WO2016009330A2

WO2016009330A2 - A plant and a method for making craft beer

Info

Publication number: WO2016009330A2
Application number: PCT/IB2015/055292
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giuseppe URENI; Curzio BARTOLINI
Original assignee: Io Birro S.R.L.
Priority date: 2014-07-17
Filing date: 2015-07-13
Publication date: 2016-01-21
Also published as: WO2016009330A3; WO2016009330A4

Abstract

A plant (1) for making craft beer comprising a main container (10) arranged to contain, in use, a main liquid product (55) obtained by treating a starting product (50). The plant (100) comprises, moreover, a filtration container (20) arranged, in use, in the main container (10). The filtration container (20) has a reticular structure comprising a plurality of meshes (120) having a predetermined dimension, to provide a filtration basket. Therefore, the filtration container (20) retains a solid part (155) of the product present in the plant (1), whereas leaves pass between its meshes a liquid part (156), or filtrate, which passes in the main container (10). The plant (1) also comprises a moving device (200) arranged to produce a relative movement of the filtration container (20) of the main container (10), during the introduction of washing water in said filtration container (20), to provide the washing of the brewers grains contained in the filtration container.

Description

TITLE

A PLANT AND A METHOD FOR MAKING CRAFT BEER

DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of craft beers and, in particular, it relates to a plant of small size for making craft beers.

State of the art

As well known, the beer is an alcoholic beverage obtained by the alcoholic fermentation of sugars deriving from malt of cereal with the use of yeasts. The ingredients of the beer are, therefore, essentially four: water, malt, hop and yeast. The cereal, normally barley, is first malted, i.e. brought to begin germination in such a way to induce indispensable chemical and physical modifications in the grains of barley, and then dried. The malt is, then, ground and boiled in water at very definite temperatures: at about 65°C the enzymes that are present in the malt transform the starches of the barley into sugars.

Afterwards, the brewers grains are filtrated, i.e. the residuals of the hot extraction of malted barley, and that are essentially constituted of the external coverings of the grain and of other nutritive compounds that have not immediately solubilized in the mashing process.

The sugary liquid that is obtained (extracted of malt, in English "wort") is taken to boiling with the hop that releases bitter taste, aromas and the preserving principles. Filtrated and cooled, to the liquid that is obtained (wort) , is added the yeast that provides to cause the fermentation, i.e. to transform part of the sugars that are present in the wort into alcohol, dioxide carbon and some aromatic compounds.

Different types of containers exist for making craft beer .

For example in DE10150395 a container is described comprising a cylinder-filter in which the brewers grains are arranged. A pump is also provided that forces the motion of the wort through the brewers grains. However, the wort, which is introduced by the pump, crosses the brewers grains only at preferential passages, i.e. canalizations formed in the mass of the brewers grains. Therefore, the extraction of the sugar content from the brewers grains is not carried out in an uniform way. This causes a low efficiency of the overall process.

Another example of container for making craft beer is described in DE19747050. In this case the container provides a filtration bottom that has to be removed with the exhausted brewers grains. Even in this case, there is the drawback of carrying out a transfer of the wort after the mashing and, afterwards, a reintroduction of the wort same in the container for the following boiling step. The container works also as fermenter. Since, the stirrer is provided always in motion, the washing of the brewers grains cannot be carried out in a correct way.

In DE19524783 a single container is described, but filtration bags made of plastic are used and it does not allow sparging.

In DE19905107 two parallel containers are provided and a double jacket that can be used as (indirect) heater and as cooler. It is not provided the sparge and it is not used as fermenter.

Another plant for making beer is described in DE102006009612. In this case two overlapped containers are provided. However, also in this case, after the mashing, there is the transfer of the wort from a container to the other .

A further plant for the industrial production of beer is described in DE10003155. In this case, owing to the high amount of the brewers grains to be moved, a lifting means is provided for removing the brewers grains, once exhausted, from a first container, in which the mashing and the boiling are carried out but not the washing of the brewers grains, and transferred in a second container. Also in this case, therefore, there are a high overall dimension and the need, therefore, to dispose of a wide working area where positioning the plant.

Summary of the invention

It is then a feature of the invention to provide a plant for making craft beer that provides high efficiency reducing at the same time costs and size, in order to result compatible with a use household.

