DE102012000538A1 - Apparatus useful for germinating a germination material, comprises a wet switching device and a dry switching device, respectively provided with a continuously operating feeding unit for conveying germination material from inlet to outlet - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus (10 comprises a wet switching device (12) and a dry switching device (14), where each devices are provided with a continuously operating feeding unit for conveying the germination material from an inlet (16) to an outlet (64).

Description

Background of the invention

The invention relates to a device for germination of seed material, with a wet-mixing device and a dry-switching device.

Seed, in particular seeds of seed plants such as cereals, cereals (crops), legumes (lupins, soybeans) or legumes but also potatoes, is composed of individual seed grains, especially seeds together. Such germination contains high-energy and nutritionally valuable ingredients, especially carbohydrates, proteins, trace elements and vitamins. However, the ingredients in the seed are initially only partially usable for humans and animals. They must be formed in part only by the seed.

The individual germinal grain comprises a seedling or embryo and a nutrient tissue or meal body as a so-called endosperm. The endosperm comprises nutrients in the form of high-energy, high molecular weight, water-insoluble starches and proteins, in which energy is stored in the form of chemical energy for the seedling. The energy thus stored can be released in a germination process in an exothermic reaction with evolution of heat.

For germination to start, enzymes such as amylases, peptidases, dextrinases, and so on, which are biocatalysts in the seed grain, must first be activated. The activation of the enzymes is influenced by certain factors, such as the water content or moisture level and the temperature of the germinal product.

The size of the factors depends on the type of germinal product. Depending on the type of germinant, the enzymes may be activated by means of a defined addition of water, raising the temperature or, preferably, adding growth hormones such as gibberillic acid. By activating the enzymes, the germination process starts with the formation of other enzymes and in particular with a breakdown of the high molecular weight starches and proteins in low molecular weight sugars and amino acids, as well as with the formation of vitamins. Only these low-molecular structured nutrients are usable for the seedling.

In this way, the sugars, in particular glucose, maltose, maltotriose and maiose from the seedling, are broken down into carbon dioxide, in particular in a process of aerobic respiration under oxygen consumption.

In this process, energy is released, which is used for the further development of the seedling to build the plant and is partially released as heat energy. At the same time decreases by the degradation of low molecular weight sugar, the total stored energy content in the individual seed grain. There is a so-called substance consumption, in particular a consumption of sugar and thus ultimately of carbohydrates by means of respiration. During the germination process, oxygen is consumed and carbon dioxide is formed.

During the process of breathing other enzymes are formed and activated in parallel, sometimes also consumed. By means of these enzymes water-insoluble high-molecular nutrients are further degraded into water-soluble low-molecular nutrients, which in turn are further processed. As low molecular weight sugars they are further breathed, that is, they are, as already described, degraded with release of energy to carbon dioxide.

In intermediate stages of such a germination process, the contents of the germinated germinal product are digested to such an extent that they can be used efficiently by humans and animals. Sprouted sprouts thus form a valuable source of energy and protein, as well as suppliers of vitamins and trace elements, and can form an important part of human and animal nutrition.

To a small extent, germinated sprouts, for example, are already used in bread production and, to a great extent, in the brewing industry for the production of malt. The malt is produced by drying and kilning of green malt, which is produced after germination, in particular of barley or wheat from the grain. Another field of application of germinated germ is agriculture. On the one hand germinated germination material is used as seed to ensure a uniform growth of the sowing and to accelerate the growth. On the other hand sprouted germinate in animal production in part used as feed. As a protein supplier, the sprouted seed can replace, for example, conventionally used soybean meal here.

However, with known devices for germinating seed material, it is only comparatively difficult to control the germination process in a targeted manner and also to interrupt it at the desired intermediate stage. In addition, known devices are relatively expensive and do not manage to ensure a uniform and homogeneous quality of the germinated germ.

Underlying task

The invention has for its object to provide a device for germination of germs, with the cost-effective and gentle a germinated germ of high quality can be produced.

Inventive solution

The object is achieved according to the invention with a device for germination of seed material, with a wet-mixing device and a dry-switching device, in which the wet-mixing device and the dry-switching device are each provided with a continuously operating feed means for conveying the germinal product of a Inlet to an outlet.

In the device according to the invention for germinating germinating material, two sections, a section of the wet switch and a section of the dry switch are provided, through which the germinating material is conveyed through by means of a continuous feed device.

The continuous promotion of germination allows on the one hand in the wet-soft device to suspend the germ of a special moisture treatment and to control this treatment in terms of intensity and duration targeted. To control the speed of continuous delivery can be changed in a very simple way.

