Filtering device for filtering of filter press and saccharification filtering system

Abstract

The filter device comprises a plurality of filter plates, two opposite sides of each filter plate are fixedly provided with filter cloth, each filter plate is provided with a discharge port, each filter cloth is provided with a feed port and an opening part used for cleaning residues, and each filter cloth is provided with a feed port and an opening part used for cleaning residues. The filter cloth between every two adjacent filter plates is communicated; wherein a filter chamber is arranged in the filter plate, and the filter chamber is communicated with the discharge port. According to the utility model, the opening part for cleaning residues is arranged on the filter cloth, so that the residues between the filter cloth and the filter plate can be discharged through the opening part, the filter cloth does not need to be specially disassembled for cleaning, and the residues can be completely eliminated through daily cleaning. When the filter cloth and the filter plate are washed, the filter equipment can be directly washed through the feed port, the discharge port and the filter chamber, so that the production efficiency is improved, residues are timely and effectively cleaned, and the taste and flavor of wort are obviously improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of beer production equipment, and in particular to a filtration device for a filter press and a saccharification filtration system. Background Technology

[0002] A filter press is an industrial filtration device used for the separation of solids and liquids. By applying pressure, the filter press causes solid particles in a suspension to deposit on a filter cloth, thereby achieving the separation of solids and liquids. This equipment is widely used in many fields such as chemical, food, pharmaceutical, mining, and environmental protection.

[0003] The working principle of a filter press is to separate the wort from the spent grains by trapping solid particles in the mash using filter cloth. The mash enters the filter press through pipes, and the solid particles are trapped by the filter cloth as it is pressed between the filter plates, while the clear wort is discharged through the filter cloth. However, because a sealed space is formed between the filter cloth and the filter plates, it is difficult to completely remove residual spent grains during the cleaning process; these residues accumulate between the filter cloth and the filter plates.

[0004] In the beer industry, wort filtration is a crucial step in the brewing process, directly impacting the quality and flavor of the final product. Currently, breweries commonly use two types of wort filtration equipment: filter tanks and filter presses. Filter presses are favored for their high capacity and efficiency. Beer has high flavor evaluation standards, and the quality and characteristics of the wort determine the outcome of the entire fermentation process as early as the mashing stage. Therefore, the cleaning effect of the filter press is essential for maintaining the freshness and quality of the wort. However, traditional filter presses may leave tiny grains of malt and protein residue between the filter cloth and filter plates after cleaning. These residues can negatively affect the freshness of the wort over time.

[0005] Currently, the main method for removing these residues is to remove the filter cloth and rinse it, which is not only inefficient but may also affect the quality of the wort. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this utility model provides a filtration device for a filter press and a saccharification filtration system to solve the technical problem of difficult filter cloth cleaning.

[0007] This utility model provides a filtration device for a filter press, comprising multiple filter plates, each filter plate having filter cloth fixed on opposite sides, each filter plate having a discharge port, and each filter cloth having a feed port and an opening for cleaning residues, the filter cloths of adjacent filter plates being connected; wherein each filter plate has a filter chamber, and the filter chamber is connected to the discharge port.

[0008] In one alternative embodiment, a sealing gasket is provided at the edge of the filter cloth.

[0009] In one alternative embodiment, a sealing ring is provided around the perimeter of the plurality of filter plates.

[0010] In one alternative embodiment, the opening is located at the bottom of the filter cloth.

[0011] In one alternative embodiment, the number of openings is 1 to 4.

[0012] In one alternative embodiment, the ratio of the length of the opening to the bottom edge length of the filter cloth is in the range of 2:8 to 100:150 or 30:40 to 200:300.

[0013] In one alternative embodiment, there are two feed inlets and four discharge outlets.

[0014] This utility model also provides a saccharification and filtration system for beer production, including a saccharification pot and a filtration device for the above-mentioned filter press, wherein the filtration device for the filter press is connected to the saccharification pot through a pipe.

[0015] In one optional embodiment, the saccharification and filtration system for beer production further includes a washing tank, the filtration device used for the filter press is a filter press, the output end of the saccharification pot is connected to the input end of the filter press, the output end of the filter press is connected to a balance tank, the saccharification pot is also connected to a branch pipe of the washing tank, and the main pipe of the washing tank is connected to the output end of the filter press.

[0016] In one alternative embodiment, the end of the exhaust pipe inside the balance tank is located below the liquid level sensor inside the balance tank; a balance tank regulating valve and a drain valve are also provided between the balance tank and the filter press.