It is also a feature of the invention to provide a plant for making craft beer that is able to carry out all the steps of production process of the beer, in order to minimize the operation of operators during the whole production process.

It is, in particular, a feature of the invention to provide a plant for making beer that allows to carry out the mashing and the washing of the brewers grains in a same container in such a way to reduce the overall dimensions.

It is a further feature of the invention to provide a method for making beer with the above described advantages.

These and other objects are achieved by a plant for making craft beer comprising:

- a main container arranged to contain, in use, a main liquid product obtained by treating a starting product, said main container having at least one outlet mouth through which the product contained in it is supplied;

- a filtration container, which is positioned, in use, in said main container and having a reticular structure comprising a plurality of meshes having a predetermined size, in such a way to provide a filtration basket, said filtration container arranged to retain a solid part, in particular the brewers grains, and to allow a liquid part to pass between its meshes, or filtrate, which passes in said main container; - a heating device arranged to transmit a predetermined thermal power for heating the content of said main container and of said filtration container;

- a cover arranged to be moved between a closed position of said main container and an open position of the main container same;

- a feeding device arranged to feed a predetermined amount of washing water at a predetermined temperature in said filtration container;

- a moving device arranged to produce a relative movement of said filtration container and of the main container, said moving device and said feeding device being configured in such a way to cause a lifting of said filtration container with respect to said main container during the introduction of the washing water in said filtration container, in such a way to provide the washing, or "sparging", of the brewers grains in the filtration container when this is positioned, at least in part, in said main container.

The solution provided by the present invention allows to carry out the washing of the brewers grains in an effective way because, during the lifting, the brewers grains are crossed by the "clean" washing water which comes from the reservoir of water, i.e. not yet containing the residual starches that are removed by the brewers grains during the washing. This makes it possible to optimize the washing of the brewers grains and to increase the efficiency of the overall production process. Furthermore, unlike the solutions of prior art, obtaining the washing of the brewers grains in the same container in which the mashing is carried out allows to reduce the number of components that are necessary and therefore the overall dimensions of the plant.

In particular, the lifting means and the feeding device are configured in such a way to keep the brewers grains below the liquid surface of the liquid contained in the main container. This way, it is avoided that the brewers grains can enter in contact with air and undergo an oxidation which would cause an undesired variation of the organoleptic properties of the final product.

In particular, a control unit is provided configured to operate the moving device in such a way to cause the gradual lifting of the filtration container during the washing step of the brewers grains.

Alternatively, the moving device can be operated manually by an operator, for example acting on an actuation device, such as a crank.

For example, the control unit can be arranged to cause a step by step lifting of the filtration container. In particular, at predetermined time range, the filtration container can be lifted of a certain height.

Alternatively, a level sensor can be provided arranged to measure the level of liquid contained in the main body and to send corresponding level data to the control unit. This latter is therefore arranged to operate the moving device in such a way to cause the gradual lifting of the filtration container according to the level data.

In a further exemplary embodiment, alternatively, or in addition to the level sensor, a flow-meter is provided arranged to measure the flow of water fed into the filtration container to send corresponding flow data to the control unit. This latter provides, then, to lift the filtration container responsive to the flow of water fed into the filtration container.

Advantageously, the lifting means and the feeding device of washing water are configured in such a way to keep the brewers grains at a predetermined distance from the surface of the liquid that is contained in the main container during the washing of the brewers grains. For example, the predetermined distance can be set between 0.5 cm and 10 cm, in particular between 1 cm and 5 cm.

In particular, the control unit can be arranged to operate the moving device in such a way to cause the lifting of the filtration container, in such a way that the brewers grains are always arranged at least 1 cm below the surface of the liquid contained in the main container.

This way, it is avoided that, during the washing of the brewers grains, these can be oxidized, jeopardizing the organoleptic properties of the beer product.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the moving device comprises a support frame having at least one moving arm that can be extended/shortened, said moving arm that can be extended/shortened having an end portion engaging with a fixed body and a second end portion engaging with said filtration container.

For example, the fixed body can be the main container. It is also provided that the fixed body is an independent base frame.

In particular, the extension of the moving arm is arranged to cause a lifting of the filtration container with respect to the main body.

In an exemplary embodiment, the moving device comprises an endless screw on which the filtration container is slidingly mounted.