Furthermore, the device according to the invention provides that a continuous conveyance of the germinal product also takes place through this section on it at a dry-well section. In this process, the process of the dry switch in this section can be influenced in succession by the germinating material passing through by simply adapting the influencing factors and adjusting the residence time of the germinate in the respective section by means of a velocity adaptation of the germinating material.

Overall, with such a procedure, a particularly easy to produce and controlled device for germination of seed material is created.

The sprouted germinate produced in this way can be used as a valuable food or feed with low molecular weight sugars and proteins and a high content of vitamins and trace elements, since it can be utilized very well by the human and animal organism.

Preferably, the wet-mixing device is configured with a first receptacle for receiving water and seeds with a first inlet and a first outlet, and a first continuously operating feed means for conveying the germinate to the first outlet.

In the wet-mixing device, the germinating material is moistened to start the germination process. Only by absorption of water and thus increase in the degree of moisture are the enzymes that are in the individual seed grain, activated. The more water the individual germinal grain absorbs in a short time, the more enzymes are activated. For this purpose, advantageously, according to the invention, the seed is simply soaked in water in a first receptacle, preferably until the individual seed grains are completely surrounded by water. Then, the seed is continuously conveyed through the first receptacle and the water therein. As a result, in particular a uniform moisture penetration of the germinal product is achieved and at the same time the duration of the stay in the water can be defined by means of a simple control of the conveying speed.

The individual seed grain absorbs a specific amount of water, which increases its moisture level in a defined manner. After reaching a certain degree of moisture of preferably 40% to 50%, of Depending on the type of germinal product, the germination process starts in the individual germinal grain with the activation of enzymes. For the most part, further enzymes are formed.

In addition to the water content, the temperature of the germinating material to be moistened can be specifically controlled by controlling the water temperature during this moistening. For this purpose, a temperature of 7 ° C. to 20 ° C., in particular from 14 ° C. to 18 ° C., is particularly preferably regulated at the wet-mixing device. With the thus controlled temperature, a temperature above a specific for each type of germination germination temperature is set. The specific germination temperature is preferably above 7 ° C to 20 ° C depending on the seed. In addition, with the temperature set according to the invention, a relatively low temperature is used for germination of seed material. This advantageously avoids the risk of fungal infestation, in particular mold infestation, which contributes to the health of the germinal product. Bio-disinfectants (such as in particular lactic acid) can advantageously be added to the soft water in order to reduce the fungal infestation of the germinal product.

Furthermore, an unwanted uncontrolled germination process is avoided with the temperature set so low. The germination process, in particular by the process of breathing, represents an overall exothermic reaction in which heat energy is released. The heat energy would increase the temperature of the individual germinal grain and thus of the germinal product as a whole. Thus, the germination process could be accelerated in an undesired manner uncontrolled and possibly damaged the germination in its germination.

Particularly advantageous at the comparatively low temperature when moistening the germinal product is a particularly strong formation of enzymes, since it has been found according to the invention that at low germ temperature, an increased enzyme level is achieved. By means of the increased enzyme level, during the first continuation of the germination process, high molecular weight nutrients are advantageously biochemically decomposed into low molecular weight nutrients, in particular to amino acids and sugars, in the germinal grain. Almost at the same time, respiration starts with the degradation of increasingly formed low-molecular sugars, with increased consumption of oxygen and increased formation of carbon dioxide.

The said biochemical processes, in particular the further formation of enzymes after the activation of the first enzymes during the start of the germination process and the first continuation of the germination process, thus take place in the germinal matter grain parallel to each other and beyond in dependence on each other.

Preferably, the moistening step is for a period of one hour to 12 hours, more preferably from two hours to eight hours. With this period of moistening or wet wetting it is ensured that the germinal product on the one hand has enough time to absorb a particularly large amount of water, at least as much water that the germination process starts. In addition, the time taken to perform a subsequent process step is limited so that the carbon dioxide formed does not lead to a "suffocation" of the germinal product. Otherwise, there would be a risk of mold growth due to infestation with mold fungi.

With the continuous feed means according to the invention, the individual seed grains or grains of the seed are simultaneously moved relative to one another during the wet switch. The individual grains are especially well mixed with water. In addition, the individual grains rub against each other, so that formed by the germination process carbon dioxide bubbles are removed at the surface of the individual grain. As a result, no dry spots remain on the surface of the individual grain, whereby all grains are moistened evenly and thus absorb approximately the same amount of water. With the homogeneous and uniform absorption of water over the entire germ material, a start of the germination process in approximately every single grain is advantageously achieved, so that a particularly high degree of efficiency is achieved.