[0017] This invention features openings on the filter cloth for cleaning residues. Residues between the filter cloth and filter plate can be discharged through these openings, eliminating the need for separate disassembly and cleaning of the filter cloth; routine cleaning is sufficient to completely remove residues. When rinsing the filter cloth and filter plate, the filtration equipment can be directly cleaned through the inlet, outlet, and filter chamber, improving production efficiency. Timely and effective removal of residues significantly enhances the taste and flavor of the wort. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the filter plate and filter cloth in the filter device for a filter press in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the filter cloth structure in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the wort flow direction in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a saccharification and filtration system for beer production according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure label:

[0023] Filter cloth 1; sealing ring 2; opening 3; fixing point 4; feed inlet 5; discharge outlet 6; filter plate 7; upper feed inlet 21; lower feed inlet 22; lower discharge outlet 23; upper discharge outlet 24; exhaust pipe 25; regulating valve before balance tank 26; drain valve 27; branch pipe 28; main pipe 29; liquid level sensor 30. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0025] It should be noted that the following embodiments can be combined where there is no conflict.

[0026] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this utility model provides a filtration device for a filter press. The filtration device includes multiple filter plates 7, and filter cloth 1 is fixed to opposite sides of each filter plate 7. Adjacent filter plates 7 can be directly connected by a filter cloth 1, and the number of filter plates 7 is not limited. However, a sealing ring 2 is provided around the multiple filter plates 7. The solid-liquid mixture entering the filtration device is filtered by the filter cloth 1 and the filter plates 7 to separate the wort from the washer fluid. Solid particles are intercepted by the filter cloth 1, while the clear wort is discharged through the filter cloth 1 and remains in the space sealed by the sealing ring 2. The discharged wort can be pumped out of the filtration device.

[0027] In this invention, the filtration device is a filter press. During operation, some small particles and proteins enter the gap between the filter cloth 1 and the filter plate 7. Since the space between the filter cloth 1 and the filter plate 7 is enclosed, the residue cannot be removed through washing. In existing technologies, the residue between the filter cloth 1 and the filter plate 7 can only be cleaned by removing the filter cloth 1 from the filter plate 7, resulting in a significant waste of manpower, energy, and fluids.

[0028] The present invention provides an opening 3 on the filter cloth 1 for cleaning residues. When rinsing the filter press, the residues can be discharged through the opening 3 without disassembling the filter cloth 1 for cleaning.

[0029] Specifically, the filter plate 7 is provided with a discharge port 6, and the filter plate 7 also has a filter chamber, which is connected to the discharge port 6. When the wort is extracted, the wort is filtered through the filter plate 7 and discharged through the discharge port 6. The filter cloth 1 between two adjacent filter plates 7 is connected, and the filter cloth 1 is provided with a feed port 5 and an opening 3 for cleaning residue. The opening 3 is located at the bottom of the filter cloth 1.

[0030] During cleaning, the residue is flushed to the bottom of the filter cloth 1. During the cleaning process, the opening 3 remains open, allowing impurities inside the filter cloth 1 to be discharged through the opening 3 and carried away with the water, thus achieving the cleaning purpose. There is no need to specifically disassemble the filter cloth 1 for cleaning; the filter press can completely remove residues during routine cleaning.

[0031] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, there are two feed inlets 5 and four discharge outlets 6, configured as two inlets and four outlets. The discharge outlets 6 of the filter plate 7 are located near the four corners, including four discharge outlets 6. Two feed inlets 5 are provided, located on the upper and lower halves of the filter cloth 1, respectively. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the transport of solid-liquid mixtures and the flow direction of wort. (Combined with...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the solid-liquid mixture is conveyed through the feed inlet 5 of the filter cloth 1, and the feed inlets 5 of the multiple filter cloths 1 are interconnected. Figure 2 As can be seen, the feed inlet 5 passes through the filter plate 7, but it should be understood that the feed inlet 5 is not connected to the interior of the filter plate 7. Instead, the filter plate 7 has through holes for conveying the solid-liquid mixture, and these through holes are adapted to the feed inlet 5. This allows the solid-liquid mixture to be directly fed into multiple filter plates 7 and filter cloths 1, and the mixture can be filtered using multiple filter cloths 1 and filter plates 7. Of course, in other embodiments, multiple filter cloths 1 can be directly connected without creating through holes in the filter plate 7.

[0032] Furthermore, a sealing gasket is provided at the edge of the filter cloth 1. The sealing gasket is embedded in the filter plate 7 to prevent solid impurities from flowing out. In the embodiments of this application, when the filter cloth 1 is fixed to the filter plate 7, it is fixed to the filter plate 7 by four evenly distributed fixing points 4 to maintain the shape of the filter cloth 1.

[0033] In this invention, the number of openings 3 is 1 to 4. In some embodiments, the number of openings 3 can be 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. Of course, more can be provided as needed.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, there are two openings 3, which are evenly distributed at the bottom of the filter cloth 1.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, four openings 3 are provided, evenly distributed at the bottom of the filter cloth 1. Two openings 3 form a group, located on the left and right sides of the bottom of the filter cloth 1, respectively, and symmetrically distributed along the vertical center line of the filter cloth 1.

