Method for adjusting or changing a crushing surface distance of a crushing device and / or for determining the condition of the crushing surface of a crushing device, control device for carrying out the method and corresponding uses

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for adjusting or changing a distance between a first comminution surface and a second comminution surface of a comminution device according to claim 1 or 6, and corresponding uses according to claims 11 and 12. State of the art

[0002] In beverage production, the success of separating an intermediate product present as a suspension depends significantly on the quality of the comminution achieved with the raw material(s). In brewing, therefore, the comminution of the malt, unmalted grain, and / or any other raw materials used determines the success, particularly the duration and yield, of the mash separation. Consequently, the quality of the mash separation is higher the better the comminution is adapted to the prevailing conditions (raw material quality, wear and tear of the comminution machine, machine condition, etc.).

[0003] To achieve the best possible brewing process, traditionally, the process parameters determined during the brewing process, such as the grist sorting of the milled grain, were manually evaluated by staff, and the milling parameters were adjusted accordingly. This evaluation and adjustment work requires the time of qualified personnel who, drawing on their personal experience, must check the mill's technical parameters for each brew and readjust them as needed. It regularly happens that necessary corrections to the process parameters are identified and implemented too late. Traditionally, manual adjustments of process parameters do not lead to timely optimization. As a result, deviations from the target values ​​often remain undetected for several brews and are consequently corrected very late.Furthermore, conventional methods often fail to consider the process parameters of downstream steps, such as mashing, lautering, and wort treatment. For example, the roller gap is checked and adjusted at regular or irregular intervals against a fixed, mill-specific target value. Additionally, conventional methods carry the risk that manual adjustments are sometimes based on misjudgments by personnel. Another potential consequence is that mill maintenance may be performed unnecessarily, or at least prematurely or too late.

[0004] The skilled person is familiar with generic comminution methods and corresponding devices, for example, from the publications DE 102 18 424 A1, WO 2019 / 001 968 A1 and EP 1 424 384 A1. Object of the invention

[0005] It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art. Preferably, it is an object to achieve the technological goals set within a beer or beverage production process, such as adhering to a predetermined lautering time or achieving a predetermined yield, more quickly, easily, and / or more accurately than before. Furthermore, it is preferably desirable to reduce the personnel required for this purpose. Definitions

[0006] Crushing device: According to the invention, a "crushing device" is understood to be any device suitable for crushing or grinding malt or raw grain for use in beer and beverage production, and which has at least one pair of shafts, consisting of a first shaft and a second shaft, the longitudinal axes of which are arranged parallel or substantially parallel to each other. The first shaft has a first crushing surface and the second shaft a second crushing surface. The first crushing surface and the second crushing surface are each preferably arranged rotationally symmetrically or substantially rotationally symmetrically about the longitudinal axis of the respective shaft.The first and second comminution surfaces interact during the rotation of the two shafts in such a way that they are suitable for comminuting, preferably grinding, crushing, and / or cutting material located between the two comminution surfaces or in the gap between the two comminution surfaces. According to the invention, the "communication device" preferably comprises a mill, in particular a two-roller mill, a four-roller mill, a five-roller mill, and a six-roller mill, and furthermore a wedge-disc mill.

[0007] Distance between the first comminution surface and the second comminution surface: Within the scope of the present invention, the "distance between the first comminution surface and the second comminution surface" (hereinafter also referred to simply as "distance") is defined as the part of the connecting line perpendicular to the longitudinal axis between the longitudinal axes of the rollers, which comprises the free distance between the first comminution surface and the second comminution surface (cf. Fig. 1a (Top view) and Fig. 1b (Side view): Distance D; shredding device Z; first shredding surface ZF1, second shredding surface ZF2, first longitudinal axis L1, second longitudinal axis L2; ​​illustration not to scale). If the shredding surfaces have a groove, the free distance between the respective cutting edges or between the cutting edge of the first shredding surface and the groove opposite the cutting edge of the second shredding surface is measured. This definition of the distance is preferably used when the shredding surfaces have a cylindrical or substantially cylindrical shape.

[0008] If, on the other hand, the comminution surfaces have a zigzag-shaped or similar contour, as is the case, for example, with a wedge disc mill, the distance between the first comminution surface and the second comminution surface is preferably defined as the normal distance between two opposing, parallel partial surfaces (flanks) of the first comminution surface and the second comminution surface (cf. Fig. 2 (Top view): Distance D; shredding device Z; first shredding surface ZF1, second shredding surface ZF2, first sub-area TF1, second sub-area TF2, first longitudinal axis L1, second longitudinal axis L2; ​​representation not to scale).

[0009] If the distance between the two comminution surfaces is measured at only one point, for example, in the middle or at an edge of the comminution surfaces with respect to the longitudinal axis of the roller, then this distance can be defined according to the invention as the distance between the two comminution surfaces. Alternatively, the distance between the two comminution surfaces can be measured at several points with respect to the respective longitudinal axis. In the latter case, the arithmetic mean of the measured distances can be defined according to the invention as the distance between the two comminution surfaces. In the comminution devices provided according to the invention, the distance is typically 0.2 to 2 mm, preferably 0.2 to 1.5 mm.

[0010] Lautering time: Within the scope of the present invention, "lautering time" refers to the period between the point at which the first wort is drawn off (preferably after completion of the turbid wort pumping, if this process step is carried out) until the point at which wort production is complete, i.e., when the flow of sparge water or clear wort is switched to the mains or is no longer added to the wort of the same batch. According to the invention, the lautering time is typically 75 to 140 minutes, preferably 80 to 130 minutes, but need not be limited to this.

[0011] Yield: According to the invention, yield is understood to mean the brewhouse yield as described in Schuster, K., Weinfurtner, F., Narziß, L.: "Die Bierbrauerei, zweiter Band: Die Technologie der Wortzebereitung" (The Brewery, Volume Two: The Technology of Wort Preparation), 7th edition, Ferdinand Enke Verlag Stuttgart 1992, Chapter 7, in particular Chapter 7.1.2 "Calculation of Brewhouse Yield". The following generally applies: Brewhouse yield = Volume of wort [hl] x Extract content [kg / hl] / Grain weight [kg]. According to the invention, this definition can also be modified to other definitions known to those skilled in the art, in particular taking into account the correction of the wort quantity and the determined extract values. According to the invention, the brewhouse yield is typically 65 to 85%, preferably 70 to 85%, but need not be limited to this. According to the invention, the yield can also be expressed as the integral of the concentration or...The extract content of the first wort and sparge water can be determined via the lauter volume in relation to the total volume of the wort (pan-full volume). Summary of the invention

[0012] The foregoing problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0013] A method for adjusting or changing a distance (D) between a first comminution surface (ZF1) and a second comminution surface (ZF2) of a comminution device (Z), preferably a mill (M), for an (n)th brew is claimed; wherein the comminution device (Z) is suitable for comminution or milling malt or raw grain for use in beer and beverage production; wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: (a) Determining the distance (D) between the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2); wherein the distance (D) preferably corresponds to the distance between the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2) at the (n-1)th batch or an initial distance (D0); (b) Determining a target lautering time (LDs) for the (n)th brew taking into account at least one parameter selected from a group consisting of: beer type, malt type, malt quantity, malt quality, malt grist, brew size, malt preconditioning, use of mash or wort acidification, type of grinding device, type of grinding surfaces, preferably of the first grinding surface (ZF1) and the second grinding surface (ZF2), number of grinding surfaces, condition of the grinding surfaces, preferably of the first grinding surface (ZF1) and the second grinding surface (ZF2), profile of the grinding surfaces,preferably the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), rotational speed of the comminution surface, preferably the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), total mass of material processed since the last renewal of the comminution surfaces, target total annual output of the beer type and target total annual output of the brewery; (c) recording the lautering time of an (n-1)th batch as a first lautering time (LDn-1); (d) recording the lautering time of an (n-2)th batch as a second lautering time (LDn-2); (e) preferably recording the lautering time of an (n-3)th batch as a third lautering time (LDn-3); preferably recording the lautering time of an (n-4)th batch as a fourth lautering time (LDn-4); preferably recording the lautering time of an (n-5)th batch as a fifth lautering time (LDn-5); (f) calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean of the first lautering time (LDn-1),the second lautering time (LDn-2) and preferably the third lautering time (LDn-3) while maintaining a mean lautering time (LDm); (g) comparing the mean lautering time (LDm) with the target lautering time (LDs); (h) if the condition: 0.95·LDs ≤ LDm ≤ 1.05·LDs is met, the distance (D) is not changed; and / or , If the condition: 0.90·LDs ≤ LDm < 0.95·LDs is met, the distance (D) is reduced by a predetermined amount y, preferably 0.05 mm; and / or if the condition: 0.85·LDs ≤ LDm < 0.90·LDs is met, the distance (D) is reduced by a predetermined amount z, preferably 0.10 mm; wherein the amount z is greater than the amount y, preferably 1.5y < z < 2.5y, in particular z = 2y; and / or if the condition: 1.05·LDs < LDm ≤ 1.10·LDs is met, the distance (D) is increased by the predetermined amount y, preferably 0.05 mm; and / or if the condition: 1.10·LDs < LDm ≤ 1.15·LDs is met, the distance (D) is increased by the predetermined amount z, preferably 0.10 mm; wherein the amount z is greater than the amount y, preferably 1.5y < z < 2.5y, in particular z = 2y;and / or if the condition: 1.15·LDs < LDm or LDm < 0.85·LDs is met, the distance (D) is set to an initial distance (D0) and / or an error message is issued.

