A system for steeping, germination and / or milling

Abstract

The disclosure regards a system comprising a container comprising an upper part and a lower part, wherein said upper part comprises an inlet, where material can enter the container, a mesh floor, the mesh floor comprising an outlet, a giracleur unit located above the mesh floor, the giracleur unit comprising one or more arms configured to move material positioned above the mesh floor towards the outlet of the mesh floor, said lower part is tapered towards the bottom and comprises an outlet where the material can exit the container.

Description

[0001] A system for steeping, germination and / or milling

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a novel steeping and germination system for processing cereal grains, and a milling system.

[0003] Background

[0004] The state of the art in the field of producing malt for brewing involves production of dry malt by utilizing a number of dedicated vessels for steeping and germination of grains. Steeping involves the process where barley grains are soaked in water to initialize germination by increasing the water content of the grains. The next step involves the germination, where the soaked barley is positioned in a germination platform under controlled temperature and humidity conditions. Steeping and germination activates hydrolytic enzymes in the grains. The last step of dry malt processing is kilning, where germination is halted by heating and drying the malted barley in a kiln. Production of dry malt is highly energy consuming mainly due to the kilning step. The total process is a time-consuming production, as each step may take a few days to be completed. Another drawback of this method is the large amounts of water required

[0005] As an alternative process, use of green malt has been considered, but several obstacles are associated with use of green malt, and it is therefore not used on industrial scale. The green malt process does not require drying the malt, resulting in consuming less energy, water and time in comparison to the dry malt described above. In the conventional malting process kiln-drying has been considered for reducing the moisture content and removing germination rootlets. Once malt has been kiln dried, the rootlets can easily be removed e.g. using a deculmer. Deculming should be carried out soon after the malt is stripped from the kiln to help cool it and before the rootlets pick up moisture from the air, become slack and pliable (less brittle) and therefore, more difficult to break and separate” (D.E. Briggs, Malts and Malting; p695 First Edition, 1998 Published by Blackie & Professionals, London, ISBNO 412 29800). The presence of rootlets may lead to entanglement of the germinated grains resulting in difficulties when handling and transporting green malt. Furthermore, the moisture content of green malt also contributes to difficulties in handling and transport. The high moisture content may further lead to undesirable microbial contamination and thus reduces storage time of the green malt. The entanglement of rootlets, the moisture content and the high viscosity of green malt also gives rise to challenges when milling of green malt, because this may lead to clogging of ordinary milling systems. Furthermore, the presence of rootlets may pose problems with taste of products prepared from green malt, because rootlets are rich in undesirable flavour compounds, such as dimethyl sulfphide (DMS) (Dugulin et al., 2019).

[0006] Summary

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a novel method for production of green malt and extracts thereof, which are fast and energy effective, while at the same time allow for easy handling and transport of the green malt. It is further preferred that the methods allow for production of extracts of the green malt, which are low in undesirable flavour compounds, such as dimethyl sulphide (DMS). It is also preferred that the methods allow for production of green malt, wherein mixtures of milled green malt and water has low viscosity. Lastly, improved milling system, which can efficiently mill the green malt and prepare it for the mashtun step are desirable.

[0008] One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a combined system for steeping and germination of green malt, providing a solution to the limitation of having dedicated steeping and dedicated germination tanks for the malting process. In addition, there is a need for a green malt method of production which is fast and energy efficient, while at the same time allows easy handling and transport of the green malt. Therefore, the present disclosure relates to a system comprising a container comprising an upper part and a lower part. In general, the upper part and the lower part are connected to each other in a manner so they together form said container. The upper part of the container comprises an inlet, where material can enter the container, a mesh floor, the mesh floor comprising an outlet, and a giracleur unit located above the mesh floor. The giracleur unit preferably comprises one or more arms configured to move material positioned above the mesh floor towards the outlet of the mesh floor. The lower part of the container is tapered towards the bottom and comprises an outlet where the material can exit the container. The outlet of the mesh floor is also referred to as ’’mesh floor outlet” herein, while the outlet of the lower part of the container is also referred to as “container outlet”. The material can be any kind of cereal grain, for example a cereal selected from the group consisting of barley, rice, sorghum, maize, millet, triticale, rye, oat and wheat. In preferred embodiments of the invention the cereal grains are wheat or barley grains, more preferably barley grains. Said grains may be grains of any barley variety, such as any of the barley varieties described herein below in the section "barley".

[0009] The mesh floor of the container can be configured to prevent the material from passing through the mesh, while at the same time it can allow air and / or water to penetrate the mesh floor. The giracleur unit in general comprises a setup of arms which can circulate the material in the upper part of the container, and move the material towards the center of the mesh floor. As such a system can be used for combined steeping and germination, it can be important to stir and mix the material in the upper part of the container, and occasionally move the material to the lower part of the container, by utilizing the outlet of the mesh floor. The giracleur unit can be used to move the material towards the outlet of the mesh floor. Once the material exits the upper part of the container via the outlet of the mesh floor (mesh floor outlet), the material enters the lower part of the container. The material may then exit the container via the outlet of the lower part of the container (container outlet). Furthermore, a pump unit can be used to pump the material from the outlet of the lower part of the container back to the inlet of the upper part of the container. For example, cereal grains may be steeped in the lower part of the container, for example by immersing cereal grains in water in the lower part of the container, whereafter the steeped grains may be moved to the mesh floor in the upper part of the container for air rest and / or germination. Such process may be repeated by moving grains to the lower part of the container, where the grains can be further steeped, e.g. immersed in water, and then moved back to the mesh floor for further air rest and / or germination.

[0010] Such a process can be important for the germination phase of the material, as it facilitates the disentanglement of rootlets of the grains. Such a system can lead to the completion of the germination phase of grains in a faster timeframe compared to other solutions, and by utilizing less energy resources.

[0011] In order to further optimize the use of the above system, the system can be configured such that the arms are broadened at the distal end, and configured to scrape material from the surface of the mesh floor and lead the material towards the outlet of the mesh floor. In an embodiment, the arms comprise at least one blade, configured to push material towards the center of the mesh floor. Such modifications of the arms allow an efficient manipulation of the material towards the outlet of the mesh floor, and effectively prevent damaging the material during the circulation. Moreover, the system can comprise a pipelined fluid communication between the outlet of the lower part of the container and the inlet at the upper part of the container, such that the material can be pumped from the lower part of the container to the upper part of the container. Such a feature can allow material to be circulated from the bottom of the container to the top, which may prevent entanglement of the rootlets of the grains.

[0012] In addition, the presently disclosed system can be combined with a milling system, said milling system is suitable for milling green malt. A pipe communication system is provided to lead the germinated green malt to a milling system configured for milling green malt, in order to prepare the green malt for the mashtun process. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a milling system comprising at least one multi-screw pump, for example a twin-screw pump, at least one shear pump or shear mixer, an inlet and an outlet. The inlet can guide a mixture of green malt and water to the at least one twin-screw pump, where the at least one twin-screw pump and the at least one shear pump or shear mixer are in fluid communication with one another and configured for moving the mixture of green malt with water from the multi-screw pump to the shear pump or shear mixer. The milled green malt can exit the milling system from the shear pump or shear mixer via the outlet. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one shear mixer is a shear pump.

[0013] The present disclosure further relates to a method for germinating cereal grains and optionally milling of green malt, comprising the steps of germinating cereal grains by performing the method described in the previous paragraphs, thereby obtaining green malt, obtaining a piping system configured to pump the green malt from the container to a milling system, and milling the green malt by utilizing the milling system described above. Such a method provides a single solution for steeping, germination and milling of green malt, without requiring intermediate chambers or storage of the green malt between the steps of germination and milling.

[0014] In summary, the present disclosure provides a novel system for combined steeping and germination of grains, leading to a more efficient green malt process. Description of Drawings

[0015] Various embodiments are described hereinafter with reference to the drawings. The drawings are examples of embodiments and are intended to illustrate some of the features of the presently disclosed Combined steeping and germination tank, and are not limiting to the presently disclosed system and method.

[0016] Fig. 1 shows a schematic of a container comprising a giracleur unit and a mesh floor.

[0017] Fig. 2 shows a top-view of the giracleur unit and the central shaft.

[0018] Fig. 3 shows an example of a part of a mesh floor comprising a series of slits.

[0019] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of a mesh floor comprising an outlet.

[0020] Fig. 5 shows a schematic of a preferred milling system comprising a twin-screw pump and a shear pump or shear mixer.