[0036] Furthermore, the ratio of the length of the opening 3 to the bottom edge length of the filter cloth 1 is in the range of 2:8 to 100:150 or 30:40 to 200:300. A suitable opening 3 length facilitates the discharge of residues and prevents them from accumulating.

[0037] In some embodiments, the length of the opening 3 is 100 mm or 350 mm. In other embodiments, the length of the opening 3 ranges from 50 mm to 150 mm, and in still other embodiments, the length of the opening 3 ranges from 300 mm to 400 mm.

[0038] Before the improvement of the filtration device, three people had to spend eight hours each month manually disassembling the lower corners of the 152 filter cloths 1 of the filter press, performing a high-pressure cleaning, and then reassembling the filter cloths 1. This resulted in approximately 288 hours of operation time per year (3 people × 8 hours / person / month × 12 months). After the improvement, the time spent disassembling and cleaning the filter cloths 1 was reduced, increasing production efficiency. It also saved water used for high-pressure cleaning, conserving water consumption. Prolonged residue buildup can lead to a rough beer taste and the development of a grainy flavor; cleaning the filter effectively removes these residues, resulting in a significant improvement in the wort's taste and flavor.

[0039] Furthermore, both domestic and international breweries have high requirements for the freshness of their products. This is especially true during the mashing stage, where wort freshness determines the overall freshness of the beer fermentation process and the final product. In the beer industry, breweries use filter presses as wort filtration equipment relatively less than filter tanks, resulting in a lack of experience in their use.

[0040] While filter press systems are highly efficient, their control over wort oxygen levels during filtration is poor. This leads to severe wort oxidation, producing undesirable flavors and negatively impacting beer freshness and quality, significantly affecting the brewery and brand. Under normal operating conditions, filter press systems produce wort with an oxygen content exceeding 1500 ppm, while breweries using trough systems achieve wort with an oxygen content below 50 ppm.

[0041] During use, it was found that because the filter press system has a balance tank at the outlet, fluctuations in the wort flow rate during filtration can cause overflow or interruption of the balance tank. This triggers a shutdown protection mechanism for the filter press, resulting in significant oxygen absorption. Furthermore, the shutdown recovery process causes a substantial loss of high-concentration wort, leading to waste of extract. Despite the overall high efficiency of the filter press system, wort freshness is not fundamentally improved, which is detrimental to the management and sustainable development of extract during production.

[0042] For the above questions, please refer to Figure 4 This utility model also provides a saccharification and filtration system for beer production, including a saccharification kettle, a balance tank, a washing tank, and a filter device (i.e., a filter press). The filter device (hereinafter referred to as the filter press) is connected to the saccharification kettle via a pipeline, and the filter press is also connected to the balance tank and the washing tank via a pipeline. It should be understood that the flow direction of the liquid in the filtration device during the saccharification process of beer production is opposite to the flow direction of the washing liquid, as specifically described below.

[0043] The output end of the saccharification pot is connected to the input end of the filter press, that is, the output end of the saccharification pot is connected to the feed inlet 5 of the filter cloth 1 mentioned above. The output end of the filter press is connected to the balance tank, that is, the discharge port 6 of the filter plate 7 mentioned above is connected to the balance tank. During the saccharification process, the liquid flows from the saccharification pot to the filter press, and then to the balance tank.

[0044] The main pipe 29 of the washing tank is connected to the output end of the filter press, such as Figure 4 As shown, the main pipe 29 connects to the filter press and the balance tank, specifically the filter press outlet 6, which is connected to the main pipe 29. During the cleaning process, liquid flows from the washing tank to the filter press, and the filter press outlet 6 becomes the inlet 5, allowing the liquid to clean the filter press. During cleaning, residues are flushed to the bottom of the filter cloth 1. During the cleaning process, the opening 3 remains open, allowing impurities inside the filter cloth 1 to be discharged through the opening 3 and carried away with the water, achieving the cleaning purpose.

[0045] To address the issue of filter press shutdowns, this invention positions the end of the vent pipe 25 inside the balance tank below the liquid level sensor 30 inside the balance tank. This prevents the liquid level sensor 30 from triggering an alarm and causing the filter press to shut down for protection, thus avoiding overflow or flow interruption of the balance tank due to fluctuations in the wort flow rate during filtration. Alternatively, the height of the balance tank can be increased, for example, by 1 meter, to further prevent overflow or flow interruption.