In the first receiving container, it is further advantageous to first supply water to the germinal product and then to remove it again, particularly preferably in a continuous manner. As a result, the germinating material can be washed during the wet switch. In the washing, it is preferable to add a caustic, especially sodium hydroxide, in an amount of preferably from 0.3 kg to 0.8 kg, more preferably from 0.4 kg to 0.6 kg, per cubic meter of water to enhance a cleaning effect.

If present, impurities such as dirt particles, parts of sponges and harmful microorganisms such as molds and spores are separated by the water from the germinal matter. When conveying the individual grains through the first receptacle grains rub against each other and existing Impurities are separated very quickly and thoroughly by abrasion from the individual grains. The impurities separated in the water can advantageously be removed in particular by means of an overflow on the container with the removal of water.

To remove the germinal product from the water, preferably the first continuously operating feed means is designed to lift the germinating material in the direction of the outlet. With the advancing agent, the germinal material is thus lifted out of the water, in particular pushed out over a rising surface. With the pushing out separates the germ and the water remains in the first receptacle, including the possible impurities back.

Particularly preferably, the first continuously operating feed means is designed with a first screw conveyor. The first screw conveyor can move large quantities of germinating material with a particularly low flow rate. It leads to an advantageous movement, mixing and trituration of the grains of the germ, while ensuring that the grains are not exposed to excessive mechanical stress.

Advantageously, two spiral regions are designed with mutually different helical pitches on the first screw conveyor. The first helix area serves for sucking the germinating material into the screw conveyor and for starting the germinating process at a low conveying speed, to which end this helix area is designed with a particularly small helix pitch compared to the second helix area.

Advantageously, a filling container with an adjustable water level is also provided at the first inlet. The adjustable and thereby variable water level makes it possible, in coordination with the conveying speed, in particular a lifting-acting feed means, by the height of the water level, the residence time of the germ in a simple and effective, if necessary, also to change temporarily.

In the device according to the invention, moreover, the dry-well device is advantageously designed with a second receptacle for receiving the germinal product with a second inlet and a second outlet and a second continuously operating feed means for conveying the germinal product to the second outlet.

With the dry-soft device of this type, the germinating material is likewise conveyed continuously through the device during the dry-cycle, thereby being moved and also mixed. As a result, the germinal product is first dehumidified and then selectively set a defined moisture and temperature range in the germ.

During the dry switch carbon dioxide is formed in the germ, which advantageously targeted with a suction, such. B. a suction pump is sucked out of the dry switch device. In this case, preferably, the entire volume of gas surrounding the germinal material is exchanged at least once. Preferably, extraction takes place so strongly that the gas volume surrounding the germinal product is exchanged three times.

With the suction, a control of the carbon dioxide content in the seed material of 600 ppm to 12,000 ppm, in particular from 700 ppm to 11,000 ppm and more preferably from 800 ppm to 10,000 ppm is sought. The regulation takes place by means of the suction of gas from the germinal product. In this case, a suction flow is generated by means of a suitable suction device with adjustable power and measured the content of carbon dioxide in the generated suction flow. Depending on the measured value, the power of the suction device is regulated until the carbon dioxide content according to the invention of 600 ppm to 12,000 ppm in the seed material is reached.

The natural carbon dioxide content in the ambient air is usually 400 ppm to 450 ppm. This means that the carbon dioxide content in the germinating material according to the invention is kept higher than the natural carbon dioxide content of the ambient air. The carbon dioxide content increases due to the germination process, in particular due to respiration in the individual germinal grain. In this respiration, the oxygen from the environment and the low molecular weight sugar in the germinal grain, which were formed during the germination, serve as starting materials for the biochemical reaction. Carbon dioxide and water form the end products.

By according to the solution according to the invention carbon dioxide is only partially removed as a product during respiration in the germ, the concentration of carbon dioxide increases, whereby the respiration is inhibited. This advantageously also the degradation of low molecular weight sugar is inhibited to carbon dioxide, so that the energy content in the germ remains largely intact. This advantageously produces a germinated seed, which has a high content of low molecular weight amino acids and low loss of low molecular weight sugars.

With the removal of the carbon dioxide formed a "suffocation" of the germ is avoided. For this purpose, fresh air is sucked in at the same time preferably from the environment with the suction, with the oxygen is supplied. Without this oxygen, the germ bud would die off and begin to mold. This mold is reliably prevented by the removal of carbon dioxide and the associated supply of oxygen.