[0021] Fig. 6 show a first impeller blade of a shear pump or shear mixer comprising a plurality of rotors.

[0022] Fig. 7 shows a schematic of the stators and rotors of an assembled shear pump or shear mixer.

[0023] Fig. 8 shows the method steps of milling a mixture of green malt and water through the milling system.

[0024] Fig. 9 shows the method steps of germinating cereal grains in the container and circulating them in the container to perform a series of germination and steeping cycles.

[0025] Fig. 10 shows an example of a rotor and a stator of a shear mixer.

[0026] Fig. 11 shows a front-view schematic of a rotor and a stator of a shear mixer.

[0027] Fig. 12 shows a schematic of a milling apparatus comprising three milling systems.

[0028] Fig. 13 shows images of milled green malt for seven different trials modifying the twin- screw pump and shear mixer speed.

[0029] Fig. 14 shows an example of a rotor and a stator of a shear mixer, having a reduced density of teeth near the center of the rotor.

[0030] Fig. 15 shows an example of a twin-screw pump.

[0031] Detailed description

[0032] Definitions

[0033] The term "approximately" when used herein in relation to numerical values preferably means ±10%, more preferably ±5%, yet more preferably ±1 %. The term "barley" in reference to the process of making barley based beverages, such as beer, particularly when used to describe the malting process, means barley kernels or grains. In all other cases, unless otherwise specified, "barley" means the barley plant (Hordeum vulgare, L.), including any breeding line or cultivar or variety, whereas part of a barley plant may be any part of a barley plant, for example any tissue or cells.

[0034] The term "germinated grain" as used herein refers to a grain having developed a visible chit and a visible root and coleoptile.

[0035] The term "chit" as used herein refers to the embryonic growing bud that is visible during the germination phase of a cereal grain.

[0036] The term "green malt" as used herein refers germinated cereal kernels, which have not been subjected to a step of kiln drying. In general, said cereal kernels have been germinated under controlled environmental conditions. In some embodiments the green malt is milled green malt.

[0037] The term "malting" as used herein refers to a controlled germination of cereal kernels (in particular barley kernels) taking place under controlled environmental conditions. In some embodiments “malting” may further comprise a step of drying said germinated cereal kernels, e.g. by kiln drying.

[0038] "Mashing" is the incubation of milled malt (e.g. green malt or kiln dried malt), and / or ungerminated cereal kernels in water. Mashing is preferably performed at specific temperature(s), and in a specific volume of water.

[0039] The term “milled” refers to material (e.g. barley kernels or malt), which has been finely divided, e.g. by cutting, milling, grinding or crushing. The barley kernels can be milled while moist using e.g. a grinder or a wet mill. Milled barley kernels or milled malt is sufficiently finely divided to render the material useful for aqueous extracts. Milled barley kernels or milled malt cannot be regenerated into an intact plant by essentially biological methods. The term “starch” as used herein refers to a composition of one or both of the discrete macromolecules: amylose and amylopectin.

[0040] The term "steeping" as used herein refers to the process of increasing the water content of a cereal kernel.

[0041] As disclosed in the summary, the present disclosure relates to system suitable for handling material such as cereal grain, e.g. barley grain, for the processes of steeping and germination. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a system comprising a container comprising an upper part and a lower part, wherein said upper part comprises an inlet, where material can enter the container, a mesh floor, the mesh floor preferably being perforated and in addition comprising a mesh floor outlet, and a giracleur unit located above the mesh floor, the giracleur unit comprising one or more arms configured to move material positioned above the mesh floor towards the mesh floor outlet. The lower part of the container is tapered towards the bottom and comprises a container outlet where the material can exit the container.

[0042] As noted above, the container comprises a mesh floor. The mesh floor may be any suitable unit, which separates the upper part from the lower part, thereby allowing cereal grains to rest on the floor in the upper part. The mesh floor may thus be a “germination floor”, preferably a perforated germination floor.

[0043] In an embodiment, the mesh floor is perforated. The perforations should be small enough so they do not allow cereal grains to pass through. Thus, the mesh floor may comprise a plurality of perforations and / or a plurality of slits. An advantageous feature of the mesh floor being perforated is that such a design can be configured to prevent any material from passing through them, while at the same time enable air and water to flow through them. The mesh floor outlet can be designed such that it may open and close, enabling material to exit the upper part of the container and flow towards the lower part of the container. Thus, the mesh floor outlet has a dimension allowing cereal grains to pass through, at least when open. The perforations may preferably be slits.

[0044] For example, an embodiment showing the container of the system can be seen in Fig. 1 , where a side-view schematic of the system is shown. The container comprises an upper part (100) and a lower part (101), where a mesh floor (102) separates the two parts of the container. The two parts of the container can be either separate entities that have been assembled together, or they can be a part of the same object, where the two parts can be separated by the mesh floor interface. The mesh floor can be a perforated interface, on which the material can be positioned. Preferably, the mesh floor is perforated in a manner allowing air and water to penetrate the mesh floor, while at the same time preventing the material from falling from the mesh floor to the lower part (101) of the container. Naturally, depending on the type of material that is placed in the system, different mesh sizes can be used, as different grains and cereal can have different sizes, for example as of the sizes described herein below in the section “Mesh floor characteristics”. The giracleur unit (103) preferably comprises at least one arm (104), which preferably can circulate around a central shaft (105) and effectively move the material in the container towards the center of the mesh floor , where the material can move towards the lower part of the container via the mesh floor outlet (106) The giracleur unit may serve the purpose of stirring and mixing the material in the upper part of the container, and / or the giracleur unit may be able to collect the material towards the surface and the center of the mesh floor. Depending on the type of material in the container, the giracleur unit can operate at different speeds, and the arms of the giracleur unit can have different components, such as blades. Further details about the giracleur unit are provided on the next paragraphs of the present disclosure. The lower part of the container comprises an outlet (also referred to as container outlet) (107), from which the material can exit the system. Such an outlet can be controlled to be opened or closed. In an embodiment, a piping system with a pump (108) can be included, and it can be utilized to pump the material from the outlet of the container to the inlet of the container (109), or to a different container. The circulation of the material from the bottom of the container to the top of the container can be beneficial for several reasons. It may allow interchanging between incubating material, such as cereal grains in the lower part of the container, where the material for example may be immersed in water and incubating the material, such as cereal grains in air on the mesh floor. Furthermore, the circulation of the material as it can assist into disentangling the rootlets of the grains during germination. Such a process can increase the quality of the germinated material, and prevent any possible damages to the grain. Giracleur unit characteristics

[0045] Moreover, the system can be configured, such that the arm(s) can be broadened at the distal end, and configured to scrape material from the surface of the mesh floor and lead the material towards the outlet of the mesh floor. Such a feature can be important, as it can allow the system to accelerate the collection of the material at the outlet of the mesh floor, when a user wishes to circulate the material to the lower part of the container and possibly back to the top of the container, or to another container. In an embodiment, the arm(s) can comprise at least one blade, said blade can be configured to push the material towards the center of the mesh floor. Various geometries can be utilized, allowing the collection of material at the center of the mesh floor. Depending on the type of the material, the arms of the giracleur unit can be adjusted. In an embodiment, the giracleur unit comprises at least one arm, for example at least 2 arms, such as in the range of 2 to 10 arms, for example in the range of 2 to 6 arms, for example in the range of 3 to 5 arms, such as 4 arms.

[0046] Furthermore, the system can be configured, such that the arm(s) have their proximal end fixed at a central shaft positioned at the upper part of the container. By fixing the arm(s) at the central shaft, it is possible to control all the arms simultaneously, by controlling the central shaft. For example, it is possible to rotate the shaft, thereby inducing a circular motion of the arms. Such a circular motion can be perpendicular to the plane of the mesh floor. In an embodiment, the giracleur unit is configured to move the arm(s) along the central shaft. For example, the arm(s) can be moved from a position near the surface of the mesh floor, to positions away from the surface of the mesh floor. Such a movement could be important when the upper part of the container is filled with material, allowing the giracleur unit to successfully stir and mix the material in the container. The central shaft can be positioned at the center of the upper part of the container, allowing a homogeneous stirring of the material. An example of top-view of the central shaft and the giracleur unit can be seen in Fig. 2. Four arms (200) have their distal end (201) attached to a central shaft (202), wherein the central shaft is free to rotate around its axis, leading to the circular motion of the arms.