In particular, the moving device is arranged to move the filtration container between a first coordinates hi and at least a second coordinates h2 with respect to said main container .

This way, it is possible to provide the washing of the brewers grains contained in the filtration container raising and lowering the basket in which they are contained. This allows, then, unlike the prior art solutions that are used at present, to avoid the pouring of the wort at the end of the mashing. This way, the production process is simplified and the number of containers that are necessary is reduced. This allows, then, to significantly reduce the overall dimensions of the apparatus . Another advantage of the present invention consists in the possibility to automatate also the washing of the brewers grains, step that is of essential importance for increasing the production efficiency of the plant. In fact, as well known, during the washing of the brewers grains, or "sparge", the purpose it to recover the wort of which the brewers grains are imbibed.

Preferably, the feeding device of washing water comprises a reservoir of water in hydraulic connection with the filtration container. In particular, in the reservoir a predetermined amount of hot water is contained arranged to be supplied in said filtration container for carrying out the washing of the brewers grains contained in said filtration container.

In a possible exemplary embodiment, the reservoir of water is arranged, in use, in said filtration container. In particular, the reservoir of water is housed, in use, in the upper part of the filtration container.

The reservoir of water can be fixed to the filtration container, or simply leaned on the edge of the filtration container same, at protruding edges.

Advantageously, the reservoir has a distribution member arranged to feed a predetermined flow of hot water from the reservoir of water in said filtration container. From here, after having carried out the washing of the brewers grains, the water containing the substances contained in the brewers grains, mainly sugars, then passes in the main container .

Preferably, a secondary heating device is also provided arranged to transmit a predetermined thermal power to said water contained in said reservoir.

In particular, a mixing device can be provided for mixing the mixture contained in the filtration container, in such a way to make unifrom the heating of its content.

The heating device can be a coil exchanger crossed by a heating fluid, for example steam at a predetermined pressure, or a gas at a predetermined temperature. Alternatively, the heating device can be of electric type, for example an electric coil exchanger, or an electric plate .

Advantageously, a temperature sensor is provided arranged to measure the temperature of the washing water, or "sparge" water, i.e. the water contained in the reservoir. Furthermore, a heating device can be provided arranged to transmit a predetermined thermal power to the washing water contained in the reservoir. This way, it is possible to adjust the temperature of the washing water that has to be set in a predetermined range of temperature values, for example between 60°C and 85°C.

In addition, or alternatively, an additional temperature sensor is advantageously provided arranged to measure the temperature of the product contained in the main container and/or in the filtration container.

In particular, the additional temperature sensor can be constrained to the cover, or to a support fixed to the wall of the main container same.

In particular, a level sensor can be provided arranged to measure the height of the mixture contained in said filtration container.

Advantageously, a speed sensor is provided arranged to measure the speed of the mixing device, or of the stirrer.

Advantageously, a control unit is provided configured to process the data measured by the different sensors of the plant and to operate accordingly the heating device and/or the secondary heating device and/or the mixing device .

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for making craft beer comprises the steps of:

- disposing a main container arranged to contain, in use, a main liquid product obtained by treating a starting product;

- disposing a filtration container in said main container, said filtration container having a reticular structure, in such a way to provide a filtration basket arranged to separate a solid part, i.e. the brewers grains, which remains in the filtration container, from a liquid part, i.e. the filtrate, which passes in said main container;

- heating said treated product contained in said main container and in said filtration container up to a predetermined temperature, in such a way to provide the mashing of the product contained in said main body;

- lifting said filtration container with respect to said main container and contemporaneous introduction of washing water in said filtration container, said lifting and said introduction being such that they provide the washing, or "sparging", of the brewers grains contained in the filtration container when this is at least in part in said main container.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will hereafter shown with the following description of its exemplary embodiments, exemplifying but not limitative, with reference to the attached drawings wherein :

- Fig. 1 diagrammatically shows, in an elevational exploded perspective front view, a first exemplary embodiment of a plant for making craft beer according to the present invention;

- Fig. 2 shows an enlarged view of the filtration container provided by the present invention for highlighting some technical features;

- Fig. 3 diagrammatically shows, in an elevational exploded perspective front view, a first exemplary embodiment of the plant for making craft beer of Fig. 1;

- Figs. 4 to the 6 diagrammatically show an elevational perspective front view of some further exemplary embodiments of the plant for making craft beer of Fig. 1 and precisely having different moving devices of the filtration container;