[0046] Furthermore, to reduce the downtime of the filter press during the filtration process and solve the overflow problem of the balance tank, this invention connects the branch pipe 28 of the saccharification pot and the washing tank water tank, that is, a branch pipe 28 of the washing tank water tank is connected to the saccharification pot. For example, the branch pipe 28 is connected to the top water pipe of the saccharification pot for both pipeline top water supply and filtration washing.

[0047] Furthermore, a balance tank regulating valve 26 and a drain valve 27 are provided between the balance tank and the filter press. The balance tank regulating valve 26 and the drain valve 27 can be used to control the flow rate of the filter press. The drain valve 27 is not provided in the prior art. For example, during filtration, the opening of the filter press is fixed, for example, by controlling the opening of the filter press's pre-pump, and the balance tank regulating valve 26 is used to control the liquid level in the balance tank to prevent the liquid level sensor 30 from alarming. The flow rate of the filter press can also be controlled through the balance tank to prevent the filter press from stopping, for example, by using the balance tank's PID controller to control the balance tank's outlet regulating valve to adjust the flow rate, thereby controlling the filter press's flow rate. The drain valve 27 is used to adjust the filter press's evacuation position.

[0048] Existing filter presses use a top-in, bottom-out filtration mode, meaning the solid-liquid mixture is fed into the filter cloth 1 through the inlet 5 and the wort is discharged from the outlet 6 of the filter plate 7. This invention adjusts the filter press to a two-in, four-out filtration mode, allowing it to participate in [further filtration processes]. Figure 1 As shown, it includes two feed inlets and four discharge outlets, namely, upper feed inlet 21, lower feed inlet 22, two upper discharge outlets 24, and two lower discharge outlets 23; this improvement can provide better material supply for the filter press and avoid downtime due to insufficient material supply.

[0049] In summary, to reduce the oxygen absorption problem of wort during filtration, this invention extends the exhaust pipe 25 of the balance tank to below the liquid level sensor 30 of the balance tank, preventing wort filtration and flow interruption. A top water pipeline is added to the saccharification pot, with a branch pipe 28 extending from the washing water tank to the saccharification pot for pipeline top water supply and filtration washing, reducing the waiting time of the filter press during filtration and preventing balance tank overflow. The filter press is adjusted to a two-inlet, four-outlet filtration mode to provide better feed to the filter press and avoid the problem of filter press shutdown protection due to insufficient feed. By controlling the opening degree of the filter press and the flow rate of the balance tank, the flow rate of the filter press can be better controlled, preventing balance tank flow interruption.

[0050] After comparative use, the mashing and filtration system for beer production showed that the oxygen content in the wort was around 120 ppm after filtration, a significant reduction compared to the previous system. This effectively resolved flavor alterations and other quality issues caused by oxidation, resulting in improved beer freshness. Overflow or interruption of the balance tank previously caused a 5-15 minute waiting time in the filter press; the improved system reduced this time by 5-10 minutes, thus improving overall mashing efficiency.

[0051] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and are not intended to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A filtration device for a filter press, characterized in that, It includes multiple filter plates, each filter plate has filter cloth fixed on opposite sides, the filter plate has a discharge port, the filter cloth has a feed port and an opening for cleaning residue, and the filter cloth between two adjacent filter plates is connected; wherein the filter plate has a filter chamber, and the filter chamber is connected to the discharge port.

2. The filter device for filter press filtration according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter cloth is provided with a sealing gasket at its edge.

3. The filter device for filter press filtration according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multiple filter plates are equipped with sealing rings around their perimeter.

4. The filter device for filter press filtration according to claim 1, characterized in that, The opening is located at the bottom of the filter cloth.

5. The filter device for filter press filtration according to claim 4, characterized in that, The number of openings is 1 to 4.

6. The filter apparatus for a filter press according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The ratio of the length of the opening to the bottom edge length of the filter cloth is in the range of 2:8 to 100:150 or 30:40 to 200:

300.

7. The filter device for filter press filtration according to claim 1, characterized in that, There are two feed inlets and four discharge outlets.

8. A saccharification and filtration system for beer production, characterized in that, It includes a saccharification pot and a filter device for filtration in a filter press as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the filter device for filtration in a filter press is connected to the saccharification pot via a pipe.

9. The saccharification and filtration system for beer production according to claim 8, characterized in that, It also includes a washing tank, the filter device used for filtration by the filter press is a filter press, the output end of the saccharification pot is connected to the input end of the filter press, the output end of the filter press is connected to the balance tank, the saccharification pot is also connected to a branch pipe of the washing tank, and the main pipe of the washing tank is connected to the output end of the filter press.

10. The saccharification and filtration system for beer production according to claim 9, characterized in that, The end of the exhaust pipe inside the balance tank is located below the liquid level sensor inside the balance tank; a balance tank regulating valve and a drain valve are also provided between the balance tank and the filter press.

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