[0014] Within the scope of the present invention, the amount y is preferably between 0.03 and 0.07 mm, in particular 0.05 mm. The amount z is greater than the amount y, preferably 1.5y < z < 2.5y, more preferably z = 2y, and even more preferably between 0.075 and 0.125 mm, in particular 0.100 mm.

[0015] Within the scope of the present invention, the brew currently under consideration is referred to as the (n)-th brew. The brew immediately preceding the brew currently under consideration is referred to as the (n-1)-th brew. The brew immediately preceding the (n-1)-th brew is referred to as the (n-2)-th brew. The brew immediately preceding the (n-2)-th brew is referred to as the (n-3)-th brew. The brew immediately preceding the (n-3)-th brew is referred to as the (n-4)-th brew. The brew immediately preceding the (n-4)-th brew is referred to as the (n-5)-th brew.

[0016] According to the invention, the consideration of the brews can also be limited to a specific selection of brews, for example, only to the brews of a particular beer style or a specific grist. In this case, the brew currently under consideration from this selection of brews, for example, a particular beer style, e.g., the currently considered pilsner brew, is considered the (n)th brew. The brew immediately preceding the currently considered brew within this selection of brews, for example, the particular beer style, e.g., the immediately preceding pilsner brew, is then designated as the (n-1)th brew. In accordance with the above definition, the (n-2)th, (n-3)th, (n-4)th, and (n-5)th brews are also defined for this selection. When limiting the selection to a specific range of brews, the brews not belonging to that selection are disregarded in the execution of the method according to the invention.

[0017] According to the invention, the lautering time is used for the first time in beer or beverage production as a control parameter for the automated adjustment of the distance between the first and second grinding surfaces of a grinding device. Through extensive investigations, the inventors discovered that, of the numerous possible control parameters, the distance between the first and second grinding surfaces of a grinding device, or the grinding gap, has a significant influence on the lautering time and is related to it by a polynomial. Therefore, this distance represents a useful and easily adjustable control parameter when a predetermined lautering time is to be achieved.According to the invention, it is no longer necessary to manually readjust the distance as before, taking into account, for example, the actual distance or the scrap sorting, if the operator notices that "lately", i.e., over the preceding batches, the technological specifications, be it the target distance, the specified scrap sorting or another parameter, are no longer being met.

[0018] In contrast, according to the invention, at least one of the determined process parameters of the preceding brews, in particular the lautering time, is recorded and checked against a target value. A sufficiently large deviation from the target value leads to an adjustment of the distance. The direction of the deviation (positive / negative) from the target value determines the direction of the adjustment of the distance (increase or decrease). Additionally, the magnitude of the deviation determines the quantitative extent of the adjustment.

[0019] Finally, the inventive method provides that, in the event of very large deviations of the lautering time from the target value (regardless of whether the deviation is positive or negative), the control of the distance for the current batch is not continued based on the calculated average value of the lautering time, but instead the distance is set to an initial distance. In this case, an error message can also be issued to the operator.

[0020] Furthermore, according to the invention, it is provided not only to record the lautering time of the immediately preceding brew, i.e., a single value for the lautering time, but to record the lautering times of at least the preceding two or preferably three brews, preferably of one variety, and to form the arithmetic or weighted mean value from these, which is defined as the mean lautering time.

[0021] By providing at least two, and preferably three, values ​​for the lautering time, naturally occurring fluctuations that can occur from batch to batch are at least partially compensated for. This successfully prevents oversensitivity of the control system, which can lead to unusable control behavior.

[0022] The target value, in this case the target lautering time, is determined based on one or more parameters and can draw on predefined values. These parameters can include, in particular, the beer type (and thus the recipe stored in the system for a specific beer type), the malt bill associated with the selected beer type (which includes the malt type(s) and their quantities), as well as other factors such as whether or not the malt is pre-conditioned, or the type and / or condition of the milling device.

[0023] A particular advantage of the method according to the invention is that skilled personnel can be relieved of routine tasks, such as adjusting the distance between the first and second comminution surfaces of the comminution device, for example, the roller spacing. Furthermore, the risk of errors associated with manual intervention in the control system is avoided.

[0024] A further significant advantage of the invention is a reduced reaction time and thus faster correction in the event of a relevant deviation from the target state. Traditionally, the distance between the first and second grinding surfaces was adjusted weekly or even every two weeks, i.e., after a large number of brews, assuming a brewing frequency of 12 to 16 brews per day. In contrast, the inventive method incorporates the increasing or decreasing lautering time of the immediately preceding brew into the calculation of the average lautering time and thus already takes this into account when controlling the distance for the immediately following brew.The same applies in the case of a very strong deviation from the target value: if a very strong deviation of the average lautering time from the target value occurs, this already affects the control of the interval of the immediately following brew.

[0025] The inventive definition of the parameter ranges for the control system allows for sufficiently sensitive control of the distance. At the same time, it avoids an unfavorable, unbalanced ("too hectic") control response. This enables the control system to react as quickly as possible to deviations from the target lautering time without requiring manual intervention. The inventive control system also makes it possible to react quickly and sensitively, but not overly sensitively, to fluctuations in raw material quality and to compensate for these fluctuations by appropriately adjusting the distance.

[0026] When determining the target value, depending on the current production requirements, a choice can be made between optimizing the yield level or achieving rapid refinement.

[0027] Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0028] The method may further comprise a step (e), wherein step (e) may include: recording the lautering time of an (n-3)th batch as a third lautering time (LDn-3). The target lautering time (LDs), the first lautering time (LDn-1), the second lautering time (LDn-2), the third lautering time (LDn-3), and preferably the initial distance (D0) may each be limited to the same or to a single beer type, malt variety, malt quantity, malt quality, or malt grist.

[0029] If, when calculating the average lautering time, only those values ​​or preceding brews are considered that relate to, for example, one and the same beer style or malt grist, the precision of the control system according to the invention increases considerably. This is particularly true when very different beer styles, which have very different malt grists of varying quality, are listed in an arbitrary order on the brewery's brewing schedule. Naturally, different beer styles usually have different, style-specific lautering times.

[0030] Furthermore, step (h) can be designed to include the following steps if the condition 0.90·LDs ≤ LDm < 0.95·LDs or the condition 1.05·LDs < LDm ≤ 1.10·LDs is met: (v1) Determining a target yield (As) for the (n)th brew taking into account at least one parameter selected from a group consisting of: beer type, malt type, malt quantity, malt quality, malt grist, brew size, malt preconditioning, use of mash or wort acidification, type of grinding device, type of grinding surfaces, preferably of the first grinding surface (ZF1) and the second grinding surface (ZF2), number of grinding surfaces, condition of the grinding surfaces, preferably of the first grinding surface (ZF1) and the second grinding surface (ZF2), profile of the grinding surfaces, preferably of the first grinding surface (ZF1) and the second grinding surface (ZF2), rotational speed of the grinding surface, preferably of the first grinding surface (ZF1) and the second grinding surface (ZF2), total mass of ground material processed since the last renewal of the grinding surfaces,(v2) Target total annual output of the beer type and target total annual output of the brewery; (v3) Recording the yield of the (n-1)th batch as a first yield (An-1); and (v4) Recording the yield of the (n-2)th batch as a second yield (An-2); and (v5) preferably recording the yield of the (n-3)th batch as a third yield (An-3); (v6) Calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean of the first yield (An-1), the second yield (An-2), and preferably the third yield (An-3) to obtain an average yield (Am); (v7) Comparing the average yield (Am) with the target yield (As); (v8) If the condition: 0.97·As ≤ Am ≤ 1.03·As is met, the distance (D) is not changed; and / or if the condition: Am < 0.97·As is met, the distance (D) is reduced by the predetermined amount y, preferably 0.05 mm.

[0031] In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the yield parameter is also taken into account in addition to the lautering time. Thus, analogous to the target lautering time, a target yield is determined, which is calculated based on the same or different parameters as the target lautering time. Furthermore, analogous to the lautering time, an average yield is determined and compared with the target yield.

[0032] The yield consideration should only affect the control system according to the invention if the average lautering time deviates only slightly to moderately (between 5 and 10%) from the target lautering time (100%). Such a moderate deviation (hysteresis) provides damping to the control, which is necessary to prevent the control parameter from "jumping." This allows any peaks that may occur to be smoothed out or filtered out. Therefore, if the average lautering time deviates slightly to moderately from the target lautering time and / or, in addition, the yield is more than a certain amount (for example, 3%) below the target yield, the aforementioned adjustment of the offset is implemented.