- Fig. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of Fig. 4 in a configuration of washing of the brewers grains, i.e. with the filtration container in a raised position with respect to the main container;

- Fig. 8 diagrammatically shows the washing step of the brewers grains that can be carried out by the plant of Fig. 7;

- Figs. 9A and 9B diagrammatically show in views partially in cross section two different instants of the lifting step of the filtration container, in the figures, for clarity reasons, some components have been omitted, among which the stirrer, the cover, and the sensors ;

- Figs. 10A to 10E diagrammatically show in cross section views some exemplary embodiments of the moving device provided by the plant for the craft production of beer according to the invention;

- Fig. 11 shows an enlarged view of the edge of the filtration container on which the reservoir containing the sparge water rests in an exemplary embodiment of Figs. lOC-lOE;

- Fig. 12 diagrammatically shows an elevational perspective front view of the plant, according to the invention, during a fermentation step. Detailed description of the invention

With reference to Fig. 1, a plant 1 for making craft beer comprises a main container 10 arranged to contain, in use, a main liquid product 55 obtained by treating a starting product 50, in particular a mixture of water and malt, to which, during the production process, ingredients such as yeasts, hops, etc., that are necessary for carrying out some steps of the beer production process, are added. The container 10 is advantageously provided with at least one delivery tap 11 for delivery the beer at the end of the production process.

The plant 1 comprises, moreover, a filtration container 20 arranged, in use, in the main container 10. The filtration container 20 has a reticular structure, for example made of a metal material, such as stainless steel, and consists of a plurality of meshes 120 shown in detail in Fig. 2. The meshes 120 have a predetermined dimension, to provide a filtration basket. Therefore, as diagrammatically shown for example in Fig. 8, the filtration container 20 retains a solid part 155 of the product present in the plant 1, whereas leaves pass between its meshes a liquid part 156, or filtrate, which passes in the main container 10.

The plant 1 is also provided with a heating device 60 arranged to transmit a predetermined thermal power to the content of the main container 10 and of the filtration container 20. More in detail, the heating device 60 can be a coil exchanger crossed by a heating fluid, for example steam at a predetermined pressure, or a heating gas. Alternatively, the heating device 60 can be of electric type, for example comprising one, or more electric resistance integrated, for example, in the basement 2 of the plant 1.

The plant 1 is, furthermore, provided with a cover 5 arranged to be located between a closed position of the main container 10 and an open position of the same. The cover 5 can be slidingly mounted on rails, or can be of completely removable type.

The invention also comprises a feeding device 40 arranged to feed washing water in the filtration container 20 for carrying out the washing of the brewers grains 155.

A moving device 200 is, then, provided arranged to cause a relative movement between the filtration container 20 and the main container 10, during the feeding of the washing water. Such technical solution allows to automatically position the filtration container 20 in a raised position, in which it is arranged at a predetermined height h with respect to the main container 10. This is carried out for arranging the plant 1 in a washing configuration of the brewers grains 155 in which it is possible to carry out the washing of the brewers grains 155 without transferring the wort. More in detail, the height q(ti), i.e. the height at the instant ti, is selected responsive to the height H(ti), i.e. the height at the instant ti of the liquid contained in the main container 10. In particular, the brewers grains 155 are wetted by the water that drops on them, but in such a way that the brewers grains 155 same rimangano always under the level of the liquid contained in the main body 10. This way, it is avoided that the brewers grains 155 can be oxidized and it is ensured, then, that the organoleptic properties of the final product are those desired.

As diagrammatically shown in Figs. 9A and 9B, the moving device 200 is arranged to gradually lift the filtration container 20 during the introduction of the washing water 130 in the filtration container 20, i.e. during the washing step of the brewers grains. More in detail, the graduated lifting is arranged to keep the brewers grains 155 below the surface 157 of the liquid 156 contained in the main container 10. This can be obtained by a control unit 300 arranged to operate the moving device 200 for causing the gradual lifting of the filtration container 20 during the washing step of the brewers grains 155. More in detail, the control unit 300 can be arranged to cause a step-by-step lifting of the filtration container 20. For example at predetermined time ranges (tl,t2...tn) the filtration container 20 can be raised of some height h(tl), h(t2) ,...h(tn) .

