GB1115461A - Improvements in or relating to mashing processes - Google Patents

Abstract

In the aqueous extraction of a malted cereal, grist and hot water from a masher 1 are passed into a first jacketed mashing vessel 10 to form a column of mash which is maintained at an elevated temperature, mash is continuously <PICT:1115461/C6-C7/1> removed from the lower end of the column by a rotating disc 16 having an excised sector defining a leading edge 17 and trailing edge 18 at an angle of 3 degrees, the mash removed is strained through a conical strainer 24 perforated with small slots and the aqueous extract (or wort) is drawn off from a cock 33. The aqueous extract may be recirculated to the vessel 10 by a pump 35, if necessary. The partially spent mash is pumped through a jacketed conduit 42 to a second mashing vessel 41 which is similar in form to the mashing vessel 10 except that a rotary sparge arm 44 for heated water and a second heating jacket 48 for the passage of water or steam are additionally provided. The perforations on the underside of the sparge arm 44 are dimensioned to give uniform distribution of the aqueous liquid. The increase in temperature provided by the jacket 48 is stated to be desirable in the production of wort for the brewing of lager beer. The spent grains are removed by a worm conveyer 51. Final runnings are produced by spraying the spent grains with water either from a sparge 57 located above the worm conveyer 51 or from a rotating sparge arm in a third vessel (not shown) similar to the second mashing vessel 41. These final runnings preferably are heated in a tank 63 and delivered hot to a masher 1 in place of hot water.