By means of the suction, a negative pressure is also advantageously generated, whereby a remaining after the discharge of the soaking water residual water is advantageously sucked on and between the individual seed grains by means of negative pressure. The negative pressure causes a substantial evaporation of this residual water, whereby at the same time an energy-saving and effective cooling of the germinal product directly to the individual seed grains is achieved by means of the resulting evaporation cold. With the cooling, the germination process, in particular the respiration in the individual germinal grain is advantageously limited, so that the substance consumption of low molecular weight sugars is largely minimized. The cooling takes place with suction of gas from the seed so that a temperature of the extracted gas of 7 ° C to 30 ° C, preferably from 10 ° C to 25 ° C and more preferably from 13 ° C to 20 ° C. The set temperature depends on the type of germinal product. Overall, a further increased formation of enzymes is advantageously achieved by the thus set, relatively low temperature. This continues to create a high level of enzymes. By means of this high enzyme level, increased low-molecular nutrients, in particular amino acids and sugars, are produced with the aid of the increased, activated enzymes from high-molecular nutrients. From the increasingly produced sugars carbon dioxide is in turn increasingly formed by means of the running in the individual germinal grain respiration oxygen consumption and heat generation.

For aspiration, the germinating material with the second feed means according to the invention is advantageously conveyed in such a way that over a period of time of 10 minutes to 60 minutes, preferably from 20 minutes to 50 minutes and particularly preferably from 30 minutes to 40 minutes, gas is drawn off particularly strongly. The selected period of time can advantageously be varied depending on the type of germinal product by adjusting the conveying speed of the second advancing means.

Since germination, especially respiration, is a heat-dissipating process, the seed grains must be cooled as discussed to compensate for the heat energy released. The released heat energy would, as already mentioned, accelerate the germination process by increasing the temperature in an undesired manner in an uncontrolled manner. The increase in temperature would favor the process of breathing, which would lead to an undesirable consumption of sugar. The cooling is preferably achieved by spraying the germinal product in the dry-exchange device with water from above and sucking off the sprayed-on water, preferably downwards. When aspirating water, gas and air, additional negative pressure is created, which causes a decrease in temperature. In addition, reduced by the negative pressure of the air pressure around the grains of germination around, so that the water with which the germ is sprayed, evaporated at much lower temperatures than 100 ° C, compared to normal conditions with an air pressure of 1.013 bar. With the evaporation and the associated phase transition heat is removed from the germ. This is also helped by spraying, which produces small water droplets with a larger surface area. When evaporating the environment of the grains thus energy is removed, whereby the temperature of the environment is lowered. The lowering of temperature is referred to as evaporative cooling. The evaporative cooling compensates for the heat generated during the germination process, so that unwanted heating of the germ material and its surroundings is avoided. Such exploitation of the evaporative cooling is very energy-efficient and can be done without a cooling unit or other particular electrical cooling.

The dry switch preferably also includes a supply of fresh air. With the supply of fresh air, a pressure equalization is achieved so far that no strong vacuum is created. In this case, the desired cooling effect can be adjusted. In addition, for the germination necessary oxygen is supplied, which is contained in the fresh air. Particularly preferably, the fresh air is supplied from above and the spent air is sucked down with the carbon dioxide, so that the gas flow thus produced is advantageously adapted to the densities of the gases present (density of oxygen: 1.429 kg · m ^-3 , thought of carbon dioxide: 1, 98 kg · m ^-3 , density of air: 1.293 kg · m ^-3 , each at 0 ° C, 1.013 bar). Carbon dioxide is the densest gas, drops down by itself and is advantageously sucked downwards.

For a staggered process management in several successive steps from the point of view of the germinal product, the suction means is advantageously designed with a plurality of separate suction regions. In each of the suction can be set a different suction and thus a different temperature control can be achieved in the seed, as in the slave unit. With the staggered process control, it is advantageous to control the carbon dioxide content in the seed material with increasing carbon dioxide content over time. In particular, this carbon dioxide content is continuously increasing until, in particular, a maximum value of 12,000 ppm is reached. Controlled in this way, more carbon dioxide formed is preferably removed from the seed material in the first suction, which leads to an increase in the respiration of sugar, until then this reaction is increasingly inhibited by a continuous increase in carbon dioxide content in the second and subsequent in the third suction. This advantageously achieves the possibility of an individual control of the nutrient content in the germinal product, even with different germinal product varieties.