[0033] This method takes the time aspect into account via the parameter of average lautering time, since lautering is the temporal bottleneck of the brewhouse process. On the other hand, the yield parameter also allows for consideration of the yield aspect, or rather, the brewhouse yield. In particular, if a batch or series of batches has an insufficient yield, the interval between batches can be reduced to counteract the decrease in yield in the following batch.

[0034] Furthermore, the procedure may also include a step (e), which may comprise: Recording the lautering time of an (n-3)-th batch as a third lautering time (LDn-3); recording the lautering time of an (n-4)-th batch as a fourth lautering time (LDn-4); and recording the lautering time of an (n-5)-th batch as a fifth lautering time (LDn-5). The procedure may further include the following step after step (f) and before step (g): (l) comparing the mean lautering time (LDm) with the first lautering time (LDn-1), the second lautering time (LDn-2), the third lautering time (LDn-3), and the fourth lautering time (LDn-4), and if the conditions: |(LDn-1 - LDm)| / LDm > 0.15 and |(LDn-4 - LDm)| / LDm ≤ 0.15 are met, the mean lautering time (LDm) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean of the second lautering time (LDn-2), the third lautering time (LDn-3), and the fourth lautering time (LDn-4);and / or if the conditions: |(LDn-2 - LDm)| / LDm > 0.15 and |(LDn-4 - LDm)| / LDm ≤ 0.15 are met, the mean lautering time (LDm) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean of the first lautering time (LDn-1), the third lautering time (LDn-3) and the fourth lautering time (LDn-4); and / or if the conditions: |(LDn-3 - LDm)| / LDm > 0.15 and |(LDn-4 - LDm)| / LDm ≤ 0.15 are met, the mean lautering time (LDm) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean of the first lautering time (LDn-1), the second lautering time (LDn-2) and the fourth lautering time (LDn-4); and / or if the conditions: |(LDn-1 - LDm)| / LDm > 0.15 and |(LDn-4 - LDm)| / LDm > 0.15 are met, the mean lautering time (LDm) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean of the second lautering time (LDn-2), the third lautering time (LDn-3) and the fifth lautering time (LDn-5);and / or if the conditions: |(LDn-2 - LDm)| / LDm > 0.15 and |(LDn-4 - LDm)| / LDm > 0.15 are met, the mean lautering time (LDm) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean of the first lautering time (LDn-1), the third lautering time (LDn-3), and the fifth lautering time (LDn-5); and / or if the conditions: |(LDn-3 - LDm)| / LDm > 0.15 and |(LDn-4 - LDm)| / LDm > 0.15 are met, the mean lautering time (LDm) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean of the first lautering time (LDn-1), the second lautering time (LDn-2), and the fifth lautering time (LDn-5). According to the invention, |x| the absolute value (mathematical absolute value function) of the element x. For example, |(a - b)| means the absolute value of the difference between a and b.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, it can be provided to identify unusually long or short lautering times, which are considered "outliers," and exclude them from the calculation of the mean lautering time. The individual lautering times used to calculate the mean lautering time are compared with the mean lautering time. If one of the lautering times deviates from the mean lautering time by more than 15 percent, the mean lautering time is recalculated, excluding the deviating value. For example, if the lautering time of the last batch (n-1) deviates unusually significantly, this value is no longer considered in the new mean calculation. Instead, in addition to the two previous batches, the penultimate (n-2) and the third-to-last (n-3), a batch further back (n-4) is also considered, and the new mean is calculated from these three values.If the lautering time of the "substitute value," for example, the earlier brew (n-4), also deviates by more than 15 percent from the mean lautering time, then another value, for example, the lautering time of an even earlier brew (n-5), is considered for recalculating the mean lautering time. According to the invention, it is thus possible to check whether the newly considered value is also an outlier, and if so, to discard it and use another value instead.

[0036] By identifying and excluding outliers in the lautering times, the accuracy of the control method according to the invention is improved.

[0037] Furthermore, the procedure after step (f) and before step (g) may additionally include at least one of the following steps: (k1) Recording a mash-out temperature (ATn-1) of the (n-1)th batch; comparing the mash-out temperature (ATn-1) with a target mash-out temperature (ATs); if the condition: (ATs - 2 °C) ≤ ATn-1 ≤ (ATs + 2 °C) is not met, an error message is issued; and / or if the condition: (ATs - 2 °C) ≤ ATn-1 ≤ (ATs + 2 °C) is not met, the mean lautering time (LDm) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean of the second lautering time (LDn-2), the third lautering time (LDn-3), and the fourth lautering time (LDn-4); and / or (k2) Recording a mash-out temperature (ATn-2) of the (n-2)th batch; The system compares the mash-out temperature (ATn-2) with a target mash-out temperature (ATs); if the condition: (ATs - 2 °C) ≤ ATn-2 ≤ (ATs + 2 °C) is not met, an error message is displayed;and / or if the condition: (ATs - 2 °C) ≤ ATn-2 ≤ (ATs + 2 °C) is not met, the mean lautering time (LDm) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean of the first lautering time (LDn-1), the third lautering time (LDn-3), and the fourth lautering time (LDn-4); and / or (k3) recording a mash-out temperature (ATn-3) of the (n-3)th batch; comparing the mash-out temperature (ATn-3) with a target mash-out temperature (ATs); if the condition: (ATs - 2 °C) ≤ ATn-3 ≤ (ATs + 2 °C) is not met, an error message is issued; and / or if the condition: (ATs - 2 °C) ≤ ATn-3 ≤ (ATs + 2 °C) is not met, the mean lautering time (LDm) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean of the first lautering time (LDn-1), the second lautering time (LDn-2), and the fourth lautering time (LDn-4).

[0038] In a further advantageous embodiment, the mash-out temperature of one or more of the preceding batches can be recorded before or at the beginning of the actual process and compared with a target mash-out temperature. If the mash-out temperature of one of the batches deviates from the target mash-out temperature by more than 2 degrees Celsius, an error message is displayed to the operator. In addition to or as an alternative to the error message, the lautering time of the current batch can be excluded from the calculation of the average lautering time. Instead, the lautering time of a different, earlier batch can be taken into account.

[0039] In this way, the operator is notified at the beginning of the execution of the inventive method if an irregularity has occurred in the beer production process in connection with the technologically critical parameter of the mash-out temperature, particularly in the case of a significant exceedance or fall below the target mash-out temperature, in one of the batches under consideration. The accuracy of the inventive control method is further improved by identifying and excluding batches that exhibit outliers with respect to the mash-out temperature.

[0040] Furthermore, the method according to the invention can be designed in such a way that it is also suitable for determining the state of a first comminution surface (ZF 1) and a second comminution surface (ZF2) of a comminution device (Z) for an (n)th batch; wherein the grinding device (Z) is suitable for grinding or milling malt or raw grain for use in beer and beverage production; wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: (a) determining the distance (D) between the first grinding surface (ZF1) and the second grinding surface (ZF2); (b) determining a lautering time of an (n-1)th brew as a first lautering time (LDn-1); (c) Determining a target lautering time (LDs) for the (n)th brew taking into account at least one parameter selected from a group consisting of: beer type, malt type, malt quantity, malt quality, malt grist, brew size, malt preconditioning, use of mash or wort acidification, type of grinding device, type of grinding surfaces, preferably the first grinding surface (ZF1) and the second grinding surface (ZF2), number of grinding surfaces, condition of the grinding surfaces,preferably the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), profile of the comminution surfaces, preferably the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), rotational speed of the comminution surface, preferably the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), total mass of comminution material processed since the last renewal of the comminution surfaces, target total annual output of the beer type and target total annual output of the brewery; (d) recording the yield of the (n-1)th batch as a first yield (An-1); (e) Determining a target yield (As) for the (n)th brew taking into account at least one parameter selected from a group consisting of: beer type, malt type, malt quantity, malt quality, malt grist, brew size, malt preconditioning, use of mash or wort acidification, type of grinding device, type of grinding surfaces,preferably the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), number of comminution surfaces, condition of the comminution surfaces, preferably the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), profile of the comminution surfaces, preferably the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), rotational speed of the comminution surface, preferably the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), total mass of comminution material processed since the last renewal of the comminution surfaces, target total annual output of the beer type and target total annual output of the brewery; (f) comparison of the first lautering time (LDn-1) with the target lautering time (LDs); (g) comparison of the first yield (An-1) with the target yield (As); (h) if the condition: LDn-1 < 0.95·LDs is met; and / or if the condition: An-1 < 0,95·As is fulfilled; the distance (D) is reduced by a predetermined amount y, preferably 0.05 mm, and preferably a first wear message is issued; (i) after step (h), detection of the distance (D); (k) determination of a minimum distance (Dmin) between the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2) taking into account at least one parameter selected from a group consisting of: type of comminution device, type of comminution surfaces, preferably of the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), number of comminution surfaces, condition of the comminution surfaces, preferably of the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), profile of the comminution surfaces, preferably of the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), and rotational speed of the comminution surface,preferably the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2); (1) comparing the distance (D) with the minimum distance (Dmin); if the condition: 1.10·Dmin < D ≤ 1.20·Dmin is met, a second wear message is issued; and if the condition: Dmin ≤ D ≤ 1.10·Dmin is met, a third wear message is issued.