[0047] Piping system characteristics

[0048] As described in the summary of the present disclosure, in certain scenarios it can advantageous to circulate the material in the container, moving it from the upper part to the lower part of the container, and from the lower part pumping it back to the upper part of the container. To achieve such a process, the system can be configured, such that the system comprises at least one piping system configured for pumping the material. The piping system can be connected to at least one pump to carry out the pumping process. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, a piping system (108) can be equipped to the container, allowing the material that has been collected near the outlet (107) of the lower part of the container (101) to be pumped towards a different container, or towards the inlet (109) positioned on the upper part (100) of the container. Such a process can be carried out by a pipelined fluid communication between the outlet of the outlet part of the container and the inlet at the upper part of the container. As described above, such a process of circulating the material, such as germinated grain, from the bottom of the container to the top of the container, can facilitate the process of disentangling the rootlets of the grains, therefore leading to a higher quality of green malt.

[0049] Moreover, the system can be configured, such that it comprises at least one pump allowing the pumping of material from the container to another apparatus. For example, once the germination process has been completed, it is possible to pump the germinated material from the container to another container, to continue the processing of the green malt.

[0050] Mesh floor characteristics

[0051] As the mesh floor is a main feature of the present disclosure, it is possible to adjust its parameters in order to accommodate the various materials that can be loaded in the container. The system can be configured, such that the mesh floor has thickness preferably larger than 0.5 mm and preferably lower than 10 mm, such as larger than 1 mm and lower than 8 mm, such as larger than 1.5 mm and lower than 5 mm most preferably around 2 mm. The mesh floor is preferably perforated. Thus, the mesh floor may comprise slits of width preferably larger than 0.5 mm and preferably lower than 7 mm, even more preferably larger than 1 mm and preferably lower than 5 mm, most preferably larger than 1.5 and lower than 3 mm, such as 1.8 mm. The slits of the mesh floor have a length preferably larger than 10 mm and preferably lower than 35 mm, more preferably larger than 15 mm and preferably lower than 30 mm, even more preferably larger than 18 mm and lower than 25 mm, such as 20 mm. The distance between two neighbouring slits in the longitudinal direction of the slits is preferably larger than 2 mm and preferably lower than 15 mm, more preferably larger than 4 mm and lower than 8 mm, such as 5 mm. In addition, the distance between two neighbouring slits in the transverse direction of the slits is preferably larger than 2 mm and preferably lower than 15 mm, more preferably larger than 4 mm and lower than 8 mm, such as 5 mm. In general, it can be beneficial that the slits are separated by each other such as the mesh floor is effectively perforated, but at the same time they shall not be separated by distances that would impair the proper aeration of the material above the mesh floor. Furthermore, the mesh floor should be thick enough in order to withstand the weight of the material that is positioned above it, but at the same time it should be thin enough so that water can easily penetrate through it and reach the other part of the container. In an embodiment, the mesh floor has a thickness preferably larger than 1 mm, and preferably smaller than 10 mm, for example smaller than 5 mm, for example smaller than 3 mm, preferably approximately 2 mm. The slits of the mesh floor can also be adjusted depending on the type of material that is positioned on the mesh floor, and depending on the size of for example the grains. A schematic of a topview of an example of a part of the mesh floor can be seen in Fig. 3. In this example, the mesh floor comprises elongated slits (300) having a length (301) of 20 mm and a width (302) of 1 .8 mm. Each slit is separated from its neighbouring slits by 5 mm in length and by approximately 3 mm in width. Different shapes of slits as well as sizes can be designed and implemented in the system, depending on the type of material that is used.

[0052] In addition, as described in the previous segments of the present disclosure, the mesh floor is preferably designed such that material, such as cereal grains or barley, cannot penetrate the plurality of perforations and / or the plurality of slits of the mesh floor, so they can essentially only pass through the mesh floor via the outlet of the mesh floor. However, air and water can pass through the plurality of perforations or through the plurality of slits of the mesh floor, assisting the process of germination of e g. cereal grains. In an embodiment, the mesh floor has a circular shape, and it constitutes a circular horizontal plane within the container. More preferably, the mesh floor constitutes an entire horizontal plane within the container.

[0053] Furthermore, the system can be configured such that the outlet of the mesh floor is positioned at the center of the mesh floor. It can be beneficial to position the outlet at the center of the mesh floor, as the arms of the giracleur unit can also move the material towards the center of the container, thereby allowing an easier displacement of the material towards the lower part of the container.

[0054] In an embodiment, the outlet of the mesh floor forms a frustum of a cone, having an upper larger base and a lower smaller base, wherein the upper larger base preferably is positioned at the surface of the mesh floor. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, a schematic of a mesh floor (400) is shown, wherein the central shaft (401) is positioned at the center of the mesh floor, and wherein the outlet (402) of the mesh floor forms a frustum of a cone. The shape of the frustum of a cone can facilitate moving the material towards the outlet of the mesh floor, and it decreases the chance of clogging due to its advantageous shape. The system can be further configured, such that the outlet of the mesh floor can be controlled to open or close, controlling the flow of material in the container. It can be an important feature to control the flow of the outlet, as during a certain malting phase all the material should remain on the upper part of the container, while when a user wants to extract the material towards the lower part of the container, the outlet of the mesh floor can be opened.

[0055] Container characteristics

[0056] In an embodiment, the system is configured such that at least a part of the container has a cylindrical shape. For example, the upper part of the container can have a cylindrical shape. A cylindrical shape can be advantageous, as it minimizes sharp corners in the container, thereby minimizing the chance that material is locked or clogged in various parts of the container.

[0057] Moreover, the system can be configured, such that the lower part of the container has a conical shape. A conical shape holds certain advantages, such as guiding the material towards the outlet of the container. In certain germination processes, the material may have high viscosity, making challenging the process of removing the material from the container. Therefore, a conical shape can assist into guiding the material. For example, if the lower part of the container had also a cylindrical shape, and an outlet at the middle of the lower part, then it could be challenging to fully extract a highly viscous material from the container. Figure 1 shows a side-view of a container, where the lower part of the container (101) has a conical shape, leading the material towards the outlet (107).

[0058] In an embodiment, the lower part of the container forms a frustum of a cone having an upper larger base, a lower smaller base and an opening angle, wherein the outlet of the container is positioned at the lower smaller base. The opening angle of the frustum of a cone defines how steep the walls of the lower part of the container would be. For example, depending on the type of material that is loaded in the container, the opening angle can be preferably larger than 15° degrees and preferably lower than 70° degrees, more preferably larger than 25° degrees and lower than 60° degrees, most preferably larger than 35° degrees and lower than 55° degrees, such as 45° degrees. For example, as shown in Fig. 1, the lower part of the container (101) forms a frustum of a cone, wherein the upper larger base of the frustum of a cone is in contact with the mesh floor (102) and on the lower smaller base of the frustum of a cone the outlet (107) of the container is positioned. In this example, the lower part of the container has an opening angle (112) of approximately 45° degrees.

[0059] Moreover, in certain processes it can be beneficial that the container comprises at least one air inlet and at least one water inlet. For example, during the germination process, aeration of the grains can occur. The air may be led through the grains from below, for example through the mesh floor. If the grains are submerged in water, aeration may also be done while the grains are submerged in water. The aeration may also take place when the grains are incubated in air. The grains may in particular be submerged in water in the lower part of the container. The grains may be kept at a desirable high humidity. Thus, water may also be sprayed on top of the grains on the mesh floor. It is therefore preferable that the container is equipped with water spraying nozzles, which typically may be positioned in the upper part of the container, preferably at the top of the container. To accommodate for such processes, as shown in Fig. 1 , the system can comprise water inlets (110) or air inlets (111).

[0060] In addition, as the present disclosure operates with malt, it can be important that the container is made of a material having hard and smooth surfaces, making it easy to clean, thereby reducing the chance that germs adhere to the surfaces of the container. For example, the system can be configured such that the container, the mesh floor, the giracleur unit and the arm(s) are all made of stainless steel. Accordingly, any other component can be made of stainless steel, such as the inlet, outlet and the pipe communication system.

[0061] Furthermore, the system can be configured to perform combined steeping and germination of cereal grains. It is also possible that the system performs only germination of cereal grains. In an embodiment, cereal grains can be steeped in a separate system, and the grains can be moved for example via a pipeline communication to the system of the present disclosure, performing germination of the grains. It is also possible, that the system can perform a continuous cycle of steeping and germination. In an embodiment, air can be introduced to the system at the lower part of the container. For example, cereal grains may be steeped in the lower part of the container, for example by immersing cereal grains in water in the lower part of the container, whereafter the steeped grains may be moved to the mesh floor in the upper part of the container for air rest and / or germination. Such process may be repeated by moving grains to the lower part of the container, where the grains can be further steeped, e.g. immersed in water, and then moved back to the mesh floor for further air rest and / or germination.