Alternatively, as shown in Figs. 9A and 9B a level sensor 16 can be provided, for example optic, arranged to measure the level of the brewers grains 155, and, in particular the shifting between the level of the brewers grains 155 and the level of the liquid 156 contained in the main body 10 and to send a corresponding level data h(ti) to the control unit 300. This latter is arranged to operate the moving device 200 in such a way to cause the gradual lifting of the filtration container on the basis of the level data. In Figs. 9A and 9B the position ql and q2 of the filtration container 20 are indicated with respect to the main container 10, in order to simplify the illustration.

As diagrammatically shown in Figs. 9A and 9B that show only two of the instants ti through which the washing of the brewers grains 155 is carried out, the control unit 300 can be arranged to operate the moving device 200 for causing the lifting of the filtration container 20, in such a way that the brewers grains 155 are always arranged below the surface of the liquid 156 contained in the main container 10.

In particular, it is possible to choose a threshold value, for example 1 cm, for the distance that has to be kept by the brewers grains 155 from the surface 157 of the liquid 156. This way, it is avoided that, during the washing of the brewers grains 155, these can be oxidized, jeopardizing the organoleptic properties of the beer product .

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the moving device 200 can comprise a support frame 110 arranged to support the filtration container 20 and at least one moving arm 250 that can be extended/shortened.

The extension of the moving arm 250 is arranged to cause a lifting of the filtration container 20 with respect to the main body 10. The, or each, arm 250 can be operated by an actuator, for example an actuator of hydraulic, or pneumatic, or electric, type.

More in detail, the, or each arm, 250 can be of telescopic type and provide more segments for example a first and a second segment 251 and 252.

In the case shown in Fig. 4, a first rod 250a and a second rod 250b are provided, each of which comprising a first segment 251a, or 251b that has an end portion 253a, or 253b, connected to the main container 10 and a second segment 252a, or 252b that has an end portion 254a, or 254b, connected to the filtration container 20.

In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 5, instead, the two rods 250a and 250b comprise a first segment 251a, or 251b that has an end portion 253a, or 253b, connected to a base frame 110 and a second segment 252a, or 252b that has an end portion 254a, or 254b, connected to the filtration container 20.

In the further exemplary embodiment of Fig. 6, each rod 250a and 250b is mounted on a respective base frame 110a and 110b. In an exemplary embodiment not shown in the figure, but provided by the invention, the, or each, rod 250 is provided having an end engaging with the filtration container 20 and another end engaging with a support positioned above the plant 1, for example connected to the ceiling of the room in which the plant is installed.

An exemplary embodiment of the moving device 200 is shown in Fig. 10A. In this case the moving device 200 provides an endless screw 220 on which a carriage 225 is slidingly mounted thay is integral to the filtration container 20. This can be obtained, for example, fixing the filtration container 20 to the cover 5 and fixing the latter to the carriage 225.

In the case of Fig. 10A, the endless screw 220 is provided external to the container 1, for example connected to a base frame 230, fixed, or not, to the base 2.

In the case diagrammatically shown in Fig. 10B, instead, the endless screw 220 is provided mounted in the container 1.

The endless screw 220 can be, for example, connected to a base, for example a disc, arranged in the main container 1. Alternatively, as shown in Figs. IOC and 10D, the endless screw 220 is supported by a base 230 connected to the inner wall 11 of the main container 10.

In the example of Fig. 10E on each endless screw 220a, 220b a carriage 225a, 225b is mounted connected to the filtration container 20. It is provided also that an endless screw 225a can be a "tractor screw" and that, instead, the other endless screw 225b is a "driven screw" to which the movement is transmitted by the tractor screw 225a through a plurality of means for transmitting the movement. The rotation of the "tractor" endless screw 225a, for example caused by an operator who manually acts on an interaction member such as a wheel of manoeuvre 226, or operated by the control unit 300, is transmitted to a toothed wheel 227a that meshes with it. The toothed wheel 227a transmits, then, the rotation movement by a chain 228, or a belt, to a toothed wheel 227b that meshes with the "driven" screw 225b causing the rotation of the same. This way, the moving device 200 produces a balanced and precise lifting of the filtration container 20.