[0041] The invention further relates to a method in which a first lautering time and a target lautering time are determined as described above. Additionally, a first yield (yield of the previous brew (n-1)) and a target yield are determined analogously, taking into account one or more suitable parameters, such as the beer type or the malt grist. If the comparison shows that the first lautering time falls short of the target lautering time by a predetermined amount or more, and / or the first yield falls short of the target yield by a predetermined amount or more, the difference is reduced by a predetermined amount. In this case, a first wear indicator can also be issued to the operator. The reduction in lautering time and the decrease in yield can each indicate that wear is present on the considered grinding surfaces of the grinding device.

[0042] Therefore, if it is determined that lautering is happening faster than desired and the yield is simultaneously below the target value, the distance is reduced. The reduced distance is intended to result in a finer grind and thus a longer lautering time with an increased yield.

[0043] It is particularly advantageous if, after the distance is reduced, it is detected and compared with a minimum distance, i.e., the smallest distance that the considered comminution surfaces of the comminution device can assume. Thus, according to the inventive method, it is determined immediately after the last reduction of the distance whether the comminution device has already reached the minimum distance or is at least not far from it. The invention provides for two threshold values: a second wear indicator (first-stage wear indicator as a pre-warning) is issued when the distance is only 10 to 20% greater than the minimum distance. In contrast, a third wear indicator (second-stage wear indicator) is provided.to issue a level (in the sense of a genuine warning or indication of an (acute) maintenance requirement) if the distance exceeds or is equal to the minimum distance by 10% or less.

[0044] Overall, the method according to the invention thus also makes it possible to move away from fixed maintenance intervals for the shredding device, in particular for a given pair of rollers, which are determined by time or throughput. Instead, the maintenance forecast is based on the actual condition and thus on the actual wear of the shredding device. If a sufficient safety buffer, for example a range of 10 to 20% above the minimum distance, is taken into account when recording and checking the distance between the shredding surfaces under consideration, maintenance can be scheduled in good time by issuing an advance warning. "In good time" here means that maintenance is neither carried out while the wear is still low, nor is it carried out only when maximum wear (minimum distance) has already been reached. Consequently, the invention improves the predictability of maintenance.Furthermore, according to the invention, the operator receives a warning message if the distance exceeds the minimum distance by 10% or less, or is equal to it. This warns the operator that further operation of the shredding device may lead to malfunctions due to advanced wear.

[0045] The problem according to the invention is further solved by the method according to claim 6.

[0046] Thus, a method for adjusting or changing a distance (D) between a first comminution surface (ZF1) and a second comminution surface (ZF2) of a comminution device (Z), preferably a mill (M), for an (n)th batch is claimed; wherein the comminution device (Z) is suitable for comminuting or milling malt or unmalted grain for use in beer and beverage production; wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: (a) determining the distance (D) between the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2); (b) determining a target yield (As) for the (n)th brew taking into account at least one parameter selected from a group consisting of: beer type, malt type, malt quantity, malt quality, malt grist, brew size, malt preconditioning, use of mash or wort acidification, type of comminution device, type of comminution surfaces, preferably of the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), number of comminution surfaces, condition of the comminution surfaces, preferably of the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2),Profile of the comminution surfaces, preferably of the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), rotational speed of the comminution surface, preferably of the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), total mass of material processed since the last renewal of the comminution surfaces, target total annual output of the beer type and target total annual output of the brewery; (c) recording the yield of an (n-1)th brew as a first yield (An-1); (d) recording the yield of an (n-2)th brew as a second yield (An-2); (e) preferably recording the yield of an (n-3)th brew as a third yield (An-3); preferably recording the yield of an (n-4)th brew as a fourth yield (An-4); preferably recording the yield of an (n-5)th brew as a fifth yield (An-5); (f) Calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean of the first yield (An-1),(a) the second yield (An-2) and preferably the third yield (An-3) while obtaining an average yield (Am); (g) comparing the average yield (Am) with the target yield (As); (h) if the condition: 0.97·As ≤ Am ≤ 1.03·As is met, the distance (D) is not changed; and / or if the condition: 0.93·As ≤ Am < 0.97·As is met, the distance (D) is reduced by a predetermined amount y, preferably 0.05 mm; and / or if the condition: 0.85·As ≤ Am < 0.93·As is met, the distance (D) is reduced by a predetermined amount z, preferably 0.10 mm; wherein the amount z is greater than the amount y, preferably 1.5y < z < 2.5y, in particular z = 2y; and / or if the condition: 1.03·As < Am ≤ 1.07·As is met, the distance (D) is increased by the predetermined amount y, preferably 0.05 mm; and / or if the condition: 1.07·As < Am ≤ 1.15·As is met, the distance (D) is increased by the predetermined amount z, preferably 0.10 mm.increased; wherein the amount z is greater than the amount y, preferably 1.5y < z < 2.5y, in particular z = 2y; and / or if the condition: 1.15·As < Am or Am < 0.85·As is met, the distance (D) is set to the initial distance (D0) and / or an error message is issued.

[0047] The method according to claim 6 is identical to the method according to claim 1, except that the distance between the first comminution surface and the second comminution surface is controlled based on the yield instead of the lautering time. More precisely, in this variant of the method according to the invention, the distance is controlled by comparing an arithmetic or weighted mean of the yield of previous batches with a predetermined target yield. Otherwise, the control of the distance is based on the same principle according to the invention as in the method according to claim 1.

[0048] The advantages of the process variant according to claim 6 are identical to those of the process variant according to claim 1. The additional process variant, in which the control is based on the yield, gives the operator the option of choosing between control based on the lautering time or on the yield.

[0049] Advantageous embodiments of the process variant concerning control based on yield are the subject of the dependent claims. The advantages and technical effects are analogous to those of the process variant concerning control based on lautering time.

[0050] Advantageous embodiments are the subject of dependent claims 7 to 10. The advantages and technical effects of the methods described above according to claims 2 to 5 apply analogously.

[0051] The process may further include a step (e), wherein step (e) may comprise: recording the yield of an (n-3)th batch as a third yield (An-3). The target yield (As), the first yield (An-1), the second yield (An-2), the third yield (An-3), and preferably the initial distance (D0) may each be limited to the same or to a single beer type, malt variety, malt quantity, malt quality, or malt grist.

[0052] Furthermore, step (h) can be designed to include the following steps if the condition 0.90·As ≤ Am < 0.95·As or the condition 1.05·As < Am ≤ 1.10·As is met: (v1) Determining a target lautering time (LDs) for the (n)th brew, taking into account at least one parameter selected from a group consisting of: beer type, malt type, malt quantity, malt quality, malt grist, brew size, malt preconditioning, use of mash or wort acidification, type of grinding device, type of grinding surfaces, preferably of the first grinding surface (ZF1) and the second grinding surface (ZF2), number of grinding surfaces, condition of the grinding surfaces, preferably of the first grinding surface (ZF1) and the second grinding surface (ZF2), profile of the grinding surfaces, preferably of the first grinding surface (ZF1) and the second grinding surface (ZF2), rotational speed of the grinding surface, preferably of the first grinding surface (ZF1) and the second grinding surface (ZF2), total mass of ground material processed since the last renewal of the grinding surfaces,(v2) Target total annual output of the beer type and target total annual output of the brewery; (v3) Recording the lautering time of the (n-1)th batch as a first lautering time (LDn-1); and (v4) Recording the lautering time of the (n-2)th batch as a second lautering time (LDn-2); and (v5) preferably recording the lautering time of the (n-3)th batch as a third lautering time (LDn-3); (v6) Calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean of the first lautering time (LDn-1), the second lautering time (LDn-2), and preferably the third lautering time (LDn-3) to obtain a mean lautering time (LDm); (v7) Comparing the mean lautering time (LDm) with the target lautering time (LDs); (v7) if the condition: 0.95·LDs ≤ LDm ≤ 1.05·LDs is met, the distance (D) is not changed; and / or , If the condition: LDm < 0.95·LDs is met, the distance (D) is reduced by the predetermined amount y, preferably 0.05 mm.