With the suction means advantageously a water content in the surrounding gas surrounding the gas from 70% to 99%, preferably from 80% to 95%. The water content is measured in particular in the already described suction of the gas from the seed. In the suction flow generated in this case, the water content is measured and, depending on the measured water content, if necessary, the suction power increased or added water to the seed. The addition of the water is preferably carried out by spraying the germinal product from above, in particular by means of suitable spray nozzles, until the desired water content is reached. With this water content, sufficient moisture is always provided during the continuation of the germination process in order to achieve a particularly high activation and formation of enzymes.

Advantageously, the spraying of the germinal product with water, the suction of gas, the supply of fresh air, the water content and the temperature combined in the extracted gas are controlled in dependence on the measured content of carbon dioxide. In particular, the amount of water to be supplied and the suction power or the suction are controlled. With the suction of carbon dioxide and air is sucked and thus preferably sucked fresh air at the same time. By controlling these factors, all of which affect the germination process as described, the germination process can be controlled in a very precise manner. Particularly advantageous is thus an individual control of the germination process allows, depending on which stage germination process for the final products is desired. If, for example, low molecular weight sugars and proteins or amino acids are required in the germinated germ, in particular the respiration in the germinal product is inhibited by adjusting the content of carbon dioxide to the value according to the invention of about 600 ppm to 12,000 ppm. A risk of germination of germs is thus avoided.

The extracted carbon dioxide can be used as a separate process medium for plant growth in greenhouses. The operation of the device according to the invention can thereby be designed pollutant-free and low odor.

Preferably, the seed is moved during the dry switch with a feed means, which is designed as a second screw conveyor. The screw conveyor can be formed integrally with the first screw conveyor. Preferably, however, it is designed as a separate screw conveyor with a separate drive and a correspondingly variable conveyor speed. With the screw conveyor, the individual grains of the germinal material are moved relative to each other, in particular stirred. For stirring, at least one paddle is advantageously attached to the conveyor worm and in particular to its worm hub. With this paddle spiraling around the paddle, gentle mixing without lumping is achieved, without damaging any of the seed's delicate roots or leaf seedlings. Further, if necessary, the individual grains also rub against one another during the drying turnout so that any impurities present or unwanted products formed during the germination process are separated by abrasion from the individual grains. In addition, the individual grains are well ventilated, so that both fresh air reaches each individual grain as well as carbon dioxide is subtracted from each individual grain. Particularly advantageous is thus achieved a particularly high efficiency with respect to the germination itself. Furthermore, mold growth is also advantageously avoided, the risk of poor ventilation exists.

For this purpose, the screw conveyor is preferably operated at a conveying speed with which the seed material remains in the dry switch for a period of one hour to 120 hours, preferably from 10 hours to 80 hours and more preferably from 20 hours to 40 hours. With this period, a comparatively long dry switch is created, during which the germination process can be continued in a controlled manner. Preferably, the seed is sprayed as described with water and sucked the exhaust air generated. In addition, spraying the germinal with water simultaneously serves to adjust the moisture level or water content of the germinal matter needed to complete the step of proceeding maintain the germination process accordingly optimal and efficient. A particularly high water content leads here preferably to a high enzyme activity and at the same time high vitamin formation.

Preferably, the dry switch takes place with the addition of gibberillic acid. Preferably, 0.01 grams to 0.20 grams per tonne of seed are added, more preferably 0.04 grams to 0.12 grams per ton. Gibberillic acid is a plant growth hormone, which advantageously accelerates the formation of enzymes in the germ. Preferably, the gibberillic acid is added to the water with which the seed is sprayed while continuing the germination process. This is achieved in particular by means of additional movement of the individual seed grains relative to each other, a uniform distribution in the seed and thus a uniformly rapid enzyme formation largely over the entire seed.

As seeds in the device according to the invention preferably the grain wheat, spelled, rye, barley, oats, triticale, corn, rice and millet are used. Peas, chickpeas, beans, soybeans, lentils, peanuts and lupins are the preferred legumes or legumes.

With a further inventive solution, a device for germination of seed material is created, with which a continuous operation is possible. An individual throughput speed is possible for many different products. The device requires only a small footprint, is inexpensive to buy and in operation. It has only a few moving parts. The long life of the device is further facilitated by the fact that the augers used require only low speeds. This results in a low drive power for continuous germination. In addition, the device according to the invention can be easily constructed so that it is particularly easy to clean. At the device, the Milieu control takes place by simple injection of water and optionally activators. Furthermore, individual temperature control by means of carbon dioxide suction is possible, in which partial flows can also be controlled.