As above disclosed, the particular technical solution of the present invention to provide a moving device gives to the plant 1 the facolity to provide the washing of the brewers grains 155 contained in the filtration container 20 simply raising and lowering the basket 20, in which the brewers grains 155 are contained, with respect to the main body 10. Unlike the plants of prior art, the particular technical solution used by the present invention avoids the transfer of the wort at the end of the mashing and then it simplifies the production process and decreases the overall dimension of the plant 1.

Therefore, the plant 1 works in the compact configuration of figure 1 during the mashing step carried out in hot water. As well known, in this working configuration, the ground malt contained in the filtration container 20 is left in infusion for a predetermined period of time in the hot water that is present in the main body 10 and, accordingly, in the filtration container 20 that is housed in it. More in detail, the heating device 60 is arranged to transfer a predetermined thermal power P depending on the type of desired beer. As well known, in fact, responsive to the working temperature that is used and to the time during which the content is kept at a predetermined temperature, in this step a beer with determined organoleptic properties is obtained.

More in detail, a reservoir of water 30 is provided in hydraulic connection with the interior of the filtration container 20. In the reservoir 30 a predetermined amount of hot water is contained arranged to be supplied in the filtration container 20 for carrying out the washing of the brewers grains that are contained in it.

In the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1, the reservoir of water 30 is provided external to the containers 10 and 20 and hydraulically connected to the inside of the filtration container 20 by a duct 80 through which a predetermined flow of water is fed into the filtration container 20.

In the exemplary embodiment of Figs. 3, 7 and 9, instead, the reservoir 30 of hot water is positioned, in use, in the filtration container 20, in particular in the high part of this, and, for example, fixed to the cover 5. As diagrammatically shown in the exemplary embodiments of Fig. lOC-lOE, and in detail in the enlarged view of Fig. 11, the reservoir 30 may have a protruding edge 31 that, in use, rests on the edge 21 of the filtration basket 20. Therefore, in this case, the reservoir 30 is not fixed neither to the cover 5, nor to the filtration container 20, but it is simply leaned on the latter.

Also the cover 5 can be provided simply leaned, in use, on the edge of the main container 10.

The solution which provides the positioning of the reservoir 30 of sparge water in the main container 10 allows to obtain a double advantage. On the one hand, in fact, a production plant is obtained that is very compact and, on the other hand, it is also obtained a relevant energy saving with respect to the alternative solution which provides to position the reservoir 30 outside. This because, during the heating of the washing water 130 that is present in the reservoir 30, there is, in any case, a transfer of heat also outwards, i.e. towards the product that is contained in the main container 10. Therefore, the thermal power that is necessary to cause the heating of the wort during the mashing is reduced.

The reservoir 30 has a distribution member 35 arranged to feed a predetermined flow of hot water contained in a reservoir 30 in the filtration container 20 and, then, in the main container 10. In an exemplary embodiment a different device for adjusting the flow of water can be provided.

When the washing of the brewers grains is carried out, the filtration container 20 is arranged in the raised position of Fig. 8 and a predetermined flow 130 of washing water is supplied from the reservoir 30 in the filtration container 20. The water that is supplied during the washing has a density that is lower than the density of the wort contained in the container 10, because it is hotter than the wort and contrary to this it does not contain sugars. Therefore, the washing water is positioned above the wort. The moving device 200, provided by the present invention, is, then, arranged to position the brewers grains 155 at the upper layer of the liquid that is contained in the container 10, i.e. at the washing water. This makes it possible to optimize the washing of the brewers grains 155 and, in particular, the extraction of the sugars from the same. In conclusion the efficiency of the production process is increased.

Once the sparge step is ended, the filtration container 20, the reservoir 30 if present, the cover 5, the stirrer 15 and the sensors present, are removed. Therefore, at the end of the sparge step the plant 1 only comprises the main container 10, in which the wort is contained. In particular, a temperature sensor can be provided, not shown in the figures, that is advantageously arranged to control the temperature of the wort during the boiling step.

The main container 10, in which the wort is present, is heated by the heating device 60 up to bring it to boiling, i.e. the boiling step is carried out. Then predetermined hops are added, in order to execute the hopping step. Once the boiling step is ended, the wort can be cooled, for example by a cooling device not shown in figure for reasons of simplicity. The cooling device can be a coil exchanger crossed by a refrigerant fluid, for example water cold. After this step the addition of the hops can be provided.

Then, the container 10 can be closed with an additional cover 5' advantageously provided with sealing members 6 and with a bubbler 7.