[0053] Furthermore, the procedure may also include a step (e), which may comprise: Recording the yield of an (n-3)th batch as a third yield (An-3); recording the yield of an (n-4)th batch as a fourth yield (An-4); recording the yield of an (n-5)th batch as a fifth yield (An-5). The procedure after step (f) and before step (g) may further include the following step: (l) comparing the mean yield (Am) with the first yield (An-1), the second yield (An-2), the third yield (An-3), and the fourth yield (An-4), and if the conditions: |(An-1 - Am)| / Am > 0.15 and |(An-4 - Am)| / Am ≤ 0.15 are met, the mean yield (Am) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean of the second yield (An-2), the third yield (An-3), and the fourth yield (An-4);and / or if the conditions: |(An-2 - Am)| / Am > 0.15 and |(An-4 - Am)| / Am ≤ 0.15 are met, the mean yield (Am) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean of the first yield (An-1), the third yield (An-3) and the fourth yield (An-4); and / or if the conditions: |(An-3 - Am)| / Am > 0.15 and |(An-4 - Am)| / Am ≤ 0.15 are met, the mean yield (Am) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean of the first yield (An-1), the second yield (An-2) and the fourth yield (An-4); and / or if the conditions: |(An-1 - Am)| / Am > 0.15 and |(An-4 - Am)| / Am > 0.15 are met, the mean yield (Am) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean of the second yield (An-2), the third yield (An-3) and the fifth yield (An-5);and / or if the conditions: |(An-2 - Am)| / Am > 0.15 and |(An-4 - Am)| / Am > 0.15 are met, the mean yield (Am) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean of the first yield (An-1), the third yield (An-3), and the fifth yield (An-5); and / or if the conditions: |(An-3 - Am)| / Am > 0.15 and |(An-4 - Am)| / Am > 0.15 are met, the mean yield (Am) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean of the first yield (An-1), the second yield (An-2), and the fifth yield (An-5).

[0054] Furthermore, the procedure after step (f) and before step (g) may additionally include at least one of the following steps: (k1) Recording a mash-out temperature (ATn-1) of the (n-1)th batch; comparing the mash-out temperature (ATn-1) with a target mash-out temperature (ATs); if the condition: (ATs - 2 °C) ≤ ATn-1 ≤ (ATs + 2 °C) is not met, an error message is issued; and / or if the condition: (ATs - 2 °C) ≤ ATn-1 ≤ (ATs + 2 °C) is not met, the average yield (Am) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean of the second yield (An-2), the third yield (An-3), and the fourth yield (An-4); (k2) Recording a mash-out temperature (ATn-2) of the (n-2)th batch; The system compares the mash-out temperature (ATn-2) with a target mash-out temperature (ATs); if the condition: (ATs - 2 °C) ≤ ATn-2 ≤ (ATs + 2 °C) is not met, an error message is displayed;and / or if the condition: (ATs - 2 °C) ≤ ATn-2 ≤ (ATs + 2 °C) is not met, the average yield (Am) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean of the first yield (An-1), the third yield (An-3), and the fourth yield (An-4); and / or (k3) a mash-out temperature (ATn-3) of the (n-3)th batch is recorded; the mash-out temperature (ATn-3) is compared with a target mash-out temperature (ATs); if the condition: (ATs - 2 °C) ≤ ATn-3 ≤ (ATs + 2 °C) is not met, an error message is issued; and / or if the condition: (ATs - 2 °C) ≤ ATn-3 ≤ (ATs + 2 °C) is not met, the mean yield (Am) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean of the first yield (An-1), the second yield (An-2), and the fourth yield (An-4).

[0055] Furthermore, the method according to the invention can be designed in such a way that it is also suitable for determining the state of a first comminution surface (ZF 1) and a second comminution surface (ZF2) of a comminution device (Z) for an (n)th batch; wherein the grinding device (Z) is suitable for grinding or milling malt or raw grain for use in beer and beverage production; wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: (a) determining the distance (D) between the first grinding surface (ZF1) and the second grinding surface (ZF2); (b) determining a lautering time of an (n-1)th brew as a first lautering time (LDn-1); (c) Determining a target lautering time (LDs) for the (n)th brew taking into account at least one parameter selected from a group consisting of: beer type, malt type, malt quantity, malt quality, malt grist, brew size, malt preconditioning, use of mash or wort acidification, type of grinding device, type of grinding surfaces, preferably the first grinding surface (ZF1) and the second grinding surface (ZF2), number of grinding surfaces, condition of the grinding surfaces,preferably the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), profile of the comminution surfaces, preferably the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), rotational speed of the comminution surface, preferably the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), total mass of comminution material processed since the last renewal of the comminution surfaces, target total annual output of the beer type and target total annual output of the brewery; (d) recording the yield of the (n-1)th batch as a first yield (An-1); (e) Determining a target yield (As) for the (n)th brew taking into account at least one parameter selected from a group consisting of: beer type, malt type, malt quantity, malt quality, malt grist, brew size, malt preconditioning, use of mash or wort acidification, type of grinding device, type of grinding surfaces,preferably the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), number of comminution surfaces, condition of the comminution surfaces, preferably the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), profile of the comminution surfaces, preferably the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), rotational speed of the comminution surface, preferably the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), total mass of comminution material processed since the last renewal of the comminution surfaces, target total annual output of the beer type and target total annual output of the brewery; (f) comparison of the first lautering time (LDn-1) with the target lautering time (LDs); (g) comparison of the first yield (An-1) with the target yield (As); (h) if the condition: LDn-1 < 0.95·LDs is met; and / or if the condition: An-1 < 0,95·As is fulfilled; the distance (D) is reduced by a predetermined amount y, preferably 0.05 mm, and preferably a first wear message is issued; (i) after step (h), detection of the distance (D); (k) determination of a minimum distance (Dmin) between the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2) taking into account at least one parameter selected from a group consisting of: type of comminution device, type of comminution surfaces, preferably of the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), number of comminution surfaces, condition of the comminution surfaces, preferably of the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), profile of the comminution surfaces, preferably of the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2), and rotational speed of the comminution surface,preferably the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2); (1) comparing the distance (D) with the minimum distance (Dmin); if the condition: 1.10·Dmin < D ≤ 1.20·Dmin is met, a second wear message is issued; and if the condition: Dmin ≤ D ≤ 1.10·Dmin is met, a third wear message is issued.

[0056] The advantages of this method variant are identical to those of the method variant described above, in which the method is also suitable for determining the state of a first comminution surface (ZF1) and a second comminution surface (ZF2) of a comminution device (Z) for an (n)th batch.

[0057] In a further variant of the above-described process, the inventive process may additionally include at least the following step before step (a): (i) Adjusting the distance (D) between the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2) to an initial distance (D0); taking into account at least one parameter selected from a group consisting of: beer type, malt type, malt quantity, malt quality, malt grist, brew size, malt preconditioning, use of mash or wort acidification, type of grinding device, type of grinding surfaces, preferably of the first grinding surface (ZF1) and the second grinding surface (ZF2), number of grinding surfaces, condition of the grinding surfaces, preferably of the first grinding surface (ZF1) and the second grinding surface (ZF2), profile of the grinding surfaces, preferably of the first grinding surface (ZF1) and the second grinding surface (ZF2), rotational speed of the grinding surface, preferably of the first grinding surface (ZF1) and the second grinding surface (ZF2), total mass of material processed since the last renewal of the grinding surfaces,Target total annual output of the beer type and target total annual output of the brewery.

[0058] According to the invention, it is therefore possible to set the distance to an initial value at the beginning of the process. This makes it possible to use the inventive automatic distance control immediately after a specific event, such as changing the comminution surfaces, other maintenance work, or restarting after a process malfunction. This advantageously eliminates the need for a manual initial distance setting when starting up the comminution surface or after changing the comminution surfaces. According to the invention, the initial distance is typically 0.5 to 0.8 mm, but this is not limited to this value.

[0059] Furthermore, a control device suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention is disclosed. The modifications and advantages of the method according to the invention described above apply analogously to the control function.

[0060] The problem defined above is further solved by the uses according to claims 11 and 12. The modifications and advantages of the method described above apply analogously to the uses according to the invention.

[0061] Thus, the use of a lautering time (LD), preferably the mean lautering time (LDm), in particular the mean lautering time (LDm), as calculated in one of steps (f) (claim 1), (k1) (claim 5), (k2) (claim 5), (k3) (claim 5), (v5) (claim 3) of the inventive method, and / or a yield (A), preferably the mean yield (Am), in particular the mean yield (Am), as calculated in one of steps (f) (claim 6), (l) (claim 9), (k1) (claim 10), (k2) (claim 10), (k3) (claim 10), (v5) (claim 3) of the inventive method, is for adjusting or changing the distance (D) between the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2) of the comminution device (Z), preferably a mill (M), for claims one (n)th brew;wherein the crushing device (Z) is suitable for crushing or grinding malt or raw grain for use in the production of beer and beverages.;

[0062] Furthermore, the use of a deviation of a lautering time (LD), preferably the mean lautering time (LDm), in particular the mean lautering time (LDm), as calculated in one of steps (f) (claim 1), (k1) (claim 5), (k2) (claim 5), (k3) (claim 5), (v5) (claim 3) of the method according to the invention, from the target lautering time (LDs) and / or a deviation of a yield (A), preferably the mean yield (Am), in particular the mean yield (Am), as calculated in one of steps (f) (claim 6), (l) (claim 9), (k1) (claim 10), (k2) (claim 10), (k3) (claim 10), (v5) (claim 3) of the method according to the invention, from the target yield (As), is used to adjust or change the distance (D) between the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second Crushing area (ZF2) of the crushing device (Z), preferably a mill (M), claimed for an (n)th batch;wherein the crushing device (Z) is suitable for crushing or grinding malt or raw grain for use in the production of beer and beverages.; Further disclosure of the invention and alternatives

[0063] The present invention further comprises an alternative embodiment of the method and use according to the invention as described above. All features of this alternative embodiment and modification of the invention are identical to those of the embodiments and modifications described above, with the following exception: when calculating the mean, in particular the arithmetic mean according to steps (f), (v5), (l), (k1), (k2) and / or (k3) of claims 1 to 5 or the arithmetic mean according to steps (f), (v5), (l), (k1), (k2) and / or (k3) of claims 6 and 8 to 10, a weighted mean can be calculated instead of the arithmetic mean. This alternative can be applied to individual, multiple (any selection), and in particular to all mean calculations performed within the scope of the method and use according to the invention.