Brief description of the drawing

An exemplary embodiment of the solutions according to the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the attached schematic drawing. The figure shows a partially sectioned side view of an apparatus for germination of seed according to the invention.

Detailed description of the embodiment

In the figure is a device 10 for germination of germinating material, e.g. B. of spelled in the form of spelled grains. The device 10 includes a wet-switch device 12 and a dry switch device 14 , which are successively passed through by the germinating germinating material. In this case, the dry switch device 14 as shown after or behind the wet-end device 12 be arranged or, which is actually preferred, the dry-switch device 14 next to the wet-switch facility 12 be positioned. The seed then passes to a first end portions of the device 10 into the wet-tissue facility 12 , flows through this to the other or the second end portion of the device 10 , is there in the adjacent dry-switch facility 14 implemented, flows through these and then passes at the first end of the device 10 out. With this arrangement, the loading and unloading of the device 10 at an end portion of the device 10 be arranged, which is for the supply and removal of seed to and from the device 10 can be very beneficial.

The wet-tissue device 12 has a first inlet at said first end portion 16 put in a hopper 18 for picking up non-germinated germs. The filling container 18 is funnel-shaped widening towards the top, so that the filling of the germinal product is facilitated there. At the side of the filling tank 18 there is a water level regulation 20 with at least one overflow, in the present case three differently arranged overflows. By means of the water level regulation 20 can the water, which is in the hopper 18 was filled to a water level 22 be regulated. In the thus filled water, the sprouts to be germinated is poured. It may be advantageous in the water about 0.6 kg of sodium hydroxide per cubic meter of water. The spelled floats partially in the filled water, but essentially reaches the bottom of the hopper 18 because he is fundamentally a bit heavier than water and also take the spelled grains already first water. The individual spelled grains loosen and mix with the water. The water can be at the filling tank 18 fed continuously from below and upwards over the Water level regulation 20 be dissipated. In the discharged water are separated from the spelled impurities that float and are discharged with the overflowing water.

Subsequently, the spelled to be germinated passes through a substantially vertically extending filler pipe 24 in a first continuously operating feed means 26 , Which in the present case with a first tubular receptacle 28 is designed. In the receptacle 28 there is a first conveyor screw 30 that by means of a drive 32 in the form of a coupled with an elastomeric coupling electric motor can be rotated. The screw conveyor 30 is with a rod-shaped, hollow screw hub 34 designed by a helix 36 is surrounded. The spiral of the spiral 36 has two spiral areas at its longitudinal extent 38 and 40 on, of which the helix area 38 under the filler pipe 24 is located and has a much smaller pitch than that in the flow direction of the dinkel by the feed means 26 further back arranged coil area 40 , This spiral area 38 With a low slope is provided that the germinate per unit time in terms of its amount to be supplied very precisely in the feed means 26 can be metered.

The way in the feed means 26 dosed seed flows through this together with the surrounding water. In this case, the feed means 26 on a first support 44 arranged inclined rising, whereby the seed material is continuously raised in this flow and lifted out of the water until it finally to a first outlet 42 arrives and from the first feed means 26 is discharged. The feed means 26 thus moves the germinal product continuously or continuously through the water on a trajectory. This feed motion can be from the feed means 26 continuously or in successive steps, for which the auger 30 only has to be switched in a clocked operation.

With the movement through that in the first advancing means 26 Water is a wet switch to start the germination process performed. The spelled remains in the water for approx. 2 hours to 8 hours, the temperature of which may be adjusted to approx. 16 ° C by means of cooling or heating. The spelled is soaked at low germination temperature. This advantageously results in an increased enzyme level in the sprouted spelled.

The from the feed means 26 discharged spelled passes through a likewise substantially vertically extending transfer pipe 46 with a branching off of this branch pipe 48 due to gravity in an end area of the dry switch device 14 , The dry-soft device 14 has a second continuously operating feed means 50 on, with a second elongated receptacle 52 designed to pick up the germ. The receptacle 52 is on a second support 66 also arranged inclined and inclined with a container shell, not shown, and a plurality of container lids arranged thereon with windows, in particular with plastic discs designed.

In the second receptacle 52 there is a second screw conveyor 54 at the upper end of the receptacle 52 from a second drive 56 can be driven in the form of an electric motor. The screw conveyor 54 is with a second screw hub 58 and a second Schnekken spiral 60 formed to prevent material congestion on the screw conveyor 54 is designed with a slightly increasing over the length spiral pitch.

