Vibronic Multisensor for Mash Saccharification Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mashing processes in brewing lack precise monitoring of saccharification, relying on empirical time estimation and manual tests for determining maltose and maltodextrin concentrations, which are temperature-dependent and require separate sensors for density and sound velocity measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method using a vibronic sensor with piezoelectric elements to determine density and sound velocity in a mash, allowing for precise monitoring of maltose and maltodextrin concentrations by compensating for temperature effects, enabling optimized saccharification time and resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If empirical time estimation and manual tests are used to determine maltose and maltodextrin concentrations, then the monitoring process is simple, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions (density measurement via oscillation frequency, sound velocity measurement via ultrasonic transit time, and temperature measurement) into a single integrated sensor probe. This merging of functions enables precise concentration determination through multiple parameters simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor probe is designed as a universal measuring device that can determine multiple process variables (density, sound velocity, temperature) and calculate multiple concentration values (maltose, maltodextrin, total sugar) from a single installation. This multi-functionality achieves high measurement precision without requiring multiple separate sensors.
2Ease of operation
If separate sensors are used for density and sound velocity measurements, then the measurement functions are specialized, but the device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the oscillation sensor for density measurement and the ultrasonic sensor for sound velocity measurement into a single combined probe housing. This merging allows both measurement functions to operate simultaneously at the same location in the mash, ensuring consistent measurement conditions and simplifying installation while maintaining high concentration monitoring precision.
3Reliability
If temperature effects are not compensated, then the measurement process is simpler, but the reliability of concentration determination deteriorates due to temperature dependence
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system includes a temperature sensor that continuously monitors the mash temperature and feeds this information to the evaluation unit. The evaluation unit uses the temperature data to compensate the density and sound velocity measurements, eliminating temperature-dependent errors and ensuring reliable concentration determination across varying temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures temperature as an additional parameter and uses it to adjust the interpretation of density and sound velocity measurements. By changing the measurement parameters to include temperature and using it for compensation calculations, the system maintains high reliability of concentration determination despite temperature variations in the mashing process.
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
Enables accurate determination of saccharification progress and optimized energy and resource use by integrating temperature compensation in density and sound velocity measurements, enhancing process control in brewing.
Implementation Method 1
at least one piezoelectric element (11a, 11b)
Implementation Method 2
a sensor unit (2) having at least one mechanically oscillatable unit (4)
Implementation Method 3
determining the velocity of sound in the mash
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining and/or monitoring a concentration of maltodextrin and/or maltose in a mashing process comprises method steps as follows:providing a mash,heating the mash to at least one predeterminable temperature,determining the density of the mashdetermining the velocity of sound in the mash,ascertaining a concentration of maltodextrin and maltose in the mash, andascertaining the concentration of maltodextrin and/or maltose in the mash.