[0064] For example, in the method according to the invention, the calculation of the arithmetic mean can be replaced by a calculation of the mean in which the values ​​forming the mean are weighted differently. For example, according to the invention, a brew that is closer in time to the brew under consideration can be weighted more heavily than a brew that is further in time. Thus, in the mean calculation, a specific parameter, for example, the lautering time, of the brew (n-1) immediately preceding the brew under consideration (n) can be weighted more heavily than the corresponding parameter of the brew (n-2) that is further in time. The latter can, in turn, be weighted more heavily than the corresponding parameter of a brew (n-3) that is even further in time. An example calculation of a weighted mean value for a lautering time would be: mean lautering time (LDm) = [3·(LDn-1) + 2·(LDn-2) + 1·(LDn-1)] / [3+2+1] (weighting factors: 3, 2, 1; cf.Weighting factors (Example 2 in the table below).

[0065] The present invention is not limited to the aforementioned weighting factors. For example, the following weighting factors can also be used (Examples 1, 5 and 8 correspond to the arithmetic mean taking into account 3, 4 and 5 preceding sessions):

[0066] By weighting the individual parameters, for example, more recent batches can be weighted more heavily than older batches, i.e., those from further back in time, when calculating the average value. This makes it possible to give greater weight to changes that are currently occurring, i.e., particularly in the immediately preceding batch or the two immediately preceding batches. This advantageously increases the sensitivity of the control method according to the invention with regard to taking currently occurring changes into account. Examples Example 1

[0067] A Pilsner is brewed using malt from origin A. The target lautering time LDs for the brew under consideration (= (n)th brew) is 120 min with a yield of 76%. The distance D between the first grinding surface ZF1 and the second grinding surface ZF2 (grinding gap) is 0.6 mm. The lautering times of three brews preceding the brew under consideration ((n-1), (n-2), and (n-3) brews) are recorded: Lautering time of the (n-1)th batch (LDn-1): 130 min Lautering time of the (n-2)th batch (LDn-2): 128 min Lautering time of the (n-3)th batch (LDn-3): 135 min

[0068] An arithmetic mean value LDm is calculated from the lautering times LDn-1, LDn-2, and LDn-3, which is 131 minutes. The deviation from the target lautering time LDs is +9.2% (LDm = 1.092·LDs), accordingly, the mean lautering time LDm is 11 minutes longer than the target lautering time LDs.

[0069] Thus, the condition: 1.05·LDs < LDm ≤ 1.10·LDs is fulfilled, and according to the inventive method, the distance D for the considered batch (= (n)-th batch) is increased by a predetermined amount y, here by 0.05 mm, to 0.65 mm. Example 2

[0070] Three more batches of the same beer style and with the same raw materials are brewed. The target lautering time LDs for the batch under consideration (= (n)th batch) is, as in Example 1, 120 min with a yield of 76%. The distance D between the first grinding surface ZF1 and the second grinding surface ZF2 (grinding gap) is now 0.65 mm. The lautering times of the three new batches preceding the batch under consideration ((n-1), (n-2), and (n-3) brews) are recorded: Lautering time of the (n-1)th batch (LDn-1): 116 min Lautering time of the (n-2)th batch (LDn-2): 114 min Lautering time of the (n-3)th batch (LDn-3): 119 min

[0071] An arithmetic mean value LDm is calculated from the lautering times LDn-1, LDn-2, and LDn-3, which is 116.3 minutes. The deviation from the target lautering time LDs is -3.06% (LDm = 0.969·LDs). Accordingly, the mean lautering time LDm is 3.67 minutes shorter than the target lautering time LDs.

[0072] Thus, the condition: 0.95·LDs ≤ LDm ≤ 1.05·LDs is fulfilled, and according to the inventive method, the distance D for the considered batch (= (n)-th batch) is not changed. Example 3

[0073] A different beer style is brewed with a different malt. The distance D between the first grinding surface ZF1 and the second grinding surface ZF2 (grinding gap) is reset to the initial distance D0 of 0.6 mm. The target lautering time LDs for the brew under consideration (= (n)th brew) is 120 min with a yield of 77.5%. The lautering times of three brews preceding the brew under consideration (= (n)th brew) are recorded: ((n-1)th, (n-2)th, (n-3)th brew). Lautering time of the (n-1)th batch (LDn-1): 115 min Lautering time of the (n-2)th batch (LDn-2): 116 min Lautering time of the (n-3)th batch (LDn-3): 110 min

[0074] An arithmetic mean value LDm is calculated from the lautering times LDn-1, LDn-2, and LDn-3, which is 113.67 minutes. The deviation from the target lautering time LDs is -5.3% (LDm = 0.947 - LDs), accordingly, the mean lautering time LDm is 6.33 minutes shorter than the target lautering time LDs.

[0075] Thus, the condition: 0.90·LDs ≤ LDm < 0.95·LDs is fulfilled, and according to the inventive method, the distance D for the considered brew (= (n)-th brew) is reduced by a predetermined amount y, here by 0.05 mm, to 0.55 mm. Example 4

[0076] Three more batches of the same beer style and with the same raw materials as in Example 3 are brewed. The target lautering time LDs for the batch under consideration (= (n)th batch) is 120 min, as in Example 3, with a yield of 77.5%. The distance D between the first grinding surface ZF1 and the second grinding surface ZF2 (grinding gap) is now 0.55 mm. The lautering times of the three new batches preceding the batch under consideration (= (n)th batch) ((n-1)th, (n-2)th, (n-3)th batch) are recorded: Lautering time of the (n-1)th batch (LDn-1): 119 min Lautering time of the (n-2)th batch (LDn-2): 123 min Lautering time of the (n-3)th batch (LDn-3): 122 min

[0077] An arithmetic mean value LDm is calculated from the lautering times LDn-1, LDn-2, and LDn-3, which is 121.33 minutes. The deviation from the target lautering time LDs is +1.011% (LDm = 1.011·LDs). Accordingly, the mean lautering time LDm is 1.33 minutes longer than the target lautering time LDs.

[0078] Thus, the condition: 0.95·LDs ≤ LDm ≤ 1.05·LDs is fulfilled, and according to the inventive method, the distance D for the considered batch (= (n)-th batch) is not changed. Example 5

[0079] A Pilsner is brewed using malt from origin A. The target lautering time LDs for the brew under consideration (= (n)th brew) is 120 min with a yield of 76%. The distance D between the first grinding surface ZF1 and the second grinding surface ZF2 (grinding gap) is 0.6 mm. The lautering times of three brews are recorded: Lautering time of the (n-1)th batch (LDn-1): 130 min Lautering time of the (n-2)th batch (LDn-2): 128 min Lautering time of the (n-3)th batch (LDn-3): 135 min

[0080] An arithmetic mean value LDm is calculated from the lautering times LDn-1, LDn-2, and LDn-3, which is 131 minutes. The deviation from the target lautering time LDs is +9.2% (LDm = 1.092·LDs), accordingly, the mean lautering time LDm is 11 minutes longer than the target lautering time LDs.

[0081] Thus, the condition: 1.05·LDs < LDm ≤ 1.10·LDs is fulfilled, and according to the inventive method, the distance D for the considered batch (= (n)-th batch) is increased by a predetermined amount y, here by 0.05 mm, to 0.65 mm. Example 6

[0082] Starting with Example 5, another batch of the same beer style and with the same raw materials is brewed. The target lautering time LDs for the batch under consideration (= (n)th batch) is, as in Example 5, 120 min with a yield of 76%. The distance D between the first grinding surface ZF1 and the second grinding surface ZF2 (grinding gap) is now 0.65 mm. The lautering time of the one new batch preceding the batch under consideration (= (n)th batch) ((n-1)th batch) is also recorded, so that the lautering times of the following batches have been recorded in total (Examples 5 and 6): Lautering time of the (n-1)th batch (LDn-1): 121 min Lautering time of the (n-2)th batch (LDn-2): 130 min Lautering time of the (n-3)th batch (LDn-3): 128 min Lautering time of the (n-4)th batch (LDn-4): 135 min

[0083] An arithmetic mean value LDm is calculated from the lautering times LDn-1, LDn-2, and LDn-3, which is 126.33 minutes. The deviation from the target lautering time LDs is +5.275% (LDm = 1.05275·LDs). Accordingly, the mean lautering time LDm is 6.33 minutes longer than the target lautering time LDs.