The seed passes through a second inlet 62 at the lower end portion of the receptacle 52 into it, flows through the second auger 54 the receptacle 52 rising steadily upwards and is there at a second outlet 64 from the receptacle 52 discharged.

On the receptacle 52 is a suction agent 68 arranged to suck gas from the germinal product. The suction means 68 is with three extraction boxes 70 . 72 and 74 designed, which in the longitudinal direction successively on the underside of the receptacle 52 are located. The three extraction boxes 70 . 72 and 74 are each a dedicated suction tube 76 . 78 respectively. 80 each with associated flow control flap with a suction pump 82 connected. Furthermore, located on the bottom suction box 70 or alternatively on all three extraction boxes 70 . 72 and 74 a water drain 84 ,

With such suction 68 Gas, especially when germinating the spike formed carbon dioxide, sucked out of gaps between the spelled grains. This is done in the first suction box 70 the associated flow control flap placed so that with the suction pump 82 in the first suction box 70 is sucked off at full power to ensure rapid carbon dioxide discharge and thus a to ensure the best possible supply of the dinkel with oxygen. In addition, the spelled is thereby cooled and the breathing in spelled grain largely adjusted. Thus, the substance consumption of already formed low molecular weight sugars is largely stopped. The germinating material is transported with the second screw conveyor 54 transported so slowly that it lasts for about 30 minutes to 24 hours over the first suction box 72 located.

Here, the spelled by means of the second screw conveyor 54 stirred at the same time, including in particular also advantageous to the second screw hub 58 radially projecting paddles can be provided for circulating the germ. As a result, there is a constant stirring or moving the individual seed grains relative to each other.

About the extraction boxes 72 and 74 The germination is continued for approximately 1 hour or more (up to 120 hours). During this period of time is also using the suction tubes 78 and 80 aspirated, wherein the suction power is there, however, reduced by means of the associated flow control valves so that a temperature between 7 ° C and 30 ° C, in particular 18 ° C results for the extracted gas. The temperature of the extracted gas can be at the suction tubes 78 and 80 (possibly also 76 ) and the associated flow control valves can by means of the controller 86 be controlled accordingly.

For controlling the temperature and humidity of the germinating material in the second advancing means 50 are on the receptacle 52 also two spray heads 88 be provided by means of which an appropriate amount of water from above into the second receptacle 52 and the spelled therein is sprayed while exhaust air is sucked down at the same time. This achieves additional evaporative cooling. Alternatively or additionally, the temperature via a simultaneous supply of tempered fresh air to the suction boxes 70 . 72 respectively. 74 be managed. Concurrently with the spraying with water, an addition of gibberillic acid as growth hormone may be made in an amount of 0.10 grams per tonne of seed.

By sucking off the exhaust air from the spelled, in particular the carbon dioxide content in the germinal product is regulated. This is done by means not shown in detail sensors on the suction tubes 76 . 78 and 80 the carbon dioxide content in the exhaust air, which largely corresponds to the content in the germinal product, measured. The performance of the suction pump 82 is adjusted depending on the measured carbon dioxide content such that the exhaust air and thus carbon dioxide from the suction box 70 towards the suction box 74 is sucked continuously weaker, until a value of less than 12,000 ppm is reached. Thus, the carbon dioxide content in the germinating material is set to a value with which the process of respiration in the germinal product is regulated, in particular inhibited. At the same time, a water content in the gas surrounding the spelled is achieved from 50% to 99%, in particular 85%.

Furthermore, the seed is in the second receptacle 52 at the same time by means of the second screw conveyor 54 continuously, in particular constantly or clocked or stirred at intervals, so that overall a largely homogeneous mixing of the seed grains is achieved. In addition, the Gibberillinsäure is well distributed between the spelled grains.

In particular, optimal conditions are created with the said process parameters temperature, time, carbon dioxide content in the germinating material and water content in the seed gas during such dry switch in the second continuously operating feed means in continuing the germination process to produce a germinated germ, which has a particularly high content of amino acids and sugars, vitamins and activated enzymes and, moreover, has a good taste.

After completion of such a germination process, the germinated seed can be used immediately in a wet feeding. Alternatively, the germinated seed can be stored. During storage, the temperature of the germinal product is adjusted to a temperature below the germination temperature of the germinated germinal product. The temperature for storage depends on the type of germinated germinate and is preferably between 3 ° C and 8 ° C, preferably between 4 ° C and 7 ° C.