[0062] The system may further comprise one or more additional components. For example, the system may comprise additional vessels, wherein each of such vessels can be configured to carry out a specific operation. For example, the system may comprise further steeping or germination vessels, depending on the type of material that is prepared. Said vessels are preferably in fluid communication - either directly or indirectly - with the other components of the system, e.g. with the container and / or the milling system described herein.

[0063] In an embodiment, the system further comprises additional steeping vessels. For example, one or more steeping vessels may be connected to the container. The steeping vessels may be fluidly connected to the container, allowing raw materials, such as cereal grains, to undergo a soaking process prior to the next steps disclosed herein. The inclusion of additional steeping vessels may provide a modular and scalable solution for pre-processing material, such as grains. Each steeping vessel may operate independently or in continuous flow arrangement with other instruments, depending on the system design. Depending on the type of production, different combinations of steeping vessels may be used. Milling system characteristics

[0064] As described in the sections above, the entanglement of rootlets, the moisture content and the high viscosity of green malt may give rise to challenges when milling of green malt, because this may lead to clogging of ordinary milling systems. Therefore, to address those challenges, the present disclosure relates to a novel milling system configured to effectively mill green malt without clogging.

[0065] The milling system may comprise at least one multi-screw pump, such as a twin-screw, a triple-screw pump or a quadruple-screw pump. The use of a multi-screw pump can be to further enhance the performance of the milling system, enabling pumping fluids with even high viscosity through the components of the milling system. For example, a milling system may comprise a multi-screw pump, followed by a shear pump or a shear mixer. A material can enter the system via the multi-screw pump, which can be in direct fluid communication to the shear pump or shear mixer. Such a system can be configured for moving the material, such as a mixture of green malt with water, from the multi-screw pump to the shear pump or shear mixer. The milled material can exit the milling system from the shear pump or shear mixer via the outlet.

[0066] Specifically, the present disclosure may relate to a milling system comprising at least one twin-screw pump, at least one shear pump or shear mixer, an inlet and an outlet. The inlet can guide a mixture of green malt and water to the at least one twin-screw pump, and the at least one twin-screw pump and the at least one shear pump or shear mixer are in fluid communication with one another and configured for moving the mixture of green malt with water from the twin-screw pump to the shear pump or shear mixer. The milled green malt can exit the milling system from the shear pump or shear mixer via the outlet. Using such a combination of screw pumps and shear pumps or shear mixers can facilitate in a successful milling of green malt, preventing any clogging of the milling setup.

[0067] For example, Fig. 5 shows a schematic illustrating an inlet (500) where a mixture of green malt and water can enter, a twin-screw pump (501) in communication with a shear pump or shear mixer (502) and an outlet (503) where the milled green malt can exit the system. The system may also comprise a number of pipes (504) that transport water to the twin-screw pump and the shear pump or shear mixer, with the purpose of cooling the instruments and prevent overheating.

[0068] A twin-screw pump is a positive displacement pump, meaning that the twin-screw pump can transfer a certain volume of material in accordance to the speed and pitch of the screws in the pump. A twin-screw pump functions by having a set of screws rotating in a cylindrical cavity, thereby trapping material on a section of the screws, and progressively moving the material along the screw’s axle until it is discharged. It is also possible that the milling system has a screw pump that comprises three screws, also known as a three-spindle screw pump. In an embodiment, the at least one twin-screw pump of the milling system comprises screws that have a diameter preferably larger than 5 cm, more preferably larger than 10 cm, most preferably larger than 15 cm, and preferably less than 40 cm. Moreover, the length of each screw of each twin-screw pump is preferably larger than 10 cm, more preferably larger than 15 cm, most preferably larger than 20 cm. The distance between the two screws of each twin-screw pump can be adjusted according to the particle size and the viscosity of the material that is to be milled. For example, the distance between the two screws is preferably less than 2 cm.

[0069] A shear pump or shear mixer is designed to provide shear forces, breaking down particles or agglomerates in fluids. Such a feature, is particularly important for high viscous fluids, and green malt can have a high viscosity. Therefore, the milling system combines the advantages provided by a twin-screw pump and the shearing capabilities of the shear pump or shear mixer in order to successfully pump the green malt from the container and mill down the various particles, producing a milled green malt to be used in the mashtun process. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one shear mixer is a shear pump, and thus the shear mixer may have the properties of the shear pump as described herein. For example, a shear mixer can break down particle or agglomerates in fluids, thereby mixing and shredding the various particle in the green malt. It may be preferred that no throttle in inserted behind the shear mixer. For example, it may be preferred that the milling system does not comprise a throttle as this may results in higher water content of the milled green malt. The use of a multi-screw pump, for example a twin-screw pump has the advantage that it enables transport of highly viscous fluids and / or non-homogenous fluids, such as green malt or slurries comprising green malt. The inventors have found that a milling system comprising single screw pumps is not capable of milling such fluids, presumably due to the lack of pumping power and / or generation of an unsteady flow. Processing of non-homogenous fluids, such as green malt requires steady flow, and a single screw pump cannot provide that . In particular, single-screw pumps are not suitable for non-homogenized materials, such as a slurry of green malt and water. On the other hand, the invention shows that utilizing a multi-screw pump, e.g. a twin-screw pump enables milling of non-homogenized materials, such as green malt and water solutions.

[0070] Fig. 6 shows an example of the first impeller blade of a shear pump or shear mixer comprising at least one stator comprising a plurality of teeth (600), and at least one rotor comprising a plurality of teeth (600), depending on the function of the shear pump or shear mixer. Each shear pump or shear mixer is preferably assembled by connecting a first impeller blade with a second impeller blade, wherein the first impeller blade can be static, therefore comprising or consisting of stator(s), and the second impeller blade can rotate around a common axis of the first impeller blade and the second impeller blade, therefore comprising or consisting of rotor(s). Each tooth of the stator or rotor has a certain height (601), width (602) and length (603). Specifically, each stator and each rotor can comprise at least one row of teeth (605), where each tooth of the stator or rotor has a height preferably larger than 5 mm, more preferably larger than 10 mm, even more preferably larger than 15 mm, most preferably larger than 20 mm, and preferably less than 60 mm, more preferably less than 50 mm, even more preferably less than 40 mm, most preferably less than 30 mm, such as 20 mm.

[0071] Moreover, the milling system can be configured, such that each tooth of each stator and / or each tooth of each rotor of each shear pump or shear mixer has a width preferably larger than 1 mm, more preferably larger than 3 mm, even more preferably larger than 5 mm, most preferably larger than 7 mm, and preferably less than 30 mm, more preferably less than 20 mm, even more preferably less than 15 mm, most preferably less than 12 mm, such as 9 mm. In addition, the milling system can be configured, such that each tooth of each stator and / or each tooth of each rotor of each shear pump or shear mixer has a length preferably larger than 1 mm, more preferably larger than 3 mm, even more preferably larger than 5 mm, most preferably larger than 7 mm, and preferably less than 30 mm, more preferably less than 20 mm, even more preferably less than 15 mm, most preferably less than 12 mm, such as 9 mm. Depending on the type of the material that is to be milled, different specifics of the stators and rotors can be used, such as smaller or larger shearing clearance, or different stator and rotor width and length.

[0072] Furthermore, the milling system can be configured, such that the at least one shear pump or shear mixer has a shearing clearance preferably less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1.5 mm, even more preferably less than 1 mm, most preferably less than 0.75 mm. As the person skilled in the art would know, the shearing clearance is the distance between a rotor and a stator, when a shear pump or shear mixer is assembled. For example, as shown in Fig. 7, a first impeller blade and a second impeller blade of a shear pump or shear mixer have been assembled, forming a shearing clearance (700) which is the distance between adjacent stators (701) and rotors (702) in a shear pump or shear mixer. Different values of shearing clearance can be chosen, depending on how fine the milled material is needed to be. For instance, for highly fine milled green malt, a smaller shearing clearance can be chosen.

