GB1071005A - Method and apparatus for continuous heat-treatment of mash - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:1071005/C6-C7/1> In the continuous heat treatment of mash, heated mash is passed through a temperature holding zone, which zone comprises a tubular, substantially vertical first passage and an annular, substantially vertical second passage surrounding the first passage, at a substantially constant rate of flow with respect to time and under turbulent flow conditions, first upwardly through one of the passage and then downwardly through the other of the passages, and the mash passes only once through the passages and the passages communicate with each other only at their upper ends. The upward flow may take place in the first, inner passage and downward flow in the second, outer passage Fig.1 (not shown). The flow velocity is kept at a higher rate in the passage through which the mash flows upwardly than in the other passage. The through-flow time of mash passing upwardly within tube 3, Fig.3, and downwardly in annulus 2, may be controlled by an air cushion 7 maintained at a constant, but adjustable, pressure, and an overflow pipe 12 or throttle valve (not shown). The mash may be passed in series through two or more sets of passages or tubes.