During this step, the heating device 60 can be kept turned on. This in order to avoid that in particularly cold environments, or during the coldest seasons, the temperature can drop below a predetermined minimum threshold temperature. As well known, in fact, below a predetermined temperature the yeasts are deactivated and therefore, if this happened the whole production process would be jeopardized.

The control unit 300 can be also arranged to process the data measured by the different sensors 22, 32, 16 provided and to accordingly operate the heating device 60 and/or the secondary heating device 60' and/or the mixing device 26.

In particular, the plant 1 has a temperature sensor 32 arranged to measure the temperature of the water contained in the reservoir 30. The temperature data detected by the temperature sensor 32 can be, then, transmitted to the control unit 300 that provides to process the same. Furthermore, a temperature sensor 22 can be provided arranged to measure the temperature of the water contained in the main container 10 and of the filtration container 20. Also in this case the temperature sensor 22 advantageously sends the detected data to the control unit 300 that provides to process.

The cover 5 has a loading/unloading door 8 through which it is possible both examining the inside of the plant 1 and, in case, introducing inside the ingredients provided by the recipe of the master brewer. Furthermore, on the cover 5 can be mounted an automatic hops-meter, not shown in the figure for reasons of simplicity, a mixing device is also provided, or stirrer, 15 of the mixture wort/water 55 contained in the main container 10, in particular for making homogeneous the heating during the different steps of the process. The plant 1 in this case can also provide a speed sensor for measuring the speed of the stirrer 15 and for providing to send corresponding data to the control unit 300 that provides to process the same.

According to an exemplary embodiment, also the stirrer 15 may have a portion connected to the cover 5 as well as the temperature sensor 32 of the sparge and the reservoir 30 that can be present in the filtration container 20. This way, it is simplified the removing step of the components of the plant 1 that are not necessary for the above described boiling and hoping steps.

Depending on the working step of the production process and of the type of process that is chosen, i.e. of the working parameters and the statement that are chosen for the process, the control unit 300 provides to operate the heating devices 60, 60' and the stirrer 15.

The foregoing description of particular exemplary compositions of the invention will so fully reveal the invention according to the conceptual point of view, so that others, using the prior art, will be able to modify and/or adapt in various applications such particular compositions without further research and without parting from the invention and, accordingly, it is meant that such adaptations and modifications will have to be considered as equivalent to these particular compositions. The means and the materials to realise the different functions described herein could have a different nature without, for this reason, departing from the field of the invention. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology that is employed is for the purpose of description and not of limitation .

Claims

1. Plant for making craft beer characterized in that it comprises :

- a main container (10) arranged to contain, in use, a main liquid product obtained by treating a starting product, said main container having at least one outlet mouth (11) through which the product in it contained is supplied;

- a filtration container (20) , arranged, in use, in said main container (10) and have a reticular structure comprising a plurality of meshes (120) having a predetermined dimension, to provide a filtration basket, said filtration container (20) arranged to retain a solid part (155), in particular the brewers grains, and to allow pass between its meshes (120) a liquid part, or filtrate, which passes in said main container (10) ;

- a heating device (60) arranged to transmit a predetermined thermal power for heating the content of said main container (10) and of said filtration container (20) ;

- a cover (5) arranged to be moved between a closed position of said main container (10) and an open position;

- a feeding device (40) arranged to feed a predetermined amount of washing water to a predetermined temperature in said main container (10); - a moving device (200) arranged to make a relative movement of said filtration container (20) and of said main container (10), said moving device (200) and said feeding device being configured in such a way to cause a lifting of said filtration container (20) with respect to said main container (10) during the introduction of the washing water in said filtration container (20), in such a way to provide the washing, or "sparging" , of the brewers grains contained in the filtration container (20) when this is at least in part in said main container (10) .

2. Plant for making craft beer, according to claim 1, wherein said moving device (200) and said feeding device are configured in such a way that, during said introduction of said washing water in said filtration container (20), i.e. during the washing step of the brewers grains (155), said graduated lifting is arranged to keep said brewers grains (155) below the surface (157) of said liquid contained in said main container (10) .

3. Plant for making craft beer, according to any one of the previous claims, wherein a control unit (300) is provided arranged to operate said moving device (200) in such a way to cause said gradual lifting of said filtration container (20) during said washing step of said brewers grains (155) .