[0073] Another feature that can be important to adjust in a shear pump or shear mixer is the distance between neighbouring rotors or stators. Therefore, the milling system can be configured, such that each stator and each rotor of each shear pump or shear mixer comprises a plurality of teeth, wherein each tooth has a spacing with the teeth of the neighbouring stator or rotor preferably larger than 1 mm, more preferably larger than 3 mm, even more preferably larger than 5 mm, most preferably larger than 7 mm, and preferably less than 30 mm, more preferably less than 20 mm, even more preferably less than 15 mm, most preferably less than 12 mm, such as 9 mm. An example of the distance (604) between neighbouring stators and rotors can be seen in Fig. 6. In an embodiment, each shear pump or shear mixer can comprise a plurality of sets of impeller blades, each two forming an assembled set. Having more than one set of impeller blades can increase the milling efficiency of the milling system.

[0074] Depending on the type of green malt that is to be milled, the green malt can be mixed with water when entering the milling system. Such a mixture of green malt and water may also be referred to as a “slurry” herein. In an embodiment, the mixture of green malt and water has a ratio of preferably larger than one to five, more preferably larger than one to four, and preferably lower than one to one, more preferably lower than one to two, such as one to three respectively of green malt to water. Water can be mixed with green malt in order to reduce the viscosity of the mixture, and allow an easier milling process. In addition, water can be mixed with green malt in order to increase the temperature of the green malt, preparing the mixture to have an optimal temperature before commencing the mashtun process. Interestingly, it is in general not required to homogenise the mixture of green malt and water prior to milling, when using a milling system according to the invention.

[0075] Fig. 10 shows another example of a rotor 1000 and of a stator 1001 of a shear mixer. The shear mixer may also be a shear pump, as described herein. The stator and the rotor can be assembled, such that the stator is stable while the rotor may rotate, thereby milling the particles and / or agglomerates of the material that flows through the shear mixer. Each tooth 1002 of the stator or rotor has a certain height, width and length. Specifically, each stator and each rotor can comprise a plurality of rows of teeth, wherein each row of teeth may be arranged along a circular pattern on a stator or on a rotor. Thus, each row may be circular in shape. Each row of teeth can have different distance between the teeth. Thus the teeth of one row may be arranged in the same distance from each other, whereas the teeth of another row may also be arranged in the same distance from each other, but wherein the distance in the first row is different from the distance in the second row. It is possible the distance between teeth also varies within a row. The distance between rows may be the same or it may vary. The number of rows on the rotor and stator may for example be in the range of 1 to 15, such as in the range of 2 to 10, for example in the range of 4 to 7. Typically, either the rotor or the stator will have one more row than the other. It is comprised within the invention that the various row of teeth may have the same or different teeth angles.

[0076] The milling system can be configured, such that the multi-screw pump, for example the twin-screw pump, operates at frequencies preferably higher than 10 Hz, more preferably higher than 20 Hz, most preferably higher than 30 Hz. The speed can be measured in units of frequency, as the speed relates to the number of operation cycles per second. Therefore, frequency is a valid unit to describe the operation speed of the multi-screw pump and of the shear pump. Different frequency ranges may be chosen depending what particle size is desired to be extracted from the milling process. The milling system can be configured, such that the multi-screw pump, such as the twin-screw pump, operates at speeds lower than 80 Hz, preferably lower than 70 Hz, more preferably lower than 60 Hz. For example the multi-screw pump may operate at frequencies starting at approx. 25 Hz and increasing to between 27 and 33 Hz. Different frequency ranges may be chosen depending what particle size is desired to be extracted from the milling process. For example, larger operation frequency may result into finer particles, while lower operation frequency may result into coarser particles. In addition, the viscosity of the inputted material may also influence the choice of the frequency chosen.

[0077] The milling system can be configured, such that the shear pump operates at speeds preferably larger than 50 Hz, and preferably lower than 65 Hz, for example in the range of 55 to 58 Hz. Different frequency ranges may be chosen depending on what particle size is desired to be extracted from the milling process. For example, larger operation frequency may result into finer particles, while lower operation frequency may result into coarser particles. In addition, the viscosity of the inputted material may also influence the choice of the frequency chosen.

[0078] The milling system can be configured, such that the milling system has a flow rate preferably higher than 15 m3 / h, and preferably lower than 30 m3 / h. The flow rate can be define as the volume of material that is milled in the milling system in a given unit of time, for example cubic meters per hour (m3 / h). The flow rate can be a metric that reflects both the milling system’s capacity and its ability to process viscous material efficiently. A lower flow rate may be beneficial in certain applications, in order to avoid excessive operation of the system and prevent high air intake in the milled product. On the other hand, a higher flow rate enables higher performance of the milling system, as more material can be milled during the a time period. As a result, depending on the type of material that enters the milling system, different flow rates may be chosen in order to optimize the process and produce an result with preferred properties. The preferred flow rates described above may in particular refer to a single milling system. In an embodiment, the system may comprise two or more milling systems that can be connected in parallel. In such a scenario, the total flow rate of the system will be the combined flow rate of each milling system. For example, by having three milling systems connected in parallel, where each milling system has a flow rate of 30 m3 / h, the total flow rate would be 90 m3 / h. The total flow rate can be adjusted depending on each setup and the needs of each production facility. For example, larger or smaller total flow rates may be chosen, depending on the setup.

[0079] The milling system can be configured, such that the milled green malt has a suitable particle size. It is in particular preferred that the milled green malt has a particle size allowing for efficient separation of spent grains from wort, for example by using a mash filter or a lauter tun. The particle size refers to the particle size of green malt after drying the milled product and is preferably determined using a range of sieves with varying mesh size. In one embodiment it is preferred that more than 30%, for example in the range of 30 to 40%, for example approx.. 35% of the particles of the dried milled green malt has a particle size in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 mm. In one embodiment it is preferred that the at least 65%, such as at least 70%, for example 70 to 80% of the particles have a particle size smaller than 1 .0 mm. Such particle size is particularly suitable for mash filtration. In one embodiment it is preferred that more than 50%, for example in the range of 50 to 60%, for example approx.. 55% of the particles of the dried milled green malt has a particle size in the range of 0.125 to 0.5 mm. In one embodiment it is preferred that the at least 80%, such as at least 85%, for example 85 to 95% of the particles have a particle size smaller than 0.5 mm. Such particle size is particularly suitable for mash filter separation. By varying the parameters of the milling system, such as the operation speed of the multi-screw pump or the operation speed of the shear mixer, it is possible to tune the resulting particle size.

[0080] In an embodiment, the milling system can be configured, such that the temperature of the mixture of green malt and water is preferably higher than 30 °C, more preferably higher than 35 °C, preferably lower than 60 °C, more preferably lower than 50 °C, such as 40 °C. The pressure of the mixture at the inlet is preferably higher than 0.1 bar(g), more preferably higher than 0.2 bar(g), and preferably lower than 1 bar(g), preferably lower than 0.75 bar(g), such as 0.4 bar(g). The pressure of the mixture at the outlet is preferably higher than 0.6 bar(g), more preferably higher than 1 bar(g), and preferably lower than 6 bar (g), such as 4 bar (g). Depending on the type of green malt, and the milled product that is desired to be extracted, different temperature ranges can be used. The pressure may also be adjusted, as it can also depend on the viscosity of the mixture of green malt with water. In an embodiment, the at least one shear pump or shear mixer comprises at least one stator and at least one rotor, said stators and rotors have a circular cross section, wherein the rotor and stator diameter is preferably larger than 125 mm and preferably smaller than 250 mm, and wherein the gauge of the at least one shear pump or shear mixer is preferably more than 5 mm and preferably smaller less than 25 mm, wherein the gauge is the clearance between a shear pump or shear mixer, and an impeller blade.

[0081] Fig. 12 shows a schematic of an apparatus 1204 comprising three milling systems are described herein. Material can enter from an input 1200, and the material can then be milled in parallel on the three different milling systems. In this embodiment, each milling system comprises a twin-screw pump 1201 and a shear mixer 1202. After exiting each shear mixer, the material can then be collected via a central output 1203. In an embodiment, each milling system may have its own dedicated input and output.

[0082] Methods for milling and germinating

[0083] The present disclosure relates to a method for milling malt, comprising the steps of obtaining a mixture of water and malt, preferably green malt, guiding the mixture of water and malt to at least one twin-screw pump, guiding the mixture of malt and water from the at least one twin-screw pump to an at least one shear pump or shear mixer, wherein the at least one shear pump or shear mixer and the at least one twin-screw pump are in fluid communication with one another, and obtaining a milled mixture of malt and water from an outlet of the at least one shear pump or shear mixer. The green malt is preferably produced using a system as described above. The steps of the above method are illustrated in Fig. 8. Such a method for milling malt can be configured according to the features described in the previous sections of the description.

