort (W) to the inoculation temperature.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, No separation of the solids from the wort (W) occurs between the completion of wort extraction and the cooling of the wort (W) to the inoculation temperature.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Continuous solids separation from the wort (W); and / or Solids are separated from the wort (W) by a separating device (T); and / or After solids separation, the total brewing batch turbidity of the wort (W) is between 20 and 400 EBC.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, in, The solids separation is carried out in such a way that, after the solids separation, the turbidity of the wort (W) fraction (TS) is between 20 and 100 EBC.

7. An apparatus for separating solids at least partially from wort (W) during boiling or during holding of the wort (W), wherein the apparatus comprises at least: A separation device (T) for separating the solids from a portion (TS) of the wort (W) at least partially by centrifugation; and A first container (G1) contains wort (W) that has reached a boiling temperature or a heat-holding temperature. Wherein, the separation device (T) achieves a G-number ≥ 1000 g during centrifugation, where g = 9.81 m / s²; and The inlet (TE) of the separation device (T) is fluidly connected to the first container (G1) via an inlet pipe (LE); Wherein, the first container (G1) is a wort pot, a wort warming device, or a wort heating device; wherein, the outlet (TA) of the separation device (T) is in fluid communication with the first container (G1) directly or via the second container (G2) through the outlet pipe (LA); The second container (G2) contains wort (W) at a boiling temperature or a heat preservation temperature; wherein the second container (G2) is a wort pot, a wort heat preservation device, or a wort heating device. The device is configured to separate solids from the wort (W) before the addition of the first hop, the addition of the second hop, and / or before the addition of the third hop; and The device is configured to end the separation of the solids and the wort (W) by centrifugation no later than the start of wort production.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first container (G1) is a wort pot, and the second container (G2) is a wort warming device.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The separating device (T) continuously or discontinuously separates solids from the wort (W); and / or The separating device (T) is a centrifuge; and / or The separating device (T) immediately adjusts the wort (W) to a turbidity between 20 and 100 EBC after at least partially separating the solids.

10. A wort preparation apparatus for preparing wort in a brewery or beverage industry. Its features are, The wort preparation apparatus includes the apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9.

11. Use of the apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9 for separating solids at least partially from the wort (W) during boiling or during heat preservation of the wort (W).

12. Use of the apparatus according to claim 11, wherein, After the solids are separated from the wort (W), the turbidity of the total brewing batch of the wort (W) is between 20 and 400 EBC; and / or after at least partial separation of the solids, the turbidity of a portion of the wort (W) stream (TS) is adjusted to between 20 and 100 EBC.

13. Use of the device according to claim 12, wherein, After the solids are separated from the wort (W), the total turbidity of the brewing batch of the wort (W) is between 50 and 150 EBC.

14. Use of the apparatus according to claim 12, wherein, After at least partially separating the solids, the turbidity of a portion of the wort (W) (TS) is adjusted to between 40 and 80 EBC.

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