Transverse Spray Device for Mash Leaching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing brewing devices have insufficient leaching effects during the mashing process, primarily due to vertical flow direction, which limits the extraction of nutrients from malt and results in longer residence times in the mash tank.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of a first spray device with a transverse spray direction of 60° to 120° relative to the mash tank's longitudinal axis, along with additional spray devices for enhanced turbulence and filtration, increases the leaching effect and reduces residence time by introducing horizontal and vertical flows, and includes modular design for adjustable and efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If vertical spray direction is used in mash vessel, then device structure is simple, but leaching effect is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespray device structureVSAvoidleaching effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a transverse spray direction (60°-120° to longitudinal axis) in addition to the conventional vertical spray direction. This multi-directional spraying approach adds a horizontal dimension to the leaching process, creating turbulence and improving extraction efficiency without significantly complicating the device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of time

If conventional vertical leaching is used, then residence time is long, but extraction efficiency is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemash residence timeVSAvoidextraction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The transverse spray device creates periodic turbulence and flow patterns in the mash, alternately directing liquid flow in different directions. This periodic action enhances mass transfer between the liquid and solid phases, improving extraction efficiency and reducing the time required for complete leaching.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Manufacturing precision

If spray angle is optimized to 60°-120°, then leaching effect is enhanced, but spray device configuration becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleaching effectVSAvoidspray device configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the spray angle parameter to a specific range (60°-120° relative to the longitudinal axis) to achieve optimal leaching effect. By carefully selecting and controlling this geometric parameter, the system achieves enhanced extraction efficiency while maintaining a relatively simple device configuration that can be implemented with standard spray nozzle arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The enhanced leaching and turbulence achieved through the described spray configurations improve the extraction efficiency of mash components, leading to a better brewing outcome with shorter mash residence times and effective handling of varying mash quantities.

Implementation Method 1

The first spray device leaches out pockets within the mash that would not be leached without it... This flow is also present in the device according to the invention, but the flow through the mash in essentially horizontal and vertical directions also causes turbulence in the mash, resulting in greater leaching

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP3887495B1Brewing device
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 THRUN RUDIGER
  • EP3887495B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3887495B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3887495B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

In order to provide for highly effective maceration of the mash in a brewing device, particularly for beer, which comprises at least one mash tun (1) and a wort boiling tank (2), the invention proposes arranging, in the at least one mash tun (1), a first spray device (11) on the base region of said mash tun (1) such that the spray direction runs transversely to the mash tun (1) at an angle of 60° to 120° relative to the longitudinal axis (A) of the mash tun (1).