[0084] Thus, the condition: 1.05·LDs < LDm ≤ 1.10·LDs is again fulfilled, and according to the inventive method, the distance D for the considered batch (= (n)-th batch) is increased by a predetermined amount y, here by 0.05 mm, to 0.70 mm. Example 7

[0085] Starting with Example 6, another batch of the same beer style and with the same raw materials is brewed. The target lautering time LDs for the batch under consideration (= (n)th batch) is, as in Examples 5 and 6, 120 min with a yield of 76%. The distance D between the first grinding surface ZF1 and the second grinding surface ZF2 (grinding gap) is now 0.70 mm. The lautering time of the one new batch preceding the batch under consideration (= (n)th batch) ((n-1)th batch) is also recorded, so that the lautering times of the following batches have been recorded in total (Examples 5, 6, and 7): Lautering time of the (n-1)th batch (LDn-1): 105 min Lautering time of the (n-2)th batch (LDn-2): 121 min Lautering time of the (n-3)th batch (LDn-3): 130 min Lautering time of the (n-4)th batch (LDn-4): 128 min Lautering time of the (n-5)th batch (LDn-5): 135 min

[0086] An arithmetic mean value LDm is calculated from the lautering times LDn-1, LDn-2, and LDn-3, which is 118.67 minutes. The deviation from the target lautering time LDs is -1.11% (LDm = 0.9889·LDs). Accordingly, the mean lautering time LDm is 1.33 minutes shorter than the target lautering time LDs.

[0087] Thus, the condition: 0.95·LDs ≤ LDm ≤ 1.05·LDs is fulfilled, and according to the inventive method, the distance D for the considered batch (= (n)-th batch) is not changed, i.e., it remains at 0.70 mm.

Claims

1. A method of adjusting or varying a distance (D) between a first comminution surface (ZF1) and a second comminution surface (ZF2) of a comminution device (Z) for an (n)th brew; wherein the comminution device (Z) is adapted to comminute or grind a malt or raw grain for use in beer and beverage production; the method comprising at least the following steps: (a) detecting the distance (D) between the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2); characterized by (b) determining a target lautering duration (LDs) for the (n)th brew, taking into account at least one parameter selected from a group consisting of: Beer type, malt type, malt quantity, malt quality, malt bulk, batch size, preconditioning of the malt, use of mash or wort acidification, type of comminution device, type of comminution surfaces, number of comminution surfaces, condition of the comminution surfaces, profile of the comminution surfaces, rotation speed of the comminution surface, total mass of comminution material processed since the last renewal of the comminution surfaces, target total annual output of the beer type and target total annual output of the brewery; (c) Detecting the lautering duration of an (n-1)th brew as a first lautering duration (LDn-1); (d) detecting the lautering duration of an (n-2)th brew as a second lautering duration (LDn-2); (e) preferably detecting the lautering duration of an (n-3)th brew as a third lautering duration (LDn-3); (f) calculating the arithmetic or weighted average of the first lautering duration (LDn-1), the second lautering duration (LDn-2) and preferably the third lautering duration (LDn-3) to obtain an average lautering duration (LDm); (g) comparing the average lautering duration (LDm) with the target lautering duration (LDs); (h) if the condition: 0.95·LDs ≤ LDm ≤ 1.05·LDs is met, the distance (D) is not varied; and / or if the condition: 0.90·LDs ≤ LDm < 0.95·LDs is met, the distance (D) is reduced by a predetermined amount y; and / or if the condition: 0.85·LDs ≤ LDm < 0.90·LDs is met, the distance (D) is reduced by a predetermined amount z; where the amount z is greater than the amount y; and / or if the condition: 1.05·LDs < LDm ≤ 1.10·LDs is met, the distance (D) is increased by the predetermined amount y; and / or if the condition: 1.10·LDs < LDm ≤ 1.15·LDs is met, the distance (D) is increased by the predetermined amount z; where the amount z is greater than the amount y; and / or if the condition: 1.15·LDs < LDm or LDm < 0.85·LDs is met, the distance (D) is set to an initial distance (D0) and / or an error message is output.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the method further comprises a step (e), wherein the step (e) comprises: detecting the lautering duration of an (n-3)th brew as a third lautering duration (LDn-3); and that the target lautering duration (LDs), the first lautering duration (LDn-1), the second lautering duration (LDn-2) and the third lautering duration (LDn-3) are each limited to the same or each to a single beer type, malt type, malt quantity, malt quality or malt batch.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, <b>characterized in that, if the condition 0.90·LDs ≤ LDm < 0.95·LDs or the condition 1.05·LDs < LDm ≤ 1.10·LDs is met, step (h) is designed as comprising the following steps: (v1) determining a target yield (As) for the (n)th brew, taking into account at least one parameter selected from a group consisting of: Beer type, malt type, malt quantity, malt quality, malt batch, brew size, preconditioning of the malt, use of mash or wort acidification, type of comminution device, type of comminution surfaces, number of comminution surfaces, condition of the comminution surfaces, profile of the comminution surfaces, rotation speed of the comminution surface, total mass of comminution material processed since the last renewal of the comminution surfaces, target total annual output of the beer type and target total annual output of the brewery; (v2) detecting the yield of the (n-1)th brew as a first yield (An-1); and (v3) detecting the yield of the (n-2)th brew as a second yield (An-2); and (v4) preferably detecting the yield of the (n-3)th brew as a third yield (An-3); (v5) calculating the arithmetic or weighted average of the first yield (An-1), the second yield (An-2) and preferably the third yield (An-3) to obtain an average yield (Am); (v6) comparing the average yield (Am) with the target yield (As); (v7) if the condition: 0.97·As ≤ Am ≤ 1.03·As is met, the distance (D) is not varied; and / or if the condition: Am < 0.97·As is met, the distance (D) is reduced by the predetermined amount y.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the method further comprises a step (e), wherein the step (e) comprises: Detecting the lautering duration of an (n-3)th brew as a third lautering duration (LDn-3); detecting the lautering duration of an (n-4)th brew as a fourth lautering duration (LDn-4); and detecting the lautering duration of an (n-5)th brew as a fifth lautering duration (LDn-5); and in that the method further comprises the following step after step (f) and before step (g): (l) comparing the average lautering duration (LDm) with the first lautering duration (LDn-1), the second lautering duration (LDn-2), the third lautering duration (LDn-3), and the fourth lautering duration (LDn-4), respectively; and if the conditions: |(LDn-1 - LDm)| / LDm > 0.15 and |(LDn-4 - LDm)| / LDm ≤ 0.15 are met, the average lautering duration (LDm) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted average of the second lautering duration (LDn-2), the third lautering duration (LDn-3) and the fourth lautering duration (LDn-4); and / or if the conditions: |(LDn-2 - LDm)| / LDm > 0.15 and |(LDn-4 - LDm)| / LDm ≤ 0.15 are met, the average lautering duration (LDm) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted average value from the first lautering duration (LDn-1), the third lautering duration (LDn-3) and the fourth lautering duration (LDn-4); and / or if the conditions: |(LDn-3 - LDm)| / LDm > 0.15 and |(LDn-4 - LDm)| / LDm ≤ 0.15 are met, the average lautering duration (LDm) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted average value from the first lautering duration (LDn-1), the second lautering duration (LDn-2) and the fourth lautering duration (LDn-4); and / or if the conditions: |(LDn-1 - LDm)| / LDm > 0.15 and |(LDn-4 - LDm)| / LDm > 0.15 are met, the average lautering duration (LDm) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted average value from the second lautering duration (LDn-2), the third lautering duration (LDn-3) and the fifth lautering duration (LDn-5); and / or if the conditions: |(LDn-2 - LDm)| / LDm > 0.15 and |(LDn-4 - LDm)| / LDm > 0.15 are met, the average lautering duration (LDm) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted average value from the first lautering duration (LDn-1), the third lautering duration (LDn-3) and the fifth lautering duration (LDn-5); and / or if the conditions: |(LDn-3 - LDm)| / LDm > 0.15 and |(LDn-4 - LDm)| / LDm > 0.15 are met, the average lautering duration (LDm) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted average of the first lautering duration (LDn-1), the second lautering duration (LDn-2) and the fifth lautering duration (LDn-5).

5. The method according to one of claims 1 to 4, <b>characterized in that the method additionally comprises at least one of the following steps after step (f) and before step (g): (k1) detecting a mash-off temperature (ATn-1) of the (n-1)th brew; comparing the mash-off temperature (ATn-1) with a target mash-off temperature (ATs); if the condition: (ATs - 2 °C) ≤ ATn-1 ≤ (ATs + 2 °C) is not met, an error message is output; and / or if the condition: (ATs - 2 °C) ≤ ATn-1 ≤ (ATs + 2 °C) is not met, the average lautering duration (LDm) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted average of the second lautering duration (LDn-2), the third lautering duration (LDn-3) and the fourth lautering duration (LDn-4); (k2) detecting a mash-off temperature (ATn-2) of the (n-2)th brew; comparing the mash-off temperature (ATn-2) with a target mash-off temperature (ATs); if the condition: (ATs - 2 °C) ≤ ATn-2 ≤ (ATs + 2 °C) is not met, an error message is output; and / or if the condition: (ATs - 2 °C) ≤ ATn-2 ≤ (ATs + 2 °C) is not met, the average lautering duration (LDm) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted average of the first lautering duration (LDn-1), the third lautering duration (LDn-3) and the fourth lautering duration (LDn-4); and / or (k3) detecting a mash-off temperature (ATn-3) of the (n-3)th brew; comparing the mash-off temperature (ATn-3) with a target mash-off temperature (ATs); if the condition: (ATs - 2 °C) ≤ ATn-3 ≤ (ATs + 2 °C) is not met, an error message is output; and / or if the condition: (ATs - 2 °C) ≤ ATn-3 ≤ (ATs + 2 °C) is not met, the average lautering duration (LDm) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted average of the first lautering duration (LDn-1), the second lautering duration (LDn-2) and the fourth lautering duration (LDn-4).