[0084] The present disclosure further relates to a method for germinating cereal grains, said method comprising the steps of obtaining a system according to any of the features described in the detailed description, and incubating wet cereal grains in the upper part of the container under conditions allowing said cereal grains to germinate. For example, this method can involve introducing cereal grains in the system of the present disclosure, and it can involve incubating the cereal grains in the upper part of the container, by maintaining the conditions required allowing the cereal grains to germinate, such as temperature, humidity and / or aeration. In addition, the method can comprise the steps of incubating cereal grains in the lower part of the container with water, moving wet cereal grains from the outlet of the lower part of the container and through the inlet into the upper part of the container, and incubating wet cereal grains in the upper part of the container under conditions allowing said cereal grains to germinate. The cereal grains can be pumped from the outlet of the lower part of the container to the inlet of the container, reaching the upper part of the container. Such a method is described in steps in Fig. 9.

[0085] In an embodiment, the method comprises the step of circulating the wet cereal grains in the container by rotating the at least one arm around an axis perpendicular to the mesh floor. In addition, the method can comprise the step of moving wet and / or germinated cereal grains from the surface of the mesh floor and through the outlet to the lower part of the container. By performing such an action, is it possible to collect the grains near the center of the mesh floor, where the outlet of the mesh floor is positioned, and successfully transfer the grains to the lower part of the container.

[0086] The present disclosure relates to a method for germinating cereal grains in a system as described above, and it is also capable of utilizing a piping system to transport the cereal grains directly to a milling system according to the description above, leading to a milled grains product, such as milled green malt. Such a process has certain advantages, such as preventing the storage of green malt in intermediate tanks between the germination and the milling process. As a result, the present disclosure relates to a method for germinating cereal grains and milling of green malt, comprising the steps of germinating cereal grains by performing the method according to the description above, thereby obtaining green malt, obtaining a piping system configured to pump the green malt from the container to a milling system, and milling the green malt by performing the method according to the description above. The piping system can comprise of any conventional pump that is suitable for pumping grains from the lower part of the container to the milling system.

[0087] In an embodiment, it may be advantageous to store the green malt to an intermediate storage apparatus, before commencing the milling process. The present disclosure relates to a method for germinating cereal grains and milling of green malt, further comprising the steps of obtaining a piping system configured to pump the green malt from the container to an intermediate storage apparatus, and the step of obtaining a piping system configured to pump the green malt from the intermediate storage apparatus to a milling system. Such a process can be advantageous, for example when it is preferred to store the germinated grains in a tank for a certain period of time, before starting the milling process.

[0088] The system and methods described above, can comprise any of the elements and features described in the previous paragraphs of the detailed description.

[0089] Examples

[0090] Fig. 13 shows the results of 7 trials. Each trial was performed using a system comprising a shear mixer connected to a double screw pump. An example of a double screw pump, also referred to herein as a twin-screw pump, is shown in Fig. 15. In this embodiment, the twin-screw pump comprises an inlet, an outlet and two intermeshing screws 1501 rotating within a stationary housing. The two intermeshing screws enable the pumping effect of the twin-screw pump. The inlet of the twin-screw pump may be positioned on the side 1500 of the twin-screw pump, whereas the outlet may be positioned on the upper surface 1502.

[0091] In the trial presented in Fig. 13, the shear mixer comprise a rotor / stator combination as shown in figure 11, however the skilled person will appreciate that other rotor / stator combinations may be employed with the invention. As infeed a mixture green malt and water was used. It is preferred that a steady flow is obtained and that the milled product comprises particles with a homogenous particle size. Different rotor / stator configurations have been selected for the trial. For example, trials 1 and 2 utilized the rotor / stator shown in Fig. 14. Trials 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 utilized the rotor / stator shown in Fig. 11.

[0092] Figure 13 shows images of milled green malt from seven different trials. Each trial relates to a certain operation speed of the twin-screw pump and of the shear mixer, and each trial relates to a certain flow rate through the milling system.

[0093] Trial 1 utilized an operation speed of the shear pump of 58-60 Hz. The twin-screw pump started operating at a frequency of 19 Hz, followed by increasing its frequency to 33 Hz. The calculated flow rate through the milling system was 18 m3 / h. Trial 2 utilized an operation speed of the shear pump of 58-60 Hz. The twin-screw pump started operating at a frequency of 30 Hz, followed by increasing its frequency to 33 Hz. The calculated flow rate through the milling system was 20 m3 / h. The resulting milled green malt from trials 1 and 2 was characterized as being rather coarse with many bigger coarse particles.

[0094] Trial 3 utilized an operation speed of the shear pump of 55 Hz. The twin-screw pump started operating at a frequency of 25 Hz, followed by increasing its frequency to 33 Hz. The calculated flow rate through the milling system was 20 m3 / h. Trial 4 utilized an operation speed of the shear pump of 55-58 Hz. The twin-screw pump started operating at a frequency of 25 Hz, followed by increasing its frequency to 27 Hz. The calculated flow rate through the milling system was 19 m3 / h. The green malt from trials 3 and 4 led to a result with preferred particle size. In addition, the milled green malt from trials 3 and 4 was homogeneous and a steady flow was achieved.

[0095] Trial 5 utilized an operation speed of the shear pump of 50 Hz. The twin-screw pump was operating at 30 Hz. A throttle was inserted behind the shear mixer. The calculated flow rate through the milling system was 18 m3 / h. The resulting milled green malt related to bigger particle size and higher water content compared to the previous trials.

[0096] Trial 6 utilized an operation speed of the shear pump of 50 Hz. The twin-screw pump started operating at a frequency of 30 Hz, followed by increasing its frequency to 62 Hz. The calculated flow rate through the milling system was 24 m3 / h. Trial 7 utilized an operation speed of the shear pump of 50 Hz. The twin-screw pump started operating at a frequency of 45 Hz, followed by increasing its frequency to 47 Hz. The calculated flow rate through the milling system was 24 m3 / h. The resulting product from trials 6 and 7 showed air intake, while the particles were less fine compared to the previous trials. The various parameters used in a green malt production facility may vary from the parameters used in the trials. For example, a higher flow rate may be used in production in order to accelerate the process, and varying frequency ranges of the twin-screw pump and shear pump may also be used, for example in the range of 50-60 Hz. It is preferred to generate a homogenized product from the milling system, in order to have optimized milled green malt for the mash filtration process. Nevertheless, different operation speeds of the twin-screw pump and of the shear pump, as well as different flow rates may be chosen depending on the characteristics of each batch of green malt. For example, differences in the steeping or germination process, as well as differences in the raw material may lead to batches of green malt having different properties, such as different viscosity. Such different properties may require calibration of the various milling system parameters, such as operation speeds of the twin-screw pump and shear pump, in order to acquire an optimized result for each batch.

[0097] Therefore, depending on the characteristics of the material that is to be milled, different milling system parameters may be chosen to optimize the milling process.

[0098] Items

[0099] The invention may also be defined by the following items:

[0100] 1. A system comprising:

[0101] • a container comprising an upper part and a lower part, wherein

[0102] • said upper part comprises: i. an inlet, where material can enter the container, ii. a mesh floor, the mesh floor comprising an outlet, iii. a giracleur unit located above the mesh floor, the giracleur unit comprising one or more arms configured to move material positioned above the mesh floor towards the outlet of the mesh floor,

[0103] • said lower part is tapered towards the bottom and comprises an outlet where the material can exit the container.

[0104] 2. A system comprising:

[0105] • a container comprising an upper part and a lower part, wherein

[0106] • said upper part comprises: i. an inlet, where material can enter the container, ii. a mesh floor, the mesh floor being perforated and in addition comprising a mesh floor outlet, iii. a giracleur unit located above the mesh floor, the giracleur unit comprising one or more arms configured to move material positioned above the mesh floor towards the mesh floor outlet,

[0107] • said lower part is tapered towards the bottom and comprises a container outlet where the material can exit the container.

[0108] 3. The system according to any one of items 1-2, wherein the arm(s) are broadened at the distal end, and configured to scrape material from the surface of the mesh floor and lead the material towards the outlet of the mesh floor or towards the mesh floor outlet.

[0109] 4. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the arm(s) comprise at least one blade, the at least one blade is optionally configured to push the material towards the center of the mesh floor, for example toward the mesh floor outlet.

[0110] 5. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the mesh floor comprises a plurality of perforations and / or a plurality of slits.