As a further alternative, the germinated seed may be subjected to a process of drying. When drying with the external heat source, warm air at a temperature of 30 ° C to a maximum of 60 ° C is provided and pressed through the seed. Care is taken to ensure that the maximum temperature of 60 ° C is not exceeded in order not to damage the nutrients contained in the germinated germ, in particular vitamins and enzymes. During drying, flavor and Flue gases are passed through the germinated germ, so that the process, for example, smoke malt can be produced.

As a further possibility of further processing of the germinated germination this can be gedarrt or roasted. The drying is analogous to drying, but the temperature of the supplied air is at 70 ° C to 110 ° C. When Darren change the color and taste of germinated germ. Here, too, flavors and flue gases can be passed through the germinated seed.

In an additional or alternative step of roasting, the germinating material is again flowed through with hot air. The temperature of the supplied air is up to 300 ° C. The supplied air is thus heated particularly strong, which in turn can be done advantageously by means of said external heat source. Roasting also changes the color and taste of the sprouted germ. Again, flavors and fumes can be passed through the germinated seed.

In the following, examples of the production of germinated seed material with the corresponding process parameters according to the invention are shown in tabular form: Moisten = wet switch Continue = dry switch reproductive material Temperature (° C) Duration (hrs.) Temperature (° C) Duration (hrs.) CO2 (ppm) Water content (%) Spelt 12-18 5 18 20 550-800 98.0 peas 12 6 14 48 2400 99.0 soy 12 9 13 12 11960 99.9 Corn 12 7 18 28 2500 99.9 field beans 12 9 14 72 3000 99.9 wheat 10 5 24 96 1200 99.9

Finally, it should be noted that all the features that are mentioned in the application documents and in particular in the dependent claims, in spite of the formal reference back to one or more specific claims, even individually or in any combination should receive independent protection.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Device for germination of germinal matter

12

Wet Soft facility

14

Soft Dry facility

16

First inlet

18

hopper

20

Water level regulation with overflow

22

water level

24

filler pipe

26

First continuously operating feed means

28

First receptacle for receiving water and germs

30

First screw conveyor

32

First drive

34

First screw hub

36

First helix

38

First spiral area

40

Second helix area

42

First outlet

44

First support

46

Transfer pipe

48

engaging sleeve

50

Second continuous feed means

52

Second receptacle for receiving the germinal product

54

Second screw conveyor

56

Second drive

58

Second screw hub

60

Second helix

62

Second inlet

64

Second outlet

66

Second support

68

Extraction means for sucking gas from the germinal product

70

First suction box

72

Second suction box

74

Third suction box

76

First suction tube

78

Second suction tube

80

Third suction tube

82

suction Pump

84

water drain

86

control

88

spray nozzle

Claims (10)

Contraption ( 10 ) for germination of seed material, with a wet-mixing device ( 12 ) and a dry switch device ( 14 ), in which the wet-mixing device ( 12 ) and the dry-exchange device ( 14 ) each with a continuously operating feed means ( 26 . 50 ) for conveying the germinal product from an inlet ( 16 ) to an outlet ( 64 ). Device according to claim 1, in which the wet-mixing device ( 12 ) with a first receptacle ( 28 ) for receiving water and seeds with a first inlet ( 16 ) and a first outlet ( 42 ) and a first continuously operating feed means ( 26 ) for conveying the germinal product to the first outlet ( 42 ) is designed. Device according to Claim 2, in which the first continuously operating feed means ( 26 ) towards the first outlet ( 42 ) the germinal product is designed lifting. Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, in which the first continuous feed means ( 26 ) with a first screw conveyor ( 30 ) is designed. Device according to Claim 4, in which the first screw conveyor ( 30 ) with two spiral regions ( 38 . 40 ) is designed with mutually different helical pitches. Device according to one of claims 2 to 5, wherein at the first inlet ( 16 ) a filling container ( 18 ) with an adjustable water level ( 20 . 22 ) is provided. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 6, in which the dry-well device ( 14 ) with a second receptacle ( 52 ) for receiving the germinal product with a second inlet ( 62 ) and a second outlet ( 64 ) as well as a second continuously advancing feed means ( 50 ) for conveying the germinal product to the second outlet ( 64 ) is designed. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second receptacle ( 52 ) with a suction means ( 68 ) is designed to suck gas from the seed. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the suction means ( 68 ) with several separate suction areas ( 70 . 72 . 74 ) is designed. Device according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the second continuously operating feed means ( 50 ) with a second screw conveyor ( 54 ) is designed.

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