Centrifugal Wort Separation During Boiling to Replace Whirlpooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wort production methods are time-consuming and inefficient in separating solids from beer wort, leading to issues such as increased DMS replication and reduced separation efficiency, which negatively impact the aroma and quality of the resulting beer.
Innovation Solution
A method involving centrifugation during the boiling or holding phase of wort production to separate solids, utilizing high G-forces to achieve at least partial separation, eliminating the need for subsequent whirlpool steps and reducing contact with oxygen and thermal stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional whirlpool or settling decanter methods are used to separate solids from wort, then some solids are removed, but the separation process is time-consuming and has limited separation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional whirlpool mechanical separation system with a centrifugal separation system. The centrifugal separator uses rotational centrifugal force to achieve much higher separation efficiency and speed compared to the gravity-based whirlpool method, thereby resolving the contradiction between separation efficiency and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the separation parameter from gravity-based (whirlpool) to centrifugal force-based separation. By applying high G-forces through centrifugal rotation, the separation process achieves both high efficiency and speed, simultaneously improving productivity and reducing time loss.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If whirlpool separation is used, then solids are removed from wort, but DMS is replicated from DMS precursors which negatively impacts beer aroma
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the whirlpool system with a centrifugal separation system that operates without the thermal conditions that promote DMS replication. The centrifugal method achieves effective solid separation while avoiding the harmful DMS replication effect, thus resolving the contradiction between eliminating harmful factors and maintaining productivity.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional separation methods are used, then solids are removed, but hop components are lost and hop yield is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the separation mechanism from gravity-based whirlpool to centrifugal force-based separation. This parameter change allows for more precise control of the separation process, enabling effective solid removal while preserving valuable hop components, thereby resolving the contradiction between reducing harmful losses and maintaining productivity.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If solids separation is performed after boiling, then some solids are removed, but the process requires additional equipment and increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the centrifugal separation function directly into the wort processing line, allowing solids separation to be performed inline during or immediately after boiling. This integration reduces the need for separate additional equipment and simplifies the overall system while effectively preventing equipment fouling.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces production time, enhances hop yield and beer quality by maintaining valuable hop components, improves yeast supply, and minimizes environmental impact by reducing water consumption and equipment fouling.
Implementation Method 1
at least partially separating solids from the wort by centrifugation. During centrifugation, a G-number ≥ 1,000 g, preferably between 1,000 and 12,000 g, preferably between 2,000 and 12,000 g, preferably between 2,000 and 10,000 g, preferably between 3,000 and 10,000 g, preferably between 5,000 and 10,000 g, and in particular between 5,000 and 8,000 g, is achieved
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for producing or treating a wort, a device for at least partially separating solids from a wort, a wort preparation device and a use of the device according to the invention for at least partially separating solids from a wort.