[0111] 6. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the arm(s) have their proximal end fixed at a central shaft positioned at the upper part of the container.

[0112] 7. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the giracleur unit is configured to move the arm(s) along the central shaft.

[0113] 8. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the giracleur unit is configured to rotate the arm(s) around an axis perpendicular to the mesh floor.

[0114] 9. The system according to item 8, wherein the axis is the central shaft.

[0115] 10. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the system comprises at least one piping system configured for pumping the material. 11. The system according item 10, wherein the piping system is connected to or comprises at least one pump.

[0116] 12. The system according to any one of the preceding items, comprising a pipelined fluid communication between the outlet of the lower part of the container or the container outlet, and the inlet at the upper part of the container, such that the material can be pumped from the lower part of the container to the upper part of the container.

[0117] 13. The system according to any one of the preceding items, comprising a pipelined fluid communication between the outlet of the lower part of the container or the container outlet, and an inlet of another apparatus, such that the material can be pumped from the lower part of the container to another apparatus.

[0118] 14. The system according to any one of the preceding items, further comprising at least one pump configured to pump the material from the container to another apparatus.

[0119] 15. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the mesh floor has thickness preferably larger than 1 mm, and preferably lower than 5 mm, most preferably around 2 mm, and the mesh floor comprises slits of width preferably larger than 1 mm and preferably lower than 3 mm, and length preferably larger than 15 mm and preferably lower than 25 mm.

[0120] 16. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the material, such as cereal grains or barley, can only pass through the mesh floor via the outlet of the mesh floor or the mesh floor outlet, whereas air and water can pass through the perforations of the mesh floor.

[0121] 17. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the mesh floor is circular in shape.

[0122] 18. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the mesh floor constitutes a circular horizontal plane within the container. 19. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the outlet of the mesh floor or the mesh floor outlet is positioned at the center of the mesh floor.

[0123] 20. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the outlet of the mesh floor or the mesh floor outlet forms a frustum of a cone having an upper larger base and a lower smaller base, wherein the upper larger base is positioned at the surface of the mesh floor .

[0124] 21. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the outlet of the mesh floor or the mesh floor outlet can be controlled to open or close, controlling the flow of material in the container.

[0125] 22. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein at least a part of the container has a cylindrical shape.

[0126] 23. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the upper part of the container has an essentially cylindrical shape.

[0127] 24. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the lower part of the container has a conical shape.

[0128] 25. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein lower part of the container forms a frustum of a cone having an upper larger base and a lower smaller base, wherein the outlet of the container or the container outlet is positioned at the lower smaller base.

[0129] 26. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the container comprises at least one air inlet and at least one water inlet.

[0130] 27. The system according to any one of the preceding items, configured to perform combined steeping and germination of cereal grains, such as barley grains.

[0131] 28. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the container, the mesh floor the giracleur unit and the arm(s) are made of stainless steel. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the system further comprises additional vessels. The system according to any one of the preceding items, wherein the system further comprises additional steeping vessels. A milling system comprising:

[0132] - at least one twin-screw pump,

[0133] - at least one shear pump,

[0134] - an inlet; and

[0135] - an outlet; wherein said inlet guides a mixture of green malt and water to the at least one twin-screw pump, and the at least one twin-screw pump and the at least one shear pump are in fluid communication with one another and configured for moving the mixture of green malt with water from the twin-screw pump to the shear pump, and wherein the milled green malt exits the milling system from the shear pump via the outlet. A milling system comprising:

[0136] - at least one twin-screw pump,

[0137] - at least one shear pump or at least one shear mixer,

[0138] - an inlet; and

[0139] - an outlet; wherein said inlet guides a mixture of green malt and water to the at least one twin-screw pump, and the at least one twin-screw pump and the at least one shear pump, or the at least one shear mixer are in fluid communication with one another and configured for moving the mixture of green malt with water from the twin-screw pump to the shear pump, or to the shear mixer, and wherein the milled green malt exits the milling system from the shear pump, or from the shear mixer via the outlet. The milling system according to any one of the items 31 , wherein the at least one shear pump or the at least one shear mixer has a shearing clearance preferably less than 2 mm, more preferably less than 1 .5 mm, even more preferably less than 1 mm, most preferably less than 0.75 mm. The milling system according to any one of the items 31-32, wherein the at least one shear pump or the at least one shear mixer comprises a first impeller blade comprising or consisting of at least one stator and a second impeller blade comprising or consisting of at least one rotor. The milling system according to item 34, wherein each rotor and each stator of the at least one shear pump or shear mixer comprises a plurality of teeth, wherein the plurality of teeth are arranged in at least one circular pattern on a stator and / or on a rotor. The milling system according to any one of the items 34 or 35, wherein each rotor and each stator of the at least one shear pump or of the at least one shear mixer comprises a plurality of rows of teeth. The milling system according to item 36, wherein each of the rows of teeth have a predefined teeth density, wherein the teeth density is characterized by a teeth angle. The milling system according to item 37, wherein the teeth angle is preferably larger than 3° and preferably smaller than 60°. The milling system according to any one of the items 36-38, wherein the number of rows of teeth on the rotor and on the stator are in the range of 1 to 15, such as in the range of 2 to 10, such as in the range of 4 to 7. The milling system according to any one of items 31-39, wherein the at least one twin-screw pump operates at a speed higher than 10 Hz, preferably higher than 20 Hz, more preferably higher than 30 Hz, and wherein the at least one twin- screw pump operates at a speed lower than 80 Hz, preferably lower than 70 Hz, more preferably lower than 60 Hz. The milling system according to any one of items 31-40, wherein the at least one shear pump or the at least one shear mixer operates at a speed preferably higher than 50 Hz, and preferably lower than 65 Hz.

[0140] 42. The milling system according to any one of items 31-41 , wherein the milling system has a flow rate preferably higher than 15 m3 / h, and preferably lower than 30 m3 / h.

[0141] 43. The milling system according to any one of items 31-42, wherein more than 30%, for example in the range of 30 to 40%, for example approx.. 35% of the particles of the milled green malt has a particle size in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 mm after drying..

[0142] 44. The milling system according to any one of items 31-43, wherein more than 50%, for example in the range of 50 to 60%, for example approx.. 55% of the particles of the milled green malt has a particle size in the range of 0.125 to 0.5 mm after drying.

[0143] 45. The milling system according to any one of the items 31-44, wherein the milled green malt is homogenized.

[0144] 46. The milling system according to any one of the items 31-34, wherein each stator and each rotor of each shear pump or shear mixer comprises a plurality of teeth, wherein each tooth has a height preferably larger than 5 mm, more preferably larger than 10 mm, even more preferably larger than 15 mm, most preferably larger than 20 mm, and preferably less than 60 mm, more preferably less than 50 mm, even more preferably less than 40 mm, most preferably less than 30 mm, such as 20 mm.

[0145] 47. The milling system according to any one of the items 31-46, wherein each stator and each rotor of each shear pump or shear mixer comprises a plurality of teeth, wherein each tooth has a width preferably larger than 1 mm, more preferably larger than 3 mm, even more preferably larger than 5 mm, most preferably larger than 7 mm; and preferably less than 30 mm, more preferably less than 20 mm, even more preferably less than 15 mm, most preferably less than 12 mm, such as 9 mm.

[0146] 48. The milling system according to any one of the items 31-47 wherein each stator and each rotor of each shear pump or shear mixer comprises a plurality of teeth, wherein each tooth has a length preferably larger than 1 mm, more preferably larger than 3 mm, even more preferably larger than 5 mm, most preferably larger than 7 mm, and preferably less than 30 mm, more preferably less than 20 mm, even more preferably less than 15 mm, most preferably less than 12 mm, such as 9 mm.

[0147] 49. The milling system according to any one of the items 31-48 wherein each stator and each rotor of each shear pump or shear mixer comprises a plurality of teeth, wherein each tooth has a spacing with the neighbouring teeth respectively preferably larger than 1 mm, more preferably larger than 3 mm, even more preferably larger than 5 mm, most preferably larger than 7 mm, and preferably less than 30 mm, more preferably less than 20 mm, even more preferably less than 15 mm, most preferably less than 12 mm, such as 9 mm.

[0148] 50. The milling system according to any one of items 31 , wherein the mixture of green malt and water has a ratio of one to three respectively, and wherein the temperature of the mixture of green malt and water is at least 40 °C, and wherein the pressure of the mixture at the inlet is at least 0.4 bar, and the pressure of the mixture at the outlet is at least 1 bar.