4. Plant for making craft beer, according to claim 3, wherein a level sensor is provided arranged to measure the level of the liquid contained in said main body (10) and to send a corresponding level data to said control unit (300), said control unit (300) arranged to operate said moving device (200) for causing said gradual lifting of said filtration container (20) according to said level data.

5. Plant for making craft beer, according to claim 3, wherein a flow-meter is provided arranged to measure the flow of water introduced into said filtration container and to send a corresponding flow data to said control unit.

6. Plant for making craft beer, according to claim 3, wherein said control unit (300) is arranged to operate said moving device (200) for causing the lifting of said filtration container (20) , in such a way that said brewers grains (155) are always arranged below the surface of the liquid contained in said main container (10) to avoid that, during the washing of the brewers grains, these can be in contact with air and undergo an oxidation jeopardizing the organoleptic properties of the beer product.

7 . Plant for making craft beer, according to claim 2, wherein said moving device (200) comprises a support frame arranged to support said filtration container (20), said support frame comprising at least one moving arm (250a, 250b) that can be extended/shortened having an end portion which engages with a fixed body and a second end portion which engages with said filtration container (20), said moving device arranged to cause a lifting of said filtration container (20) with respect to said main container (10) .

8. Plant for making craft beer, according to any one of the previous claims, wherein a reservoir of water (30) is, further, provided in hydraulic connection with said filtration container (20) , in said reservoir of water

(30) a predetermined amount of hot water being contained arranged to be supplied in said filtration container (20) for carrying out the washing of the brewers grains contained in said filtration container

(20) same and a secondary heating device (60') being provided arranged to transfer a predetermined thermal power to said water contained in said reservoir of water (30) that is housed, in use, in said filtration container (20) .

9. Plant for making craft beer, according to claim 7, wherein said reservoir of water is housed, in use, at the upper part of said filtration container (20) .

10. Plant for making craft beer, according to claim 7, wherein said reservoir of water (30) has a distribution member (35) arranged to feed a predetermined flow of hot water from said reservoir of water (30) in said filtration container (20) .

11. Plant for making craft beer, according to claim 1, wherein said moving device comprises at least one endless screw (220) on which the filtration container (20) is slidingly mounted.

12. Plant for making craft beer, according to any one of the previous claims, wherein at least one temperature sensor is provided arranged to measure the temperature of washing water, i.e. the water contained in said reservoir of water (30) .

13. Plant for making craft beer, according to any one of the previous claims, wherein at least one temperature sensor is provided arranged to measure the temperature of the mixture contained in said main container (10) and/or said filtration container (20) .

14. Plant for making craft beer, according to any one of the previous claims, wherein at least one speed sensor is provided for measuring the speed of a mixing device, or stirrer, arranged to cause the mixing of the content of said main container (10) .

15. Plant for making craft beer, according to one, or more of the claims from 12 to 14, wherein said control unit (300) is arranged to analyse the data measured by said, or each, sensor and to operate accordingly said heating device (60) and/or said secondary heating device (60') and/or said mixing device.

16. Plant for making craft beer, according to any one of the previous claims, wherein said moving device (200) and said feeding device of washing water (40) are configured in such a way to keep said brewers grains at a predetermined distance from the surface of the liquid contained in the main container during said washing of said brewers grains .

17. Method for making craft beer characterized in that it comprises the steps of:

- disposing a main container (10) arranged to contain, in use, a main liquid product obtained by treating a starting product, said main container having at least one outlet mouth (11) through which the product in it contained is supplied;

- disposing a filtration container (20) , arranged, in use, in said main container (10) and having a reticular structure comprising a plurality of meshes (120) having a predetermined dimension, to provide a filtration basket, said filtration container (20) arranged to retain a solid part (155), in particular the brewers grains, and to allow passing between its meshes (120) a liquid part, or filtrate, which passes in said main container (10) ;

- heating the treated product contained in said main container (10) and in said filtration container (20) up to a predetermined temperature, in order to provide the mashing of the product contained in said main body; - lifting said filtration container (20) with respect to said main container (10) and contemporaneous introduction of washing water in said filtration container (20) , said lifting and said introduction being in such a way to provide the washing, or "sparging", of the brewers grains contained in the filtration container (20) when this is at least in part in said main container (10) .