6. A method for adjusting or varying a distance (D) between a first comminution surface (ZF1) and a second comminution surface (ZF2) of a comminution device (Z) for an (n)th brew; wherein the comminution device (Z) is adapted to comminute or grind a malt or raw grain for use in beer and beverage production; the method comprising at least the following steps: (a) detecting the distance (D) between the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2); characterized by (b) determining a target yield (As) for the (n)th brew, taking into account at least one parameter selected from a group consisting of: Beer type, malt type, malt quantity, malt quality, malt batch, brew size, preconditioning of the malt, use of mash or wort acidification, type of comminution device, type of comminution surfaces, number of comminution surfaces, condition of the comminution surfaces, profile of the comminution surfaces, rotation speed of the comminution surface, total mass of comminution material processed since the last renewal of the comminution surfaces, target total annual output of the beer type and target total annual output of the brewery; (c) detecting the yield of an (n-1)th brew as a first yield (An-1); (d) detecting the yield of an (n-2)th brew as a second yield (An-2); (e) preferably detecting the yield of an (n-3)th brew as a third yield (An-3); (f) calculating the arithmetic or weighted average of the first yield (An-1), the second yield (An-2) and preferably the third yield (An-3) to obtain an average yield (Am); (g) comparing the average yield (Am) with the target yield (As); (h) if the condition: 0.97·As ≤ Am ≤ 1.03·As is met, the distance (D) is not varied; and / or if the condition: 0.93·As ≤ Am < 0.97·As is met, the distance (D) is reduced by a predetermined amount y; and / or if the condition: 0.85·As ≤ Am < 0.93·As is met, the distance (D) is reduced by a predetermined amount z; where the amount z is greater than the amount y; and / or if the condition: 1.03·As < Am ≤ 1.07·As is met, the distance (D) is increased by the predetermined amount y; and / or if the condition: 1.07·As < Am ≤ 1.15·As is met, the distance (D) is increased by the predetermined amount z; where the amount z is greater than the amount y; and / or if the condition: 1.15·As < Am or Am < 0.85·As is met, the distance (D) is set to an initial distance (D0) and / or an error message is output.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that the method further comprises a step (e), wherein the step (e) comprises: detecting the yield of an (n-3)th brew as a third yield (An-3); and that the target yield (As), the first yield (An-1), the second yield (An-2) and the third yield (An-3) are each limited to the same or to a single beer type, malt type, malt quantity, malt quality or malt batch.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that step (h), when the condition 0.90·As ≤ Am < 0.95·As or the condition 1.05·As < Am ≤ 1.10·As is met, is designed as comprising the following steps: (v1) determining a target lautering duration (LDs) for the (n)th brew, taking into account at least one parameter selected from a group consisting of: Beer type, malt type, malt quantity, malt quality, malt batch, brew size, preconditioning of the malt, use of mash or wort acidification, type of comminution device, type of comminution surfaces, number of comminution surfaces, condition of the comminution surfaces, profile of the comminution surfaces, rotation speed of the comminution surface, total mass of comminution material processed since the last renewal of the comminution surfaces, target total annual output of the beer type and target total annual output of the brewery; (v2) detecting the lautering duration of the (n-1)th brew as a first lautering duration (LDn-1); and (v3) detecting the lautering duration of the (n-2)th brew as a second lautering duration (LDn-2); and (v4) preferably detecting the lautering duration of the (n-3)th brew as a third lautering duration (LDn-3); (v5) calculating the arithmetic or weighted average of the first lautering duration (LDn-1), the second lautering duration (LDn-2) and preferably the third lautering duration (LDn-3) to obtain an average lautering duration (LDm); (v6) comparing the average lautering duration (LDm) with the target lautering duration (LDs); (v7) if the condition: 0.95·LDs ≤ LDm ≤ 1.05·LDs is met, the distance (D) is not varied; and / or if the condition: LDm < 0.95·LDs is met, the distance (D) is reduced by the predetermined amount y.

9. The method according to Claim 6, characterized in that the method further comprises a step (e), wherein the step (e) comprises: Detecting the yield of an (n-3)th brew as a third yield (An-3); detecting the yield of an (n-4th) brew as a fourth yield (An-4); detecting the yield of an (n-5)th brew as a fifth yield (An-5); and in that the method further comprises the following step after step (f) and before step (g): (l) comparing the average yield (Am) with the first yield (An-1), the second yield (An-2), the third yield (An-3), and the fourth yield (An-4), respectively; and if the conditions: |(An-1 - Am)| / Am > 0.15 and |(An-4 - Am)| / Am ≤ 0.15 are met, the average yield (Am) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted average of the second yield (An-2), the third yield (An-3), and the fourth yield (An-4); and / or if the conditions: |(An-2 - Am)| / Am > 0.15 and |(An-4 - Am)| / Am ≤ 0.15 are met, the mean yield (Am) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean value from the first yield (An-1), the third yield (An-3) and the fourth yield (An-4); and / or if the conditions: |(An-3 - Am)| / Am > 0.15 and |(An-4 - Am)| / Am ≤ 0.15 are met, the mean yield (Am) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean value from the first yield (An-1), the second yield (An-2) and the fourth yield (An-4); and / or if the conditions: |(An-1 - Am)| / Am > 0.15 and |(An-4 - Am)| / Am > 0.15 are met, the mean yield (Am) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean value from the second yield (An-2), the third yield (An-3) and the fifth yield (An-5); and / or if the conditions: |(An-2 - Am)| / Am > 0.15 and |(An-4 - Am)| / Am > 0.15 are met, the mean yield (Am) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted mean value from the first yield (An-1), the third yield (An-3) and the fifth yield (An-5); and / or if the conditions: |(An-3 - Am)| / Am > 0.15 and |(An-4 - Am)| / Am > 0.15 are met, a recalculation of the average yield (Am) is performed by calculating the arithmetic or weighted average of the first yield (An-1), the second yield (An-2) and the fifth yield (An-5).

10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the method additionally comprises at least one of the following steps after step (f) and before step (g): (k1) detecting a mash-off temperature (ATn-1) of the (n-1)th brew; comparing the mash-off temperature (ATn-1) with a target mash-off temperature (ATs); if the condition: (ATs - 2 °C) ≤ ATn-1 ≤ (ATs + 2 °C) is not met, an error message is output; and / or if the condition: (ATs - 2 °C) ≤ ATn-1 ≤ (ATs + 2 °C) is not met, the average yield (Am) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted average of the second yield (An-2), the third yield (An-3) and the fourth yield (An-4); (k2) detecting a mash-off temperature (ATn-2) of the (n-2)th brew; comparing the mash-off temperature (ATn-2) with a target mash-off temperature (ATs); if the condition: (ATs - 2 °C) ≤ ATn-2 ≤ (ATs + 2 °C) is not met, an error message is output; and / or if the condition: (ATs - 2 °C) ≤ ATn-2 ≤ (ATs + 2 °C) is not met, the average yield (Am) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted average of the first yield (An-1), the third yield (An-3) and the fourth yield (An-4); and / or (k3) detecting a mash-off temperature (ATn-3) of the (n-3)th brew; comparing the mash-off temperature (ATn-3) with a target mash-off temperature (ATs); if the condition: (ATs - 2 °C) ≤ ATn-3 ≤ (ATs + 2 °C) is not met, an error message is output; and / or if the condition: (ATs - 2 °C) ≤ ATn-3 ≤ (ATs + 2 °C) is not met, the average yield (Am) is recalculated by calculating the arithmetic or weighted average of the first yield (An-1), the second yield (An-2) and the fourth yield (An-4).

11. Using a lautering duration (LD) or a yield (A) for adjusting or varying the distance (D) between the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2) of the comminution device (Z) for an (n)th brew; wherein the comminution device (Z) is adapted to comminute or grind a malt or raw grain for use in beer and beverage production.

12. Using a deviation of a lautering duration (LD) from the target lautering duration (LDs) or a deviation of a yield (A) from the target yield (As), for adjusting or varying the distance (D) between the first comminution surface (ZF1) and the second comminution surface (ZF2) of the comminution device (Z) for an (n)th brew; wherein the comminution device (Z) is adapted to comminute or grind a malt or raw grain for use in beer and beverage production.