[0149] 51. The milling system according to any one of items 31 to 50, wherein the at least one shear pump or shear mixer comprises at least one stator and at least one rotor, wherein the rotor diameter is preferably larger than 125 mm and preferably smaller than 250 mm, and wherein the gauge of the at least one shear pump or of the at least one shear mixer is preferably more than 15 mm and preferably smaller less than 25 mm. A method for milling malt, preferably green malt, comprising the steps of:

[0150] • obtaining a mixture of water and malt, preferably green malt,

[0151] • guiding the mixture of water and malt to at least one twin-screw pump,

[0152] • guiding the mixture of malt and water from the at least one twin-screw pump to an at least one shear pump, or to an at least one shear mixer, wherein the at least one shear pump, or the at least one shear mixer and the at least one twin-screw pump are in fluid communication with one another,

[0153] • obtaining a milled mixture of malt and water from an outlet of the at least one shear pump or of the at least one shear mixer. The method according to item 52, wherein the method is performed using a milling system according to any one of items 31 to 51. A method for germinating cereal grains, said method comprising the steps of:

[0154] • obtaining a system according to any one of items 1 to 28,

[0155] • incubating wet cereal grains in the upper part of the container under conditions allowing said cereal grains to germinate. The method according to claim 54, wherein the method comprises

[0156] • Incubating cereal grains in the lower part of the container with water

[0157] • moving wet cereal grains from the outlet of the lower part of the container or from the container outlet, and through the inlet into the upper part of the container

[0158] • incubating wet cereal grains in the upper part of the container under conditions allowing said cereal grains to germinate. The method according to any one of items 54 to 55, where the method comprises circulating the wet cereal grains in the container by rotating the at least one arm around an axis perpendicular to the mesh floor . The method according to any one of items 54 to 56, where the method comprises moving wet and / or germinated cereal grains from the surface of the mesh floor and through the outlet or through the mesh floor outlet to the lower part of the container. A method for germinating cereal grains and milling of green malt, comprising the steps:

[0159] • Germinating cereal grains by performing the method according to any one of items 54 to 57, thereby obtaining green malt,

[0160] • obtaining a piping system configured to pump the green malt from the container to a milling system, and

[0161] • milling the green malt by performing the method according to any one of items 52 to 53. A method for germinating cereal grains and milling of green malt, comprising the steps:

[0162] • Germinating cereal grains by performing the method according to any one of items 54 to 57, thereby obtaining green malt,

[0163] • Pumping said green malt to a milling system through a piping system connecting the container comprising the green malt to the milling system, and

[0164] • milling the green malt by performing the method according to any one of items 52 to 53. A method according to any one of items 58 to 59, further comprising the step of obtaining a piping system configured to pump the green malt from the container to an intermediate storage apparatus, and the step of obtaining a piping system configured to pump the green malt from the intermediate storage apparatus to a milling system. A system comprising:

[0165] - a system according to any one of the items 1 to 28, and

[0166] - a milling system according to any one of the items 31 to 51. The system according to item 61 , further comprising a piping system configured to pump green malt from the container, to the milling system. 63. The system according to any one of items 31 to 62, wherein the system is configured for mixing green malt from the container with water before entering the milling system.

[0167] 64. The system according to any one of items 31 to 51 , wherein the system comprises two or more milling systems connected in parallel.

[0168] 65. A milling system comprising:

[0169] - at least one multi-screw pump, such as a triple-screw pump,

[0170] - at least one shear pump or at least one shear mixer,

[0171] - an inlet; and

[0172] - an outlet; wherein said inlet guides a mixture of green malt and water to the at least one multi-screw pump, and the at least one multi-screw pump and the at least one shear pump, or the at least one shear mixer are in fluid communication with one another and configured for moving the mixture of green malt with water from the multi-screw pump to the shear pump or to the shear mixer, and wherein the milled green malt exits the milling system from the shear pump or from the shear mixer via the outlet.

[0173] 66. The milling system according to item 65, wherein the milling system is configured according to any one of the items 33 to 51.

[0174] References

[0175] D.E. Briggs, Malts and Malting; p695 First Edition, 1998 Published by Blackie &

[0176] Professionals, London, ISBNO 412 29800

[0177] Dugulin, C. A., Clegg, S. C., De Rouck, G., and Cook, D. J. (2020) Overcoming technical barriers to brewing with green (non-kilned) malt: a feasibility study. J. Inst.

[0178] Brew., 126: 24-34. https: / / doi.org / 10.1002 / jib.602.

Claims

Claims1. A system comprising:• a container comprising an upper part and a lower part, wherein• said upper part comprises: i. an inlet, where material can enter the container, ii. a mesh floor, the mesh floor being perforated and in addition comprising a mesh floor outlet, iii. a giracleur unit located above the mesh floor, the giracleur unit comprising one or more arms configured to move material positioned above the mesh floor towards the mesh floor outlet,• said lower part is tapered towards the bottom and comprises a container outlet where the material can exit the container.

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the arm(s) are broadened at the distal end, and configured to scrape material from the surface of the mesh floor and lead the material towards the mesh floor outlet.

3. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises at least one piping system configured for pumping the material.

4. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mesh floor comprises a plurality of perforations and / or a plurality of slits.

5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a pipelined fluid communication between the container outlet and the inlet at the upper part of the container, such that the material can be pumped from the lower part of the container to the upper part of the container and / or comprising a pipelined fluid communication between the container outlet and an inlet of another apparatus, such that the material can be pumped from the lower part of the container to another apparatus.

6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the material, such as cereal grains or barley, can only pass through the mesh floor via themesh floor outlet, whereas air and water can pass through the perforated mesh floor.

7. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mesh floor outlet forms a frustum of a cone having an upper larger base and a lower smaller base, wherein the upper larger base is positioned at the surface of the mesh floor .

8. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein lower part of the container forms a frustum of a cone having an upper larger base and a lower smaller base, wherein the container outlet is positioned at the lower smaller base.

9. A milling system comprising:- at least one multi-screw pump,- at least one shear pump or at least one shear mixer,- an inlet; and- an outlet; wherein said inlet guides a mixture of green malt and water to the at least one twin-screw pump, and the at least one twin-screw pump and the at least one shear pump, or the at least one shear mixer are in fluid communication with one another and configured for moving the mixture of green malt with water from the twin-screw pump to the shear pump, or to the shear mixer, and wherein the milled green malt exits the milling system from the shear pump, or from the shear mixer via the outlet.

10. The milling system according to claim 9, wherein the multi-screw pump is a twin- screw pump.

11. The milling system according to any one of the claims 9 or 10, wherein the at least one shear pump or the at least one shear mixer comprises a first impeller blade comprising or consisting of at least one stator and a second impeller blade comprising or consisting of at least one rotor.

12. The milling system according to any one of claims 9 to 11 , wherein the mixture of green malt and water has a ratio of one to three respectively, and wherein the temperature of the mixture of green malt and water is at least 40 °C, and wherein the pressure of the mixture at the inlet is at least 0.4 bar, and the pressure of the mixture at the outlet is at least 1 bar.

13. A method for milling malt, preferably green malt, comprising the steps of:• obtaining a mixture of water and malt, preferably green malt,• guiding the mixture of water and malt to at least one twin-screw pump,• guiding the mixture of malt and water from the at least one twin-screw pump to an at least one shear pump, or to the at least one shear mixer, wherein the at least one shear pump, or the at least one shear mixer and the at least one twin-screw pump are in fluid communication with one another,• obtaining a milled mixture of malt and water from an outlet of the at least one shear pump, or of the at least one shear mixer.

14. A method for germinating cereal grains, said method comprising the steps of: a. obtaining a system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, b. incubating wet cereal grains in the upper part of the container under conditions allowing said cereal grains to germinate.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the method comprises a. Incubating cereal grains in the lower part of the container with water b. moving wet cereal grains from the container outlet and through the inlet into the upper part of the container c. incubating wet cereal grains in the upper part of the container under conditions allowing said cereal grains to germinate.

16. A method for germinating cereal grains and milling of green malt, comprising the steps: a. Germinating cereal grains by performing the method according to any one of claims 14 to 15, thereby obtaining green malt, b. obtaining a piping system configured to pump the green malt from the container to a milling system, and c. milling the green malt by performing the method according to claim 13.

17. A system comprising:- a system according to any one of the claims 1 to 8, and- a milling system according to any one of the claims 9 to 12.

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