Forming a Spent Grain Filter Bed and Pre-clarifying First Worts

Question 1

Why is the formation of a spent grain filter bed critical?

Answer 1

It is critical for wort separation and providing required clarity

The filter bed also helps leach away wort from the spent grain using sparge water.

Question 2

What is the function of the false slotted floor in a lauter tun?

Answer 2

It supports the spent grain filter bed

The fine slots are typically 0.7 mm wide and 55 mm long.

Question 3

What is an ‘underlet’ in the context of lauter tun operation?

Answer 3

It is the process of flooding the space below the false floor with hot brewing water

This can be done by filling from below or using overhead sparge water sprays.

Question 4

What is the purpose of the underlet water in the mash process?

Answer 4

To better distribute the entering mash and reduce the risk of blocking the false floor slots

It also slightly reduces the mash wort strength.

Question 5

What happens to the insoluble spent grain in the mash conversion vessel?

Answer 5

It is kept in suspension by the mash vessel agitator

This allows for proper sedimentation during the lautering process.

Question 6

What occurs when the pumped mash enters the lauter tun?

Answer 6

Heavier husk materials start to sediment by gravity, forming a spent grain filter bed

The wort forms a supernatant liquid layer above the sedimented grains.

Question 7

How is wort clarity achieved during the lautering process?

Answer 7

By filtering the wort through the grain bed as it drains out of the vessel

This occurs via the outlet ports in the true bottom of the vessel.

Question 8

What is the potential problem with the first worts leaving the lauter tun?

Answer 8

The problem may involve clarity or efficiency issues

Reflection on this problem is encouraged to consider improvements.